River cruise line Emerald Waterways has announced plans for its first ocean cruise with a new yacht sailing itinerary along Croatia’s dramatic Dalmatian Coast in the Adriatic Sea. Set to launch in 2019 onboard the newly commissioned Adriatic Princess II yacht, the eight-day Islands of Dalmatia cruise plies the waters between Trogir and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Guests on these sailings will take in destinations along the Adriatic Coast and learn about the unique topography of this region, comprised of thousands of off-shore islands and coastlines dotted with limestone mountains and ancients cities and towns. Emerald Waterways will be offering 22 departures from April through October 2019, and the line is currently accepting pre-bookings with a refundable $250 deposit on its website.
The sailing begins or ends in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a historic town center and medieval streets lined with classic examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. From there, guests sail to towards Šibenik, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Coast, before heading to the small town of Skradin. Here, guests explore Krka National Park, known for its waterfalls, including the Skradinski Buk falls, one of Croatia’s most famous sights. A day spent on Hvar offers a chance to see the island’s rolling lavender fields and cultivated vineyards as well as hillsides dotted with terracotta-roofed villas, Gothic palaces and 13th-century ramparts rising towards an impressive citadel. Guests will visit the bell towers of the Franciscan Monastery, St Mark’s Church and Cathedral of St Stephen before returning to the ship for an afternoon of sailing towards Split, the largest city on the Adriatic coast, with an impressive mix of Roman and modern architecture.
Pučišća, a coastal town and a municipality on the island of Brač, 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. An included EmeraldPLUS excursion takes guests to visit a stonemason school founded in 1909. Later that day, a DiscoverMORE excursion includes a guided tour of Cetina with a boat ride and local culinary tasting. On the island of Korčula, 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 been here. A guided tour of the village of Ston includes a wine-tasting session. The sailing ends in Dubrovnik with its picturesque Old Town and white limestone streets.
Guests will sail aboard the MV Adriatic Princess II, a newly commissioned yacht set to launch in 2019 and designed to navigate the Dalmatian coast and its many small ports. With 18 cabins holding 36 guests, this intimate ship aims to provide a quintessential yachting experience. The sun deck, outfitted with comfortable sun beds and deck chairs, offers a spot for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun while taking in Croatia’s breathtaking coastline. Specially outfitted pool ladders located at the rear offer guests easy access to the sea for a swim or snorkel while the yacht is stationary. The open-plan restaurant allows guests flexibility with their dining choices, while the bar and lounge terrace provide a spot to get to know fellow guests. The knowledgeable, English-speaking crew is available to help guests navigate each port.
These yacht sailings are scheduled to accommodate guests looking to combine an ocean cruise with a river cruise—for example, on select sailings guests can combine a Dalmatian Coast yacht cruise with an Enchantment of Eastern European or Danube Delights river cruise. For those that want more time to explore Croatia, a three-night extension in Zagreb is also available.
Related Stories
Ponant Orders New Ships, Aims for 12 by 2021
Preview: Dining, Public Spaces on New Crystal Endeavor
Viking to Expand Ocean Fleet to 16
Booming Sales, "The Guest" Reign at Seatrade State of the Industry