On this Royal Clipper Adriatic cruise evaluation, uncover what it’s actually like crusing from Venice via Italy, Croatia and Montenegro aboard a five-masted crusing ship.
From medieval ports on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast to onboard experiences and sensible suggestions, discover out if this distinctive small-ship cruise is best for you.
I’m crouched down in a small picket boat, ducking my head as we enter the Blue Cave on Biševo, a tiny limestone island in Croatia’s Dalmatian archipelago.
Drawn to the prospect of seeing the pure phenomenon of glowing blue water inside Biševo’s sea cave, I didn’t need to miss it.
However I almost did. Initially, the shore tour description sounded slightly extra adventurous than I used to be used to.
However, since earlier within the week, I’d lowered myself into the Adriatic from Royal Clipper’s marina platform and snorkeled in quest of seahorses (with slightly assist from an inflatable noodle), I found I used to be extra comfy within the water than I believed.
So I signed up.
I’m glad I did. Floating silently on neon blue waters inside a sea cave was as magical as I’d imagined.
That sense of journey is what’s stayed with me most about crusing aboard Royal Clipper.
Somewhat than merely transporting passengers from port to port, the ship creates alternatives to expertise the Adriatic coast in an immersive manner.
In fact, a crusing ship isn’t for everybody. Travellers searching for a number of onboard distractions or these with mobility points may need to take into account a bigger ship.
Right here’s what it’s actually like aboard Royal Clipper.
What Makes Royal Clipper Totally different Than a Mega Ship?
We’ve taken cruises earlier than, from river cruises alongside the Rhine to Holland America voyages in Canada & New England and the Mediterranean.
I’d even sailed aboard Royal Clipper within the Caribbean. However this Adriatic itinerary provides one thing fully totally different.
What We Cherished
- The crusing expertise: Watching the sails unfurl and feeling the ship transfer beneath wind energy is very memorable.
- Entry to smaller ports and coves: Royal Clipper can attain locations, comparable to Komiza, Vis and Rovinj, not usually visited by mega ships
- The liberty to decide on your tempo: Swim from the ship’s marina platform, be part of an tour, discover independently (snorkel at native seashores) or just loosen up on deck.
- The intimate environment: With capability for simply 225 passengers (172 on our crusing), it undoubtedly has a yacht-like really feel. It’s simple to talk with fellow travellers and crew.
- The stability of journey and luxury: This isn’t a bare-bones crusing expedition. There are swimming swimming pools, a spa, attentive service and a eating room with ocean views.
Good to Know
- This isn’t a conventional cruise expertise: There are fewer leisure choices, onboard amenities and fewer of the floating resort environment of huge ships.
- Mobility generally is a consideration: Tender ports, stairs (no elevators) between the 4 passenger decks and accessing the marina platform requires some agility.
- Cabins are extra compact: Class 2 staterooms (which is what we had) function portholes, whereas greater classes supply personal verandas for many who need outside area.
3 International locations in 7 Days – the Royal Clipper Adriatic Itinerary
One of many causes we selected this Royal Clipper crusing was the possibility to pattern three nations in a single week.
Beginning and ending in Venice was one other a part of the enchantment. This was my fifth go to to town, and I like its meals, artwork and maze of canals.
It additionally occurs to be one of many best European cruise gateways so as to add additional time. Marco Polo Airport is compact and arranged in contrast with some bigger worldwide airports
In simply seven nights, Royal Clipper sailed 840.2 nautical miles via three nations (Italy, Croatia and Montenegro) combining historic cities, island ports and dramatic Adriatic surroundings.
Past the ports, the itinerary’s highlights included two spectacular crusing routes: passing via St. Anthony’s Channel close to Šibenik and crusing into Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage web site.
We added a number of pre-cruise days in Abano Terme, the traditional spa city close to Padua and post-cruise days in Venice. Different travellers might simply lengthen their journey exploring the Veneto wine area, the Dolomites or close by Verona or Padua.
This Royal Clipper Adriatic cruise itinerary included:
- Italy: Venice and Pesaro
- Croatia: Dubrovnik, Komiža on the island of Vis and Rovinj
- Montenegro: Kotor
Embarking Royal Clipper in Venice
Our journey started in Venice, the place we stayed within the Dorsoduro neighbourhood (Google Map) on the charming Lodge Tiziano (round $75 Euro an evening) overlooking the quiet Terese canal.
