For years friends were whispering about their Croatian vacations. With each new recap I became more and more enthralled with Croatia. In their descriptions my friends used words such as: magnificent, unspoiled, historical, and turquoise waters. I researched different itineraries and settled on exploring Croatia via a small cruise ship. My crew of four used LiveAboard to book our ship…I highly recommend them.
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Motor Boat Oscar
New in 2022 the Motor Boat Oscar (MB Oscar) is a modern yacht designed for a small ship cruise. The ship is a sexy 204-foot long and 25-foot wide vessel that can access smaller ports of call. MB Oscar provides plenty of amenities in both the common areas and the modern 19 cabins. The crew to guest ratio is 1 to 4.
While onboard there are many places to relax after exploring the 1,000-year-old cities and jewel-like islands of Croatia. There are sundecks on both the sunny and upper decks, each with comfy chaise loungers for soaking up the sunshine and views. In addition there is a Jacuzzi on the sunny deck.
When you need a break from the sun, you can relax under a shaded area on the sunny deck or enjoy the air-conditioned dining room and bar area with a television. During swim stops the swimming platform and ladder on the stern of the main deck offers easy access to the sparkling turquoise sea for a refreshing dip.
Dining
Meals offered on the ship are dependent on the itinerary. A buffet-style breakfast is provided every morning and multi-course lunches at noon. All meals are enjoyed in a casual, laid-back setting. The itinerary was specifically designed to allow you to enjoy the fabulous flavors of the Mediterranean for dinners at local restaurants.
When you are in need of a beverage, the well-stocked bar offers a selection of soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits available for purchase, with your tab settled at the end of the cruise. Our bartenders were well trained in the art of cocktails.
Cabins
MB Oscar can accommodate up to 40 guests in its 19 ensuite and air-conditioned cabins. There are 8 cabins on the standard deck, 9 cabins on the main deck, and 2 VIP cabins on the upper deck. Every cabin is well-appointed with air-conditioning, safe deposit box, a flat-screen television, and toiletries.
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Electricity
Electrical current on board is the European 220 volts. Plugs you will find in cabins have two round pins of 4.8 mm in diameter. In order to use any appliances (e.g. shavers, battery chargers, etc.) you should bring 2 things:
- Universal Transformer to convert the power if your device does not support 220 volts power
- Universal Adapter Plugs for sockets if they differ from the ones in your country
Itinerary
Day 1 · Dubrovnik
We arrived in Dubrovnik around 4 pm and took a 20 minute cab ride to Gruz harbor where MB Oscar was docked. Embarkation was available after 2 pm but earlier arrivals were allowed to leave their luggage on board.
Our ship was docked first to the shore, so we did not have to participate in the obstacle course to embark (more on this later). We were provided our keys and our luggage was delivered to our cabin. We quickly unpacked and then toured the ship.
Once settled, my daughter and I ordered drinks to enjoy on the upper deck while taking in the views. At the 7.00 pm welcome meeting in the dining area, our Cruise Director, Barbara, provided general information and introduced us to the crew.
After a delicious dinner was served we mingled with other guests and called it an early evening…it was a long travel day. MB Oscar was docked overnight in Dubrovnik with a lot of other ships, some smaller and some quite larger.
Day 2 · Dubrovnik · Slano
After breakfast an English-speaking guide met us at the pier and we jumped on a bus headed into the city. We visited the historical centre of Dubrovnik, the famous city listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
After the city tour we took a scenic cable car ride to the top of Mount Srđ for breathtaking views of the city. We ordered a bottled coke and french fries for lunch as we were still somewhat full from breakfast on the ship. Read more details on the cable car ride in a separate post.
At about 4 pm we boarded the bus for a return transfer to our ship. While we rested in our cabin, the captain began our sail to Slano. On the way there, the captain found a great swim stop. Slano is one of the most picturesque places on the Dubrovnik Riviera, with beautiful beaches, a dense pine forest, olive groves, a long cultural tradition, and numerous historical monuments.
After the swim spot we showered and dressed for dinner. I wish I would have taken a notebook to dinner to write down the dishes we were served throughout our cruise. The dishes were not only delicious but stylishly presented. The presentation engaged our senses by highlighting the quality of the food and preparation techniques.
Dobar tek! Bon appetit! On a side note, one in our group was vegan.
Day 3 · Slano · Mljet · Korčula
I could hear the lullaby of the ship cruising to Mljet during the early hours of the morning. The captain docked MB Oscar before I rose and we were the first ship to shore once again.
Our day started with a quick breakfast from the morning buffet and coffee. It was time to visit Mljet National Park. Our entrance fees were included with our charter fees. We explored the park and visited the Islet of St. Mary with its Benedictine Monastery.
Lunch was served on board while the captain set sail for the Island of Korčula, known as the possible birthplace of Marco Polo.
After lunch we opted for a dip in the sea at our swim stop of the day. Afterwards, for some relaxation we hopped in the Jacuzzi. Even though the water was warm, not hot, we enjoyed the opportunity to warm up. One of us even made time to enjoy a frozen piña colada and catch up on some reading.
We retired to our cabins to shower and prepare to visit Korčula. Our English-speaking guide met us at the dock and took us for a tour of the island. We walked through its narrow and cobbled streets and learned about its rich history.
The Coral Shop Irena, is owned by a third-generation jeweler who continues the six-decade family tradition of designing exquisite coral jewelry. The shop’s captivating window displays should not be missed.
