The Whiskey Widow Adventures - Croatia (1/2)

If Croatia is not on your travel list – now is the time to add it.

What a beautiful country.

Full of UNESCO World Heritage sites and the most beautiful coastal towns.

The water is as clear and brilliantly turquoise as it looks in photos. 

In my opinion, the best way to see this country is by ship.

We cruised aboard My Wish and had a second ship of friends sailing alongside us. The size was perfect — big enough to feel luxurious, small enough to rent out the whole thing and make it a private adventure. And bonus: no one got seasick.

We started in Split and cruised over to Trogir, then bussed inland to explore Krka National Park. From there, we sailed through the coastal islands of Vis, Hvar, and Korčula before visiting Ston and Slano and finishing our journey in the stunning city of Dubrovnik.

The sailing schedule was ideal — just the right balance between relaxation and exploration. We didn’t cruise at night, which meant each morning started peacefully as we set off around 6 a.m. toward the next destination. Every day included a private swim stop for about two hours, always in the most beautiful spots. The water was crystal clear, the shorelines rugged and inviting. Pro tip: pack water shoes! The beaches are rocky, not sandy, and a pair of Chacos came in handy for climbing and exploring.

Mornings were easy and unhurried — get up whenever you wanted, sip your coffee, enjoy a buffet breakfast and the views before reaching our daily swim stop. The crew had water toys galore: paddle boards, floaties, and even Seabobs (which are basically scooters for the sea). We loved hiking the coastlines, snapping photos from the cliffs, and soaking up the views. We even got to jump from the top of our neighboring ship!

After our swim stop, we’d cruise to the next port while enjoying lunch onboard. Our cruise director would give us the day’s rundown between bites of fresh Mediterranean food. Once we docked, there was always something fun planned — a city walking tour, a wine tasting, or even an oyster farm visit. After that, the evening was ours. We’d find dinner in one of the many incredible restaurants onshore and simply be back on the ship before sailing again in the morning.

It was the perfect rhythm: a little adventure, a lot of relaxation, and endless beauty in every direction. Croatia truly is a dream — and the best way to experience it might just be from the deck of a small cruise ship, as the sun shines over the Adriatic.