Yacht Cruise FAQs
If you've never taken a yacht cruise before, it can be hard to know what to expect. Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions on Yacht Cruises here!
Life on board
What does the average day on a yacht look like?
- Typically, the ship will set sail after breakfast and stop mid-morning for a swim stop. Lunch will then be served on board before the ship arrives into port mid-afternoon.
- On arrival, guests will have the opportunity to either join a guided tour or explore independently.
- Guided tours typically last 60-90 minutes before guests return to the ship.
- There is then time for guests to freshen up on board before returning ashore to dine at local restaurants and soak up the local atmosphere.
- As the ships dock in old port areas, guests will be in the heart of the old town areas and can alight when they wish.
- Ships will also moor in port overnight, so there is no rush to return after dinner ashore.
Is there much to do on board?
- Each ship is unique and therefore has its own particular facilities. A yacht cruise is designed to provide a mixture of relaxation and exploration, therefore on board, the focus is on relaxation and low key activities. For example:
- All ships have a sun deck with loungers and an outside seating area so you can enjoy the views as you sail or indulge in a good book or savour a drink from the bar.
- Most ships only have a small number of reading books available so you may wish to bring your own along with any travel games if you wish.
- Your tour manager on board will also provide talks during the cruise and will always be on hand to give any information as required.
- Some ships feature a hot tub on deck.
- Some are equipped with TVs in the cabin (although English language channels are not always available).
- There is also complimentary wi-fi on board.
How many passengers does the ship carry and how many crew are on board?
- The precise number of passengers depends on each individual vessel, but none of our yachts carry more than 40 guests.
- There are normally around 7 crew members plus the captain on each ship (we're proud to offer a guest to crew ratio of around 4:1) ensuring a friendly, personal and attentive service.
Where are the other passengers from?
- Our yachts are chartered exclusively for Riviera Travel guests, therefore you will only be travelling with other like-minded passengers who booked with Riviera Travel.
What is the dress code on board?
- There is no dress code.
- Our yacht cruises are informal and relaxed, so casual and comfortable clothing is the order of the day. Shorts and beachwear are welcome during the day.
- Whilst there’s no dress code for the evening, you may choose to opt for more smart/casual attire.
- Due to limited space in the cabin, we recommend you pack lightly and use a soft case.
- It is also advisable to bring sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing excursions and we also recommend bringing some clothes for possible cooler evenings (e.g. windbreaker, light jacket or similar).
Are the cruises family friendly?
- The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over.
- Please bear in mind, there are no facilities onboard for younger guests and children are expected to behave appropriately around other guests and whilst on board the ship.
- Swimming in the open sea is only suitable for those who are competent at swimming in open water.
Is the cruise suitable if I have limited mobility?
- We appreciate reduced mobility means different things to different individuals as we understand that individual capabilities, restrictions and requirements are likely to vary considerably. Our priority is always the safety and comfort of our passengers as well as complying with strict legal requirements relating to safety of life at sea and inland waterways. In order to achieve these objectives, passengers with reduced mobility should at the time of booking provide as much detail as possible.
- Due to certain requirements and mooring conditions in some ports, ships may be berthed side by side. This means passengers will need to cross from ship to the next, sometimes with a gap in between in order to reach the shore. It is therefore important for all guests to take care when crossing between vessels. There are also flights of stairs between decks (no lifts) and walking will be required during shore excursions.
- It is not recommended for guests confined to wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
What currencies and methods of payment are accepted on board?
- Croatia has changed its currency from Croatian Kuna to Euros since 1st January 2023. Therefore Euros will be accepted on board and ashore. Whilst some of our ships have credit card facilities, other vessels operate a cash only system. This will be detailed in your pre travel documents.
- ATMs are available in most ports of call and your Tour Manager will be happy to direct you to the nearest one.
What is the suggested tipping amount for crew?
- Tipping is entirely at your discretion and whilst not compulsory, is much appreciated by the staff on board. An envelope will be provided in your cabin towards the end of the cruise.
