The Vision

A private yacht. The Dalmatian coast. A week with people you actually want to talk to.

Connie and I have chartered a yacht — the MS Splendid — to take down the Croatian coast for seven nights, 22 to 29 May 2027. The contract is signed. The boat is booked. About 30 to 36 guests. Exclusive boat. No mega-cruise, no casino, no climbing wall, no herded tours, no cabin-share with strangers from a cruise line. If this isn't for you, no hard feelings.

We've sailed this coast, and we came home knowing we had to bring our people here. Late May is the season when the Adriatic turns that impossible shade of blue and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet. We'll anchor in quiet bays the big boats skip, swim straight off the back of the boat, walk the stone streets of walled towns at our own pace, and gather each evening for dinner and unhurried conversation.

Chuck and Connie host the whole thing personally. Informal talks and Q&A on history, geopolitics, culture, and faith — woven in, never lectured. No full-time cruise manager. No flag-and-path tours. Local guides only where they actually add something (Vis is the obvious one).

The Boat

MS Splendid. Chartered whole-boat. All ours.

We've signed the charter for the MS Splendid — a 38.5-metre motor yacht, designed and built in Croatia, 18 cabins and 38 berths. We've taken the entire vessel, with her Croatian crew, for the week. That's the whole point of a small ship: quiet bays the big boats skip, and a group you'll know by name within two days.

38.5 metres, built in Croatia in 2014 — a small cruise ship, not a mega-liner
18 cabins, 38 berths, and 18 bathrooms: every cabin is en suite
Mostly double-bed cabins; nine of them convert to twins, and a couple can take a third berth
Exclusive whole-boat charter with her Croatian crew — no strangers from a cruise line
About 30 to 36 of us aboard, on a boat built for 38
Air conditioning throughout, cabins included, plus daily cabin cleaning
Jacuzzi on the top deck beside the sunbeds; a bathing platform aft, straight into the sea
A large dining and bar area, and free unlimited Wi-Fi aboard
Half board — welcome dinner, daily buffet breakfast, and six three-course lunches
Wireless headsets for the guided walking tours ashore

Who This Is For

A busy, conservative group of Hot Zonians.

We'll have great conversation, and a small group you will know by name. Faith-friendly, not a church retreat. You do not have to share our faith to come.

Expect informal talks and Q&A with Chuck on history, geopolitics, culture, and faith, woven naturally into the week. Never lectured at. No full-time cruise manager herding you around a schedule. No flag-and-path tours. Local guides only where useful.

What you should expect instead: slow mornings, long lunches, swim stops in clear water, walled towns at your own pace, and golden-hour dinners on deck with people worth listening to.

The Week

The shape of the trip.

Dates

Embark Saturday 22 May 2027 at 14:00 · disembark Saturday 29 May 2027 by 09:00

Length

8 days / 7 nights

Vessel

MS Splendid — a 38.5 m motor yacht built in Croatia in 2014. 18 cabins, 38 berths, all en suite. Chartered whole-boat with her Croatian crew. Contract signed.

Route

One-way Omiš → Dubrovnik. Omiš is 30 minutes down the coast from Split.

Arrival airport

Dubrovnik (DBV)

Group transfer

One included group transfer up to the ship on embarkation morning, via Mostar and the Kravice waterfalls

Group size

About 30 to 36 guests — the boat's maximum is 38

Meals

Half board — welcome dinner, daily buffet breakfast, and six three-course lunches. Drinks and alcohol not included; bar by consumption, 09:00–23:00.

Hosted by

Chuck & Connie Holton

Price

$4,495 per person, double occupancy · $6,743 single occupancy

Deposit

$1,000 per person ($2,000 per couple / cabin)

The Route · Tentative Port List

Where we're headed.

We have a tentative port list. Captain and weather have the last word.

00Arrive

Fly into Dubrovnik (DBV). Sleep in Dubrovnik.

Come in a day early and take a hotel in Dubrovnik the night before we sail. That night is not included — book it yourself, and give yourself the buffer.

01Sat 22 May

Overland to Omiš via Mostar and Kravice. Board at 14:00.

One included group transfer pulls out of Dubrovnik around 10:00 a.m. and runs up the coast to the ship — four to five hours of driving, broken up with stops at Mostar and the Kravice waterfalls. Check Bosnia off your list on the way. We reach the boat at Omiš — tucked into the mouth of the Cetina river gorge, 30 minutes down the coast from Split — early afternoon; embarkation is at 14:00. Welcome drink, welcome dinner, and our first night tied up in Omiš.