It’s simple strolling distance from Piazzale Roma (major drop-off for Venice’s historic space) and the ship.
One of many surprising perks of crusing Royal Clipper from Venice is that the journey begins earlier than you ever step aboard. Docking at San Basilio on the Giudecca Canal means you’re already within the metropolis fairly than being whisked away from a distant cruise terminal.
We spent our evenings wandering the quieter canals of Dorsoduro, exploring galleries and artisan workshops and lingering over dinner in Campo Santa Margherita, a full of life sq. the place college students, locals and guests mingle.
On embarkation day, we merely walked 5 minutes (throughout one bridge) dropped off our baggage with the Royal Clipper representatives within the morning and continued exploring Venice earlier than boarding at 4 pm.
It was a really relaxed begin to a cruise. No prolonged queuing or inflexible time slots.
Cabins on Royal Clipper: Snug, Compact and Properly Designed
With teak decks, polished wooden, brass accents and nautical particulars all through, Royal Clipper has the environment of a basic crusing vessel whereas providing fashionable comforts.
Our Class 2 (Superior Outdoors Stateroom), cabin 221, was a fantastic match for our week aboard Royal Clipper.
Situated on the Clipper Deck, it was near the spa, health centre and eating areas, but quiet with little or no movement. It’s a cabin class we’d fortunately select once more.
Two portholes offered pure mild, suitcases match simply beneath the mattress, drawers and closets had been surprisingly spacious (in contrast with the luxurious Uniworld river cruise we’d taken from Venice) so we had been in a position to unpack for the week.
With its Queen Mattress (that transformed to 2 twins), it was compact in contrast with bigger cruise ships, however the structure was sensible.
Facilities included a desk, hair dryer and loo toiletries. The lavatory was small however practical, as anticipated on a crusing ship.
The tub towels had been good high quality, and I used to be pleasantly shocked to search out washcloths offered. It’s a small element that isn’t at all times customary in European inns.
Our steward offered morning service and night turndown, leaving the following day’s actions within the cabin so we might plan forward. He additionally provided a stuffed ice bucket (particular request) day by day.
The one disadvantage was the air-con. Arriving throughout a Mediterranean heatwave with temperatures reaching 38°C, the cabin initially felt heat. Nevertheless, protecting the curtain divider closed helped retain the cool air and hold it comfy.
Royal Clipper does supply six cabins with personal verandahs for travellers wanting extra outside area. For us, it wasn’t obligatory.
With so many public areas across the ship, we discovered Cabin 221 comfy, quiet and completely suited to the expertise.
Eating on Royal Clipper
My mornings started with what I jokingly referred to as “princess service” aka Javier fetching my espresso from the 24-hour espresso, tea and fruit station.
Some mornings, we took our espresso on deck to observe the dawn earlier than breakfast. There was an early-bird breakfast choice within the Piano Bar from 6:30 to 7:30 am.
However we by no means missed the total buffet within the eating room from 7:30 to 9:30 am, together with eggs cooked to order and a mixture of cold and warm alternatives.
Lunch was served buffet-style from 1 to three pm, typically with themed menus comparable to Italian, French or Asian delicacies.
It labored out nicely as there was typically time to pop again into city after lunch.
Later, snack time on the Tropical Bar supplied cold and warm bites from 5 to six pm whereas having fun with the open deck.
A considerate contact was the 6 pm dinner preview. Essential dishes had been displayed so passengers might see what was supplied on the night menu.
Dinner was one of many highlights of the night routine. Whereas Royal Clipper doesn’t have the countless eating venues of a giant cruise ship, the kitchen delivered a cultured expertise with a four-course meal, cheese, sorbet and extra.
The menu has the always-available consommé, pasta and sirloin steak with fries.
I believed the kitchen did an particularly good job with seafood, salads and timing. Recent fish was a daily function at lunch and dinner, a welcome match for an Adriatic crusing itinerary.
Vegetarian selections had been accessible at every meal, though vegan choices had been much less artistic than the opposite alternatives.
Dinner and most lunches had been served 7:30-10 pm within the elegant eating room. The polished wooden, brass particulars and ocean views added to the basic crusing environment.
