Apologies for the delay in updating the travel portion of the blog – I have been solely focussed on the other aspects of my writing that I completely forgot about this delightful segment! Part three of the adventure series left off with the first half of the Croatia leg of the trip! Today I wanted to share with you the highlights and magical experience that was Sail Croatia.

// SAIL CROATIA //

I’m so so sure that we all know at least one person who has been on ‘Sail’ (its affectionate nickname) and have stared eyes-oogling (and, to be honest, a little jealously) at their incredible photographs and statuses about the epicness of their trip. They ain’t lying or exaggerating.

I had numerous friends who had been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt (or at least a novelty Croatian sailor cap). And as incredible as their anecdotal recommendations were, I kept looking for more thorough reviews and a really open and honest evaluation of what the experience was like. As the saying goes ‘Create that which you wish to see exist in the world’ – so today I’m creating a balls blazing, honest and open hearted recount of the best seven days of my life – Sail Croatia 2015.

// IN A NUTSHELL //

It’s a seven night cruise that island hops and docks – allowing you to take in the sights, sounds and experiences of Croatia in style. The boats and tours on offer range from basic and party central to ridic luxurious and classy. I settled somewhere in the middle. We were booked for the Navigator cruise (young people party style) and stayed on the Magellan (one of their more premier standard ships). My parents opted for the Explorer cruise (party vibes mixed with a more chilled older crowd), aboard the Auroura, and they LOVED it

// WHERE WILL YOU GO //

There are a range of tour options available and the staff are incredibly helpful, they will go out of their way to ensure that you find something that you’re looking for. Try their online assessment to see what is recommended for what you’re cravin’. We were lucky enough to enjoy a pretty thorough itinerary – Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Miljet and Mkarska.

// WHAT’S INCLUDED //

Seriously – so much. Ok so there are exclusions like alcohol and optional excursions (like the Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik) which are pretty reasonably priced anyway so it shouldn’t blow your budget. From memory the cocktails on board were about 50-70Kuna which, at the time we traveled, was about $5-7AUD. Pretty darn good.

But for your all inclusive fee you get – epic accommodation facilities (comfy bed; decent sized little cabin; ensuite if you opted for that); daily breakfast and lunches; on board entertainment (wifi, books etc) and incredible crew who are happy to help you out HOWEVER possible!

// WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE //

Sail Croatia was the culinary highlight of my trip! Well – all of Europe was – but this was certainly on par! Each boat has it’s own crew and within the crew there is a Chef and kitchen hands (usually the sexy Croatian sailors helping out). The chef does an epic job of keeping everyone’s tummies full and happy. I am a vegetarian and this was SO easily catered for – and they confirmed each meal with me before serving. Breakfast is buffet style and serve yourself – muesli, yoghurt, toast, eggs, fruit, tea//coffee – the usual. Lunch is always sit down and served beautifully at midday. Generally they fill you with an entree, main and desert. Entrees are typically a soup of some sort, mains are delicious seafood or rice (or meat for the carnivorous folk) dishes and desert is icecream//fruit//cake etc.

// THE STAFF //

Obviously it’s completely dependant on which boat and crew you’re lucky enough to be paired with but I am yet to meet a Sail Croatia employee who isn’t kind, funny, energetic, knowledgeable and friendly. Seriously. The crew that sail with you are generally made up of – a Sail rep//guide;  2 sailors//deckhands; the Captain; a Chef; bartender and cleaner/s. We hit the Croatian jackpot with our crew – seriously. Our rep was phenomenal and has since become a lifelong friend (I’m sure) and we were so grateful for her love, passion, kindness and knowledge during our European escapade to the Croatian islands.

// THE GROUP //

I was so very nervous that I would be that weird kid that didn’t have any friends and was left, like a loner, in the corner. But again, jackpot. We were gifted with the most amazing group of individuals, all hailing from various corners of the globe (but mostly Australia … pretty much entirely Australia). I don’t know if we lucked out or what but, seriously, we were instantly amigos and partied like old friends on our first night. Instant bonds are born in the midst of adventures. So get adventuring, book that ticket and enjoy (what is sure to be) the most phenomenal week of your life.

Blessings and an abundance of sea-sick cuddles x