Brand Backstory
Always Croatia is a small, woman-owned travel company with roots in the US and Croatia. The company specializes in intimate, boutique sails in the calm waters of the Croatian Mediterranean. Always Croatia was founded by Christy Kranjec, a first-generation Croatian-American whose rich cultural know-how and local connections pair with her American standard of customer care – a rare combination among European vacations. In starting Always Croatia four years ago, Christy sought to bridge a cultural gap she noticed as someone with one foot in each country – a gap between the well-known Adriatic waters and the rich cultural experiences on land, still undiscovered. Whether on land or sea, Always Croatia and its experiences are far less stereotypically ‘cruise ship’ and much more luxury yachting with a dash of cultural immersion. Despite operating a robust fleet of nearly 30 swoon-worthy vessels, Always Croatia sails perfectly under-the-radar (for now.)
Ship Snapshot
It was a dream calling the MS San Antonio ours for a 7-night one-way journey from Dubrovnik to Šibenik. The 146-foot yacht spaciously accommodates up to 36 guests in 18 en-suite cabins, along with eight crew members. (Though I got lucky, with only two dozen guests on my journey). It was my first ever cruise, and I'm afraid I've been spoiled forever.
The vessel was built in 2018 and was renovated in 2025, sporting a sleek look that’s modern yet comfortable. Everywhere you turn, there’s a soft spot to land. Furniture around the ship is arranged for gathering together or just as easily finding a private corner to nap. Pictures really don’t do it justice.
The San Antonio is typical in size of Always Croatia’s fleet, though it does not have balconies like some of the other ships.
Onboard Amenities
The boat is stocked with everything you need, and everything you didn’t know you did The swim deck made it irresistible to jump in the water at every chance, and if the salty Adriatic water isn’t enough to keep you afloat, there are plenty of water toys, from noodles to stand-up paddleboards. Everyone on our trip – aged 25 to 75 – had fun zooming through water on a Seabob.
The shaded top deck is outfitted with more than enough comfortable loungers, and an ensemble of couches and armchairs is set up in the center for late-night chatting with new friends. An always-bubbling Jacuzzi is also available for warming up after a refreshing daily dip in the Adriatic (the water was a bit chilly on our mid-September trip). My favorite part of each day was drying off on the deck after exhausting myself from snorkeling around in search of marine life, a glass of Croatian wine in hand.
There is seldom a time when you don't want to be in the open air, but when it’s time to eat, the panoramic windows of the elegant, air-conditioned dining room keep the vista of sea and mountains on full display. Before and after meals, guests can relax on the wrap-around couch on the breezy aft lounge, with mosquito nets that can drop down if needed.
Staterooms
The ten cabins on the main deck have wide windows and can be arranged with double or twin beds. The eight lower-deck cabins have portholes rather than windows and, like the upper-level cabins, are spacious enough for double beds. All guest rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs, and toiletries, and receive daily cabin service.
Accent lighting and a soft palette give the ship a fresh and light vibe, even in the lower deck, where I stayed. I slept soundly even in the lower deck, especially since the ship is docked overnight, only setting sail for the next island in the early mornings. Engine noise is buffered by the stylishly upholstered accent walls, interspersed with strips of mirror that reflect the sea view. Of note are the extra-thick mattresses that make it almost impossible to tell if the ship is sailing, even for guests who are sensitive to movement.
What’s Included
Offering authentic cultural immersion with the creature comforts of a luxury yacht is what sets Always Croatia apart. The itinerary included four UNESCO sites, such as Diocletian's Palace in Dubrovnik, as well as nature excursions, like biking along the edges of salt lakes in Mljet National Park. Knowledgeable local guides showed us around five of the six stops we visited, such as Kortcula, one of the best-preserved medieval Mediterranean towns. Interactive experiences, like cooking in a rural village where we were the only guests, allow for organic connection with the local community.
The trip was suitable for guests with a variety of abilities and interests, as evidenced by the wide generational span of our fellow travelers and the flexible schedule. It’s best suited for those with a bit of travel experience, since there is a good amount of time built into the itinerary for independent sightseeing. Also, since the boat docks overnight, you can stay on shore as long as you want each evening.
Guided walking tours and entrance fees are included in the trip cost, as are all breakfasts, all but one lunch, and three dinners. Alcoholic and other drinks are not included, aside from free drinks offered at onboarding and the captain’s dinner. Coffee and tea are free at breakfast and lunch. Gratuities and a port fee are also to be paid separately. There are also opportunities to join optional excursions, such as a wine tasting, which is a separate fee.
Food and Drink
The importance of food in Croatian culture is evident in the care dedicated to guests’ onboard meals. Breakfast is always a fresh and colorful spread that accommodates all diets. For lunch or dinner, the talented chef and sous chef serve inventive three-course meals made with organic ingredients locally sourced from the day’s stop. The meals are portioned to fuel a day of active adventure, but not so much that you can’t fathom getting in the water.
The full bar is stocked with both American spirits and a roster of Croatian wines, and the expert bartenders will happily give you an impromptu history lesson on the islands’ wine. (Apparently the best variety is Grk, which is a dry white made from grapes indigenous to Korčula island, which we visited on the trip.)
Any time you’re not eating on board, you can either try out a local restaurant – the crew always has excellent recommendations. Or you may be sated by the food experiences on your excursions, such as eating soparnik that you’ve helped prepare in a rural part of Omiš, or letting a local family fill you up with their homemade products at their farm in the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO heritage site on Hvar island.
Fast Facts
Location: Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Vibe: Elegant and welcoming.
Rating: 4 stars.
Starting Rate: From $1895 per person (2025 prices).
Room Count: 18
Our Favourite Thing About the Ship: The swim deck.
Dining: Breakfast buffet and three-course meals are prepared by the onboard chef each day.
Amenities: Shaded aft lounge, top deck with shaded and sun sections, Jacuzzi, snorkeling equipment and water toys.
Closest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
