After a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea, I will offer a G&T on the sundeck as our yacht drops anchor and heads leisurely towards the Croatian island of Hvar.
No buses, no ferry tickets, no queues or hectic schedules to think about.
Instead, I only concern myself with what’s on the menu for the daily three-course lunch on board. As writer Kenneth Grahame said, “There is nothing more valuable than messing around in boats.”
The ship I’m on is a beautiful 50 meter vessel – think acres of lovingly varnished wood and highly polished chrome – and is part of the Sail Croatia cruise fleet that sails up and down the glorious Dalmatian coast every summer.
The Salve Di Mare has 20 cabins – with room for 40 guests on board – but luckily our cruise was not fully booked.
Bella Battle sails around Croatia’s glorious Dalmatian coast on the Salve Di Mare (above), a vessel that is part of Sail Croatia’s sailing fleet
Bella’s itinerary included Hvar (above), which she says has a “busy waterfront with tons of chic (and expensive) bars, clubs and restaurants.”
So we are a diverse crew of 29, with mostly Brits, Australians, Americans and Canadians on board as we hop from Dubrovnik to Split island in a week.
Along the way we enjoy the lush greenery of the state forest and lakes of Mljet, the enhanced magic of Korcula (possible birthplace of Marco Polo) and the bohemian charm of Vis.
The first thing to say is pack your chatty pants.
The cruise invites passengers to enjoy the lush greenery of the state forest and lakes of the island of Mljet (above)
While you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore on your own each afternoon, the aforementioned lunch is a lazy, 90-minute affair in the lounge with no buffet and five tables of six each day for us.
Forget the squirrel in a corner with a quick salad. Instead, consider toying with the idea of a second Parmesan slice while yelling, “So what are you doing?” as loud as you can in your voice.
You’d think this would cause established clans to stick together, but it says a lot about the friendly and convivial atmosphere created by our Sail Croatia host Stephanie, who mixes and matches us in different ways at each meal.
Enchanting: Bella gets a chance to experience Korcula’s “enhanced magic” upstairs
Along the way, Bella appreciated the “bohemian charm” of the island of Vis (above).
So much so that, after feeling a little hostile about the forced company, I end the week by greeting almost everyone I see, “Morning, Julie!” “How was the water, Brett?”
The cabins aren’t particularly spacious – or bright if you’re below decks like us – but they’re modern, comfortable and the ensuite bathroom was the biggest I’ve had at sea.
Each day follows more or less the same pattern: we leave at dawn and sometimes have five, six or even seven boats moored side by side (trying to climb through each boat and via careers, and after several shots of local rakija, remember which boat is yours). .
We will then anchor in the morning for a swim stop and around 3:00 pm we will sail to a new island where we will spend the night in the harbor.
The daily three-course lunch enjoyed by passengers aboard Salve Di Mare is a 90-minute affair
The cabins on the Salve Di Mare are not particularly spacious, but they are modern and comfortable, Bella reveals
A spacious en-suite bathroom in one of the cabins
sound the same? It’s not impressive. The routine is comforting, with plenty of time for morning sunbathing and reading before Stephanie starts announcing lunch over the PA system: “Lunchtime everyone!” Lunch…is served.”
The itinerary is carefully crafted with each guest being looked after rather than spoiled. While we eat lunch, Stephanie goes through the activities to sign up for the next day and recommends places to eat or drink that evening.
There’s a handy app to remind you of where to go and the best things to see and do, and an incredibly useful WhatsApp group to help meet the more sociable people in our group for all sorts of from bike rides to cocktails ashore.
Those with tireless energy can enjoy canyoning, dune buggy rides or zipline adventures. Using impeccable common sense, we choose the geriatric route instead – a few wholesome coffees in hilltop fortresses and putt-putt boat rides to visit remote 12th-century monasteries. bliss.
Bella says you ‘just’ have to climb the ladder to the roof of Massimo’s cocktail bar in Korcula, pictured. “Drinks come via a tray on a reel while you watch the sunset,” she reveals
Bella recommends exploring Diocletian’s Palace (photo) when visiting Unesco-listed Split
Enjoy the beautiful history and architecture of the fortified city of Dubrovnik (above)
But those are the nights I will remember best. A boisterous, upbeat mix of fine dining, deadly cobblestones and cocktail-fueled hedonism.
The highlights? All you have to do is climb the ladder to the roof of Massimo’s Cocktail Bar in Korcula (make sure you wear short skirts or dresses if you don’t want to watch your fellow drinkers waiting to climb up behind you). Drinks arrive on a tray on a reel while you watch the sunset.
Hvar’s bustling waterfront is almost a must-see, with numerous chic (and expensive) bars, clubs and restaurants vying for the public’s attention every summer.
If partying isn’t your thing, just enjoy the beautiful history and architecture of the fortified city of Dubrovnik and UNESCO-listed 4th-century Split, home of Diocletian’s Palace.
Our cruise ends with the latter, and Game of Thrones fans will recognize both. To cap off a perfect week, we dine at Michelin-starred ZOI (from the Greek word for life), located within the palace walls and overlooking the harbor.
Only 12 hours later the fun is over and it’s off to the airport. I WhatsApp the group to say hello and wonder how I know what time to get up and what to eat every day without Stephanie telling me. With my bag bumping against my ankles, I join the long, winding line to go through security just as Stephanie answers us all with a playful comment, “Ladies and gentlemen, lunch is served. Lunch will be served. ‘ I could have cried.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
