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Dubrovnik (Croatia, Port Gruz)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-12 01:30

Port Dubrovnik cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Dubrovnik, Croatia, Port Gruz. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Dubrovnik is an Adriatic Sea cruise port and city in Croatia, and one of Europe's historically most prominent and popular vacation travel destinations. The city has population around 43,000 (metro over 66,000). Other major Croatian passenger ports (cruise and ferry) are Split , Zadar , Rijeka , Sibenik .

From Dubrovnik's Port Gruz (translated as "cargo port", locode HRDBV), regularly daily scheduled car and passenger ferries (operated by Jadrolinija) interlink the city with the Elaphites/Elaphiti Islands (Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep) and also with Bari Italy (4x weekly crossings, travel time 7,5 hours).

Medieval Dubrovnik (Ragusa) was founded by the Romans in the 7th-century BC. It was the second-largest independent city-state in the Adriatic Sea (after Venice Italy ). This picturesque town is on the Dalmatian coast and is a major resort vacation destination, best-known for its stone-made double walls and fortifications.

The perfectly preserved Old Town is unique with its steep cobbled streets, marble-paved squares, stone-made churches, palaces, fountains. Among the city's historic buildings are two monasteries, the Rector's Palace, mint house, customs house. However, the most popular tourist attraction are the city walls (visited by over 1,1 million people in 2016) running almost 2 km (1,2 ml) around the city. The walls are 4-6 m (13–20 ft) thick on the landward side, but much thinner on the seaward side. The system of turrets and towers was intended for protection.

The city-state Ragusa was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire (867-1205), the Venetian Republic (until 1358), the Kingdom of Hungary (until 1526) and the Ottoman Empire (until 1806), but remained self-governing as an independent republic. In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte abolished its city-republic status. Following the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, in 1815, the Congress of Vienna/Wien ceded the port town to Austria. In 1920, following WW1 (1914-1918), the town became part of Yugoslavia. During WW2 (1939-1945) it was occupied by the Germans and Italians.

The city's average temperatures are 9 C / 48 F (coldest / January) and 25 C / 77 F (warmest / August). The city is served by an international airport, located approx 20 km (12 ml) southeast of downtown. Bus service runs every 10-20 min, and is operated by all 9 bus lines. Bus tickets can be purchased at every newspaper stand, and also in the bus (at higher price).

From Dubrovnik cruise ship tourists can visit Cavtat, Trsteno and Ston. 

Dubrovnik cruise port

Dubrovnik handles around 600 cruise ship calls and around 900,000 passengers annually. These numbers rank the cruise port as the Mediterranean's 10th largest (following Barcelona ,  Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice , Marseille , Naples , Athens-Piraeus , Genoa , and Savona ).

The port is among cruising industry's most regularly visited and unique destinations. Today. the city is at risk of being destroyed by an overwhelming number of tourists. In 2016, the cruise port handled a total of 529 ship calls and nearly 800,000 passengers. The number of calls in 2015 was 475, in 2014 - 463.

• In 2016, UNESCO sounded the alarm by warning that the city's world heritage status is at risk, highlighting concern about “management of cruise ships” and “the maximum number of tourists in regard to the sustainable carrying capacity of the city”. In August 2016, in one day alone, the city (population around 43,000) was visited by a total of 10,388 cruise tourists. In 2016, the city was visited by over 5 million tourists, which was about 19% of the Mediterranean market.
• In response, in January 2017, the city launched a plan to limit the number of tourists visiting Old Town to 8,000. Then were installed a total of 116 CCTV cameras to count people entering or leaving the complex. The situation is similar to that in  Venice Italy , where locals regularly protest against cruise ship tourism.

The city's UNESCO status was reviewed due to lack of both tourism strategy (focusing on cruises) and city management plan. Dubrovnik Port Authority is the main negotiator with cruise ship companies. However, there is an intention to let port's management to a foreign concessionaire. All signed for 2019 contracts limit cruise liners to 2 per day, and the number of cruise tourists to 5,000 daily.