- The suggested amount for good service is €70-€100 per person per week. This amount will be split between all the crew members.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
- We provide complimentary Wi-Fi on board all our yachts, however, please note that signal can vary especially when cruising in open sea.
Is smoking allowed on the ship?
- There will be a small area designated outside for smoking that is away from general dining and entertaining areas.
- Cigarette butts must not be thrown into the sea.
- Smoking in cabins or in the restaurant area is not permitted.
Food and Drink
What is the food like on board?
- The food on board is a combination of Mediterranean and international cuisine with traditional Croatian dishes and includes seafood typical for the region.
- Breakfast is normally buffet style and will be a variety of cooked items with continental style meats, cheeses, cereals and other cold breakfast items.
- Lunch on board normally consists of a set menu with 3 courses. Starters are often salads, soups or pasta, followed by a main course – meat or fish with vegetables and a dessert. There is normally only one choice for each course. Wherever possible, the chef will try and source local ingredients to show the local cuisine available.
- Dinner will either be similar to lunch with 3 courses when served on board or you will have the opportunity to dine ashore and enjoy the delightful local restaurants within walking distance of your ship. There will also be one evening dedicated to ‘Captain’s Night’ where you will be served a delicious dinner on board in the company of the ship’s captain.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
- As long as we have been given sufficient notice of any dietary requirements, these can normally be catered for on the ship.
- Please note requests such as gluten or dairy free may involve limited alternative options depending what ingredients and food items can be sourced locally.
Can I bring my own food and drink on board?
- It is not permitted for you to bring your own food and drink to consume on board the ships.
Is water provided on board?
- Yes – water fountains are available on board all our ships for you to access drinking water at anytime and to refill water bottles.
Are drinks included on board?
- Drinking water is available on all our ships, as well as tea and coffee, during your stay on board.
- Tea and coffee will be served at breakfast.
- There will be self service facilities which guests can access during the day.
- No other beverages are included, but each ship offers a well-stocked bar providing a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including local specialities for purchase and consumption on board.
Excursions
How long do excursions last and do I have to join them?
- Guided trips ashore typically last between 60-120 minutes. They are entirely optional and you may choose not to join them and explore independently. Excursions may take place later in the afternoon, especially if the weather is hot.
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes during excursions as many old town streets are cobbled and may involve steps. You are also recommended to bring some water with you if the weather is hot.
- We kindly ask if you decide not to join a tour just to let you Tour Manager on board know so they do not wait for you.
Can I just walk ashore at each port?
- Yes you can! Once the ship is safely docked, you will be allowed to go ashore independently. At some ports an excursion has been arranged so if you would like to join, don’t forget to return to the ship at the designated time.
- It is also worth noting that due to certain requirements and mooring conditions in some ports, ships may be berthed side by side. This means passengers will need to cross from one ship to the next, sometimes with a gap in between in order to reach the shore. It is therefore important for all guests to take care when crossing between vessels.
What type of ports do we visit?
- Our ships are designed to be able to call at smaller ports along the Croatian coastline and to visit the many islands in this area. Whilst you will likely embark and disembark in the larger cities of Split or Dubrovnik (which are fascinating ports in their own right), the majority of ports during the cruise will be local towns where you can immerse yourself in typical Croatian culture and enjoy the local food and drink.
- For calls to slightly larger towns, we usually include a guided walking tour so you can learn some of the history of the area and have an orientation tour before enjoying some free time to visit independently. Whereas with the smaller villages and ports we call at, you can simply visit the destination at your leisure, as the ports will be easy to explore on foot straight from the ship.
Swim Stops
Are there swimming flotation aids on board?
- Each ship will have a selection of swimming aids such as noodles, floats etc. You are advised to bring your own masks and goggles if required.
- There are no lifeguards on board, so it is important that you swim according to your own abilities.
- Please note, sea urchins can sometimes be found in these open waters, we therefore recommend you wear swim shoes as a precautionary measure.
Are swim stops supervised?