The open seating association encourages dialog, and the maitre d’ grouped visitors by language when attainable.
For us, the social environment was relaxed and pleasant though it might get loud.
I heard good suggestions on the midnight snack (accessible from 11:30 pm to 12:30 am) however we didn’t attempt it. Subsequent time!
Drinks on Royal Clipper – No Package deal Wanted
Drinks are dealt with in another way from bigger cruise strains. There’s no limitless drink package deal, however we shortly realized we didn’t want one.
We often loved a drink after getting back from an tour and a glass of wine with dinner. Home wine was simply €4 a glass, and if we ordered a bottle however didn’t end it, the sommelier saved it for an additional night.
Not like cruises the place each buy can really feel prefer it’s including up, Royal Clipper merely has you signal for drinks as you go.
After crusing with cruise strains the place drink packages are sometimes closely promoted, I wasn’t certain what to anticipate. However we discovered the system simple, clear and surprisingly economical.
Life Onboard the Royal Clipper Actions and Facilities
Life onboard Royal Clipper is much less about checking off an inventory of actions and extra about having fun with the ship itself. With teak decks, polished wooden, brass particulars and 5 towering masts, it has the environment of a basic crusing vessel.
The higher deck is the place to be when the sails are raised, with passengers gathering to observe the crew deal with the strains.
There are shaded loungers, however throughout our Mediterranean heatwave, when temperatures reached the excessive 30s Celsius, we frequently discovered ourselves searching for cooler choices such because the marina platform. When situations allowed, we might step instantly into the Adriatic for a swim, kayak or float on the mats.
The onboard swimming pools are small (extra like cooling-off dips than locations the place you’ll spend a day doing laps) however they had been welcome on heat days.
A few of my favorite areas had been really the quieter ones. The air-conditioned Library was a peaceable retreat, whereas the Piano Bar was a cushty spot for port talks.
The most effective time to go to the higher deck was within the night, when the illuminated masts created a dramatic backdrop towards the night time sky.
There was music and dancing after dinner, together with just a few extra relaxed actions together with nautical knot-tying, towel-folding demonstrations, a workers expertise present and performances by conventional Croatian a cappella singers.
For the extra adventurous, there’s additionally the chance to climb the mast, one thing I used to be joyful to admire from beneath.
Swimming from the Royal Clipper Marina Platform – What You Have to Know
Earlier than boarding Royal Clipper, I puzzled: would we really get to make use of the marina platform?
Of the three vessels within the Star Clippers fleet, Royal Clipper is the one one with a stern platform that opens instantly onto the ocean for swimming and water actions.
It seemed like a kind of options that sounds unimaginable however is determined by good situations.
It turned out to be one of many highlights of the cruise. An opportunity to leap instantly into the Adriatic with out going to shore!
Is the Marina Platform At all times Open?
No. The platform is determined by:
- climate situations
- sea situations (together with hazards comparable to jelly fish)
- native boat site visitors
When it’s working, the Sports activities Workforce supervises actions. It was open at 5 of our stops. Some for swimming solely; others included water sports activities.
Do You Have to Signal As much as Use It?
There was one particular swimming cease close to Lopud, southwest of Dubrovnik, that required advance sign-up. The remainder of the time it was drop-in.
The place Do You Go away Your Issues?
The platform isn’t a flimsy floating dock. It’s fitted with cubby holes for small belongings comparable to room keys, cover-ups, glasses and cameras.
Tools contains:
- snorkel gear (at some stage in your journey)
- floating mats
- flotation noodles, kayak, windsurf, SUP
- life jackets
- towels
Do you’ll want to be a robust swimmer?
This was one other of my massive questions when planning our cruise on the Royal Clipper.
I’m not the strongest swimmer, and after drifting farther than meant whereas snorkeling in Huatulco (often requiring Javier to return to the rescue), I made a decision to do my first Royal Clipper swim carrying a life jacket. It wasn’t obligatory.
Later, I switched to a noodle and found that floating beside a crusing ship within the Adriatic was a lot simpler (and even higher) than I anticipated.
