Do I need a passport?
Citizens of EU countries may enter Croatia using their national identity cards (if these exist) instead of a passport. Otherwise, passports are required to enter Croatia. However, please be aware that if you are planning on visiting Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina a passport will be required. We recommend that you consult your local embasy or consulate for detailed information. If you are travelling by car you will need a green insurance card.
Are there security measures on the ship?
Sailing on one of our ships is truly a unique experience. However you may want to take into consideration certain unpredictable things which are common on ships.
All the ships are equipped with life saving ships and life jackets which can be found under the beds in cabins or in marker wardrobe on deck or in the salon. If you are non – swimmer, we kindly ask you to inform us and the captain ahead of time.
During your stay on the ship you need to pay attention to the following: the steps are more narrow and steeper than what you are used to at home, the deck area can become extremely slippery after a rainfall or even due to morning dew.
It is strictly forbidden to climb on foremast, jump off the deck during sail or swimming far away from the ship during swimming time.
Due to the fact that wood is a live material that shrinks in high temperatures it is possible for water to enter the cabins following rain or bad weather. In any case we ask that you close the windows in your cabin during bad weather and close the port hole in a below deck cabin during sail.
We would also like to point out that during the high season, harbors can be very crowded and often ships are docked next to each other, so we kindly ask you to be very careful while you are going from one ship to another. This is particularly important if taking place after alcohol consumption, as we or the captain cannot be held responsible for any consequences. Passengers are urged to exercise caution when jumping into the sea when the ship anchors during the swimming break, as well when climbing back on the ship, which can be dangerous for the person doing it and other passengers.
Is there night silence on the ship?
Ships are very acoustic and don’t have sound isolation, so it’s necessary to act according to that. Silence on ships officially begins after midnight.
Overnight stays are for the most part scheduled in bigger town ports (see route description). Since the ports are also every town’s beating heart, and since life in the Mediterranean countries during summer evenings is an outdoor affair (restaurants, cafés, taverns and terraces), ports tend to be lively during the evening and even night hours. Throughout July and August traditional public festivals are held in towns and villages along the coast. These can often go on until the early morning hours. The port of Rijeka, a lively place as it is, also featured a disco-ship during the summer from which one could hear music as late as breakfast time.
Music and the just the right atmosphere are common on most ships - the best parties happen spontaneously.
Should anyone own an instrument such as a guitar or harmonica, they are welcome to bring it with them on board.
Please note that we cannot take responsibility for the noise made in harbours on our ships or other ships at the harbor.
Are there children on the ships?
Most of the cruises are suitable for families, so you might find children on board. A cruise in any case presents a special experience for children. Due to particular circumstances on motor ships, however, we recommend our cruises to be taken only by children of school age that know how to swim. Children will be the first to discover new and exciting things on board, such as the many switches and levers at the helm, hoisting the sails or anchoring. Considering the dangers of an accident that are present, we kindly ask you to respect the rule of parental supervision and to remain attentive with regard to children.
Can the captain alter a route?
Every ship is unique and as such the routes can also be unique. They mainly match the descriptions provided however there can be some variations. Some captains like to show off their favourite cove and sometimes certain ports may be too crowded particularly when at night a large number of ships dock at the same port. The places listed in the descriptions do not necessarily have to be overnight destinations. For example, you may have an opportunity to go sightseeing in the afternoon in one place and end up spending the night in a different port that was listed for the next day of the route. When the choice comes down to a port or a cove the captain usually lets the majority decide, in other words respecting the wishes of his/her guests. Sometimes the order of the route can be switched, for example on routes to islands Cres and Krk half of the ships will first head towards the island of Cres instead of the island of Krk and then continue the journey accordingly. Our routes are planned in such a way that it is easy to reach the day's destination under normal weather conditions - every captain is obligated to alter the route depending on the weather conditions, in other words, lengthen or shorten the time spent in ports. Ships’ timetables as per different routes can be viewed in the route descriptions.
Do the ships put up their sails?
Most of our ships sail their routes with the help of an engine - sailing is only an option when there are favourable winds. Although the conditions may vary from ship to ship, the sails are raised at least once during the week depending on the weather conditions and the ship. Some of the ships do not have sails.
Can I bring my fishing gear?
The Adriatic has an abundance of fish and is ideal for fishing. You can bring your own fishing gear and fish from the ship itself or even from the mainland. Fishing requires a special license issued by tourist agencies or harbour/port management and special fees apply.
Are the departures guaranteed?
Our cruises follow the rule of minimum required number of passengers necessary for the cruise to be realised. If a certain cruise will not look likely to be realised due to insufficient number of passengers, you will be notified of this at least 21 days before the first day of the cruise. Of course, at the same time an alternative ship or route will be offered to you, depending on the availability.
