Why a Celebrity Cruise through the Adriatic should be your next vacation

Sparkling azure waters, ancient Roman ruins and rolling Balkan hills: the Adriatic Sea has long carried a certain golden-hued allure in the imagination of travellers. More than offering a quintessential Mediterranean experience, this sea opens the door to the lesser-known and ancient gems of the Eastern Balkans, such as Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Split.    

Recently, William Skorupinski, CAA North & East Ontario's Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Services, explored the histories, cultures and landscapes of the Adriatic. We sat down with Skorupinski to get his impressions from his recent trip aboard the Celebrity Constellation with Celebrity Cruises. 

Zadar, Split and Krka

In the heartland of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, just across the sea from Italy, lie the historic cities of Zadar and Split - two staples of cruise line itineraries. Zadar, the oldest city in Croatia, traces its roots back to the 9th century BC and has played a role in every empire that has touched the country's shores.  

Split, Croatia's second-largest city, boasts an equally impressive charm - home to the remarkable palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and a vibrant Old Town brimming with cultural and commercial life.  

Yet, beyond the bustling cities lies the true treasure: Krka National Park, a sprawling and gorgeous slice of southern European nature that is a perfect day trip from either of the two ports. 

"It was absolutely gorgeous scenery driving inland from Zadar—you went down a stream, over a couple of little waterfalls, and then there was a 22-meter waterfall that we had to portage. It was absolutely the most spectacular waterfall I've seen in my life," recalls Skorupinski.  

Reflecting on the journey, he adds, "For those two kilometres, every corner, every time you turned around, there was another little waterfall, and at the end, it all came into one big river." 

Dubrovnik

Best known today as the filming location for King's Landing in HBO's Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik feels like a realm of fantasy of its own.  

Winding streets, seaside views, and towering medieval walls lie delicately nestled against a dramatic hillside, creating an otherworldly harmony of architecture and nature with a rich history spanning from Rome to the Venetians. For fans of the series, it's the closest thing to being in Westeros without the intrigue and mayhem.  

Skorupinski recalls absorbing stunning scenery at every stop. "You'd look at the hills and couldn't believe it's not real; it was just spectacular." Around every corner and down every alley, there was something unique to discover, from quaint stores to historic churches. "The scenery was by far the best I've seen in the world," he adds. 

Montenegro

While Croatia's Dalmatian Coast has drawn increasing attention from travellers in recent years for its stunning cities, rich history and vibrant culture, Montenegro is quickly emerging as a must-visit destination in the Adriatic. With warm and friendly locals, a gentle pace of life, and majestic mountain views, this small nation is becoming an integral stop on many Adriatic cruise itineraries, says Skorupinski. 

"I think it's being able to go someplace that's a little bit different…They've all had to redevelop, and tourism is a huge thing for them now."   

Overall Celebrity Cruise experience: Five stars 

From its stunning mountain vistas to layers of culture and history, the Adriatic offers no shortage of reasons to fall in love. "I've done Greece. I've done Italy, Spain, France - all the other Mediterranean cruises," notes Skorupsinski, who booked his trip with CAA Travel, which provided end-to-end support, as well as CAA Travel Insurance.  

"This was one part of the Adriatic Sea we had never been to, and I would do the same Celebrity Cruises itinerary again. I would not say that of any other Mediterranean cruises I'd done."  

If you're inspired to experience it for yourself, book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant in person at any CAA Store or by calling 1-800-705-1803.  

Travel Tip: CAA Members booking travel with CAA Travel enjoy exclusive benefits, including up to $75 USD per stateroom in onboard spending credit on select sailings.