Exploring Royal Clipper Adriatic Cruise Ports in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro
Day 1: Venice, Italy: A Good Begin and End to an Adriatic Cruise
For us, one of many greatest attracts of this Royal Clipper itinerary was that it started and led to Venice.
Somewhat than treating town as merely a spot to board a ship, we added time to get pleasure from one in all Italy’s most atmospheric locations.
Earlier than crusing, we explored Venice’s meals scene, browsed masterpieces on the Accademia Gallery and settled into town’s favorite ritual of cicchetti and spritzes.
Gliding via Venice at sundown was a novel and memorable expertise.
The sail away itself was one of many highlights. Watching Royal Clipper glide previous Venice’s historic skyline was a spectacular introduction to the Adriatic.
Day 2. Pesaro, Italy: Seaside Lidos, Speedos and Welcome to the Adriatic
Our first port was Pesaro, a coastal metropolis in Italy’s Marche area. Often called the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini, I’ve to confess it wasn’t a vacation spot I knew a lot about earlier than arriving.
However after spending the day there, I might simply think about returning for a seaside vacation.
The large sandy seaside jogged my memory of the shoreline round Santa Maria di Leuca. The beachfront lidos supplied sunbeds and umbrellas for round €20, together with altering rooms, showers, lockers, eating places and even reside music.
The most effective seaside membership of the bunch appeared to be Gastone e Marta, look ahead to the yellow umbrellas.
We had been glad we selected to discover independently fairly than be part of the full-day tour to San Marino (the place temps had been projected to hit 36C).
As an alternative, we swam, walked the waterfront promenade and stopped at cafes for cocktails whereas having fun with our first style of the Adriatic.
🏊 Swimming at Pesaro Seashore: This seaside has a sandy backside and there are only a few rocks at entry. You gained’t want water sneakers right here. However there’s no shade. Contemplate renting a sunbed.
Day 3. Šibenik, Croatia – A Medieval Metropolis and Market Finds
Arriving in Šibenik was memorable earlier than we even reached shore, as Royal Clipper sailed via the scenic St. Anthony’s Channel.
Šibenik itself is one in all Croatia’s oldest cities, with a fantastically preserved medieval centre and the magnificent Cathedral of St. James.
Once more, we explored independently, starting on the native farmer’s market the place we scored some Croatian olive oil, teranino pink wine liqueur and home made jams earlier than enjoyable with native draught beer at Caffe Bar Trapula (location) on the waterfront.
One of many benefits of travelling on a smaller ship was having the ability to get pleasure from Šibenik at a relaxed tempo fairly than racing via a guidelines of points of interest.
🌟 Professional Tip: We discovered it troublesome to hail a taxi (or use the native WIZI app) in Šibenik. So I used to be glad to have an umbrella for shade because it’s simple to work up a sweat strolling the hills.
Day 4. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Pearl of the Adriatic
Often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and the set for King’s Touchdown in Recreation of Thrones, the UNESCO World Heritage metropolis is one in all Croatia’s most well-known locations and in addition one in all its busiest.
Royal Clipper anchored offshore, giving us a good looking method by tender towards the traditional metropolis partitions and coronary heart of town.
We explored independently, wandering the historic streets, taking within the views and having fun with the liberty to set our personal tempo fairly than comply with a bunch schedule.
🍷 A Style of Croatia
Earlier than arriving in Dubrovnik, I deliberate a cease at D’Vino Wine Bar (location), an Outdated City spot with an unlimited number of Croatian wines.
We loved a tasting of Antunović Rukatac, Bratoš Malvasija and Fides Grk, a uncommon grape the sommelier described as one in all Croatia’s most “female” wines.
Day 5. Kotor, Montenegro: Crusing Into Certainly one of Europe’s Most Dramatic Bays
Crusing into Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, typically referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjord, is an expertise in itself, with steep limestone mountains rising dramatically from the water.
The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage web site, and our tour featured the baroque village of Perast, recognized for its waterfront structure and Our Girl of the Rocks church.
🏖️ Swimming in Kotor: Kotor Seashore (Google Map) is a 5-minute stroll from the tender drop-off level and is ideal for a fast dip within the Bay of Kotor.
Nevertheless, the €30 cost for 2 sunbeds, use of a porta pottie and bathe and an umbrella (that will get eliminated if the wind picks up) isn’t nice worth. Carry water sneakers for the pebbly shore and take into account it a brief swim cease fairly than a seaside day.
