Ocean Cruises in Balkans
Balkans by sea reveals coastlines that stun. Don’t miss Dubrovnik's walls, visiting Kotor's bay, discovering Split's palace, touring Greek islands, and relaxing in Montenegro's beaches. You'll see the Adriatic's best bits and taste regional cuisines. Balkans cruising combines Mediterranean beauty with prices that won't destroy budgets.
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- Choose from 19 Balkans tours
- 15 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Albert • traveled in September
Great team and itinerary on the cruise - perfect balance of historical sights and leisure activities. The only area of improvement would be the food. The Captain's dinner was quite good, but the daily breakfasts and lunches were mediocre. Lose the mini croissants! I can't say enough about the crew. The overall tour manager gave great verbal overviews of the islands and towns before arrival. The bar crew was great company too. The rooms were basic, but were big enough to not be cramped.
Croatia Mini One Way Cruise Dubrovnik - Split
10 best Ocean Cruise Balkans tour packages
Compiled by
NadineBalkans travel expert at TourRadar
- The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 1 Night in Budapest 2027
- Gems of the Greek Islands & Adriatic Coast
- Island Odyssey: Malta, Sicily & the Greek Isles
- Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest & 1 Night in Bucharest 2027
- Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)
- Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (Zagreb to Dubrovnik) (2025)
- Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate B Cabin)
- Iconic Greek Islands & Gallipoli Peninsula
- Lower Danube Discovery with Vienna & Transylvania 2027 - 22 Days (22 destinations)
- Wonders of the Greek Islands & Aegean Riviera
The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 1 Night in Budapest 2027
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Duration 13 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$6,347+$288 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$16,045
The Scenic Eclipse II glides through Balkan waters, offering expert-guided tours of Nafplion's Old Town and Monemvasia's medieval fortress. Small ports like Spetses and Hydra welcome you while butler service and gourmet dining enhance the luxury experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations Malta, Italy, Greece Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$11,640
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Croatia, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$5,187+$252 upfront costs
Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate C Cabin)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Everything was well put together and well planned.”
Darcie, traveled in September
The Aegean opens before you from Athens, revealing Mykonos' cobbled streets and Kusadasi's ancient ruins. The route includes Patmos' sacred sites, Crete's Minoan palace, and Santorini's villages, featuring onboard dining, entertainment, and optional guided shore excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Athens, Delphi, Thermopylae, Kalabaka, Metéora, Mykonos, Chora, Kusadasi, Patmos, CreteSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $2,724
9% Off- US$2,467You save $258
MS San Spirito welcomes you for 7 nights along the Balkans' coastline. Venture into Biševo's mystical Blue Cave, roam Hvar's historic town, wander Korčula's medieval streets, and relax at Bol's Golden Cape beach. Savor traditional Dalmatian cuisine at local restaurants.
Duration 12 days Destinations Zagreb, Vodice, Sibenik, Krka National Park, Split, Trogir, Bol, Stari Grad, Hvar Island, BiševoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
9% Off- US$5,299
Highlights of Greece with Cruise (Start Athens, End Athens, With 3 Days Cruise, Moderate B Cabin)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
This 8-day cruise aboard the MV Celestyal Discovery takes you from Athens through the Greek Islands' turquoise waters. You'll check out the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus in Kusadasi, Turkey, see the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, and wander Chora's narrow streets in Mykonos.
Duration 8 days Destinations Athens, Delphi, Thermopylae, Mykonos, Chios, Chora, Santorini, Oia, Kusadasi, PatmosSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $2,599
9% Off- US$2,354You save $245
What our customers ask about Ocean Cruises in Balkans
When is the best time to take an ocean cruise in the Balkans?
The Balkans cruise season spans from late April through October with July and August drawing the largest crowds. Spring brings mild weather that's perfect for exploring sites like Athens' Acropolis and Kusadasi's Ephesus ruins without the peak season crowds. September and October offer particularly smooth sailing around the Greek Islands with temperatures holding steady at 25°C (77°F). A TourRadar traveler noted "We took our cruise in early September and the weather was perfect - warm enough for swimming in Mykonos but not too hot for sightseeing in places like Delphi and Meteora." Many operators reduce services during winter months when seas become rougher.
What are the typical highlights of an ocean cruise in the Balkans?
Balkans ocean cruises connect travelers with essential stops along Croatia's Dalmatian coast Montenegro's Bay of Kotor and the Greek Islands. Visitors explore UNESCO sites like Dubrovnik's Old Town and Split's Diocletian's Palace while discovering islands such as Hvar and Korčula. According to TourRadar travelers the mix of history and natural landscapes sets these cruises apart: "Beautiful country excellent tour guides magical islands and fantastic crew" one reviewer noted about their Croatian Islands experience. Daily schedules blend cultural tours with free time at local beaches and bays.
What kind of food is served on Balkans ocean cruises?
The food aboard Balkans cruises reflects both local traditions and international tastes. Take Scenic Eclipse II which offers 10 dining venues from French cuisine at Lumière to Asian fusion at Koko's. Local specialties feature fresh seafood Dalmatian prosciutto Greek mezedes and regional wines. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food was delicious with traditional Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to ancient recipes." Ships typically serve breakfast buffets alongside formal lunches and dinners with options for various dietary needs. Some routes like Collette's Croatia & Its Islands include local experiences such as winery visits and meals at family restaurants in port towns.
What shore excursions are typically offered on Balkans cruises?
Shore activities on Balkans cruises range from historical tours to nature experiences and cultural programs. Visitors can join walking tours through Split's Diocletian's Palace explore Croatia's Blue Cave on Biševo island or taste wines in Peloponnese. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The local guides were excellent especially in Korčula where we learned about Marco Polo's history." While many excursions come included additional options like trips to Monemvasia's fortress or Delphi's ruins are available for booking.
How much time is spent at each port during a Balkans cruise?
Port visits last anywhere from half a day to overnight stays giving travelers time to properly explore each stop. Scenic's Island Odyssey cruise provides a full day in Mykonos and an overnight in Nafplion while Nature Trips' Croatia Mini cruise allows extended time in towns like Korčula and Hvar. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The schedule was well-balanced - enough time to explore each port without feeling rushed." Daily schedules mix guided tours with independent exploration time at UNESCO sites and local beaches.
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