luxury river cruise croatia

Croatia Luxury Cruises

Straddling two eras, croatia has one foot in the past yet its sights are very firmly set towards the future..

Flanked by coastal towns that look like something from the middle ages (they probably are), and bordered by the stunning Adriatic Sea, Croatia is well-aware of its picture postcard perfection. Yet scratch the surface and you’ll find a very modern mindset; one where traditional values are still upheld, local culture is highly respected and ecology is highly protected. Despite growing tourism, Croatia has retained its regal dignity, and even hotspots such as Dubrovnik and Hvar have kept the authenticity of daily Croatian life. Small towns shine like jewels along the Dalmatian Coast and offer lucky visitors an even deeper look at what this pretty coastal country can offer. With exploration, education and inspiration all in its remit, if you have not had the pleasure of visiting Croatia, the time is now. Set sail on one of Silversea’s luxury Croatia cruises and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Why Silversea?

Intimate Ships

Do you want a great tip for a great trip? Set sail on one of Silversea’s small ship luxury Croatian cruises to discover a coastline that will steal your heart. Just four ships in our fleet visit the country, including our beautiful new Silver Moon. At just 298 suites, Silver Moon offers 21st-century luxury travel for those who like to see the sights in style. Seamlessly taking you from medieval ports to onboard luxury, you know it makes sense.

Luxury Oceanview Suites

With idyllic islands, sapphire seas and red-roofed towns taking centre stage, Silversea’s luxury oceanview suites are a no brainer. Almost all offer a private veranda, so sit back and enjoy those spectacular views from the comfort of your home away from home. Discover spacious suites to pamper your senses, Italian marble bathrooms to indulge in and state of the art technology for in-suite entertainment. Additionally, our Italian heritage speaks volumes: fine linens, understated elegance and sophisticated details make your luxury Croatia cruise a holiday to remember.

Personalised Service

At Silversea, we believe that each and every guest is a member of our extended family, and that’s exactly the way we will treat you. Your individuality is important to us, whether it’s helping you make an onboard reservation, bringing you a cup of tea after a day’s excursion or simply keeping your suite nice and tidy, we understand your needs. A 24/7 butler service is always guaranteed, so your onboard experience is always the best it can possibly be. So let’s get personal

All-Inclusive Cruises

Once you have booked your Croatia luxury cruise with Silversea, you are safe in the knowledge that all your needs – and many additional luxuries – are 100% covered. From fine dining morning to night (including a vast wine and premium spirit selection), business class flights, gratuities, fitness classes, onboard entertainment, on deck parties, butler service, shore concierges and transport into town, yes that’s right. It’s all included.

Gourmet Cuisine

From morning to night, our superb fine dining is what separates us from the rest. With ports of call such as Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar on our itineraries, expect onboard cuisine with a Croatian twist! Not to be forgotten are our superb onboard restaurants, classics such as La Terrazza – for Italian food lovers, La Dame – for those who like French fare and The Grill – with its unique Hot Rocks concept are all present.

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Croatia Luxury Cruises

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Small-ship Croatia cruises along the Dalmatian coastline are nimble enough to get you into intriguing smaller places that the larger liners cannot. With even smaller luxury yachts, your out-of-the-way adventure can become even more agile, the waters of the Adriatic Sea becoming your personal playground. Luxury cruising along the historic coastal towns is an excellent way to see Croatia undisturbed. Both Dubrovnik and Split are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your day entails making swim stops in picturesque bays and enjoying destination evening dining, sailing on ships offering amenities galore – private balconies, sundecks, hot tubs, and Haute hospitality. Local guides and crew offer excursion recommendations that take in walking tours, wine-tasting, and even oyster farm visits. Set sail to explore the treasures of many beautiful islands here, including Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Ston, Mljet, and more.

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What is your approach to planning a luxury cruise? With new clients, I like to get to know them and really listen to their needs or wishlist. This helps me to provide appropriate advice and guidance so that they will enjoy the most memorable experience.