Dubrovnik cruise terminal

In February 2016 was announced the concession contract for construction of a new cruise terminal in Dubrovnik.

• The new facility is operated by "Dubrovnik International Cruise Port Investment" (abbrev DICPI). The company is jointly-owned by Global Port Holdings (GPH, Turkey) and Bouygues Batiment International (France). To allow cruise port operations, the state-owned company Dubrovnik Port Authority, granted a 40-year concession rights to the joint venture company.
• GPH (world’s largest cruise port operator) handles annually around 5 million passengers in its ports worldwide. GPH operates facilities in such large seaports as Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, Valletta, Singapore, also several ports in Turkey.
• Bouygues Batiment International (subsidiary of Bouygues Construction) was involved in the construction of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal ( Hong Kong China ).

Currently, Port Gruz has 2 quays - one with total length 810 m / 2657 ft (2 berths, completed in 2009, cost EUR 26 million) and another with length 230 m / 755 ft (1 berth, completed in 2011, cost EUR 8 million). The port's new quay has length of 400 m / 1312 ft (1 berth) and will be able to handle even the world's largest cruise vessels of RCI's Oasis-class.

Construction works in Dubrovnik port's Gruz area started in October 2016, with scheduled completion by 2018's end. By the agreement with Dubrovnik Port Authority, DIPCI removed existing buildings and cleared the area to build a modern cruise ship terminal, plus accompanying facilities - shopping mall, commercial multi-story garage (dedicated parking facility) and an international bus terminal (in the port).

The new passenger terminal is located just 3 km (2 ml) from the Old Town. The project's cost is around USD 100 million, financed by several major international and local banks.

Currently, Dubrovnik is also visited as tender port of call, which means additional (also smaller) cruise ships anchor in open sea (usually near Lokrum Island) and their passengers are transported to Port Gruz via the ship's tender boats.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia

On the southern end of Croatia's Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik staked its claim to glory during the 450 years it existed as the independent Ragusan Republic, shoulder to shoulder with mighty forces like Venice and the Ottoman Empire. Once a renowned seafaring, shipbuilding and trading center, today it's an enchanting tourist destination. Dubrovnik seduces sightseeing visitors with its polished (and very clean!) limestone streets, theatrical architecture, charming café, welcoming restaurants and distinctive shops along scenic side streets. The natural backdrop, much of which is protected, consists of pine and cypress forests and the shimmering Adriatic, dotted with uninhabited islands. Visitors quickly discover that the wider Dubrovnik area is just as striking as its main attraction—the Old Town.

A wander around the historic heart of Dubrovnik can hit the main sights, but take it a step further (or a staircase further, really), and you'll see that people do still live in the historic quarter, even though its polished streets make it look like a museum. You may catch the sound of a piano from the High School of Music and Arts, or hear the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra rehearsing in the Revelin Fortress, or encounter school kids on a break. Life unrolls as you stroll past. 

Top 3: Things to do in Dubrovnik

Featured shore excursions.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Schedule

Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers ™

Dubrovnik (Croatia) Cruise Port Guide Review (2023)

Everything you must-know about Dubrovnik cruise port: where ships dock, how to get around, top things to do, the Game of Thrones attractions, shopping, restaurants, the best beaches, and what to to visit out of town.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 23, 2023

Dubrovnik is the most visited port in Croatia and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Mediterranean cruise ship itineraries. It is located in the southern part of the country very close to the borders of both Montenegro and Bosnia.

• Where Ships Dock
• How To Get Around
• Top Things to Do and See
• Game of Thrones Attractions
• Shops and Shopping
• Where to Eat, Flavors and Restaurants
• The Beaches in Dubrovnik
• To Visit Out of Town

Dubrovnik's local population is very friendly and ready to help cruise travelers find their way around or that special item to bring home with you.

Dubrovnik has withstood a real test of time, with many invaders, conflicts and countries trying to take it over.

