Azamara August Adriatic Adventure Almost All Inclusive 7 Night "Dalmation Discovery"

If you must vacation in the peak heat and hordes of August, here is a weeklong August 19 sailing that combines valuable on-board inclusions with an itinerary that shows off charming Adriatic ports like Dubrovnik and concludes with an overnight stay in Venice that will avoid the worst of the crowds.

Venice and Dubrovnik are uncomfortably crowded with day-trippers and passengers from multiple large cruise ships on most days. Both cities are considering severe limitations on the number of tourists they will admit in future years, so this may be a good time to visit, before the restrictions.

Venice Grand Canal At Night

The Azamara Quest, 690 passengers, built 2000, refurbished 2016, is a comfortable ship that takes advantage of its mid-size to sail close against Adriatic shores.

Azamara Quest

In Dubrovnik, which is usually overcrowded with cruise passengers during the day, Azamara compensates with one of its "Azamazing Evenings," a private performance by cellist Ana Rucner in the heart of Old Town.

The fare includes

• Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
• Gratuities
• Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
• Self-service laundry
• Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
• Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

Azamara Quest Ocean View Cabin

Most Quest cabins are relatively small but adequate, at 143 sq. ft. ocean view and 175 sq ft. veranda plus 40 sq. ft. balcony. The brand's web site today offers an ocean view cabin for $5,496 for two (about $2,750 per person). A balcony cabin for two starts at $9,296.

Ask your cruise agent for additional benefits or on-board spending money, which may be as much as $400 per ocean view cabin.

Itinerary

Venice; Zadar, Croatia; Cruising Croatia Inside Passage; Hvar, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Sibenik, Croatia; Venice overnight