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What is the most memorable vacation you have planned for a client? I arranged a Regent cruise and customized pre-cruise tour in Beijing for a 50th wedding anniversary. They visited highlights including the Great Wall. After 21 days of being on the road, they were not yet ready to return home!

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If you’re considering bespoke private travel to Croatia, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Croatia. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Croatia, our luxury Private Travel Designers have insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. Personalized itineraries can easily include day trips and island visits, glamorous villas and palace gardens, dramatic seascapes, and gallery escape. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Private Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Croatia vacation today.

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Croatia River Cruises

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Gems of Southeast Europe - Cruise Only

• Admire Rousse's architecture
• Learn of the region's rich history
• Enjoy culinary and wine excursions
• Tour European cities and villages

Highlights of Eastern Europe

• Tour Belgrade by bicycle
• Cruise the Iron Gates along Danube
• 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

• Visit site of Lepenski Vir
• Visit and meet a Croatian family
• Bike around the Belgrade
• Watch and enjoy a horse show

Balkan Discovery

• Explore the Balkan region
• Discover Pécs
• Explore Belgrade
• Discover Belogradchik
• Take a tour of Novi Sad
• Indulge in MS Amabella's luxuries
• Cruise through the Iron Gates

Grand Danube Cruise - Cruise Only

• Visit the Austrian Lake District
• Savor Vienna's Baroque elegance
• Discover Bratislava's heritage
• Explore the Puszta region

Grand Danube Cruise

• Explore historic Prague
• Join an Oktoberfest festival
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• Tour Vienna's highlights

Grand Danube Cruise with Prague

• Visit Vienna's city center
• Enjoy local wine and food
• Tour Bran Castle
• Explore Prague's historic sites
• See Hungarian horsemanship

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Luxury River Cruises in Balkans

Searching for a five star cruising experience? Look no further, as our Luxury cruises in Balkans will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Belgrade and Budapest. Taste the adventure and discover new cultures while enjoying premium services and facilities. Read more on luxury river cruises .

90 Luxury river cruises on the Balkans with 7 reviews

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Highlights of Eastern Europe (2024) (Budapest to Bucharest, 2024)

Danube Delta Discovery with Transylvania (Start Vienna, End Bucharest)

1.200 Miles on the Beautiful Blue Danube (Vienna - Bucharest) (17 destinations)

Lower Danube Discovery (Start Budapest, End Bucharest)

Gems of Southeast Europe 2025 Start Giurgiu, End Budapest (14 destinations)

The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 1 Night in Budapest 2024

The cruise was excellent in every way. But my experience with you Tourradar is very bad. Never ever I will use your services again

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Highlights of Eastern Europe (2024) (Bucharest to Budapest, 2024)

Transylvania & Enchantment of Eastern Europe

The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest 2024

Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Start Bucharest, End Budapest)

The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 1 Night in Budapest 2025

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Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Dubrovnik to Zagreb) (2023)

Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas) 2025 Start Budapest, End Giurgiu

Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest

The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest 2025

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Croatia Island Hopping Cruises

Discover croatia's stunning dalmatian coast, enchanting islands and rich medieval history..

Island hopping is undoubtedly the best way to discover Croatia's rich history and diverse culture. The clear blue waters off its rugged coastline are dotted with over 1,000 gem-like islands, which offer a mix of bustling fishing ports, golden sandy beaches and a variety of flora and fauna. And when you venture further in land, you'll find 7th century medieval towns to explore, where narrow stone streets and alleyways give way to imposing castles and fortresses rich in history, a host of UNESCO listed monuments, museums, galleries and churches, and an exciting restaurant scene where classic dishes are presented in a modern style.

Our Croatia Cruise Selection

Four-star Kvarner Bay of Islands

Seven nights from £899 per person

Four-star Southern Explorer Cruise

Four-star Southern Pearls Cruise

Seven nights from £949 per person

Four-star Croatia & Montenegro Cruise

Seven nights from £1299 per person

Deluxe One Way Cruise

Seven nights from £1499 per person

Deluxe Dalmatian Paradise Cruise

Seven night cruise from £1499 per person

want to add more to your croatia island hopping cruise?

