FAQ & Information - Wine & Cooking Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun

FAQ & Information - Wine & Cooking Under the Tuscan & Umbrian Sun

25 Most Frequently Asked Questions About CDV overall:

Article	Views
What will the accommodations be like on the Soriano vacations?	26533
What time of day do activities begin?	15942
Do I really need travel insurance?	13378
How long can I wait before making my reservation?	12124
What is your deposit and cancellation policy?	12046
Will there be downtime during our vacation?	11842
Why have I never heard of Soriano?	11160
Do Solo Travelers feel comfortable?	10971
Why would I attend cooking classes if cooking isn't my thing?	10446
What is the price of your vacations?	9973
Is there an iron in our room?	9649
Is July and August a bad time of year for Italy?	9633
Are the rooms air conditioned?	8870
Do your cooking vacations include airfare?	8809
My Husband doesn't cook. What is there for him to do?	8346
Is there laundry service in Soriano?	8282
Why is there a single supplement charge for solo travelers?	8245
Can I extend my cooking vacation with Culture Discovery?	8200
Should I bring my cell phone to Amalfi?	8198
How do I choose between the different locations?	7993
What if my baggage is lost by the airline?	7916
How do I book and pay?	7887
Do I need to speak any Italian?	7730
What is the best time of year to visit Soriano?	7569
How do you celebrate special occasions?	7558

