After a wonderful first visit to Croatia and Slovenia in the fall of 2025, I did not expect to have the opportunity to return to Croatia quite so quickly. But I received an invitation to join a private yacht charter this spring…and who is going to say no to that!
I sailed with a group of fellow travel advisors on the Lastavica Swallow. A beautiful, modern, 160-foot yacht with just 18 cabins (holding up to 36 passengers). Lastavica is a family-owned company with deep roots in the Adriatic and a fleet of three custom-built ships.
The Main Takeaway
The experience was absolutely amazing – unlike anything else I’ve ever done — and you can read more about it below. But the key takeaway is that I loved it so much that I’ve already chartered the same yacht again for a week next summer (Aug 2027). And filled it with family and friends who want to see, do, and experience everything that I did!
The Pace
When you’re not tied to ferry schedules and hotel check-in/check-out times, everything changes! We had a basic itinerary in place, sailing from Sibenik to Dubrovnik, with planned stops every day. But they warned us from the very beginning not to be too focused on those specifics, since things could change based on weather, group preferences, etc.
Most days included some scenic cruising, a swim stop, and an afternoon/evening in a charming local port. But there was always room in the schedule to linger a little bit longer at a national park, or make a surprise stop to grab mussels and oysters from a local fisherman.
As a Type A traveler, it was an adjustment for me at first. But I really found myself enjoying slow mornings with nothing to do but sip my coffee, chat with my friends, and look through my photos from the previous day. I loved arriving in little towns with no specific agenda beyond wandering cobblestone streets, visiting a local beach, or checking out a winery. And because we spent most nights in port (unlike on a traditional ocean or river cruise where you’re typically sailing at night), we could linger in town for dinner and drinks without worrying about rushing back.
The Pampering
I had no idea what to expect of the onboard experience, and I was very pleasantly surprised. My cabin was bright and spacious, with plenty of room for everything, and some amazing A/C! Hot/cold filtered water, and a self-serve coffee/tea machine, were available 24/7. There was a sundeck with a large Jacuzzi, sun loungers, a bar, and a workout area. And there were all sorts of water toys, from stand-up paddleboards and sea bobs to a great big inflatable slide.
Breakfast and lunch are included every day. There is the expectation that guests will enjoy dinners in the ports on their own. (Though we did have one special onboard Captain’s Dinner). The crew went above and beyond to make sure we were well-fed! There were extensive breakfast buffets, with made-to-order dishes as well. And multi-course plated lunches with all sorts of fresh, local specialties. Dietary restrictions/allergies were never a problem. And everything was prepared and served with a personal touch. We tasted olive oil made on the owners’ family farm, wines from their friends’ vineyards, and old family recipes that their grandparents would have prepared.
The pampering extended beyond the food and drink, of course. The cruise manager was always available to make a suggestion for an activity in port, or help arrange a reservation. The rooms were kept spotlessly clean. And the deck crew was happy to help with all the water toys. (If you’ve watched “Below Deck”, you know what a chore that can be!)
The Destination: Croatia
Yes, the yacht was fabulous, but you travel for the destination, right? Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous destination, with a fascinating history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. It has some of the clearest and bluest water that I’ve ever seen. The local seafood is top notch. The wine is delicious (and inexpensive). And the people are warm and friendly.
I loved my first visit to Croatia, where we island-hopped by ferry and stayed in lovely local hotels. And I knew that I wanted to come back some day and experience more. But I did not realize how different (and how much fun) it would be to explore the coast by private yacht.
We visited national parks (Krka and Mljet), UNESCO World Heritage sites (the old city of Dubrovnik), and Instagram-famous beaches (Zlatni Rat). We got to see the stunning walled town of Korčula, one of the oldest towns in Europe (Stari Grad), and sleepy little gems like Primosten. It was the perfect mix of islands and towns. And I loved that we ended in Dubrovnik, so that people could linger for a day or two if they wanted to before flying home.
The Vibe
Overall, I think what I loved most about this trip was the way it took my typical European itinerary and infused it with a beachy/island vibe. I could explore Medieval towns, enjoy amazing local cuisine, and soak up all the history and culture. But also relax, sleep in, go for a swim, and soak up the sun.
Plus, there is something magical about being on a private yacht. Just saying “let’s go back to the yacht” makes you feel like a celebrity, lol.
If all of this sounds amazing, but you were not one of the lucky few to jump on board for our August 2027 charter, I have good news for you. This is eminently do-able for anyone who can round up a group of 25-35 people who want to travel together.
It sounds like a lot, but that’s a family reunion, a bunch of friends celebrating milestone birthdays, a graduation celebration for a few families, or an affinity group (book club, wine club, mahjong group, etc)