We sailed on Royal Clipper from Venice to visit the Dalmation coast. Following a day at sea we visited Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj and Piran before returning to Venice.

Leaving Venice on a ship such as this, especially as the sun is setting, is a splendid experience, passing the famous sights as you head for the open sea. Returning at dawn is also pretty special.

Life on board Royal Clipper is a succession of sumptuous meals. Unfortunately the dining room, though opulent, is poorly designed. The buffet arrangements for breakfast and lunch are not ideal as the buffet itself is subject to logjams of people due to poor access. Dinner is served at your table. The tables are arranged on three levels and the low ceiling height on the uppermost level resulted in the overall noise level being uncomfortably high. The service itself was a little erratic, the first courses being served fairly slowly while the cheese, dessert and coffee came all in a rush. Read more