02Sun 23 May

Omiš to Hvar.

Out into the islands. Swim stops in clear water, then Hvar — lavender, stone, and one of the prettiest harbors on the Adriatic. Walk up to the fortress above town, or don't. It's your afternoon.

03Mon 24 May

Hvar to Vis.

The furthest inhabited island off this coast — closed to foreigners until 1989, a Yugoslav military island with the tunnels and bunkers still in it.

04Tue 25 May

A full day on Vis.

This is the stop we deliberately slowed down for. A local guide, the military tunnels, the harbor town of Komiža, and time to swim. The Blue Cave on Biševo is nearby for anyone who wants it.

05Wed 26 May

Vis to Korčula.

The walled town said to be Marco Polo's birthplace — a fishbone grid of stone lanes built to break the wind. Quiet bays along the way.

06Thu 27 May

Korčula to Mljet.

Forested national park, saltwater lakes, and an island monastery. Swim, walk, and rest.

07Fri 28 May

Mljet to Dubrovnik.

The last run down the coast into Dubrovnik, and a final night aboard tied up in the city.

08Sat 29 May

Disembark Dubrovnik, 09:00.

Off the boat by nine. Fly home from DBV — or keep going with us on the optional Montenegro extension.

These are the ports we have asked for, and they are written into the charter — but they are not guaranteed. Croatian port slots get assigned the Friday before, so the captain, the weather, and berth availability have the last word. If a port can't be had, we find an alternative or anchor out.

How You Get There

Fly DBV. Board in Omiš. Disembark Dubrovnik.

Fly to Dubrovnik (DBV), and get in the day before. We recommend a hotel in Dubrovnik the night before we sail — that night is not included. On the morning of Saturday 22 May there is one included group transfer from Dubrovnik up to the ship: out around 10:00 a.m., four to five hours on the road with stops at Mostar and the Kravice waterfalls, into Omiš early afternoon. Embarkation is at 14:00. Omiš sits 30 minutes down the coast from Split — Split itself has no berth for a ship our size, so Omiš is where we board and where we spend the first night.

Flying into Split instead? Some guests will fly straight to Split and make their own way to the quay at Omiš — about 30 minutes by road. If you do, you skip the group transfer, and its cost is not refunded.

Coming home: we disembark in Dubrovnik at 09:00 on Saturday 29 May. Guests who arrived via Split need to plan on flying out of DBV, or buying their own ride north. Don't book a flight that leaves before mid-morning.

Included

7-night exclusive whole-boat charter of the MS Splendid, with her Croatian crew
Cabin with private facilities and air conditioning (double occupancy unless a single is purchased)
Half board — welcome dinner, daily buffet breakfast, and six three-course lunches
Welcome drink, daily fresh fruit, and a water dispenser aboard
Daily cabin cleaning; linens and towels changed through the week
Free unlimited Wi-Fi aboard
Rooftop jacuzzi, sun-deck beds, and the rear swimming platform
Wireless headsets for guided walking tours ashore
One group transfer up to the ship on embarkation morning (Mostar / Kravice routing)
Hosted by Chuck and Connie
Selected basic entries and short visits where practical (e.g. the Vis local guide)
Coordination and logistical support from Hot Zone Tours

Not Included

International airfare
Alcohol and drinks — the bar is open 09:00–23:00, by consumption. Outside drinks may not be brought aboard.
Croatian tourist tax, roughly €60–75 per person for the week, payable aboard
Any hotel or ground stay on the front or back end — the Dubrovnik night before, extra nights after, Montenegro, and so on
Extra meals beyond half board
National park and cave entry fees where we go ashore (Mljet and the Biševo Blue Cave run roughly €40 and €28)
Gratuities for crew and cruise manager
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Optional Montenegro / Dubrovnik extension (separate; about $1,500 to $2,000 per person if it happens — not confirmed)
Airport transfers outside the group coach

Next Step

$1,000 per person. Reserve your slot.

We already have 34 people signed up, so get your slot reserved if you haven't. Your priority deposit is $1,000 per person — $2,000 for a couple or a full cabin.

This is a priority deposit, held until the final vessel, dates, and price are accepted. If the trip that comes together doesn't fit your schedule, budget, or expectations, tell us before you confirm and we'll refund it. No hard feelings.

Your deposit will:

Hold your place in line
Give you priority for cabin selection
Apply toward your trip balance once you confirm
Stay refundable until you review and accept the final vessel, dates, and price

Pay Your Deposit with Stripe →

$1,000 per person. Paying for a couple or a full cabin? Set the quantity to 2 ($2,000) at checkout. Secure payment by Stripe — card details go straight to Stripe and never touch our site.

