Our Leisure Team Manager – Vivian Moloney has just returned from a week of Small Ship Cruising along the Croatian Coast...
By Vivian Moloney
Sometimes when you travel, you have to compromise. But when you travel to Croatia, you really don’t. It has a rich history, medieval streets, ruins, national parks and stunning waterfront promenades. And everywhere you go, it is remarkably clean.
It is blessed with plentiful seafood (octopus, tuna tartar and muscles are a highlight), great gelato and some truly beautiful wineries. There are water fountains throughout the towns where you can refill your water bottles, the water is clean and cold, and the price is free.
Trinket shops line the streets, selling locally handcrafted products such as lavender, truffles and olive oils. You’ll also find plenty of locally made lemon and orange limoncello—perfect for quenching your thirst after a full day of exploring.
The local guides are friendly, caring and knowledgeable, and most seem to come from the very areas they lead you through. They share their history with genuine interest and gentle humour, which is especially welcome on a hot summer’s day. A special mention goes to Chris Zuvela from Hora Restaurant and Winery at Hvar Island, who was one of the most entertaining hosts I have encountered – very attentive, very amusing and very, very handsome. The traditional Peka lunch was both generous and delicious, and the wines were smooth and fruity. An unforgettable afternoon.
But Croatia’s real gem is the Adriatic Sea (sorry Chris). No words quite do it justice; it is truly exceptional. Its colour shifts from turquoise to brilliant blue, and the water is clear beyond 20 metres. It is easily the prettiest water I have ever swum in, and the temperature is perfect. The only real danger seemed to be the dreaded sea urchin—but what for a holiday without some sense of adventure?
The best way to experience these highlights is undoubtedly by small ship cruise. I travelled aboard the MS Diamond through Beyond Travel on a seven night journey from Dubrovnik to Split, stopping at Slano, Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Biševo, Hvar and Šibenik before arriving in Split. One unforgettable highlight was sailing through the Blue Cave, a rare natural wonder and a protected slice of perfection. You also have your own dedicated crew. Ours included the captain, cruise director, bar staff, deckhands, kitchen team and cleaner, all there to make the trip run smoothly.
With a maximum of 38 guests on board, the ratio is roughly one staff member for every four travelers. By the end of the cruise, you know the other guests surprisingly well and have grown genuinely fond of the crew. It may sound like a cliché, but it really does begin to feel like one big family—complete with all the different personalities that families tend to include. Part of the joy of travel is meeting people you might not otherwise cross paths with, whether they are locals, fellow travelers, or people from home. Sometimes, those shared experiences leave a lasting mark on your soul.
Some people like pina coladas whilst caught in the rain. But if you prefer limoncello’s whilst cruising the Adriatic, then this Croatia Cruise, is for you. To good times, in good health, Zivjeli – May you Live!