Day 6. Komiža (Vis), Croatia – Unspoilt Magnificence
Vis, a small island within the Adriatic was a spotlight of the itinerary for us. Royal Clipper stopped in Komiža, a conventional fishing village on the western aspect of Vis.
Recognized for its stone homes, waterfront cafés and being the filming location for Mamma Mia 2, it was the launching level for a speedboat tour to Biševo, the place we took a picket boat to the Blue Cave.
The cave’s glowing blue waters had been as magical as promised. The expertise made much more memorable as a result of it was an tour I almost skipped.
Past the Blue Cave, we loved swimming within the Adriatic Sea. The closest was Komiza Seashore, a two-minute stroll to the correct of the pier when disembarking from the tender. (Location)
Recognized for its snorkeling (seahorse sightings!) we stopped there previous to our tour. The water may be very clear, calm and heat. Carry water sneakers as there are pebbles upon entry.
It was a scenic 10 minute stroll via winding streets to Gusarica Seashore (Google Map) situated inside a grove of pine timber in entrance of the Church of St. Mary (Our Girl of the Pirates).
It has a cool story. Based on legend, pirates stole the Virgin Mary’s picture from the Sixteenth-century church. After a shipwreck, the picture mysteriously returned.
Gusarica was one in all our favorite seashores on this Royal Clipper Adriatic cruise. The water was crystal clear, there was loads of shade in addition to a concession stand. Carry water sneakers.
Day 7. Rovinj, Croatia – Istrian Attraction By the Sea
Our ultimate port was Rovinj, a photogenic fishing city on the Istrian Peninsula. Its Outdated City rises from a small peninsula of vibrant buildings, cobblestone lanes, boutiques and waterfront cafés, with the Church of St. Euphemia dominating the skyline.
After exploring the native market, we stopped at Revera, a breezy waterfront tavern for cocktails with a view.
Then, we headed to Fish Delish Rovinj (Location) close to the market, to pattern the native avenue meals prženi gavuni (fried smelts).
We ended the day with one ultimate swim from Royal Clipper’s marina platform.
Issues I Want I’d Recognized Earlier than Crusing Royal Clipper
- The marina platform is determined by situations however swimming from it’s simpler than you may count on.
- Don’t hesitate to ask Cruise Director Mino for port suggestions. He’s a wealth of knowledge.
- Don’t overlook the Captain Nemo spa. My Swedish therapeutic massage (85 Euro) was wonderful, with skilled service and agency stress. Costs are surprisingly cheap. However well-liked remedies can refill, so e-book early.
- Carry water sneakers and a water-resistant pouch/waist belt to safe valuables at shore swimming stops.
- There’s lots to do however don’t count on mega-ship leisure.
- You don’t have to pack much less. Royal Clipper cabins have beneficiant storage.
- Guide additional time to get pleasure from Venice.
- Plan unbiased explorations. You don’t have to do excursions day by day.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- The higher deck could be extremely popular in summer time. Carry a hat and loads of sunscreen.
- Good strolling sandals (I like Ecco) for stepping on/off the tender and warmth. Javier’s pair of flip flops melted on the new pavement in Dubrovnik.
Remaining Ideas On What It’s Like On a Royal Clipper Adriatic Cruise
A typical day aboard Royal Clipper not often adopted a strict schedule.
It could start with espresso on deck, then a buffet breakfast and exploring a small Adriatic port. Lunch was often onboard, adopted by a swim from the marina platform or a return to the port.
Then it was time to clean up, loosen up over cocktails and snacks at sundown, make it to the port speak by the cruise director, get pleasure from dinner with new pals adopted by leisure and music.
We’d wrap up our night beneath the glow of the masts. Fairly relaxed and magical method to discover the Dalmatian coast.
We’re already shopping future Star Clippers itineraries, with Turkey tempting us subsequent.
The place to Keep Submit-Cruise
Submit-cruise, we stayed on the Sixteenth century NH Assortment Grand Lodge Palazzo dei Dogi within the historic Cannaregio neighbourhood, explored the Jewish Ghetto on a meals tour with Consuming Europe, and loved a Vivaldi live performance at La Pietá.
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