Insider tips Cruisin’ Croatia

Sail Croatia co-founder and director, Grant Seuren, offers advice for booking a Croatia cruise.

Croatia is an increasingly popular destination for New Zealand travellers, and the best way to explore this Adriatic paradise is by cruising its azure waters. ■ Book early. My No 1 tip is to be as organised as possible and book early. By booking in advance you will often secure the exact date you are after, your ideal route, deck level, and even ship type.

You only need to make a deposit to secure your spot, so lock it in early.

We have so many travellers eager to join us at the moment, however this close to the European summer it is slim pickings.

■ Travel during the shoulder season. Travelling outside the peak summer months of June, July and August is definitely a Croatia travel hack.

As one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, it is no wonder the towns, landmarks, beaches and restaurants are busy during the peak summer months.

By booking off-peak, you are often booking at a cheaper price, and there are fewer crowds to compete with. May and October are my favourite times to experience Croatia.

■ Consider travelling differently. If you are travelling as a family with older children, it is a great idea to book a sailing holiday. Sail Croatia’s private yacht tours include a skipper and flexible itinerary, allowing you to explore the remarkable islands and bays Croatia has to offer.

We also cater to a variety of travel styles, on top of our well-known Navigator party cruises.

Those looking for an active experience should consider a cycle or hike cruise, while mature travellers seeking luxury small ship cruising will love setting sail on an Elegance cruise.

We also cater to young professionals and young-atheart travellers on our Explorer cruises.