My Experience Cruising the Croatian Coast on a 38-Passenger Ship

Drifting in the crystal-clear Adriatic near a deserted island off Croatia, I was captivated by the shifting colors of the sea—from deep blue to turquoise and emerald as it kissed the rocky shore. Our daily swimming stops quickly became my highlight, complemented by visits to charming towns where we could stroll along promenades typical of each harbor. My musings on the Adriatic's beauty were interrupted by laughter as a fellow cruiser once again wobbled and fell into the water while trying to balance on his paddleboard.

Each morning on the MV Memories, the captain would discover a hidden cove for a refreshing swim; the Adriatic's waters were pleasantly cool, invigorating but not chilly after the first few seconds. This enjoyable routine transitioned seamlessly into a three-course lunch, followed by leisurely cruising and our arrival at the next port. In some locations, we enjoyed a guided walking tour before having the late afternoon and evening free for exploration and dining.

Thirty-eight strangers quickly formed a bond over breakfast and lunch, sharing names and stories from their homelands. We were fortunate to experience sunny and warm days, perfect for lounging on the upper deck, diving into a good book, napping on cozy lounges, or sipping a refreshing gin and tonic in the shade—my personal favorite. Each day brought the thrill of exploring a new city, where medieval towers, ancient walls, and historic architecture awaited us. Guided walking tours offered insights and context, leaving us free to enjoy our evenings as we pleased. Staying out late and easily returning to our ship was a delightful experience.

MV Memories quickly became our comfortable and inviting home for the week, whether we were in our tastefully decorated cabin, on the sun deck, or unwinding in a shaded lounge chair. 'The vessels we operate were built in 2021, and we take pride in having the youngest fleet of ships in Croatia. This significantly enhances our guests' cruising experience, as the staterooms they retire to, the dining areas they enjoy, and the spacious lounge and sundeck areas all feel fresh and modern, resembling a luxury boutique hotel,' stated Graham Carter, chief commercial officer at Unforgettable Travel Company, in an interview with Dinogo.

'Unforgettable focuses on balcony ships, and most of our vessels feature upper deck cabins with private balconies, allowing guests to unwind while watching the islands drift by from their own space,' Carter added. 'We also have the longest vessels in Croatia, measuring 170 feet, compared to the average length of around 150 feet for other ships. This extra length means our cabins are more spacious than most.'

Carter highlighted another benefit of our ship's size: 'One major advantage of cruising the Croatian coast on a smaller vessel like ours is the ability to access hidden gems that larger ships or yachts can’t reach. Since our vessels are registered in Croatia, we can dock directly at smaller ports overnight, allowing our guests to enjoy excursions and dinners on land each evening without the stress of returning to the ship before it departs.'

Every moment throughout the week felt both opulent and delightfully relaxed. Daily surprises—like an unexpected pizza party one afternoon—were paired with familiar routines. Our hosts, Alex and Vlada, ensured everyone felt welcome and cherished, transforming us into close friends by the cruise's end, which arrived far too quickly. I completely resonate with Carter's observation: 'Guests board as strangers, but by the captain’s dinner at week’s end, it feels like a joyful family reunion where everyone is exchanging phone numbers on the final day.'

Here are additional details about our seven-night journey along the Croatian coast aboard the MV Memories.

The Staterooms

Each of the 19 staterooms offers between 161 and 183 square feet of thoughtfully designed space. They include a desk, a nightstand with two drawers, either twin or full beds, a roomy closet, a small sofa, a safe, life jackets, and either a window or a porthole on the lower deck. Bathrooms feature a shower, sink, hairdryer, and toilet, while every cabin is equipped with individually controlled air conditioning. Complimentary, reliable Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the ship.

Nearly identical in design, the MV Bellissima and MV Memories, Unforgettable Travel's signature cruise ships in Croatia, were launched in 2021. Both vessels showcase cutting-edge technology and contemporary design elements. MV Memories includes one Superior VIP Deck Cabin and ten VIP private balcony cabins, while MV Bellissima features eleven VIP private balcony cabins; both ships also offer eight lower deck porthole cabins.

Bars & Restaurants

A buffet breakfast is served every day in the main dining room from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., with coffee and tea available starting at 7:00 a.m. Lunch is a delightful three-course affair, featuring a choice of soup, salad, or risotto as a starter, followed by a main dish and dessert. Guests can enjoy two special dinners: the welcome dinner and the captain’s dinner, both accompanied by wine. The main deck boasts a full bar with a lounge area, while the sun deck features a spacious bar in a shaded spot. Dining is casual, with no dress code required. One afternoon, our head bartender, Alex, hosted a wine and olive oil tasting on board.

Amenities & Entertainment

While cruising or at any time on the ship, guests can enjoy lounge chairs, a jacuzzi, and both shaded and sunny spots on the upper deck. The main deck features the restaurant and a covered outdoor lounge equipped with sofas. There are numerous areas for sunbathing, quiet relaxation, or socializing. Guests can also find board games, playing cards, and various novelty games available for their enjoyment.

Cruise Itineraries

From May to October, the ships operate seven-night cruises exclusively for adults, sailing between Split and Dubrovnik.

Shore Excursions

Numerous shore excursions took guests from the Adriatic coast into the heart of Croatia. We traveled in comfortable, air-conditioned buses to visit Krka Waterfalls National Park, the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, Mljet National Park, a local winery, and an oyster farm in Ston. Additionally, walking tours were available in Split, Hvar, Old Town Korcula, and Dubrovnik, led by professional, informative, and entertaining tour guides.

Family-friendly Offerings

The Signature Croatia Cruises are exclusively for adults; guests must be at least 18 years old.

Unforgettable Travel Company offers seven-night cruises starting at $2,295 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch, private transfers, all excursions, and Wi-Fi. Flights are not included. For more details on 2025 departures, visit https://unforgettabletravel.com/ or call +1-844-879-7838.