‘Pearl of the Adriatic Sea’ named Europe’s leading cruise destination

Lizzie Thomson

Published March 14, 2024 2:57pm Updated March 15, 2024 9:44am

Dubrovnik Harbor — This historical spot was crowned (Picture: Getty)

We all know we’re in the midst of a cruise renaissance, what with Royal Caribbean’s nine-month journey getting TikTok talking and Virgin Voyages launching month-long trips, too.

But, for those looking for voyages closer to home, a city in Croatia has been named as Europe’s Leading Cruise destination.

Dubrovnik scooped the title at the World Travel Awards 2024 ceremony, held in Berlin earlier this month, for the third time – following wins in 2021 and 2023.

And it couldn’t have come at a better time, with Croatia also crowned as Lonely Planet’s top European destination to explore in 2024.

The spot in southern Croatia attracts 1.5 million every year with its picturesque streets and fascinating history (being one of the last remaining walled towns in the world). In fact, the city’s Old Town is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a popular location for Game of Thrones fans too, as the destination essentially is King’s Landing and is peppered with reminders at every turn, including Cersei Lannister’s walk of shame steps.

The city, often dubbed as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic Sea’, also played host to the HBO show’s cast and crew many times.

Dubrovnik — It’s dripping in history (Picture: Getty)

What's a cruise around Croatia really like?

Metro’s Lifestyle Editor Rachel Moss shared how she find exploring Croatia on a cruise last summer…

She said: ‘The tiny town of Trogir became an early favourite thanks to its laid back charm and stunning mix of Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. We stumbled across a classical concert in the park and spent the evening perched on a children’s slide, listening to talented musicians perform under moonlight.

‘Then there was Hvar, a cosmopolitan port made famous by a young Prince Harry, who jumped fully clothed into a swimming pool in one of the island’s clubs.

‘By day, you’ll want to visit the Fortica Fortress, where a 20-minute uphill walk will reward you with stunning views of the terracotta roofs and crystal clear waters below.

‘By night, Hvar is both a place to see and be seen, the warm lighting making both it – and its guests – more beautiful. Dig out a dress and heels and join the elegant crowds visiting elegant cocktail bars. Don’t bother trying to sleep before midnight.

‘Korčula is another island where old meets new. Known as ‘Little Dubrovnik,’ there’s signs of mediaeval majesty and its former Venetian rule on every corner, but without the crowds and Game of Thrones gift shops that have taken over its larger counterpart.

‘With less character than the others, the towns of Slano and Vis were two we could have missed, though we did enjoy a fantastic dinner at the latter (more on that later).

‘Having visited both Split and Dubrovnik before, a day was plenty of time for us to reacquaint ourselves with the larger arrival and departure ports, though first-time travellers may feel a little rushed.

‘Be sure not to miss The Peristyle within Diocletian’s Palace, a square in the centre of Split where you can sip wine and listen to live music. History buffs will want to walk the city walls of Dubrovnik, but to avoid the crowds (and the heat), watch the tourists go by with a coffee down one of the many shaded side streets.

‘The cruise package includes an excursion each afternoon, with the flexibility to dip in and out if you fancy splintering away from the group. We chose to skip a couple of the walking tours, realising quickly that we preferred to explore the old towns solo. But there are a few group activities you won’t want to miss.’

Read more about her trip here…

Naturally, Dubrovnik’s port has become the perfect docking station for cruises – handling 600 ship calls and around 900,000 passengers annually.

However, it’s worth pointing out that – due to its popularity – Dubrovnik has also had to put tightened restrictions in place for cruise companies.

Back in 2018, the city’s mayor implemented a cap on cruise ship visits that limited the number of arriving vessels to two a day and carrying no more than 8,000 passengers between them.

Now cruise ships are shifting their itineraries away from Dubrovnik and towards the nearby city of Split instead.