Dalmatian Pearls

We have motor vessels that are either made of wood or steel, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and categories. Although some of the ships in our fleet are over a century old, they have undergone several reconstructions to make them suitable for tourism. These boats used to be used for freight transportation in the past. On the other hand, most of the steel or iron yachts we have are either new or recently built.

While sometimes referred to as sailing vessels, our ships mostly run on motors. It’s worth noting that many of our steel boats lack masts and sails altogether.

Passengers who prioritize privacy, luxury, and comfort may find the Premium Superior or Premium category vessels more suitable for their needs. On the other hand, the Traditional Ensuite vessels are ideal for younger passengers, such as friends or special interest groups, like alpinists, bikers, and similar, who do not mind sharing a small space and bathrooms for a week. However, it’s worth noting that Traditional Ensuite vessels usually do not have air-conditioned cabins, and most are equipped with bunk beds.

Anywhere from 20 to 40 passengers, depending on the size of the boat.

In Croatia, the standard sockets are Type F, which are grounded and have two pins. They are compatible with plug types C, E, and F and have a power output of 16 A and 220 V. Some newer vessels also have USB sockets.

The vessels do not provide fishing equipment for passengers, but passengers are allowed to bring their own fishing equipment. However, it is essential to note that you need to obtain special permission for fishing needs from specialized agencies in harbors.

Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.

Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all vessels and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:

• The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
• Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
• In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.

Even though the tap water on board is of good quality, we would not recommend drinking it. There is a water dispenser with reusable glasses. Please feel free to bring along your own refillable bottle. Please use water on board rationally.

The main currency accepted is Euro. Where possible exchange the money in a bank or retrieve money from an ATM. Drinks onboard and all extra services such as transfers, excursions and accommodation need to be paid in local currency. Premium and Premium Superior vessels offer credit card payment possibilities.

Most major towns and islands in Croatia such as Opatija, Dubrovnik, Split etc. will have ATMs that are linked to international networks; however, smaller towns may not have ATM facilities available. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely recognized and are accepted in most tourist areas; however, it is always a good idea to have a certain amount of cash if you are travelling off the beaten path.

We believe that tips should reflect good service and your satisfaction with the guide/cruise manager, crew and overall tour. Crew gratuities are equally distributed among the crew. Tipping is voluntary and completely at the discretion of individual trip participants. Your own currency or Euro is acceptable.

The average sea temperature during July and August is 24.5°C and the temperature average during July and August is 28°C. Be sure to take some clothes for possible cooler evenings (for example some sports fitting, windbreaker or similar) for spring and autumn departures.

The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.

The Premium Superior and Premium ships offer cabins with twin or double beds. Some can accommodate up to three people, with a double bed and an extra bed above or beside it. However, due to a limited number of available bed types, we cannot guarantee a specific bed type. Nonetheless, we aim to allocate guests to cabins based on their preferences. If you have a request, please indicate it when making a reservation, and we will do our best to accommodate it.

On Premium and Premium Superior vessels, cabins are equipped with twin or double beds. The twin bed size is approximately 90/100 m x 190/200 cm, while the double bed size is around 150/160 m x 190/200 m. The Traditional Ensuite category cabins mostly feature bunk beds, but some vessels also offer twin or double beds. The size of a double bed is 130/140 m x 190/200 m, while the bunk bed size is approximately 80/90 m x 190/200 m.

Cabins on the vessel are located on two levels: on the deck and below the deck. On-deck cabins can be found on either the main deck where passengers first embark or the upper deck above the main deck. Cabins below the deck are situated in the hull of the vessel. The ones on the deck offer the benefit of direct access to the sea and more fresh air, while cabins below the deck are sometimes quieter because only fellow passengers who booked lower deck cabins pass by, and not all passengers from your vessel or other vessels when docked. These cabins are also comfortable because they are located at sea level, which naturally cools them, and the hallways below deck are often air-conditioned, which can also affect the temperature. Cabins on the lower deck usually have small portholes.

Cabins on the lower deck are situated in the boat’s hull and typically have a small porthole. However, according to Croatian law and vessel regulations, portholes must be kept closed during navigation to prevent water from entering the cabin. When the vessel is docked in the port, it is permissible to open the portholes. On newer ships, particularly those in the Premium Superior and Premium categories, which have steel hulls and air-conditioned cabins, the portholes cannot be opened.

The frequency of cabin service depends on the vessel category. Premium Superior and Premium vessels have daily cabin service, which means the crew will clean and tidy your cabin daily. Fresh bed linen is also provided before your arrival. However, on Traditional Ensuite category vessels, the personnel does not enter your room during the cruise, so you are responsible for keeping it clean. Two towels per person are provided, and the crew only cleans the commonly used toilets and bathrooms. If you wish to have your cabin cleaned during the cruise, you can request this service at an extra cost.

Premium Superior and Premium cabins have air conditioning, except for limited times when there is restricted access to electricity, such as after midnight. Traditional Ensuite cabins do not have air conditioning, but the hallways and salons on the lower deck usually do. Air conditioning is only available when the motor or generator is running, or the vessel is connected to electricity while docked at the harbor. In some smaller fishing harbors without an electrical plug, the air conditioning is turned off to maintain peace and quiet.

If you want to sleep on the deck under the stars, it’s recommended to bring a sleeping bag because taking mattresses, pillows, and sheets out of the cabins is not allowed.

The vessels provide limited electricity and water capacities. A generator is available on all the boats to generate electricity, but it is not on during the night or while the ship is docked in a peaceful bay due to the noise. The water tanks on the vessels have enough capacity to match the number of cabins and beds and are always filled with enough water. Assuming everyone uses water rationally. In addition, the ships are equipped with central heaters that provide warm water.

The food served on board the ships is comparable to the typical cuisine found in Croatia. The Premium Superior and Premium vessels provide buffet-style breakfasts, while the Traditional Ensuite vessels offer continental breakfasts that include tea, coffee, fruit juice, bread, butter, jam, and sometimes ham and cheese. If you prefer an English breakfast, you can request it when booking your cruise or upon arrival. All deluxe vessel categories have three-course lunches with a salad bar and cheese plate, and all premium and traditional vessels provide three-course lunches. Dinner is not included, as the cruise company recommends that passengers try local restaurants.

The captain hosts a weekly “Captain’s dinner” where guests and crew members can socialize while enjoying an optional meat or fish meal. This dinner is included in the deluxe and premium categories of the vessel. However, for those in the Traditional Ensuite and Traditional, you can arrange and pay for the “Captain’s dinner” when making a reservation or at the time of the event. The dress code for this dinner is Smart Casual/Elegant.

Due to the small kitchen space available, we have limited capacity for preparing special meals for individuals with specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarians. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us at the time of booking so that our onboard chef can make arrangements to accommodate your needs to the best of their ability.

Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.

Customers can pay for drinks purchased from the vessel bar using EUR currency. Daily reports of the previous day’s drink consumption will be provided to clients, and payment can be made during the checkout process. A credit card is also acceptable for all deluxe and premium vessel categories.