When you take an island hopping cruise around croatia with orbital travel, your itinerary will include a host of incredible places to go, sights to see, food to taste and culture to discover..

And, of course, should you wish to experience more of what these captivating destinations have to offer or personalise your holiday in any way, with our Cruise & Stay service you can do just that. Talk to one of our travel specialists about:

• Accommodation
• Private Guided Tours
• Flight Upgrades

need some inspiration?

Here are just a few ideas from our travel specialists that show how our Croatia island hopping cruises can be easily extended to take in more of the amazing sights, sounds and experiences that the Dalmatian Coast has to offer...

Croatia, Montenegro & Dubrovnik

Plitvice Lakes & Coastal Express

Italian Gateway, Opatija & Kvarner Cruise

Destination detail - croatia.

Croatia's coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world with rugged beaches overlooking more than 1,000 gem-like islands set in the waters of the Adriatic.

Boasting eight national parks all with unique landscapes, some protecting cultural and historical monuments including a Franciscan monastery, others with a wealth of flora and fauna with the best known national park listed on UNESCO List of World Heritage sites.

A cruise along this coastline will make the most of this stunning scenery. We offer a range of cruises that begin or finish in Split and Dubrovnik. The Croatia & Montenegro cruise is an all-inclusive option onboard the  lovely MS Belle de L'Adriatique which is a larger ship with 99 cabins whilst the rest of our cruises are on smaller ships of up to 20 cabins only.  All of these cruises are on a Half Board option and start from either Split, Dubrovnik or Opatija. 

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Lady Eleganza

Discover an intimate cruising experience as you explore the coasts of Europe

MV Lady Eleganza

Luxury yacht cruising | croatia & montenegro.

Explore the delights of Croatia and Montenegro  aboard the custom-built  MV Lady Eleganza yacht, with just 36 guests on board. Wake each morning to a new port of call and spectacular coastal scenery and explore charming coastal villages that bigger ships can't access.

Ship Overview

Savour the all-inclusive lifestyle aboard the MV Lady Eleganza, which has been custom-made for exploring the coastlines of Croatia and Montenegro.

• Custom-built for the Adriatic Coast, dock in ports larger vessels cannot access.
• An intimate cruising experience with just 36 guests on board.
• Dock overnight in fascinating ports and step ashore to explore coastal towns
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and excellent dining on board
• Take in the stunning coastal scenery from up on the sun deck
• Be well looked after by a close-knit, experienced crew

Technical Data

Built: 2021 Length: 49m Max Cruising Speed: 10 Knots Guest Capacity: 36

Cabin Categories

Porthole Cabins

Categories: 1 & 2 Deck: Lower Deck Cabin Size: 152-170 sq ft; 14.1-15.8 sq m

Cabin Includes:

• Fixed Double or Fixed Twin Beds
• Two Portholes (non-opening)

Window Cabin

Category: 3 Deck: Main Cabin Size: 156-162 sq ft; 14.4-15 sq m

Cabin Includes:- Double or Twin Beds

• 3 pill shaped windows - 1 can be opened

Window Cabin - Double Only

Category: 4 Deck: Main Cabin Size: 151-155 sq ft; 14-14.4 sq m

• Fixed king sized bed
• 2 regular windows - 1 can be opened

Category: 5 Deck: Main Cabin Size: 226 sq ft; 21 sq m

Ship Features

Your Captain & Crew

The experienced captain and crew are a small, close-knit team with expert knowledge of the Adriatic Coast. Your comfort and security are their first priority at all times.

Food & Beverage Aboard

From locally inspired meals and al fresco lunches to sumptuous breakfasts and more, experience a range of dining experiences. All meals are included, and a wide range of included beverages.

Facilities on Board

Enjoy the air-conditioned lounge and bar or recline on a sunbed up on the sun deck. Leap straight into the Adriatic Sea from the swimming deck.

Overnight Port Stays

The MV Lady Eleganza will dock overnight in many ports to allow you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Perhaps take advantage of these remarkable destinations without the crowds.