Now that they are finally on their own, and Croatia is in the European Union, Dubrovnik is one of the most sought after destinations of Croatia , the Adriatic Sea and cruise ships on itineraries both in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

All major cruise lines include Dubrovnik on their Mediterranean itineraries and in particular on cruises departing or ending in Venice.

However, Marella Cruise does fly on Tui directly from Britain to the Dubrovnik's Airport and has a number of cruises starting and ending in Dubrovnik.

Where Ships Dock in Dubrovnik

One of the most wonderful cruise ship ports in Croatia, Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic' due to its location on the coast of the Adriatic sea formed by Italy and the Balkans.

However, it must be pointed out that the main Cruise Port in Dubrovnik (Port of Gruž) is around 2 miles (3km) from the Old Town where the top attractions are located, although sometimes cruise ships may also anchor. Find out more about where cruise ships dock  ❯

The Port of Gruž

Photo Courtesy of Dubrovnik Port Authority

How to Get Around in Dubrovnik

Unless your cruise ship is anchored and tendering passengers to the Old Port, walking from Port of Gruž is not really the best option.

Good news: Taxis are available right by the gangway as the cruise passenger exits the cruise ship, costing €14.00 (Euros) per car each way. This fares have been updated in 2022.

Buses are available just outside the exit gate of the port - a return transfer to the Old Town costs €4.00 (Euros) per person. Learn More about Transportation in Dubrovnik  ❯

Photo: © IQCruising.com

Top Things To Do and See

Although the city encompasses a large area, the Old Town , which is a UNESCO Heritage site that all associate Dubrovnik with, is a relatively small city with a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. On the news after the breakup of Yugoslavia, when it was attacked by Serbian forces, Dubrovnik made a dramatic comeback after the war in 1991.

• Gundulić Square

Photo © IQCruising.com

The main attraction for all visitors is the Old Town with its charming marble streets, museums, religious sites, quaint squares, restaurants and shops filled with cruise passengers and other travelers admiring this historic and beautiful city. While visiting Dubrovnik, the cruise traveler can choose to walk the Fortified Walls that surround the city and admire streets, buildings and the people below.

You may also explore marvelous attractions and landmarks or just enjoy some relaxing shopping in one of the open markets - like the one on Gundulić Square. Here is a list of the top historical landmarks in Dubrovnik:

• Placa or Stradum
• Sponza Palace
• Big Onofrio's Fountain
• Small Onofrio's Fountain
• Luža Square and Clock Tower
• Baroque Stairs
• Orlando's Column
• Fort Lovrijenac
• Minčeta Tower

Click here to read the reviews of Dubrovnik's Historical Landmarks  ❯

Or maybe you just want to sit by the docks to enjoy people and boat watching. Or enjoy lunch al fresco in the shade of the many squares of the Old Town. In Dubrovnik, the cruise traveler will find a cuisine that has put smiles on many faces.

Marin Držic House

Many of the major highlights and historical landmarks are home to very interesting museums. But the cruise traveler may also be interested in other smaller collections such as the War Photo Limited or the unusual Home of Marin Držić among other museums. Read more about Dubrovnik's Museums . Whatever you fancy and decide to do, walking along the Placa aka Stradum is a must. The most famous street in Dubrovnik ends at the Luža Square where the cruise traveler can admire the Clock Tower, the Church of St. Blaise , the Sponza Palace (Town Hall) and the Small Onofrio's Fountain among other highlights. Explore Dubrovnik Highlights .

Placa aka Stradum

These are some of the many attractions of Dubrovnik and on the Placa or close by there are many other sites to visit such as the Franciscan Monastery , the Synagogue , the Rector's Palace the Dominican Monastery , the Cathedral , the Gundulić Square or the Baroque Stairs and narrow streets where Game of Thrones was filmed. Explore Dubrovnik Religious Sites.

Game of Thrones Attractions in Dubrovnik

Baroque Stairs - Game of Thrones

In fact, with the huge success of the Game of Thrones series, Dubrovnik has become a major attraction for those looking for the filming locations. If the cruise traveler is a fan of the Game of Thrones , there are a few locations not to be missed: namely, the famous steps and streets where Cersei Lannister is shamed and humiliated in the last episode of Season 5. But many other filming locations of the Game of Thrones season will be found in Dubrovnik and the cruise traveler will certainly recognize many whilst on a walk around the streets and squares of this spectacular city.