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However, if you cannot put it on a credit card, please contact us." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is travel insurance recommended?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Since we visit remote islands, having coverage for emergency transport is particularly important." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does this compare to luxury 'small ship' cruise lines?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The premium cruise lines that advertise 'small ship' experiences still carry 200-600+ passengers on ships that are 10-50 times larger than ours. While they offer excellent service and luxury amenities, you're still in a formal cruise environment with structured entertainment, assigned dining times, and ports packed with other cruise ships. Their 'small' is still massive compared to our maximum of 28 guests. You'll never have a personal relationship with their crew, you'll never be welcomed into local families' homes, and you'll never anchor in secluded bays because their ships are too large." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What about the cultural experiences on luxury cruise lines?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Luxury cruise lines offer excellent shore excursions and cultural presentations, but they're still tourist experiences designed for hundreds of people. Our Croatian families don't welcome tour groups - they welcome our small family of up to 28 into their actual homes for genuine cultural exchange. The difference is between watching a folk dance performance versus dancing with the band at a family celebration in someone's backyard." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why does this cruise cost so much more than other options?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Let's be honest about what you're actually paying for versus what you get with cheaper alternatives. Most Croatia cruises advertise around $2,200-$3,200 per person, but then you discover drinks cost $12-18 each, excursions are $75-150 extra per person per day, specialty dining costs more, gratuities add $15-20 per day, and you're crammed with 45+ people into crowded tourist ports eating basic food. By the time you're done, you've spent $5,500+ per person for a basic mediocre experience. Meanwhile, our $6,595 includes absolutely everything - premium alcohol, gourmet food, every excursion, all water sports, intimate group size, private bay access, and authentic cultural experiences that literally don't exist for other tourists. It is like comparing first class flight to basic economy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which should I choose - luxury cruise lines or this experience?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ask yourself: Do you want luxury amenities with formal service among hundreds of passengers visiting tourist destinations? Or do you want intimate family experiences in private locations with premium everything included and friendships that change your life? Both are exceptional experiences - just completely different ones." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I get something similar for less money?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Honestly, no. What we offer doesn't exist elsewhere at any price. You could spend less and get a very basic cruise that is little more than transportation with extra charges, or you could spend more on a luxury ship with formal service but no authentic cultural access. What we provide - intimate Croatian family immersion with ultra-premium amenities and total inclusion - is completely unique to CDV. This is why we say 'forget everything you think you know about cruises'" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where do I fly into?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You'll fly into Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia for the northbound routes, and Split Airport for the Southbound routes. We provide transfers from the airport and the city to our departure point and to the city or airport from our arrive point. We strongly urge you to arrive a few days early to fully enjoy the trip." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if my flight is delayed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We monitor all guest flights and adjust accordingly. Since we control our own schedule, we can accommodate some reasonable delays. If we have to leave before you arrive, we will do everything in our power to help you get to the ship." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a passport?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "All non EU citizens need a valid passport. No visa is required for stays under 90 days for most countries." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I get to the ship from the airport?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We provide comfortable transfers from to our departure point from the airport and city center. This is included in the cruise price." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How big is the ship exactly?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Our ship is 160 feet long and accommodates a maximum of 28 guests, making it truly intimate compared to cruise ships that carry thousands, and even the other Croatia small ships that carry 45." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What type of cabins are available?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Main Deck - Inside Access (Cabins 13-18): Interior corridor access with windows and portholes for scenic views. Main Deck - Outside Access (Cabins 9-12): Direct deck entry for easy outdoor access. Lower Deck (Cabins 1-8): Cooler, quieter accommodations with portholes and dual ventilation for maximum comfort." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you really anchor instead of docking?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes! In all except our final arrival port. While other ships crowd into tourist ports, we anchor in secluded bays and use tender boats to reach shore. This gives you private paradise settings that other cruise passengers never experience. Note that anchoring is contingent on weather. If sea conditions or weather do not permit, we will dock." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the Internet on board?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The ship is equipped with Starlink Internet, with speeds typically around 60mbps to 100mbps throughout the ship. There is no charge for internet." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What facilities are on board?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The ship features sun decks, a jacuzzi, sauna, mini gym, dining areas, a jet ski, and all water sports equipment. Everything is designed for our intimate group size." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's really included in 'all food and alcohol'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Everything. All meals, all snacks, all alcohol, all cocktails, all wine pairings. You'll never see a bill for food or drinks. Ever. That said, if you want that special bottle that we don't have on board, you are more than welcome to purchase it on your own and bring it." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the food quality?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Our chef prepares gourmet meals using fresh, local ingredients and recipes shared by the Croatian families you'll meet. This isn't cruise ship buffet food - it's restaurant-quality and home-quality cuisine." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We handle most dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. We need advance notice and a positive attitude since variety may be limited in remote locations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is there food available all the time?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Beyond scheduled meals, snacks, the 'drink of the day', there is also an open bar. The bar is also open until 11PM (often later) for anything you want." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are the cultural experiences authentic?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. These are our friends and extended family - real Croatian families who welcome us into their homes and traditions. These aren't tourist shows; they're genuine cultural exchanges." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What water sports are included?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stand-up paddleboards, jet ski, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and more. Everything is included and always available." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need to be a strong swimmer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You should be comfortable swimming in open water. Much of our experience involves swimming from the ship, water sports, and beach activities. Life jackets are available, but comfort in water is important." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I don't want to participate in an activity?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Everything is optional. Want to skip an excursion and relax on the ship? No problem. Want to join just part of a day? We'll arrange tender service. The ship's amenities are always available." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What exactly is included in the price?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Everything essential: ship accommodation, all meals and alcohol, all excursions, all cultural experiences, all water sports equipment, tender service, airport transfers, and access to experiences that don't exist for other tourists." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's NOT included?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Personal shopping, specific wines or spirits you might want that we don't stock, and anything you choose to purchase independently." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are gratuities expected?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Gratuities are not required or automatically added, but most guests choose to show their appreciation for excellent service. Any gratuities are shared among the hosts, crew, and key ground personnel after the trip." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What currency is used in Croatia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Croatia uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger towns, but bring some cash for small purchases and tips." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much cash should I bring?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We recommend €200-400 for personal shopping, souvenirs, and any independent purchases. Most expenses are included, so you won't need much." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use credit cards everywhere?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Credit cards work in main towns, but many local family experiences are in remote areas where there is nothing to purchase. That is part of the experience. It is about connection much of the time, not shopping." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I pack?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, casual clothes for dinners, sun protection, something white for the White Night Party, and pajamas for the Rakija Mixology Party. We'll provide a detailed packing list upon booking." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What about formal wear?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This is a casual, family-style experience. No formal wear needed. Think 'dinner with Croatian friends' not 'cruise ship formal night.'" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I bring water shoes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, for rocky beaches and sea urchin protection. Also bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the pristine waters we'll visit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I have a medical emergency?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We carry emergency medical supplies and can reach medical facilities quickly if needed. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the ship safe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. Our ship meets all international safety standards, carries all required safety equipment, and is operated by experienced Croatian mariners who know these waters intimately." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I get seasick?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Adriatic is generally calm, and we anchor in protected bays. However, sensitive guests should bring seasickness medication. Our routes minimize exposure to rough seas." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is this suitable for solo travelers?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely! Solo travelers often have the best time because they're most open to new friendships and experiences. You'll never feel alone." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I don't get along with other guests?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "With a small group of guests, group chemistry matters. We carefully screen guests to ensure everyone embraces the family atmosphere. Most guests form lifelong friendships." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know if this is right for me?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you're excited about becoming part of a Croatian family, swimming in pristine waters, celebrating with local musicians, and forming lasting friendships with other adventurous people, this is absolutely for you." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you accommodate special occasions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely! Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals - we love celebrating with family. Let us know in advance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I extend my stay in Croatia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many guests do! We can help with recommendations for extending your visit. You may also want an enhance Croatian trip with one of our immersive land tours around Split and Dubrovnik. This is why we don't do those major cities on the cruise. Additionally, if you would like to extend your trip to any of our others across Europe, we will help you organize everything." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is this really worth the investment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Our guests tell us this experience becomes the standard by which they measure all future travel. When you factor in everything that's included plus access to authentic experiences that money can't usually buy, most guests say it's the best value in travel." } } ] }