- Whenever the ship anchors for a swim stop, members of the crew and tour manager will be supervising from the back of the boat and safety measures such as having a rib in the water will be put in place (exact measure will depend on the ship).
- We do not recommend swimming in the sea unless you are a competent swimmer.
- Be aware that occasionally, unforeseen currents under the water can take you further out to sea than you’d expect.
- The captain will always try to find a safe and suitable location for all swim stops and occasionally this may vary from the swim stops advertised.
Sailing
How much time do we spend sailing?
- The majority of sailing is made during the day. The itinerary is designed so you have an overnight in port to enjoy dinner ashore at local restaurants (if not included on board) and then the ship sets sail the next morning to the next port of call. Each day, the Captain will try to find a suitable and safe spot for swimming (obviously subject to sea and weather conditions).
- You will then arrive at your next port of call mid to late afternoon to enjoy an independent visit or a guided walking tour. Whilst this is the usual format of each day, it also varies depending on the itinerary as on some itineraries you may have a full day in port and on others you might have an extra port at lunchtime. This is what makes each of our yacht itineraries unique and individual!
- The captain may also adapt the route between ports and islands along the coastline depending on the local conditions but will always aim to find the most suitable route and ports to ensure you have a comfortable sail on board and visit ashore.
- Please be aware sometimes the order of the itinerary and location of swim stops may change to those advertised.
Will I experience sea sickness while sailing?
- The ship will be moored in port overnight each night, so there will be minimal movement to allow for a restful night’s sleep. The majority of sailing will be during the day and ships may be cruising the coastline or in open water, therefore depending on weather conditions, it may be possible you will feel some movement on board.
- If you are concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice before travel as there are many treatments available such as travel sickness tablets and travel wristbands.
What happens in inclement weather?
- In inclement weather, the Captain will endeavour to continue the itinerary as planned wherever possible, however there may occasionally be a change of course or port and/or swim stops may be omitted if it is deemed unsafe to anchor/moor.
- There is always the possibility that itineraries may be changed to ensure a smooth sailing and for the safety of passengers.
- The safety of our guests is our utmost priority and the Captain’s decision is final.
Other useful information
How different are small ships from ocean liners?
- Small ship cruising is entirely different from sailing on board large cruise ships and ocean liners. The atmosphere is much more intimate, allowing you to get to know your fellow passengers, plus service is much more personal due to the smaller passenger-to-crew ratio.
- The range of facilities provided will also depend on the size and design of the ship, providing a much more authentic travel experience. Due to the size of the ships, it also means they are able to navigate closer to the coastline, down narrow waterways and berth in the heart of towns and cities which is not possible for larger vessels.
Are all your yachts the same?
- Each of our ships are different and have their own unique features and characteristics as well as their own unique Captain and crew! Some of our fleet are more traditionally furnished with polished teak decking and wooden seating whilst others are much more contemporary with gleamingly lit restaurants and modern décor.
- All ships offer a choice of comfortable air-conditioned cabins with modern en-suite bathrooms, and all public areas will be a welcoming place to relax, featuring sun decks with loungers, some even with hot tubs!
- And of course, each of our yachts follows a different itinerary so you can travel on different ships without doing the same route twice.
What are the differences between cabins?
- The exact differences will depend in individual ships – it’s best to check the deck plan and detailed cabin descriptions for each ship. Individual pages for each ship can be found at the bottom of this page and in the yacht section of our Ships page.
- Generally:
- Upper deck cabins have picture windows and/or balconies and will therefore be brighter with natural daylight, however they may be a little noisier compared to lower deck cabins.
- Lower deck cabins usually offer portholes for natural light and are often more spacious. They also tend to be cooler and quieter (although occasionally some lower deck cabins may experience some engine noise when setting sail).
- It is worth nothing that sometimes, ships berth side by side whilst in port therefore windows and balconies may face adjacent ships.
Is there a maximum limit for luggage?
- There is no official limit to the amount of luggage on the cruise.
- You will be subject to the luggage allowance limitations according to your flight and airline.
- It is recommended to travel fairly light, due to restricted storage space in ship cabins.