Intimate Experiences

Savour the informal onboard atmosphere and skip the queues while embarking and disembarking. As night falls, choose to dine ashore and experience Croatia's glamorous towns, once the bigger cruise ships have departed.

Featured Trips

Croatian Island Discovery

Zagreb → Dubrovnik

$5,895 USD pp

Croatia and Montenegro In Depth

Dubrovnik → Zagreb

$8,995 USD pp

Croatia and Montenegro in Depth

Stylish Social Spaces

The Lady Eleganza ship boasts exquisite social spaces for luxurious relaxation.

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Croatia & the Balkans

Croatia Yacht Cruising

Signature Experience

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Croatia River Cruises

Venice • Rovinj • Split • Dubrovnik • Kotor • Giardini Naxos • Sorrento • Rome

Olivia brings you the best of Italy and Croatia on board the luxurious 342-passenger ship, the ms Wind Surf .

Explore the shores of Italy and Croatia and discover the charm of Venice, the magnificence of Rome, and the vast beauty of Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast. Discover the Mediterranean’s most charming and historic destinations on this incomparable 8-night voyage.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Accommodations for 9 days/8 nights on the elegant Windstar Wind Surf
• All meals onboard the ship’s restaurants featuring gourmet fare, including 24-hour room service
• Complimentary non-alcohol soft beverages including bottled water and specialty coffees
• Champagne welcome reception
• Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
• Personalized Team Olivia assistance throughout

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare to Venice and from Rome / Airport transfers
• Specialty restaurants
• Alcoholic beverages
• Spa and salon services
• Internet/phone/fax
• Ship's photos
• Medical attention
• Shore excursions
• Travel insurance & personal incidentals

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Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700 , option 1.

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Overview Captivating Rhine

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : amsterdam to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, captivating rhine at a glance.

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Croatia Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 3,764 croatia cruise reviews.

Sail Date: April 2024

Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on MSC Sinfonia

The worst cruise experience we've had. Our cabin bathroom smells like drains so we have to put our hand towels over the two drain openings to prevent the stench from polluting our whole cabin. The buffet tables are filthy and don't get wiped after each usage or even after each meal time. The hand sanitisers at the doors to the dining areas are all empty and a lot of people on the ship are sick. ... Read More

MSC Sinfonia is one of the oldest ships in the fleet, so don't book for the things it doesn't have, such as Yacht club, speciality dining, robot bartenders, water slides, and big production shows. Book for the destination ports and value for money. The ship was on a continuous circular Eastern Mediterranean itinerary catering predominately for the Italian market, but with many other Europeans ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Azura

We will not travel with P&O again, having done many cruises with them previously. The food was poor, even in the main dining room. Eating nice food is what you look forward to on a cruise but the evening meal became an issue many nights ( lack of variety in the menu, desserts we couldn't eat, no variety in the vegetables, steak requested medium and arrives well done, dry and tough. The ice cream ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Western Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Mars

First time on a Viking cruise. We've been on others, but this experience was definitely notches above the others. Food was great, and their attention to customer service was exceptional. Our cabin was great. We felt like we were in a high end hotel. The staff was very attentive and made sure we we were well taken care of. They also do a great job coordinating the excursions. There are various ... Read More

Sail Date: March 2024

Traveled with children

Nice ship, new, intelligent design, great staff from top to bottom, great food, well organized. Uneven educational opportunity, some excellent, some less so. Excellent overall cruising experience. That said, cruising is a lifestyle and subculture which is either in your blood or not. In our case, not. This is a matter of personal preference - we will probably not pursue cruising further - but his ... Read More

Review for a Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Viking Saturn

Getting to Venice was a long travel day. Viking had a guide to escort us through Heathrow and given our short layover there it was a lifesaver. Viking had representatives at the Venice airport to gather everyone together and to the buses to transport us to the ship. Checking into the ship was a breeze. We took a break and had a late lunch as the crew brought our luggage up to our cabin. ... Read More

