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Privacy NoticeCroatia has so much to offer, from stunning cities to gorgeous islands for soaking up the sun and swimming in crystal clear waters; and we discovered that the best way to experience this variety – while living like a celebrity – is aboard a small luxury cruiser. We started our seven-day cruise in Croatia’s historic town of Split aboard the MS My Wish, one of Cruise Croatia’s newest luxury cruisers in the Adriatic. At 153 feet long, it’s big enough to comfortably accommodate 36 passengers and a crew of nine. Our spacious double room had big windows, a private balcony and a queen-sized double bed. After stowing our luggage, we explored the ship and discovered two sundecks and a shaded area on the top deck with comfortable sofas and bucket chairs. There’s even a hot tub, easily fitting in four adults, from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery. A small library area provides an escape from the midday sun, and there’s a light-filled dining room and a bar, open until 11.30pm and perfect for a nightcap or two.

The MS My Wish accommodates 36 guests
(Image: www.jozepovic.com)

Life on board a Cruise Croatia ship The week is structured, but we never felt like we were being herded around, and our tour director Marko was always on hand to look after our every need and make sure everything ran smoothly. Breakfast and lunch were communal, and the small kitchen team of a chef and sous-chef prepared cooked breakfasts and amazing three-course lunches all using local produce, with plenty of fresh fish and salads alongside more traditional Croatian dishes. We couldn’t pick and choose the menu but all dietary requirements are catered for as long as the crew has the details in advance – even pasta and pizza were provided for the children. The quality of the food served on board was excellent – easily as good as many of the restaurants we visited on shore.

The food on board was delicious
(Image: Cruise Croatia)

The balance each day was perfect. We woke to a view of the sea each morning as the boat left harbour early. Mornings were spent either cruising or at a swim-stop in quiet coves, and the boat has paddleboards, floats and even a speed boat for exploring the waters. Lunch was eaten together on board and by late afternoon we reached that night’s stop, just as all the other tourists from bigger ships were leaving. A couple of evening meals were included in the package, a wonderful welcome meal on the first night that gave us a chance to get to know our fellow passengers, and then later in the week a captain’s dinner with live music, which really got the party started! A tour guide met us at most stops, then the evening was our own. We slept like babies each night in our air-conditioned cabin, gently rocked to sleep by the Adriatic Sea. The route Split We started our holiday with a walking tour of Split town. Used in fight scenes and as home to Daenerys’ dragons in Game Of Thrones, this ancient town is famous for Diocletian’s Palace, covering over half the old town and built to serve the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It’s an easy town to explore on foot and is less crowded than many other stops on our tour.

Split is a famous Game Of Thrones filming location
(Image: Getty Images)

Trogir We loved exploring the narrow streets of this UNESCO-protected medieval town at our leisure. One of the oldest settlements in Croatia, it’s on a tiny island accessible by bridges. Take the steep climb up the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo for the most spectacular views over the rooftops to the sea. Hvar Before arriving at Hvar, we sailed past the famous Golden Horn Beach for photos. Overnight was spent in Stari Grad, a pretty harbour with laid-back bars and cafes. A short drive took us to Hvar town, a hedonists’ paradise to party all night – just make sure you’re back on the boat by 5.30am! Pakleni Islands and Vis The water here flows from ink blue to jade and black. Here, you can float in the picturesque waters or, in an exhilarating experience, the ship’s speed boat will take you to an abandoned submarine base. Vis is a laid-back yachting community and is largely undeveloped, making it the perfect backdrop for much of the filming of the movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Korcula This island’s beautiful Old Town is built on a fish bone-style grid protecting it from harsh winter winds and creating cooling breezes. Sir Fitzroy Maclean (reportedly one of the men who inspired the character of James Bond) saved it from being bombed in the Second World War and his family still own a property here. The city walls have fabulous restaurants, and there’s even a bar accessible only by a stepladder.

Exploring Korcula’s city walls is a must
(Image: Getty Images)

Mljet National Park, Slano and Ston Mljet National Park is home to two large saltwater lakes with forests, cycle paths, free boats to get around and a few cafes. We explored the tranquil grounds of St Mary’s monastery before swimming, then headed to Slano for a boat trip to an oyster farm complete with tasting. Dubrovnik The jewel in the Adriatic crown for many, Dubrovnik is another Game Of Thrones location (look out for ‘Cersei’s walk of shame’ route). Avoid the crowds in the maze of side streets and climb the walls to get the best views of the rooftops. How to book a Cruise Croatia holiday Cruise Croatia offers seven-night cruises on the MS My Wish on the Luxury Dalmatian Wonders cruise from £1,825 per person including breakfast, lunch, two dinners, private transfers, all excursions and Wi-Fi. Flights are not included. Each guest is also provided with a Privilege Card with 10% discounts at preferred restaurants in key ports. For further information on May-October 2025 departure dates, visit Cruise Croatia.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnGame Of ThronesTravel

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Last Update: October 16, 2024