Although the tourism and infrastructure is on a fast rate of improvement, Croatia still a touch behind it's neighbors. Unfortunately, Venezia lines has the lock on the ferries between Istria and Venice. In September, the ferry does not run on Mondays. Your only bet here is going to be the 6th or the 10th. An alternative?

Rent a car and drive around the coast for about the same amount of time as the ferry.

From Dubrovnik to Drvenik is about 2 - 2.5 hours driving time. In August, a peak month, this could take even longer. We only sell this transfer as part of a larger program, but I'm sure it could be arranged locally with a car service. Expect to pay at least EUR200 for this. Do note that once you arrive by ferry on to Hvar (the city will be Sucuraj), it's another 1.5 hour drive (or so) to the town of Hvar. There are local busses for this, but they take even longer. Thus, another private car will need to be hired.

There are no ferries currently scheduled on September 8th - only on the 6th and 10th. This, however, is subject to change. I had a client's schedule change last year just one week before arrival! This can also be accomplished by driving and, depending on traffic, should take around 4 hours.

I just returned last night from Venice, and I took the Venezialines from Porec to Venice. My second experience. I see that you have already been told that the Venezialines has a lock on the service; that is correct as of now. I agree with the rest of the advice that has already been posted. However, I would like to present my personal experience on the ferry in question.

Last Friday we transferred from Porec to Venice, we chose to travel "first class" which is the upper level of the ferry, First Class mode of travel meets the travel requirements of our guests and we like to test as many of the services we offer as possible.

We were the only ones on the ferry on a one-way crossing and the only ones on the upper level which means "first class". An entire salon for our use and comfort, we prepared to relax and catch up on reading or better yet sleep. The "coach" class on the lower level was full to capacity. The passengers were mostly European travelers that were staying at different camp sites in Istria and had purchased a full-day, round-trip excursion to Venice. As we boarded and passed the lower deck to climb to the upper deck, the scene made me think of a full-to-capacity Jumbo 747 plane. It also brought Dante's Divine Comedy to mind.

While at sea, the two and a half hours crossing was challenged by a strong storm. The Adriatic north wind "Bura" blew strong. As the storm gathered its energy and the waves great heights, the passengers in the coach section saw only the blue sea surrounding them as if submerged. Uncomfortable and unprepared, some of the passengers stormed to the upper deck's salon. Of course they felt better when they saw the horizon and the sky above as they were being reassured that all was well. The comfort did not last long. The group leaders accompanying the guests did not prepare their charges for motion sickness. You can just imagine the scenes that ensued. I confirm that at all times the staff was intelligent, caring and supportive while providing assistance and comfort where needed.

The lead guide who works for the ferry line tried to entertain the passengers by telling them about Venice; a bit of history, places of special interest, where to eat, discounts, etc. He talked for the entire duration of the crossing. The same presentation was made in more than six different languages. He eventually did manage to divert the attention of the passengers from the weather to his marketing presentation of the ferry lines' services in Venice.
The rain continued, but the clouds brightened, the bura's whistle quieted, and the waves subsided as we navigated into the Gulf of Venice. Splendid, spectacular Venice. Smiles returned, discomforts were soon forgotten, and the happy chatter of the audience overpowered the announcements.
What better way to arrive in Venice if not by sea; on a private yacht, a sail boat, a luxury liner or even the ferry from Porec. What a spectacular stage Venice becomes for its audience. We arrived in the heart of Venice at the maritime station right across from the Giudecca Island, walking distance to all that makes Venice so special.
Would I propose the crossing from Rovinj and/or Porec, as well as other points of Istria, such as Rabac and Pula, on the Venezialines to my guests? Of course I would, it is a good value and I think that it is preferable to driving. However, I would only do so with cautions and after we ascertained the guests' expectations & objections regarding travel style and quality of service. If we are satisfied that the service is a good match for our clients, we will create an itinerary with logistics that are in concert with the ferry's schedule.

The Venezialines service is a work in progress. I have learned to be patient, offer gentle suggestions to our service providers, and always stay focused forward to the next wonderful moment of perfection and pleasure that travel to Croatia and surrounding regions can offer. Most important, I have learned to keep on going.

Wanda Radetti
www.visitcroatia.com