Sail Date: February 2024

Our first cruise on Viking. We'd heard a lot of good things so wanted to try them. Since they offer a premium experience at a higher price, my bar was higher. I'm comparing them to our usual line NCL where we are Latitudes Platinum so get some additional benefits. Some of the benefits were as advertised. No crowds, no nickel and diming, no casinos, NO KIDS. Embarkation and disembarkation were ... Read More

Cabin Type: Penthouse Veranda Stateroom

The cruise itself was fabulous. The state room was beautiful and spacious, food was amazing, staff members outstanding. After the fabulous experience throughout the cruise, the last leg of the trip was a complete flop. We were booked (through Viking) for a connecting flight in Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines was awful and I would specifically request to never be booked on any of ... Read More

My wife and I have had wonderful experiences with Viking River cruises. We've always wanted to see Greece so we decided to give their Ocean cruises a try. The education and history on the ports is a major plus. I also like that they aren't trying to sell me something all cruise long. The tour guides on the included excursions were excellent. We booked an extension called Secrets of the Doge's ... Read More

Cabin Type: Veranda Stateroom

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Ten of the best small-ship cruises

Not a fan of mega-ships our cruise expert has picked the best boutique sailings to keep things exclusive and adventurous.

T here’s something special about small-ship cruising. You’ll feel a deeper connection to the sea, and there’s a certain pleasure from being docked in chic little ports among the superyachts or anchored in a remote bay far from the crowds. Of course, there won’t be Broadway shows and a choice of restaurants, but simplicity is all part of the appeal. Here are ten of the best small-ship cruises for this year and next.

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1. Authentic Caribbean

Explore some of the tiniest islands in the Caribbean on Ponant’s smallest ship: the swish, recently refurbished sailing yacht Le Ponant, which carries just 32 passengers. Sail from Marigot on St Martin to Prickly Pear Cays on Anguilla, St Barts, Nevis, Falmouth Bay on Antigua, Barbuda and the chic Îles des Saintes in Guadeloupe — in other words some of the most seductive islands in the region. On board you can expect the fine dining and service that comes from the ship’s partnership with Relais & Châteaux. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,550pp, including excursions, departing on March 8, 2025 (uk.ponant.com). Fly to St Maarten and back from Guadeloupe

2. Croatia under sail

Explore Croatia in detail on the classic schooner Kairos, which sails out of medieval Trogir to Vis, Hvar and Korcula, as well as lesser-known islands and anchorages, depending on wind speed and direction. With just 16 passengers and seven crew on board, this is small-ship luxury at its best — and you don’t have to help to sail the boat unless you want to do so. When you’re at anchor, jump straight into the warm Adriatic. Evenings are spent either in lively towns or anchored in remote bays. Details Seven nights’ full board from £3,025pp, departing on August 10 (venturesailholidays.com). Fly to Split

3. Butlers in the Bahamas

This 12-night cruise zigzags from New York to Bermuda for an overnight stay, through the Bahamian islands of San Salvador, Exuma and Honeymoon Harbour on tiny Gun Cay, then on to Miami before ending back in Nassau. Expect luxury all the way, with a butler service, an open bar and helicopter trips, plus a submarine and water toys to play on when the ship’s marina platform is down, which is often. Scenic Eclipse carries just 228 passengers, with the vibe of a swish private yacht in its glossy lounges and smart, high-ceilinged cabins. Details Twelve nights’ all-inclusive from £6,914pp, including flights, private transfers, tips, wi-fi and excursions, departing on October 12 (scenic.co.uk)

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4. turkey as you please.

Muster a group of 12 and you can charter a gulet for a blissful week exploring the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. Sailing from Bodrum, you’ll travel on the gleaming wooden Salamander, which comes with a crew of four, including a chef. Visit pretty fishing villages and drop anchor in pine-scented bays surrounded by green mountains for swimming off the boat, as well as playing on the water toys. On board are six en suite cabins and plenty of lounging space on deck, where you’ll also have meals. Details Seven nights’ full board (excluding two dinners) from £22,870 for 12, including transfers and house wine, departing on June 24 (salamandervoyages.com). Fly to Bodrum

