A small ship, a beautiful coast, and good people.

We've sailed the Dalmatian coast, and we came home knowing we had to bring our people here. So we're planning a private 7-day yacht cruise down the Croatian coast in late May / early June 2027 — the season when the Adriatic turns that impossible shade of blue and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet.

This is not a giant cruise ship with a casino and a climbing wall. It's a private small ship carrying roughly 30 to 38 guests — Hot Zone friends, supporters, and travelers who want beauty, conversation, culture, and a little adventure in good company. We'll anchor off islands most tourists never see, swim in coves straight off the back of the boat, walk the stone streets of walled towns at our own pace, and gather each evening for dinner, fellowship, and unhurried conversation.

Chuck and Connie host the whole thing personally. Expect informal talks and Q&A with Chuck on history, geopolitics, culture, and faith — woven naturally into the trip, never lectured at you.

Before we put down a large yacht charter deposit, we want to know who's serious. That's what this page is for. Place a refundable priority deposit, and you reserve your place in line — and your priority for cabin selection once the vessel is locked in.

One included group transfer, Dubrovnik → Trogir.

One included group transfer from Dubrovnik to Trogir is expected on embarkation day, departing at a set time. Guests arriving outside the designated arrival window may need to arrange separate transportation at their own expense. Once dates are firm, we'll publish the transfer time so you can book flights that land in the window.

The concept we're leaning toward

Day 1 — Depart the Dubrovnik / cruise-end area early. Drive into Montenegro toward Durmitor National Park and Žabljak. A late lunch near Black Lake, then time for a relaxed walk and photos. Overnight near Durmitor — likely at or similar to ETNO SELO ZMINICA, where we recently stayed and had a very good experience.

Day 2 — Drive down toward the Bay of Kotor and the Perast area. Possible lunch in Perast, and — depending on timing — a short boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rocks. Continue toward Cavtat or a seaside spot just south of Dubrovnik for the final night, so you can fly out the next morning. Likely at or similar to the Maistra Astarea Hotel, where we recently stayed.

An alternate possibility: if we base in Herceg Novi / Meljine instead of Perast/Kotor, we may use that as a launch point for a boat tour to the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, and the Yugoslav submarine tunnels. Hotel candidates there include Hotel Maksim, Lazure Hotel & Marina, Hotel Perla, Hotel RR, or Boutique Hotel Kredo.

This extension is not finalized. Final routing and hotels will depend on group size, availability, weather, border timing, and logistics.

Projected price: approximately $1,500–$2,000 per person, double occupancy — depending on final hotels, transportation, group size, and itinerary. Priced and confirmed separately from the cruise.

A refundable priority deposit — not a confirmed cabin yet.

Before we commit to a large yacht charter, we want to know how many travelers are serious. Your priority deposit helps us do exactly that — and it puts you at the front of the line.

Your priority deposit is fully refundable until we announce the final vessel, dates, route, cabin categories, and price. At that time, you'll have the opportunity to confirm your reservation. If the final trip doesn't fit your schedule, budget, or expectations, your deposit will be refunded.

A priority deposit will:

• Hold your place in line
• Give you priority cabin selection once the yacht is finalized
• Help us determine how many guests are serious
• Remain fully refundable until final yacht, dates, route, cabin categories, and pricing are confirmed
• Convert to part of your trip payment only after you review and accept the final details

Suggested priority deposit: $1,000 per person (or $2,000 per couple / cabin).