Dubrovnik Old Town Sunset Cruise Review: Is It Worth It?

Dreaming of that postcard-perfect sunset over the Adriatic, that’s quite a draw, right? So, it’s almost a given that you’re eyeballing that Dubrovnik Old Town Sunset Cruise. It’s a big question though: does it truly deliver the magic it promises? Well, you’re in the place to find out because I took the cruise, camera in hand, and I’m spilling all the details here. I’ll share my experience, the things that I feel made it amazing, and also a couple things that, very, very slightly, I feel could be better. So, stick around, and you’ll see if this is one experience that you like your time and money to go towards!

Setting Sail: First Impressions of the Cruise

Right from the get-go, there’s this thrill kind of buzzing in the air as you see that boat waiting for you. It’s typically near the Old Town harbor, that itself is steeped in stories and is pretty spectacular. Check-in is usually quite smooth, and you’ll find a crew very, very ready to greet you. First impression of the boat itself is it might be better maintained but depending on the boat it could vary just a bit, still, that won’t affect your cruise a whole lot. What’s a pretty important aspect is seating: some boats offer covered spots, while others are completely open. If you prefer to not be directly in the sun, or there’s rain possibly showing up, grab a seat under cover, yet most of us are going to aim for that perfect, open-air viewpoint to drink in that beautiful sunset!

Now, depending on the operator, you’ll notice just a little variance in boat style. So, there are smaller boats which offer a more intimate vibe, but then those bigger catamarans have way more space to stretch out, like your own sort of viewing platform. Still, all boats usually have seating, toilets, and a bar to grab refreshments, that we know is handy!

The Alluring Views: What You’ll See

The moment the boat pushes away from the harbor, the views just kind of get amazing. Seeing the Old Town from the water, that reveals a completely different perspective. The city walls, mighty and historic, they look pretty grand against that blue sky or, very, very likely, the warm glow from the sun getting low in the sky. The cruise usually, often goes around Lokrum Island, which is an island right off the shore, and its home is a monastery and peacocks. This bit really offers chances to snap postcard-worthy pictures.

As the cruise progresses a bit more, you’ll notice they usually take you along the coastline. Here, it’s almost like you get a peek at fancy villas and hidden beaches. It’s so awesome to see how the landscape slowly transforms with that fading daylight, that you could feel your worries fade with it! Many cruises go far enough out that the views open up so it looks as if, well, that you could really see the whole coast. Seriously, just seeing that sky changing colors over the sea? Pretty unforgettable.

Sunset Spectacle: The Main Event

Obviously, the star of this whole show definitely tends to be the sunset. The Adriatic sunsets are sort of legendary, yet experiencing it from that boat is a different type of experience completely. Watching the sun dip bit by bit into the horizon, it paints that sky in every color that it can reach. I’m talking oranges, pinks, purples… so, that’s as if someone splashed them right across that sky!

And arguably, this isn’t just seeing colors, that is definitely the atmosphere. The way the light reflects off that sea, also illuminates the Old Town, which arguably does create almost a storybook scene. That city just glows, and the ambiance, usually, is full of quiet awe and maybe, actually, you could even hear those cameras clicking all around while everyone’s trying to catch that magic. This, really, is when you are just sitting and soaking in that moment because its magical in the most truest sense. It’s not super technical. Yet very, very gorgeous to appreciate while traveling!

What’s Included: Drinks, Music, and Ambiance

Almost every sunset cruise has some kind of drinks offered, and usually, that comes in the cost of the ticket. I had that classic local selection which had wine, beer, and sometimes some sodas and water too it seemed. Very likely, it’s a pretty nice touch because sipping a cold drink while watching that sunset? That’s vacation bliss for ya!

On some cruises, usually, they’ll offer snacks like nuts or fruit which could be good in some respects if you are peckish. It all does rely on the cruise company so, it would be smart to double check what’s offered beforehand. As for tunes, they vary widely! Some cruises will have a mellow playlist that fits the vibe very nicely, yet others may go with something a bit more upbeat, almost setting more of a party feel. As I was saying, regardless, tunes will always up the mood a little. I will say that vibe on board it almost tends to be very laid-back, everyone is really just there to chill out, enjoy that view, that you could just strike up a chat with someone next to you or just keep to yourself. The mood makes it nice anyway.

Booking Tips and What to Consider

Booking ahead really, actually, can’t be stressed enough. These sunset cruises, seemingly, are super in demand, very much during high season. Reserving in advance basically is guaranteeing you get a spot, especially, really, if you’re traveling during peak months.

What’s key too is read that fine print before clicking ‘book’. See what is actually included like with the drinks and all, what that cancellation policy tends to be, and see if there’s anything else that, really, might sway the deal one way or the other. Something, very, very slightly, important, if seas make you a little uneasy, so consider bringing motion sickness stuff. I find, at the end of the day, cruises can get rocky, yet it’s nice to have a backup just in case. And last, very last tip, remember that camera! And be there able to enjoy it, and let yourself soak in those views because it is the kind of the experience that you will remember, and photos just could never fully capture the true, total magic of it.

Checking what previous travellers say about these things should always be the go to activity when you go to book. It can provide insights into the operations you like, like whether they are punctual, friendly, well maintained and provide a level of information. This can be a real blessing when it’s your turn to hop on board a boat for what is, like your vacation.

Is the Dubrovnik Old Town Sunset Cruise Worth It?

Alright, time to be straight. Is that Dubrovnik Old Town Sunset Cruise really a must-do? Yes, arguably, if you are into awesome views and killer sunsets, I find, as a matter of fact, it truly is! Sure, there might be a few differences based on who you book with. Very likely, the overall experience of gliding on the Adriatic as that sun sets? Pretty magical stuff and something, actually, that a good picture could never do justice. For me, very, very seriously, that was some money well spent.