5. New year in the Seychelles

Spend more than a week over the new year pottering around the dreamy Seychelles on Emerald Cruises’ sleek, 100-passenger Azzurra, visiting Praslin; rugged Curieuse, home to Aldabra giant tortoises; La Digue, location of the much-photographed Anse Source d’Argent beach; and Aride Island Nature Reserve, a breeding site for seabirds. You can snorkel and paddleboard off the back of the ship, which has a distinct superyacht feel thanks to an infinity pool and lovely alfresco dining area. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,445pp, including flights, tips, wi-fi and some activities, departing on December 29 ( emeraldcruises.co.uk )

• Ten river cruises for adventurous travellers

6. Amazon adventure

Trace the northeast coastline of South America on a 19-night expedition on Swan Hellenic’s smart SH Vega, which carries 158 passengers. You’ll start in Barbados and head to Trinidad, but this is no ordinary Caribbean cruise — the next stop is Georgetown in Guyana, then it’s the volcanic Salvation Islands, a former penal colony off the coast of French Guiana now returned to nature. From the Brazilian town of Iquiqui you’ll head into the Amazon rainforest in search of jaguars and pink river dolphins. While in Brazil there’s also a chance to see the rippling white sand dunes ofLençois Maranhenses National Park and the Unesco world heritage town of Olinda before arriving in colourful Bahia. Details Nineteen nights’ all-inclusive from £6,980pp including wi-fi, taxes, excursions and a night in Barbados, departing on October 12, 2025 (swanhellenic.com). Fly to Barbados

7. Maritime history on east-coast US

Sail from Boston to New York City on American Cruise Lines’ 90-passenger American Independence, built for the shallow inlets and rivers of the US east coast. You’ll learn about the history of Boston and call at arty, boho coastal towns packed with maritime history. Plymouth was the first pilgrim settlement, while yachtie Newport is known for its opulent seaside estates and lobster. Old Saybrook, settled in 1635, is one of oldest towns in Connecticut, while Sag Harbor is famed for its art galleries and endless beaches. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £5,999pp, including flights, excursions and a night in a hotel pre-cruise, departing on September 29 (fredholidays.co.uk)

8. Tall ship Atlantic crossing

Crossing the Atlantic under sail is special; you’ll have days to commune with the ocean, leaving the stresses of everyday life behind. Join the 170-passenger tall ship Star Flyer in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria — the city from which Columbus set sail in 1492. There’s a stop at the Canary island of La Gomera, then 13 days at sea as you head west to the Tropics, making landfall at St Maarten. On board you can help the crew with the sails, splash around in the pool, have a Thai massage and — on this sailing, which has a yoga theme — practise your sun salutations. Details Fifteen nights’ full board from £2,015pp, departing on November 15 (starclippers.co.uk). Fly to Gran Canaria and back from St Maarten

9. Tempting Tahiti

Discover Tahiti in all its high-definition beauty on the small ship Star Breeze, which carries 312 and is based in Papeete. You’ll visit dreamy islands including Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea and Raiatea on a seven-night meander through French Polynesia, with swimming in turquoise lagoons, rainforest hikes and visits to vanilla plantations and ancient sacred sites on the agenda. One night there’s a special dinner on a private island, followed by a fire-dancing display under the stars. Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £6,200pp, including flights and a night in a hotel pre-cruise, departing on October 17 (windstarcruises.com; book by June 30)

10. Wellness in the Cyclades

Potter round the lesser-visited Greek islands of the Cyclades on the 50-passenger Elysium, a tiny ship that can anchor in smaller harbours, away from the mainstream cruise ships. There’s an emphasis on healthy Greek food for meals onboard, and you can choose the most inviting taverna in town for either lunch or dinner each day. A wellness coach travels on every cruise to help balance mind and body, with yoga, meditation and hiking on offer. On a seven-night Divine Cyclades cruise you’ll sail from Athens and visit islands including Delos, Naxos, Milos, Serifos and Kythnos, as well as big-hitters such as Santorini and Ios. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £2,530pp, departing on September 7 (elixir.cruises). Fly to Athens

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Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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