Emerald Waterways has announced that it will offer ocean cruises along the gorgeous coast of Croatia. The brand-new sailing yacht MV Adriatic Princess II is coming in 2019 and will sail itineraries along Croatia's dramatic Dalmatian Coast in the Adriatic Sea.
Eight-day "Islands of Dalmatia" cruises explore the yacht-friendly waters between Trogir and Dubrovnik, highlighting the unique topography of this region, which features thousands of islands and coastlines dotted with limestone mountains and scenic ancient towns. Emerald Waterways will offer 22 departures from April through October in 2019.
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is known for its pristine landscapes, clear waters and a fascinating history dating to the 7th century. We love the Mediterranean culture, sunny days, fresh seafood and incredible array of outdoor activities, from hiking to water sports.
Exploring this region onboard an intimate yacht gives you the chance at a diverse cruise experience -- soaking in the sights of serene coves amid distant mountain ranges from the sun deck and the daily excursions walking cobblestone streets chatting with residents and sampling the delicacies of the region's traditional cuisine.
The sailing begins or ends in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a historic town center and medieval streets lined with classic examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. From there, you sail to Sibenik, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Coast, before heading to the small village of Skradin.
At Skradin, you will explore Krka National Park, well known for its magnificent waterfalls, including the Skradinski Buk falls, one of Croatia's most famous sights. A day spent on Hvar reveals the island's rolling lavender fields and cultivated vineyards, as well as hillsides notable for their terracotta-roofed villas, Gothic palaces and 13th-century ramparts rising toward an impressive citadel.
Cruisers get to visit the bell towers of the Franciscan Monastery, St Mark's Church and St. Stephen's Cathedral before returning to the ship for an afternoon of sailing to Split, the largest city on the Adriatic coast, which features an impressive mix of Roman and modern architecture.
Pucisca, a coastal town and a municipality on the island of Brac, is often cited as being one of the prettiest villages in Europe. It's also known for its white limestone -- used in the building of the White House.
Highlights include a stonemason school founded in 1909 and a guided tour of the Cetina River with a boat ride and culinary tasting. On the island of Korcula, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea, a guided tour of the town reveals the typical medieval architecture, including ancient towers and red-roofed houses. Marco Polo, the famous world-traveler and writer, is reputed to have stopped by. The village of Ston is considered a jewel of the Adriatic Coast, and a guided tour includes a wine-tasting session. The sailing ends at the popular cruise destination of Dubrovnik with its picturesque Old Town, and white limestone streets.
MV Adriatic Princess II is a newly commissioned yacht set to launch in 2019 and designed to navigate the Dalmatian coast and its many small ports. With just 18 well-appointed cabins holding 36 guests, this intimate ship offers a true intimate yachting experience. The sun deck has sun beds and deck chairs, offering an ideal spot for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun while taking in Croatia's breathtaking coastline. You can even drop in off the back of the yacht (via special pool ladders) for a swim or snorkel while the yacht is stationary.
These yacht sailings are designed to be combined with river cruises for adventurers looking for a taste of all types of cruising. For example, you can pair a Dalmatian Coast yacht cruise with Danube River cruise. For those who want more time to explore Croatia, a three-night extension in Zagreb is also available.
I think this sound like an awesome way to immerse yourself into the wonder of Croatia. I have been here, and I know it's only going to get more popular and crowded, so my advice is to try to get there as soon as possible.
Dubrovnik is always crowded, but there are so many more secluded and barely explored areas to check out. It reminds me a bit of a Greek isles cruise.
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Happy sailing!
JR