Dubrovnik's Shopping

Close to the Port of Gruž, the cruise traveler will only find a fresh market and a supermarket but in the historical center you will find the best shops and shopping streets. Here, the visitor will find an interesting mix of the typical tourist shops with everything from dalmatian souvenirs (along with lots of Game of Thrones merchandise) to local boutiques and handcrafts. But also famous labels and brands like Benetton , Max Mara , Fendi , Gant or Tag-Heuer . For a selection of the best Shops - Learn More about the Best Shopping in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik's Flavors and Restaurants

Restaurant Gradskavana

Dubrovnik's cuisine is truly Mediterranean relying on fresh produce seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and lemon, sometimes with a touch of rosemary or bay leaf. Fish and meat are usually grilled over charcoal or pan fried. Close to the Port of Gruž , there are a couple of excellent restaurant. But it is in the Old Historical City that you will have the opportunity to savor local delicacies in an amazing array of restaurants for all purses and appetites. There are so many choices that sometimes it becomes complicated to pick one. For a selection of the Editor's favorite restaurants Explore Dubrovnik's Flavors and Cuisine.

The Best Beaches in Dubrovnik

For the most outstanding view of the city, mountains, and islands, the Srd Hill is a must go site that can be reached by the Dubrovnik Cable Car, built back in 1969.

For a day on the beach or just for a dip in the Adriatic Sea after exploring the highlights of the Old Town, Dubrovnik has pristine beaches, some of which are pure hidden secrets. Be aware that most beaches in Dubrovnik are not sandy but with pebbles. Discover Dubrovnik Beaches and Outdoors.

Top Places to Visit Out of Town

Korčula is a highlight close by

Photo: Public Domain CC by SA

Most cruise travelers spend the day exploring the attractions of the Old Town but close by there are also a few hidden and very interesting treasures. These can be particularly interesting for cruise travelers that have-been-there-and-done-it-all . Among Dubrovnik's famous surroundings, Cavtat, Korčula, Lokrum, Mljet are highlights and destinations offered on shore excursions but that can also be explored on your own. Discover Out of Town Attractions.

More Dubrovnik Reviews

At The Pier Dubrovnik

Where Cruise Ships Dock and Anchor, the Terminal, Amenities and Services, Shuttle Buses, Taxis and Public Buses, Shops, Restaurants and other attractions close by

Basic Info Dubrovnik

Language Tourist Info Dubrovnik Card Money Matters Good to Know

Highlights Dubrovnik

Cathedral City Walls Rector's Palace Cable Car St Blaise Church

Landmarks Dubrovnik

Placa Sponza Palace Baroque Stairs Big Onofrio's Fountain Pile and Ploče Gates

Museums Dubrovnik

Ethnographic Museum Rupe War Photo Limited Home of Marin Držić Archaeological Museum Croatian War of Independence

Religious Sites Dubrovnik

Synagogue and Jewish Museum St Saviour's Church Serbian Church.

Beaches Dubrovnik

Banje Beach Buža Beach Copacabana Beach

Out of Town Dubrovnik

Cavtat Lokrum Elafite Islands Mljet Korčula Trsteno Arboretum

Shopping Dubrovnik

Local Crafts Souvenirs Gifts Wines Chocolates Markets

Restaurants Dubrovnik

Local Cuisine and Wines Gourmet Al Fresco Coffee Shops Quick Bites

History and Geography Dubrovnik

Brief History Time Line Geography Trivial Curiosities Demographics

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursion and tour of Dubrovnik. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

Submit a Correction / Suggestion.

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Cruise to Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in dubrovnik.

