I checked the cruise schedule for Dubrovnik for when we're there in late MAY and both days have a huge number of cruise passengers who will be there too and arriving early/staying late. Especially on the 2nd day we're there (our only full day) with almost 5400 cruise passengers there when we are going to walk the walls. I know cruise ships dock there most days but is it worth swapping our days in Dubrovnik and Mljet around to go on a day that cruises aren't in port or is it too much backtracking and running around? We planned to rent a car leaving Dubrovnik so this plan would change but that's not a problem. It would obviously add more driving time back and forth, so just wondering if that is worth it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts if you've been in Dubrovnik on cruise ship port days!
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
25692 posts
I’ve been to Dubrovnik a few times and there was always a ship in port, but I didn’t get passenger counts, so …. I have no idea if 5400 is a lot or a typical day.
I would be more concerned if you are there in August, less concerned if you are there in October.
As for the swapping the days around … no idea where you are coming from, going to, other factors so couldn’t begin to give an informed opinion. BUT, you seem concerned so I suspect you will have a heightened sensitivity to the situation and might enjoy the trip more if you do swap the days.
Sorry, cant be more help. But Dubrovnik is a beautiful city with some very interesting history (worth having a guide for a half or full day for that). Enjoy it, spend as much time as you can there and take it all in.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Sorry, I guess I should have said we'll be there the end of May :) I know it will be crowed anytime in summer but was just curious what others thought of trying to see the sights (Old Town, etc) when multiple cruise ships were in port. Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
1249 posts
The cruise ship port area is a bit away from the Old Town. I will venture a guess that if you
get out on the early side and and get some of the popular stuff done early (or wait until
later in the day), you will avoid the worst of the cruise ship traffic. I'd buy the ticket for
accessing the walls ahead of time.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
25692 posts
I'm with shoeflyer. I'm not a huge fan of Croatia but Dubrovnik yes for some reason. I managed to make it work either going into or coming out of Montenegro on several ocassions. I return to Montenegro in June and Dubrovnik might end up being a day trip. For me, its that good ... and I'm not checking the ships. Those cruise passengers will just have to deal with me being there. Again, get a guide and listen to the stories for a day. This isn't ancient history, its 35 years ago ... okay and ancient too.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Sounds good, thank you both! I originally didn’t give it much thought because I read the same about going early/late in the day due to cruise passengers but we only really have 1.5 days there/2 nights there (the day we land at 10:15am and the next full day/night) so wanted to see as much as possible before we move on to Mljet island to explore the national park. Thanks again.
Posted by
1347 posts
I would figure on walking the walls first thing, to avoid the heat if not the crowds. Dubrovnik in midday can be rough, peak crowds and peak heat. It’s a great time to go for a swim, to head out to Lokrum, or just have a siesta. For all its history, Dubrovnik’s old town is mostly just a pleasurable place to hang out and explore a little. It doesn’t make a lot of demands on you as a tourist. With a full day and a couple nights, you’ll have seen everything you need to see.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
25692 posts
It doesn’t make a lot of demands on you as a tourist.
True .... unless you are into the 20th century history and learning of mans inhmanity to man. Then it can be a facinating focal point. For that though you need a good guide. https://youtu.be/7VJ_D-Y9bCY?si=6DBD4T-9wnDKb9l8
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
974 posts
I agree with getting up on the wall as early as you can. When we were there with a RS tour in September of 2024, we had a local tour around Old Town with a local guide, so we weren't able to start walking the walls until after 11. We made it about 1/3 of the way around before it became jammed packed.