Maritime passenger shipping is a special type of maritime shipping in which special vessels are used for the transport of passengers. Maritime passenger shipping companies play an important role in the organization of passenger transport. In the Republic of Croatia the most known state-owned passenger ship company is Jadrolinija, which operates lines to almost all Croatian islands. The aim of the paper is to describe passenger shipping in Croatia, the development of passenger traffic and other related features. Passenger ships are important in the development of maritime and passenger transport, as well as maritime passenger terminals, which are a prerequisite for the development of maritime transport and the development of tourism. This paper will cover two main types of passenger shipping: liner shipping and cruise shipping. The paper will also address all passenger ships used in these two types of passenger shipping. Maritime and passenger shipping is closely linked to all forms of tourism. For the long-term development of maritime passenger shipping in the Republic of Croatia it is necessary to improve access to remote islands, adjust and upgrade passenger ports, and specialize major passenger ports in order to facilitate and efficiently conduct passenger traffic.