WALK WITHIN THE WALLS

Croatia Dubrovnik Old City

Take a stroll through the walled-in Old Town to discover a wealth of well-preserved landmarks. Walk across the Pile Gate’s drawbridge and get lost in the buzz of the limestone-paved Stradun. Then glimpse historic churches, medieval sculptures, impressive forts and St. Luke’s Tower watching over the harbor.

A WORLD AWAY

Croatia Dubrovnik Woman Cliff

The summit of Mount Srđ delivers the best views in town. Climb winding footpaths (a 90-minute walk from Old Town) or relish a thrilling three-minute cable car ride to the top. Here you can browse museum exhibits housed in 19th-century Fort Imperial and enjoy lunch overlooking the city.

ACTION PACKED ADRIATIC

Soak up Croatia’s picturesque beaches and aquatic adventures in the deep-blue Adriatic Sea. Relax along the pebbled shoreline of Banje Beach. Go scuba diving around the sunken Taranto merchant ship— or hop on a ferry to nearby Lokrum, a serene offshore island with a monastery, fortress and beaches offering panoramic views of Dubrovnik.

LOCAL CUISINE

Old Town is packed with seafood restaurants, while Stradun offers a string of outdoor cafés. For regional Dalmatian dishes try pašticada (beef stew), peka (baked meat and vegetables), or zelena menestra (green stew). Slurp down briny oysters from the Pelješac Peninsula or satisfy your sweet tooth with rožata custard pudding. Then take a strong sip of rakija (fruit brandy) to cap off the night.

Stradun satisfies all your souvenir needs. Or you can stop by local artisan shops for handmade linens. The necktie was supposedly invented in Croatia, and the Franciscan Monastery sells hand cream made from ancient recipes. You can also buy olive oil from the island of Brač or jewelry featuring Adriatic coral and pearls.

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Huskies repeat. Connecticut cruises past Purdue to win second national title in row

Connecticut stands alone. Again.

A balanced offensive effort and another dominant second held led the Huskies past Purdue 75-60 to win the national championship for the second year in a row. UConn is the eighth program to go back to back and the first since Florida in 2006-07.

To do so, the Huskies had to overcome another banner night from Purdue center Zach Edey, the two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and just the third player in NCAA men’s history to be named the Naismith Player of the Year multiple times.

"You can't even wrap your mind around it," Huskies coach Dan Hurley said. "It's just shows how hard this tournament is. What a special group of people and special coaching staff. ... The best group of players you could possibly do it with."

Edey scored 16 points in the first half, bullying UConn sophomore Donovan Clingan and drawing double-team attention when Clingan went to the bench with his second foul. But the Boilermakers went without scoring for the final 2:18 of the first half to send the Huskies into the locker room with a 36-30 lead.

The halftime deficit was Purdue’s first of the tournament.

And as against Illinois in the Elite Eight and Alabama in the national semifinals, UConn pulled away in the second half with increased defensive intensity and an offensive barrage.

A quick spurt coming out halftime put the Huskies ahead 47-34 after a Samson Johnson dunk with 14:30 left. After a pair of free throws from Edey made it 47-36, the Huskies held Purdue without a field goal for more than four minutes to make the score 56-40 with 9:27 remaining.

Once again, the rout was on. Purdue would draw within 13 points at 59-46 after an Edey dunk with 7:31 to go and again at 67-54 with 2:46 left but had no answers on either end of the court for the Huskies, who controlled the tempo and pace in the second half to drown the one opponent pundits believed had the ability to derail the defending champions.

That wasn’t the case.

Defensively, UConn was unable to slow down Edey, who had 21 points in the second half and finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds.

Edey’s 177 points this postseason are tied for the second most by a player in tournament history with Princeton’s Bill Bradley in 1965 (177 points), trailing Michigan’s Glen Rice in 1989 (184 points).

With Edey tough to contain, the Huskies’ overall depth and wealth of scoring options in the backcourt made the biggest difference. The threesome of Cam Spencer, Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle combined for 47 points on 17 of 38 shooting. Newton repeated as the tournament's most outstanding player.

UConn had four players score in double figures, led by Newton’s 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Despite his foul issues, Clingan added 11 points and five rebounds.

