Ocean Cruises in Balkans
4.5 stars on(8,109 reviews)- Choose from 14 Balkans tours
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10 best Ocean Cruise Balkans tour packages
Compiled by
NadineBalkans travel expert at TourRadar
- Discover the Mediterranean from Athens to Venice 2025
- Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise (Split to Venice) (2025)
- Croatia Mini One Way Cruise Dubrovnik - Split
- Island Odyssey: Malta, Sicily & the Greek Isles
- Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)
- Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Zagreb to Dubrovnik) (2025)
- Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate B Cabin)
- Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Dubrovnik to Zagreb) (2024)
- The Eastern Discovery (Base - Small Groups, With 3 Days Cruise, 16 Days)
- The Eastern Discovery (Athens - Small Groups, With Athens, 17 Days)
Duration 15 days Destinations Greece, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $126,711
42% Off- NZ$73,409You save $53,302
MS San Spirito hosts a seven-night adventure through Croatia's island paradise. The route spans Kornati's 140 islands, showcasing UNESCO-protected fortresses and traditional maritime culture from Split to Opatija.
Duration 13 days Destinations Croatia, Slovenia, Italy Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Collette From $8,047
4% Off- NZ$7,712You save $335
Croatia Mini One Way Cruise Dubrovnik - Split
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Comfortable and spacious cabin, delicious food cooked everyday, and excellent service.”
MichaelKev, traveled in September
A premium vessel takes you along the Balkans' maritime treasures. Marvel at Dubrovnik's cable car views, Split's Roman heritage, Korcula's fortified old town and Hvar's Renaissance cathedral. Cool off in secluded bays near Pakleni Islands and sample local wines in Trstenik.
Duration 6 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Trstenik, Sipan Island, Korcula Island, Hvar Island, Bol, Split Age Range 16 to 86 year olds Operator Nature Trips From $2,435
17% Off- NZ$2,022You save $414
The Scenic Eclipse II glides through Balkan waters, offering expert-guided tours of Nafplion's Old Town and Monemvasia's medieval fortress. Small ports like Spetses and Hydra welcome you while butler service and gourmet dining enhance the luxury experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations Malta, Italy, Greece Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $17,335
17% Off- NZ$14,335You save $3,000
Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Everything was well put together and well planned.”
Darcie, traveled in September
The Aegean opens before you from Athens, revealing Mykonos' cobbled streets and Kusadasi's ancient ruins. The route includes Patmos' sacred sites, Crete's Minoan palace, and Santorini's villages, featuring onboard dining, entertainment, and optional guided shore excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Athens, Delphi, Metéora, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Crete, Santorini Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Costsaver From $4,155
9% Off- NZ$3,768You save $387
Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Zagreb to Dubrovnik) (2025)
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
MS San Spirito welcomes you for 7 nights along the Balkans' coastline. Venture into Biševo's mystical Blue Cave, roam Hvar's historic town, wander Korčula's medieval streets, and relax at Bol's Golden Cape beach. Savor traditional Dalmatian cuisine at local restaurants.
Duration 12 days Destinations Zagreb, Vodice, Sibenik, Krka National Park, Split, Trogir, Bol, Stari Grad, Hvar Island, BiševoSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Collette From $8,215
10% Off- NZ$7,377You save $838
Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate B Cabin)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Duration 8 days Destinations Athens, Delphi, Thermopylae, Mykonos, Chios, Chora, Santorini, Oia, Kusadasi, PatmosSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Costsaver From $3,855
9% Off- NZ$3,498You save $357
Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Dubrovnik to Zagreb) (2024)
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
A private 4-star ship carries you along the Balkans' Adriatic coast through Croatian islands and historic ports. The journey features Biševo's Blue Cave, Marco Polo's house in Korčula, and Split's ancient palace, complete with guided tours and traditional Dalmatian experiences.
Duration 12 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Slano, Ston, Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Biševo, Bol, Trogir, BracSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
9% Off- NZ$7,042
The Eastern Discovery (Base - Small Groups, With 3 Days Cruise, 16 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
MV Celestyal Olympia sails the Adriatic from Dubrovnik's medieval harbor to Greek islands. This 3-night voyage touches Mykonos, Kusadasi, and Santorini with all-inclusive drinks. Expert local guides lead tours of ancient Ephesus and Knossos Palace.
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Insight Vacations The Eastern Discovery (Athens - Small Groups, With Athens, 17 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
MV Celestyal Olympia carries you from Greece to Turkey along the Balkan coast. The itinerary features Mykonos' windmills, ancient Ephesus, and Santorini's clifftop villages, complete with complimentary drinks and guided UNESCO site excursions led by local experts.
No departure dates availableDuration 17 days Destinations Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Insight Vacations
What our customers ask about Ocean Cruises in Balkans
When is the best time to take an ocean cruise in the Balkans?
The Balkans cruise season spans from late April through October with July and August drawing the largest crowds. Spring brings mild weather that's perfect for exploring sites like Athens' Acropolis and Kusadasi's Ephesus ruins without the peak season crowds. September and October offer particularly smooth sailing around the Greek Islands with temperatures holding steady at 25°C (77°F). A TourRadar traveler noted "We took our cruise in early September and the weather was perfect - warm enough for swimming in Mykonos but not too hot for sightseeing in places like Delphi and Meteora." Many operators reduce services during winter months when seas become rougher.
What are the typical highlights of an ocean cruise in the Balkans?
Balkans ocean cruises connect travelers with essential stops along Croatia's Dalmatian coast Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and the Greek Islands. Visitors explore UNESCO sites like Dubrovnik's Old Town and Split's Diocletian's Palace while discovering islands such as Hvar and Korčula. According to TourRadar travelers the mix of history and natural landscapes sets these cruises apart: "Beautiful country excellent tour guides magical islands and fantastic crew" one reviewer noted about their Croatian Islands experience. Daily schedules blend cultural tours with free time at local beaches and bays.
What kind of food is served on Balkans ocean cruises?
The food aboard Balkans cruises reflects both local traditions and international tastes. Take Scenic Eclipse II which offers 10 dining venues from French cuisine at Lumière to Asian fusion at Koko's. Local specialties feature fresh seafood Dalmatian prosciutto Greek mezedes and regional wines. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food was delicious with traditional Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to ancient recipes." Ships typically serve breakfast buffets alongside formal lunches and dinners with options for various dietary needs. Some routes like Collette's Croatia & Its Islands include local experiences such as winery visits and meals at family restaurants in port towns.
What shore excursions are typically offered on Balkans cruises?
Shore activities on Balkans cruises range from historical tours to nature experiences and cultural programs. Visitors can join walking tours through Split's Diocletian's Palace explore Croatia's Blue Cave on Biševo island or taste wines in Peloponnese. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The local guides were excellent especially in Korčula where we learned about Marco Polo's history." While many excursions come included additional options like trips to Monemvasia's fortress or Delphi's ruins are available for booking.
How much time is spent at each port during a Balkans cruise?
Port visits last anywhere from half a day to overnight stays giving travelers time to properly explore each stop. Scenic's Island Odyssey cruise provides a full day in Mykonos and an overnight in Nafplion while Nature Trips' Croatia Mini cruise allows extended time in towns like Korčula and Hvar. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The schedule was well-balanced - enough time to explore each port without feeling rushed." Daily schedules mix guided tours with independent exploration time at UNESCO sites and local beaches.
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