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What to Pack for Cruise Croatia with @laurenlicup

Headed on Cruise Croatia? Lauren Licup shares her must-pack essentials—so you’re prepped for cliff jumps, swim stops, and late nights along the Adriatic.

This isn’t your typical mega-ship cruise with Broadway shows and endless buffets. Cruise Croatia is a small-boat adventure skimming turquoise coves, hopping off at swim stops, and ending nights wandering cobblestone streets. EF Ultimate Break traveler Lauren Licup has the ultimate packing list to make sure you’re set for every splash, sunset, and seaside cocktail.

Why this cruise hits different

Think less shuffleboard, more cliff-jumping. Days are packed with swim breaks and island pit stops (Hvar! Korčula!), and nights are plenty social. Translation: pack for sun, swims, and a bunch of nights out.

Non-negotiables

  • Refillable water bottle—Stay hydrated (and save cash + plastic).
  • Quick-dry beach towel—Boats don’t always provide them.
  • Cash—A must for tiny island cafés + kiosks.

Swim + sun gear

  • Packable floaty—Ideal for lazy cove drifting.
  • Sunscreen stick—Quick reapply = no greasy hands.
  • Sunnies + wide-brim hat—Adriatic glare is real.

Hydration + hangover helpers

  • Electrolyte mixes—Recover fast after rakija nights.
  • Salty snacks—Clutch between boat rides + cliff jumps.

Footwear + clothing

  • Sneakers—Perfect for Split’s Roman ruins or Dubrovnik’s fortress walls.
  • Water shoes—Pebbly beaches = happy feet.
  • Light skirts/shorts/dresses—Cool fabrics for hot days.
  • Anti-chafing stick—Game-changer for long days exploring.

Local stops to prep for

Expect to wander Hvar’s lavender fields, sip wine in Korčula, or climb Dubrovnik’s walls for golden-hour views. Small shops still prefer cash, especially for figs, seafood, or a shot of rakija.

Practical extras

  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Dry bag for valuables
  • Mini first-aid kit
  • Portable charger

Space-saving hacks

Boat cabins are tiny—roll your clothes, pack in cubes, and stick to versatile pieces (a sarong = towel, skirt, or cover-up). Bring just what you’ll actually wear.

Final checklist: ✔️ Water bottle ✔️ Quick-dry towel ✔️ Floaty + waterproof pouch ✔️ Sunscreen stick, sunnies, hat ✔️ Electrolytes + snacks ✔️ Sneakers + water shoes ✔️ Anti-chafing stick ✔️ Cash (small bills) ✔️ Dry bag + charger + first-aid kit

Ready to cruise

On Cruise Croatia, every day is a mix of swim stops, island strolls, and fresh Mediterranean meals by the water. Pack smart—sun gear, comfy shoes, hydration helpers—and you’ll be free to soak up Croatia’s stunning coast…on a boat…with a bunch of new friends.

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About the author

EF Ultimate Break Staff

The EF Ultimate Break editorial staff includes experts in travel and hospitality journalism, social media and content creation, tour design, and consumer trends. When they’re not writing about travel, creating new tours, and researching what’s next, you can find them—you guessed it—traveling.