Old Town Dubrovnik. Setting for many scenes in Game of Thrones.
There is a lot of history, walking, food, sun and swimming to enjoy when you do a boutique cruise around the Croatian islands. We were lucky enough to escape aboard the MV Diamond for seven nights with a group of friends. By the end of the week, all 35 passengers were friends with promises of keeping in touch.
Travel really does make you appreciate how we are all similar in our aspirations. We met people from all over the world in the three weeks we were in Europe. Everyone on holiday was relaxed, easy to talk too and willing to find out about your part of the world. This holiday, and especially the cruise, was the escape of a lifetime.
We swam from the back of the cruiser. A perfect way to relax after the walking tours in the heat.
Croatia is on the Dalmatian Coast and is currently popular with Australians. Many millennials are booking cruises along this spectacular coastline. Also, Croatia's popularity as a great escape has been boosted by
Games of Thrones being filmed in the
Old City Dubrovnik.
Mamma Mia Two was filmed on the island of
Vis. We visited the little fishing village with its clear turquoise water and boats bobbing in the harbour.
The crew of the
MV Diamond, who were great, told us they enjoy having Australians on board. Apparently, we like a few drinks and having fun. That is what this holiday was all about.
If it sounds like I'm gushing about this trip, it is because I am. I'm not a boat person, but I will save up again and book another Croatian cruise for our next European holiday. The people, the islands, their food, everything was amazing. The only downside is the cruise is only seven days. Ten days would have been better. Everyone on the cruise agreed about this on our last day.
Views were spectacular at each stop.
This trip was a significant birthday celebration for one member of our group. We also did a rental car tour of Montenegro, which is spectacular in its own right. The majestic mountains are to be seen to be believed. We finished our trip in Santorini and Athens. Needless to say, each place has its own culture and charm. The eight of us enjoyed every part of this celebration and the birthday girl? Well, she was beyond happy.
The Aurora is one of the sister ships to MV Diamond.
European summer holidays can be expensive. We did this trip during high season and everywhere we went Europeans were on their annual holiday. There were people all over and it was very busy. If I do another European holiday, I will travel in September or October. It will be more economical and cooler as well. We did walking tours in 35-degree heat. Lucky we could jump off the back of the cruiser after these walks.
We were able to do this holiday with thanks to Rosemary Kates of
Travelmanagers Wollongong and
Zantium Travel. If you want a real escape and leave all your troubles at home, I recommend adding a Croatian Cruise if you travel to Europe.
Note: These cruises are all age, so check with the travel company on what age group sails on each ship. Younger travellers book the cruises with bunks. The MV Diamond has cabins with beds.
