What are the most common questions about chartering a boat in Croatia?

DAY TO DAY LIVING NEEDS

• Bringing children along: Yes, children are welcome on a charter boat with accompanying adults. Many families will travel together on charter boats just as adult couples or groups would. 
  
  While it may sound counter intuitive to bring kids on a boat for fear of boredom they are kept engaged with lots of swimming, water activities and moving from port to port to see different things each day.
  
  

• Toilets and showers: One of the major benefits of chartering a boat is that your cabin has its own ensuite which includes a toilet, shower and vanity. You don’t have to share the facilities with thousands of other people, you have your own private room at all times.
  
  Yes you can have a ‘shower’ in the ocean if you like and we are sure some people might do a cheeky wee when they are swimming but all of the facilities you would need are on board the boat and available 24/7
  
  
  
• Electricity and Power Points: All cruise cabins are equipped with at least 1 or 2 power points. These sockets require EU plugs with two round pins of 4.8 mm diameter.

  If your devices use different plugs, consider bringing:

1. 1. Universal adapter plugs.
   2. An extension cord for CPAP machines if the power point is not conveniently located.
   3. A universal transformer if your device does not support 220 volts.
      
      

• Internet Connection (Wi-Fi): Complimentary Wi-Fi is available onboard via cellular service. However, due to the ship’s location at sea, the connection may be unreliable or slow at times. It is best suited for checking emails or accessing news portals. Please refrain from downloading files, uploading videos, or streaming Netflix as it impacts the connection for others.
  
  

  For better connectivity, consider using your own cellular data when the ship is near cell towers. Many restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops on land offer free Wi-Fi with more reliable speeds.

• Smoking Policy: Smoking is restricted to designated areas on the ship, usually at the rear on the Main Deck or away from dining areas. Please avoid smoking near other guests, particularly around the swimming platform during swim stops.
  
  

  If you encounter smoking in unauthorised areas, please notify the Cruise Director or Captain immediately for resolution.

• Curfew and Noise Levels: Noise restrictions begin at midnight (24:00hrs). While the ship stays docked overnight, allowing flexibility for passengers to return at their convenience, quiet hours should be observed upon late return.
  
  Noise from shore activities or neighbouring ships may be audible, especially in lively ports during peak seasons. Consider bringing earplugs for undisturbed sleep.
  
  

• Laundry Facilities: Laundry services are not available on board, but it can be organised in major ports like Split, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik, though they require several hours.
  
  

  While hand-washing is possible in your cabin, drying times can be extended. Avoid hanging items over the ship’s rail due to wind risks, including beach towels which may incur replacement charges if lost.

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES 

• Snorkelling and Other Equipment: While some cruises are advertised as ‘snorkelling friendly,’ snorkelling gear, inflatable sea-toys, kayaks, paddle-boards, etc., are typically not guaranteed inclusions on most cruise ships.
  
  
  

  If you wish to ensure availability, we recommend bringing your own equipment or purchasing them from local shops at the ports. Onboard availability of snorkel sets may be limited and cannot be pre-booked.

• Swim Stops: All cruises include regular swim stops during the day. These stops usually occur before lunch and are supervised by crew members acting as lifeguards. 

• Jumping Off the Ship: Jumping off the top deck of the ship is generally not allowed on most ships due to safety and insurance policies. Please respect the captain’s decisions and instructions.

• Seasickness: While the coastal waters of Croatia are generally calm, seas can become rough in bad weather. It’s advisable to bring seasickness remedies with you, as they may not be available once at sea. Please notify the Cruise Manager if you require assistance.

• Night Sailing: The ship does not sail at night. It docks in a new port each afternoon, where it remains overnight. The ship’s engines are not operational while docked, ensuring a peaceful sleeping environment with continued air-conditioning provided by shore power.

• Morning Departures: Ships depart early in the morning, typically between 6am and 8am, as scheduled by local port authorities. Buffet breakfast is usually served onboard from 7am to 9am as the ship heads towards its first destination of the day. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

• Ship Capacity and Itinerary: Croatian small cruise ships accommodate a maximum of 40 passengers and operate exclusively within Croatian waters. They differ significantly from large international cruise liners.

• Safety Measures: Enhanced safety protocols are in place onboard, including the availability of hand-sanitizer in public areas and increased cleaning frequency of public spaces.

• Medical Assistance and Recommendations: For health concerns, please note:

• The Cruise Manager and Crew are not qualified to administer or provide medication, including basic remedies like headache medication. They are trained in basic first aid, which includes bandaging and antiseptic care.

• It is advisable to bring your own medications for emergencies, such as seasickness remedies, headache relief, or prescribed medications, including any precautionary antivirals or antibiotics.

• Health Emergencies at Sea: In case of illness onboard:

1. Inform the Cruise Manager or Crew immediately and confine yourself to your cabin.
   
   
   
2. The Crew will assist with meals, drinks, and other necessary accommodations.
   
   
   
3. The Cruise Manager can help coordinate with your travel insurance provider to determine appropriate actions upon reaching port. You are free to disembark if needed while in Croatian waters.

• Medical Facilities: While larger Croatian islands have medical facilities and doctors, major hospitals are located on the mainland. In serious medical emergencies, disembarkation may be necessary via public ferry, private boat hire, or helicopter to reach mainland medical facilities.

• Travel Insurance Recommendation: We strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for cruises. This ensures your insurance provider can arrange necessary medical transportation in emergencies.

CURRENCY & PAYMENTS ONBOARD

• Currency: The official currency used onboard is the Euro (EUR). 

• Cash Withdrawals: You can withdraw Euros from ATMs using your debit, credit, or travel money card. Euros can also be obtained from banks or exchange offices upon arrival. While credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, some smaller stores in rural areas may only accept cash. It’s advisable to carry a small amount of Euros for emergencies.

• Recommended Cash: We suggest having between 100-200 Euros per person when you board. Cash is necessary for optional excursions and any additional cruise expenses. Charges for beach towel hire and other extras will be added to your bar tab, which is settled at the end of the cruise. Some ships may accept credit card payments, but availability can vary.

• ATMs: ATMs are conveniently located at cruise stops throughout Croatian islands. For more information on ATM locations, visit wise.com/atms-in-croatia.

• Port Taxes: you can pay via invoice to Beyond Travel (upon request) or in cash (in Euros) when you embark the vessel.

• Settling Your Bar Tab: You’ll settle your bar tab on the final evening of the cruise. Some ships offer credit card facilities, but most vessels require cash. There will be ample opportunity to withdraw Euros from land-based ATMs on the final day or evening for paying with cash.

WHAT IS A CRUISE MANAGERS ROLE?

The Cruise Manager serves as the main point of contact between the clients and the crew. Since the crew usually doesn’t speak English, the Cruise Manager acts as a translator and ensures smooth communication. It’s important to note that the Cruise Manager is not employed by the crew but is hired by the vessel provider. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the crew is fulfilling their duties and to address any issues that may arise.

In case of any conflicts or concerns between the guests and the crew, the Cruise Manager facilitates resolution. They can also organise additional services such as excursions, transfers, massages, etc. Additionally, while the Cruise Manager isn’t a guide, they are knowledgeable about the destination and can recommend restaurants or assist with bookings.

Finally, the Cruise Manager will keep the guests informed about the daily schedule, including departure times from the marina and other relevant details.