Are bicycles free of charge?
On some routes the bicycle rental is included in the price of the sailing trip, however there are routes where bike rental is possible at an extra fee of 100€ per bike/per week. More information can be found on the route descriptions.
For your safety we suggest that wearing a helmet be mandatory. If you reserve a bicycle the helmet is free of charge and at your disposal. Should you wish to rent a bicycle, we ask that you please inform us ahead of time so that we may reserve both a bicycle and a helmet for you. Our bicycles are of the stable trekking type with aluminium frames, Shimano handlebars, lightweight cargo racks and bottle holders. Mountain-bikes are also aluminium made, with Shimano handlebars, front-wheel fenders and bottle holders. All bicycles are new or one season old. Bicycles are checked and maintained on a weekly basis (after each cruise) and completely renovated during the winter. It is possible for you to bring your own bicycle. Passengers are solely responsible for their bicycle.
How difficult are the bicycle routes?
Our bicycle routes cannot be compared to plains or flatlands. Our tours include uneven and partially mountainous areas, even steep uphill areas which require a certain level of fitness. These routes are for those people that go bicycle riding even when they are at home or are involved in any other sports activities. One must also take into consideration that the temperatures in Croatia are significantly higher than the temperatures you may be used to and that during the months of June and September temperatures can be higher than 30°C. We have created an altitude profile for all of our tours so as to give you an idea of the level of difficulty of the routes and certain portions of the routes.
May I take my partner on a bicycle cruise if he or she is not cycling?
Of course, you can book your cruise together, even if only one person participates in the bicycle tours. The “non-cycling” person may stay aboard during the bicycle routes. The cruise price won’t change, however.
How difficult are the hiking routes?
Our active and hiking routes are adapted to the condition of average recreational hikers. The hiking time and altitude levels from ascents and descents can be seen in the cruise description photo gallery.
Are the guides aboard permanently?
During our “bicycle” and “hike” cruises, tour guides are permanently aboard, to guide the bicycle and hiking tours. During the “regular” cruises, there are no guides aboard. Sightseeing tours and excursions as per itinerary, are guided by local guides.
How does a typical day aboard look like?
Breakfast from 8:00 until 9:00 am, afterwards we weigh anchor and set sail. Around noon we will moor in a cove and have the occasion for a swim. At 1:00 pm, the captain will strike the bell for lunch. After lunch, there is plenty of time left for another swim or to have a snooze. In the afternoon, we will head for our today’s destination which we will reach in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is at your disposal – take a walk through the town, have a drink in a café, or stop for a bite to eat in one of the restaurants. The captain can also give you his recommendation if you like to have dinner aboard. Afterwards, you still have plenty of time for convivial gathering ashore or aboard.
This “typical day” is just an example. A lot depends on the exact itinerary of the route, respectively on personal demands of all guests during the cruise.
What happens if it rains or is extreamly hot?
The descriptions of routes and altitude profiles are strictly informative and can sometimes vary from the actual route taken. This depends on various factors - in agreement with the participants, for example in the event of rain, certain routes can be shortened or in the event of extremely high temperatures a longer swimming break can be arranged. Depending on the physical condition of the participants our guides will recommend a more difficult or easier route. Sightseeing - for example admiring a monument or taking an extra break - which may not have previously been listed in the route description or altitude profile. Due to the fact that roads on the islands often pass above places there is always the possibility of additional uphill or downhill portions. It is also possible that certain observation points can only be reached on foot - in these cases walks will be incorporated.
What is not included in the price?
The sojourn tax and local port fees are not included in our prices. The total amount of 21€ or 25€ per person/per week (depending on the route) is paid on the ship upon boarding. Some routes have port fees included in the price as listed on the detailed route description. Thr price does not include drinks on board (unless otherwise stated), transfer from/to airport (but can be booked ahead of time with us), car parking, entrances fees to national parks (unless otherwise stated), sightseeing (unless otherwise stated) and gratuities. Personal expences are not included.
Regularly the price includes your cabin for the duration of the cruise as well as half board service on the ship. More information can be found on the detailed route descriptions.
What about liability and insurance?
We always recommend our guests to purchase adequate travel insurance. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs.
Participate in bicycle tours/routes at your own risk – Adriagate.com is not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur during our cruises or bicycle tours. We recommend you take out travel insurance.
Are reservation changes permitted?
Once a reservation is confirmed any changes will be made in accordance with the general terms and conditions which you will receive by e-mail when making your reservation. A reservation change is possible if the change is requested more that 30 days prior to departure. If the change is possible and permitted a 20.00€ - 25.00€ fee will be charged. Changes made up to 30 days before departure will be considered as a reservation cancellation and cancellation costs will be applied.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended!!