I’ve sailed through the Mediterranean and surrounding regions on a few different cruises over the past years, including Virgin Voyages in 2025, a winter sailing on the Celebrity Infinity in 2025, and earlier trips with Peace Boat in 2023. Each journey felt completely different, but they all had one thing in common: limited time in each port and a lot of decisions to make on the spot.
Here is my honest, detailed cruise port guide for Split, Dubrovnik, and Kotor, focusing on what we actually experienced, hidden gems, crowds, and practical cruise tips.
Split (Croatia) – Diocletian’s Palace & Hidden Rooftop Views
Our Schedule: A Cherished Return Visit to Split’s Historic Old Town
Returning to Split is always a delight. As a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming coastal city continues to captivate with its rich history and vibrant vacation atmosphere. The city center is dominated by the majestic Diocletian’s Palace, which draws large tour groups from around the globe.
Escaping the Crowds: Discovering a Hidden Rooftop Over Diocletian’s Palace
To escape the bustling crowds, we entered Ethnographic Museum Split near Diocletian’s Palace, which unexpectedly gave us access to a hidden rooftop view. The admission fee is 7 euros.
It proved to be a truly exclusive experience—stepping inside allowed us to access a magnificent, hidden rooftop view completely unseen by the average tourist, offering a perfect panoramic frame of the ancient structures below.
Hillside Wandering & Relaxed Mediterranean Atmosphere
Following our historical exploration, a stroll up a nearby hillside revealed a serene area filled with an authentic, relaxing holiday vibe. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and take in the Mediterranean air.
Cruise Tip: Beverage Rules & Onboard Security Surprise
On our way back to the ship, we stopped by a local shop to buy some refreshing ciders—one blueberry flavor and one non-alcoholic variant. Here’s a funny cruise security reminder: upon boarding, the ship security strictly enforced their beverage policy. The alcoholic cider was held by crew, while the non-alcoholic one was allowed onboard.
Cruise Excursions for Split
Split is highly walkable, but booking skip-the-line access or a guided tour ensures you don’t waste time:
Split and Trogir SMALL GROUP Tour with Cruise Ship Drop Off
Split: Game of Thrones Small group Tour with Diocletian’s Cellar
Blue Cave, Mamma Mia, Hvar and 5 Island Small Group Tour
Dubrovnik (Croatia) – City Walls, Old Town & Underground Cave Cafe
Our Schedule: A Nostalgic Return to the Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik remains absolutely breathtaking. I had previously visited in 2015, but this return allowed a full exploration of the city.
Conquering the €40 City Walls: A 2-Hour Trek with Priceless Views
At €40 per ticket, the city wall admission was the most expensive optional activity of the cruise, but it was worth every cent.
The full walk took around two hours under strong sunshine. It was May so the temperature was fine to me as a Taiwanese. Every angle offered cinematic views of terracotta rooftops and deep blue Adriatic waters.
Completing the full circuit felt incredibly rewarding.
Normally I am not that kind of person who post photos of themselves in blogs all the time but isn’t it a good photo?
We made it to the top and the view was beautiful!
Heat, Views & Photogenic Old Town Streets
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is packed with visitors when cruise ships arrive, but the atmosphere remains magical. The combination of stone streets, coastal views, and medieval architecture makes it one of the most photogenic cruise stops in Europe.
Hidden Gem: Underground Cave Hard Rock Cafe
After the hike, we went back to our Virgin Cruise and had some delicious (free) pizza, and come back to the old town again with free shuttle, and discovered a unique Hard Rock Cafe located inside a natural underground cave.
The cool interior provided a perfect escape from the heat and we had some drinks while enjoying the atmosphere.
Cruise Excursions for Dubrovnik
Top Pick: Dubrovnik: Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide
Pop Culture Special: Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Walking Tour with Optional Lokrum Visit
Sea Perspective: Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking Tour of Lokrum Island and Betina Cave
Kotor (Montenegro) – Fjord Sailing, Rain Surprise & Scenic Old Town
Our Schedule: First-Time Visit Through the Balkan Fjords
Our arrival into Montenegro offered spectacular scenery as the ship slowly navigated the narrow fjord-like bay.
Tender Port Experience & Sudden Rainstorm
Kotor is a tender port, requiring shuttle boats to reach shore. Just as we arrived, a sudden downpour hit, and we quickly bought a €4 poncho. The rain stopped immediately after—classic travel timing.
Our Lady of the Rocks & Scenic Fjord Views
Despite the weather, the highlight was the breathtaking fjord scenery and the iconic islet church, Our Lady of the Rocks, visible when we leave the fjord.
Local Food Highlight: Traditional Cream Cake Experience
One of the surprising highlights was trying a local traditional cream cake dessert, rich and layered like a mille-feuille. It was the perfect sweet stop during a rainy day exploration.
Cruise Excursions for Kotor
Must-Book: Kotor: Blue Cave, Submarine Base, and Lady of the Rocks Tour
Walking Tour: Small group Montenegro Tour for Cruise Passengers
Panoramic Option: Exclusive Blue Cave Kotor Swim, Mamula&Lady of the Rock 3 Hour
Final Thoughts: Croatia Cruise Experience
Cruising through Croatia and Montenegro offers an incredible mix of medieval cities, coastal landscapes, and unforgettable scenic sailing moments. From Split’s hidden rooftops to Dubrovnik’s iconic walls and Kotor’s dramatic fjords, each port delivers a completely different experience.
With limited time in each stop, planning ahead ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting in queues. Whether you prefer walking tours or independent exploration, these ports are some of the most rewarding in the Mediterranean.
More Port guides:
5 Best Aegean Cruise Ports Guide: Santorini, Mykonos & Honest Warnings
Alaska Cruise Ports Guide: Best Excursions & Things to Do in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan & More!
Mediterranean Cruise Review:
Virgin Voyages First-Timer Tips: What to Know Before You Sail
Is Virgin Voyages Worth It ? My Honest Resilient Lady Review
Mediterranean Celebrity Infinity Review: Amazing Food, Fun Shows
Is Celebrity Infinity Worth It? Honest Mediterranean Cruise Review
Alaska Cruise Ports Guide: Best Excursions & Things to Do in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan & More!