"We recruit really talented NBA players that are willing to not make it about themselves," Hurley said. "To be a part of a winning group and to go for all the championships and while doing that their draft stock still is really, really high. We both win. Uconn wins and the players win."

Along with Edey, Purdue guard Braden Smith had 12 points. But the rest of the Boilermakers went a combined 5 of 27 with 11 points. Despite facing a growing deficit during the second half, Purdue attempted just seven shots from 3-point range, making one. UConn went 6 of 22 from deep.

Overall, the Huskies allowed 18 points during a 20-minute span of game time spanning the first and second halves.

Beating the Boilermakers puts an exclamation point on one of the most impressive runs in NCAA men’s tournament history and gives the Huskies an argument for being counted among the best teams in college basketball history.

The win was the program’s 12th in a row in tournament play, all by double digits. The closest win during this span was 13 points against Miami in last year’s Final Four.

UConn is the fourth Big East team to win the national championship in the past eight tournaments. The last team from the Big Ten to do so was Michigan State in 2000.

Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

Breaking News Reporter

Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

An 80-year-old had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise excursion. After the ship left her behind on an African island, her family tracked her journey home using an Apple AirTag.

• Julie Lenkoff had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise-sponsored tour on an African island, her son-in-law said.
• The cruise continued sailing, and the tour company said they left her with other stranded cruisers.
• The family said Norwegian failed to contact them while Lenkoff was abroad. They used an AirTag to track her journey home.

It wasn't a surprise to Julie Lenkoff's family that she was going on another cruise.

The 80-year-old has visited 120 countries, speaks 10 languages, and has been on countless cruises. Lenkoff is an experienced traveler, so no one batted an eye when she boarded a 21-day Norwegian cruise along the coast of Africa by herself on March 20, Kurt Gies, Lenkoff's son-in-law, told Business Insider.

But her family was shocked when another cruise passenger phoned Lenkoff's daughter, Lana Gies, to tell her they were with Lenkoff, Kurt said. She had been released from a hospital, could hardly speak, was losing her vision, and was on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt told BI Lenkoff had a stroke during a cruise-sponsored excursion and that the tour operator and cruise company left her at a hospital, where she was later discharged and left to figure out her own way home.

Kurt said a group of stranded tourists helped Lenkoff return to the US, where she remains in serious condition at the Stanford Medical Center.

"We had the means, the technology, and the ability to navigate this massive network to get her home," Kurt said. "I can only imagine if a family didn't or if that person was truly by themselves. What would've happened?"

The family says they have other stranded cruisers to thank for Lenkoff's return

On March 27, day eight of the Norwegian cruise, passengers disembarked the ship to explore São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt said Lenkoff joined a cruise-sponsored excursion with the tour company Navetur Equatour. During the tour, she passed out and fell, Diogo Beirão, the chief operating officer of the tour company, confirmed to BI. When Lenkoff regained consciousness, he said she couldn't speak English and had lost feeling in the right side of her body.

At the time, Beirão said the main concern was if Lenkoff had broken a bone or experienced a concussion. Kurt said doctors in the US later confirmed that Lenkoff had a stroke.

Beirão told BI that his tour guides brought Lenkoff back to the dock, where he says a nurse from the Norwegian cruise evaluated her on the pier.

In a statement sent to BI, a Norwegian cruise representative said that "on March 27, 2024, an 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

Beirão said Lenkoff was transported to the closest hospital, which was "not very comfortable" because it "had no private rooms, just curtains." However, Beirão said he believes it was the right decision not to let her reboard the cruise.

Kurt said Norwegian brought Lenkoff the belongings from her room; however, her credit cards and cash were lost. He added that the tour company later found the missing wallet in a tour van, which was brought to Lenkoff more than 24 hours after she was released from the hospital.

Kurt said he and the rest of Lenkoff's family had no idea this was happening since Norwegian hadn't contacted them.

Meanwhile, a group of eight people were on a separate, private tour of São Tomé and Príncipe. BI previously reported that the tour ran into issues, and the group missed the ship's boarding deadline .