Want to note cabin, single-occupancy, or extension preferences first? Use the reserve form below →

Optional · Not Confirmed · Priced Separately

Optional Montenegro & Dubrovnik Coast Extension.

After the cruise ends in Dubrovnik, guests who want to keep going may be able to join an extension into Montenegro — mountains, lakes, and the Bay of Kotor. This is optional, not included, and not yet confirmed.

Black Lake (Crno Jezero) ringed by pine forest in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Wildflower meadow and dramatic clouds over the mountains of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

The waterfront town of Perast and its church at sunset on the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Our Lady of the Rocks island church in the Bay of Kotor near Perast, Montenegro

Glowing turquoise water inside the Blue Cave near Herceg Novi, Montenegro

A former Yugoslav navy submarine tunnel carved into the coastline near Herceg Novi, Montenegro

The concept we're leaning toward

Day 1 — Depart Dubrovnik 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 and may not happen at all. Final routing and hotels would depend on group size, availability, weather, border timing, and logistics.

If it happens: approximately $1,500–$2,000 per person, double occupancy. Priced and confirmed separately from the cruise.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What does it cost?

$4,495 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy in your own cabin is $6,743 — a 50% supplement ($4,495 + $2,248). Singles are limited. If you'd rather not pay the supplement, a same-sex share is possible; tell us on the form.

What are the exact dates?

Seven nights. We board at Omiš at 14:00 on Saturday 22 May 2027 and disembark in Dubrovnik by 09:00 on Saturday 29 May 2027. Those dates are in the signed charter.

Which boat is it?

The MS Splendid — a 38.5-metre motor yacht designed and built in Croatia in 2014, with 18 cabins and 38 berths. We've signed the charter for the whole vessel and her Croatian crew for the week, so there's no other group aboard.

What are the cabins like?

Eighteen cabins, every one with its own bathroom, and air conditioning throughout the ship. Most are double-bed cabins; nine of them convert to twin beds, and a couple can take a third berth. Tell us on the form what you need and we'll sort it when we assign cabins.

Is my deposit refundable?

Yes. The $1,000 per person deposit is a priority deposit, refundable until you review and accept the final vessel, dates, and price. If the trip doesn't fit, tell us before you confirm and we'll refund it.

Where should I fly?

Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV), arriving the day before. We recommend a hotel in Dubrovnik that night — it's not included. The next morning there's one included group transfer up to the ship via Mostar and the Kravice waterfalls, with a 14:00 embarkation at Omiš — 30 minutes down the coast from Split.

Can I fly into Split instead?

Yes — some guests will fly to Split and make their own way to the ship at Omiš, about 30 minutes down the coast, skipping the group transfer. Just know we disembark in Dubrovnik, so Split arrivals need to plan to fly out of DBV or buy their own ride north.

What meals are included?

Half board: a three-course welcome dinner on the first night, a buffet breakfast every morning, and six three-course lunches. Drinks and alcohol are not included — the bar aboard is open 09:00 to 23:00, charged by consumption, and outside drinks may not be brought aboard.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes — free unlimited Wi-Fi aboard is part of the charter. Coverage along the islands is what it is, but you'll be connected.

Are flights included?

No. International airfare is not included, and neither is any hotel or ground stay on the front or back end.

Where does the ship go?

One-way down the Dalmatian coast: Omiš, Hvar, two nights on Vis, then Korčula, Mljet, and into Dubrovnik. Those ports are written into the charter, but Croatian berths are assigned the Friday before, so the captain and the weather have the last word.

Is this a Christian trip?

It's faith-friendly and hosted by Christians, but it is not a church retreat. You don't have to share our faith to come.

Will the Montenegro extension happen?

It's not confirmed. It depends on demand and logistics, and it would be priced separately at roughly $1,500 to $2,000 per person.

What physical ability is required?

Guests should be able to walk on docks, board boats, manage stairs, and walk moderate distances on uneven stone surfaces. The Montenegro extension, if it happens, involves mountain roads and walking paths.

Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended, and it may be required once your booking is confirmed.

How many spots are available?

The Splendid has 18 cabins and holds 38. We're planning on about 30 to 36 of us, and 34 people have already signed up. When the cabins are gone, they're gone — it's one boat.

Anything I should know about the ports?

One practical thing: in Croatian harbors ships moor side by side, so getting ashore sometimes means crossing another ship's deck. There's a gap to step over. The crew will give a hand to anyone who wants one.