I Cruised the Croatian Coast on a Ship With Just 38 Passengers — Here’s What It Was Like

The small, ultra-luxe 'MV Memories' was the best introduction to Croatia.

Floating in the clear Adriatic near an uninhabited island off Croatia’s coast, I marveled as the sea changed hues from deep blue to turquoise and emerald as it reached the rocky shore. Our daily swimming stops quickly became my favorite part of the cruise, although I also loved arriving at different cities where we could just walk into the town or along the promenade that seemed to be a feature of each harbor. My contemplation of the Adriatic’s color was interrupted by laughter as one of my fellow cruisers gamely struggled once again to stand on his paddleboard, wobbled, and splashed into the sea.

Every morning aboard MV Memories, the captain found a secluded cove for the perfect swim; the Adriatic was cool enough to refresh without feeling chilly for more than the first few seconds. This delightful routine led to our three-course lunch, afternoon cruise time, and arrival at the next port. In some cities, there was a walking tour before we had the late afternoon and evening on our own for exploring and dinner.

Thirty-eight strangers quickly became friends as we mingled at breakfast and lunch tables, learning our fellow travelers’ names and where they were from. We were blessed with sunny, warm weather every day, so afternoons could be spent sunbathing on the upper deck, reading a book, napping on a cushioned lounge, or enjoying a cold gin and tonic in the shade (my choice most days). Arriving at a new city each day was exciting, as medieval towers, ancient city walls, and historic buildings greeted us. Walking tours provided background and an introduction to most of the cities, and then we were on our own for dinner and the evening. How cool it was to stay out late and then just walk back to the waiting ship for the night.

MV Memories instantly became a comfortable and welcoming home-away-from-home for the week, whether in our well-appointed cabin, on the sun deck, or relaxing in a shaded lounge chair. "The vessels we operate were built in 2021, and we’re proud to have the youngest fleet of ships in Croatia. This really enhances the cruising experience for guests as the staterooms they rest their heads in, the dining areas they eat in, and the expansive lounge and sundeck areas around the ship all feel new and modern, like a luxury boutique hotel," Graham Carter, chief commercial officer at Unforgettable Travel Company, told Travel + Leisure.

"Unforgettable specializes in balcony ships, and most of our vessels have upper deck cabins with private balconies, so our guests can relax and watch the islands go by from the comfort of their balcony," Carter added. "We also operate the longest vessels in Croatia, which stand at 170 feet, compared to most vessels in Croatia, which are around 150 feet. This additional space means our cabins are slightly larger than most.”

Carter pointed out another advantage of the ship’s size: "The benefit of exploring the Croatian coast on a small vessel like ours is the ability to get into smaller hidden destinations off limits to bigger ships or even yachts. As our vessels are all registered in Croatia, we can dock directly in smaller ports overnight, giving our guests the ability to enjoy excursions and dinner on shore each evening without the rush of having to get back to the ship before it leaves."

Every detail during the week felt both luxurious and comfortably casual at the same time. Each day offered surprises — like an unexpected pizza party one late afternoon — along with what quickly became familiar. Alex and Vlada, our hosts, made everyone feel welcome and pampered, and, like the other guests, felt like old friends by the end of the cruise — which came way too soon. I wholeheartedly agree with Carter’s comment: “We find that guests board as complete strangers, and by the captain’s dinner at the end of the week, it’s like a happy family where everyone knows one another, and they’re swapping phone numbers on the last day.”

Here are more details about our seven-night cruise along the coast of Croatia aboard MV Memories.

MV Memories

• All 19 cabins feature spacious storage, terry cloth robes, showers with great water pressure, convenient charging ports, individual air conditioning controls, and either balconies (11 upper deck) or portholes (eight lower deck).

• For our daily dips in the Adriatic, the main deck platform with two ladders made it easy to dive in and climb out. There were also paddleboards, styrofoam floats, kayaks, and a jet ski for a fun ride with one of the crew.

• The breakfast buffet included fresh fruit, juices, baked goods, eggs, vegetables, meats, pancakes, and a menu offering individually prepared dishes, plus brewed coffee and delicious cappuccino from an excellent (all-day) coffee machine.

• The two hosts who served breakfast, lunch, and our special dinners, as well as all day and evening cocktails, were excellent, and their hospitality and friendly, professional style created the perfect atmosphere.

• Our Cruise Director was personable, organized, and fun, keeping everyone informed about plans and joining our group for the walking tours and bus trips.

The Staterooms

The 19 staterooms each measure between 161 and 183 square feet of efficiently used space. They have a desk, nightstand with two drawers, twin or full beds, spacious closet, small sofa, safe deposit box, life jackets, and a window (or porthole on the lower deck). The bathrooms have a shower, sink, hair dryer, and toilet, and each cabin has individually controlled air conditioning. Free, dependable Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.

Nearly identical in design, the MV Bellissima and MV Memories, Unforgettable Travel’s Croatia Signature cruise ships, were launched in 2021. They feature state-of-the-art technology and modern design details. MV Memories offers one Superior VIP Deck Cabin and 10 VIP private balcony cabins. MV Bellissima features 11 VIP private balcony cabins; both ships have eight lower deck porthole cabins.

Bars & Restaurants

A buffet breakfast is served daily in the main dining room from 8 until 9:30 a.m.; coffee and tea are available from 7 a.m. There’s a daily three-course lunch with a delicious soup, salad, or risotto starter, main course, and dessert. Two dinners — the welcome dinner and captain’s dinner — are provided, and wine is offered along with meals. A full bar with a lounge area is on the main deck; on the sun deck, there’s a large bar in the shaded area. Dining is informal, with no dress code. Alex, our head bartender, hosted a wine and olive oil tasting aboard the ship one afternoon.

Amenities & Entertainment

During cruising — or anytime on the ship — guests can find lounge chairs, a jacuzzi, and shaded and sunny areas on the upper deck. The main deck features the restaurant and a covered outdoor lounge with sofas. The ships offer many places for sunbathing, quiet time, or gatherings. Board games, playing cards, and novelty games are available for guests.

Cruise Itineraries

From May to October, the ships cruise between Split and Dubrovnik with adults-only, seven-night cruises.

Shore Excursions

Several shore excursions took guests inland from the Adriatic coast to see more of Croatia. We traveled on plush, air-conditioned buses to Krka Waterfalls National Park, the Blue Cave on the Island of Bisevo, Mljet National Park, a winery, and an oyster farm in Ston. In addition, walking tours were offered in Split, Hvar, Old Town Korcula, and Dubrovnik. Tour guides were professional, informative, and entertaining.

Family-friendly Offerings

The Signature Croatia Cruises are adults only; guests must be at least 18.

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

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