The group was stranded on the island without cash or medications and with one working credit card, which passengers Jill and Jay Campbell owned. The group found a hotel, contacted the closest American consulate, and planned to meet the ship at its next port in the Gambia.

As all this was happening, Kurt said, Lenkoff was released from the hospital.

Beirão said he was unaware that Lenkoff had a stroke, but he visited her at the hospital, and "she was not totally functional" but "could speak very well." While Lenkoff could communicate, Beirão said she often forgot what she was trying to say mid-sentence.

In Norwegian's statement, the representative said: "We attempted to call the guest several times, and as we were unable to reach her, we worked directly with our port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, to receive updates about the guest."

"In instances such as these," the statement continued, "as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent."

Kurt said there are no phone or WhatsApp records of Norwegian reaching out on her cellphone, and he believes that family members should've been contacted in this instance since the company could not reach Lenkoff to confirm she was in a coherent state.

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After being discharged, Kurt said the tour company connected the Americans with Lenkoff.

"You have people figuring out how they're getting off this island, and they're given the responsibility to take care of an 80-year-old woman who just had a stroke," Kurt said.

At the time, Lenkoff had no way to pay for anything, so the Campbells provided Lenkoff with food and a place to sleep, Kurt said.

"I truly believe sometimes we're put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman who was left alone. God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here," Jay Campbell told North Carolina's WRAL .

Kurt said Lenkoff was still having trouble speaking and had started to lose her vision.

Using Lenkoff's phone, Jill Campbell called Lenkoff's daughter to tell her what happened. Around the same time, the American consulate called, though Kurt said the family was unsure how the consulate learned about Lenkoff's state.

Kurt said he and Lana attempted to reach Norwegian multiple times but couldn't connect with anyone at the company.

"It was decided that we need to get Julie off that island," he said. "No one at Norwegian was going to take responsibility for it."

The Norwegian representative told BI Lenkoff had been "escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return."

Kurt said all of Lenkoff's travel arrangements were "made by her family" and that it wasn't Norwegian who escorted her, adding that the "airlines took responsibility for ensuring she got safely on each plane segment during her journey home."

He said Lenkoff flew to Lisbon, then to Toronto, and finally to San Francisco.

Thankfully, he said, Lana had sent her mom with an Apple AirTag so the family could watch Lenkoff make the trip back to the US.

The Apple product has become popular for tracking everything from missing suitcases to lost golfing equipment and a magician's sound equipment . Some parents are even using them to keep track of their children . According to Benzinga , Apple sold $1 billion worth of Airtags within two years of releasing the tracking device.

Kurt said he and Lana used the AirTag to follow Lenkoff in Lisbon as she reached her next gate.

"We were able to track her movement across the world as she was coming home, and that was a huge relief for us," he said.

Once Lenkoff arrived in California, Kurt said she was medically evacuated to the Stanford Medical Center.

"They pull her out on a gurney and this huge smile comes across her face as she sees her daughter for the first time," he told BI.

Today, Lenkoff is in critical condition

Since arriving at the hospital in California, Kurt told BI that Lenkoff has undergone numerous tests and scans. He said doctors believe she may have also had a heart attack, and while she was at the Stanford Medical Center, she experienced a second stroke.

Kurt said Lenkoff remains in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, the Gieses have continued to try to reach Norwegian. Kurt said two junior staffers have reached out to learn more about what happened, but he said no one from the cruise line had taken responsibility for not contacting Lenkoff's emergency contacts.

Kurt said the experience has taught him and his family that they should not rely on cruise companies to keep passengers safe.

Kurt heard from the Campbells that the group made it back on the ship on Wednesday. When everyone is healthy and back in the US, he said they plan to meet with the Campbells to thank them.

"We truly believe that our mother would've died had she been left to her own devices," Kurt said. "The Campbells are now members of our family. They are the true heroes of this story."

Do you have an experience to share about cruising? Business Insider would like to hear from you. Email [email protected] .

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