After our tour we came face to face with a rooftop bar, Tre Pozzi Terrace. We stopped in for a drink and to watch the sunset.
Prior to our trip, my daughter and I did extensive research on restaurants. The fact that we had a pretty solid itinerary allowed us to make reservations.
For this evening we had reservations at Adio Mare. The food menu has an emphasis on seafood and homemade pasta and the extensive wine menu is almost exclusively built on wines from Korčula. We selected the pairing menu and did not regret it. We feasted for hours.
Day 4 · Korčula · Vis
Awoke to the ship sailing to Vis…I could get use to this…such tranquility. I enjoyed a latte and some toast for breakfast. The captain found a great spot for a morning swim.
After the swim stop there was time to pick deck, a lounger, and read a few chapters. The four of us were reading the following books which we would each recommend: Tender is the Flesh, The Silent Patient, A Gentleman in Moscow, and The Forgotten 500.
We enjoyed another fabulous lunch on board as the captain sailed to Vis.
Compared to other Adriatic islands, Vis is rather unique. Being an important strategic military stronghold for centuries, Vis was spared the excessive tourist development and thus retained its unspoiled beaches, ecological agriculture, and traditional architecture. We enjoyed the afternoon exploring the town of Vis and its picturesque stone streets.
We dined at Konoba Vatrica, one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. The restaurant sits under a vine-covered terrace on the waterfront and offers visitors an opportunity to eat with a breath-taking view of the sparkling blue sea in front of them. It offers a wide variety of seafood prepared in multiple cooking methods.
After dinner, ship activities centered around our captain catching octopus off of the stern. MB Oscar docked overnight at Vis.
Day 5 · Vis · Biševo · Hvar
While we cruised to the island of Biševo in the morning, I enjoyed my traditional latte. Our captain delivered us to the dock where a small boat would take us to the Blue Cave, one of the most famous natural attractions of the Adriatic Sea. The Blue Cave is a water-logged cave that is approached only by boat. Read more details on the Blue Cave in a separate post.
After a swim stop we continued cruising along many coves and bays, towards Hvar.
Lunch was served on board as the captain sailed to Hvar, one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations and a meeting point for international jet setters. Upon our arrival to Hvar, a local English-speaking guide took us on a tour through this unique city.
I was in my cabin for the approach to Hvar and snapped these port-hole photos.
After our tour we had time before dinner reservations at Black Pepper so we stopped into Palace Elizabeth Hotel for a cocktail. The view, drinks, and service were spectacular. Read the details on the unique gastronomic experience at Black Pepper here. At sunset we walked to dinner and sat outside on a small balcony. The food and service were amazing.
After dinner we strolled back to port to board our traveling hotel, MB Oscar.
Day 6 · Hvar · Bol · Torgir
In the morning we cruised towards Bol, an island best known for Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach. This pebbled beach has been dubbed one of the most spectacular beaches in the world by National Geographic and Insider Travel.
Don’t forget your water shoes!
Speedo Women’s Water Shoe Surfknit Pro · Engineered to offer the ultimate support, breathability and comfort · Perfection
Read more details about Zlatni Rat in another post.
We returned to the ship for another scrumptious lunch. The captain continued cruising towards Trogir, a city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. An English-speaking guide provided a city tour. After lunch I enjoyed a frozen mojito on the sunny deck. Upon docking we disembarked and explored the island.
Prior to our trip my daughter, who is allergic to dairy, researched vegan gelato shops. We stopped at Bar Bella to try and were pleased beyond measure. Read more details about Bar Bella in another post.
We returned to the ship for the Captain’s Dinner. We listen to live classic Croatian music and enjoyed a dance or two. The captain sat next to me and he shared some of his stories while on the seas. The food was phenomenal, the chef really out did himself! After dinner the guests invited the guests from the neighboring ship to join us aboard for a drink and a dance.
Day 7 · Trogir · Split
In the morning we set sail for Split, the last port on our cruise. The captain found us one last swim spot along the way.
After lunch, our English-speaking guide took us on a Split city tour, walking us through the world famous Diocletian’s Palace. Split is the second largest urban center in Croatia. Over 1700 years old, Split abounds with cultural and historical sights, lots of them situated within the Split’s historical nucleus which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List ever since 1979.
A crew member shared his favorite pizza spot and he was on the money. Read more details on Bakra pizza in another post.
Day 8 · Split
No morning sail today, we were already at port from the night before. Time to pack, thank and tip the crew, say goodbye to our new friends from all over the globe, and enjoy one last cappuccino on deck. We had to be off the ship by 10 am but we had time until our flight so they stored our luggage for a couple of hours while we wandered around the city. We visited a couple of monuments and ate some more gelato.
Wrap up…
10 Reasons to Cruise Croatia on a Luxury Small Ship:
- Enjoy the sparkling views of the Adriatic Sea
- Escape the crowds at midday
- Swim stops in the Adriatic Sea
- Local crew
- Delicious food and drinks
- Personalized service
- Visit secluded locations
- Excursions included
- Hassle free travel
- Make life-long friends
A luxury small ship cruise is a unique way to visit Croatia and its idyllic islands, while enjoying the sparkling views and the tranquil sounds of the Adriatic Sea.
- cabins
- cabin equipment
- dining
- drinks
- water
- electricity
- internet connection
- shipboard account
- clothing
- guest mix
- swimming opportunities
- physical disabilities
- noise levels & quiet
- tipping
- Maritime law
- ship rules
- emergency numbers
Until next time…
· izzy
Additional information on travel in Croatia:
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