Review: Sailing With Lastavica Cruising in Croatia

I love cruising on small ships. I’ve sailed on a variety of them, and it has become my preferred vacation style, in large part because of the benefits of traveling with a small group and the ease of getting around. Plus, small ships can go where larger ships can’t.

And that’s just what made my recent charter cruise along Croatia's Dalmatian coast with Lastavica Cruising so special. Not only was I impressed by the intimate nature of my ship, the brand’s hand-picked excursions and the beauty of the destination; I was also enamored with an elevated experience that included high-touch, personalized service and stops in serene, small ports that larger ships simply can’t offer.

There’s also Lastavica’s laser focus on travel advisors: Lastavica, which owns and operates two luxury motor yachts in the Adriatic Sea, puts agent relationships front and center in its business model.

Working Hand-in-Hand With Travel Advisors

In fact, that's what initially drew in Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations in Washington, after she experienced the product in 2021. Since then, she has hosted six successful charters, including the one I sailed on. Schreiner has become Lastavica’s U.S. travel advisor liaison, which adds a personal touch with American advisors to help them navigate the waters of chartering and marketing charters, as well as helps Lastavica form lasting relationships with U.S. advisors.

“What makes Lastavica different is that it realized that to build the U.S. market, it needed to bring its high-touch level of service from the guest experience to the advisor relationship experience. This brings success to both the brand and the advisors who work with them,” Schreiner said.

What makes Lastavica different is that it realized that to build the U.S. market, it needed to bring its high-touch level of service from the guest experience to the advisor relationship experience.

What makes Lastavica especially unique — and what I learned from owner Igor Stancic and owner/captain Filip Stancic — is that the company works hand-in-hand with travel advisors on full-ship charters, including customizing every itinerary to make it unique for both the agent and their clients. Lastavica is happy to share ideas for activities in port; make reservations for activities such as winery visits, private dining experiences and transportation; and provide recommendations for private touring and excursions. (The brand works as a concierge for the advisor, as excursions are not included in charters.)

“Both Filip and Igor feel strongly that the relationship between them and the advisors is key to a strong and fulfilling relationship that lasts beyond just that first charter,” Schreiner said. “As Filip states: 'We don't want to be bus drivers; we want to have a relationship with our advisors.’”

Indeed, Igor’s and Filip’s pride in their product and service was evident from the moment I met them. It carried throughout our entire voyage, also reflected in the crew, who are treated like family.

We don't want to be bus drivers; we want to have a relationship with our advisors.

Charting a Customized Course

Lastavica, which is wholly family-owned and -operated, currently charters two luxury cruising yachts: the 36-passenger Lastavica, and the 36-passenger Swallow. During my weeklong Adriatic cruise onboard Lastavica, we visited exquisite small port towns with historical architecture and picturesque streets, along with bustling ancient cities like Split and Dubrovnik. There were intimate, customized wine-tasting experiences at beautiful hillside wineries and explorations at Krka National Park, with its stunning waterfalls, and Mljet National Park, set on two emerald salt lakes. One special evening included a traditional Croatian “peka” dinner (meats and vegetables roasted in a bell under coals) at an organic farm in the Stari Grad countryside.

Unlike larger cruise ships, Lastavica charters sail during the morning, take a break for a swim stop in a beautiful, serene cove around 10 a.m., then proceed to the next port to dock, where the ship spends the rest of the day and night. This gives guests the opportunity to explore ports at their leisure. And, because the ship is small, the captain has the flexibility to adjust the itinerary according to the weather.

Excursions are mostly planned for the afternoons, or clients can spend time wandering around the town sightseeing and shopping, or they can take a taxi to visit sites farther afield. Guests are on their own for dinner — a wonderful way to experience the nightlife and local cuisine in these small towns. (And if clients are seafood lovers, they’ll be in heaven.)

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The Onboard Experience

The ships themselves are beautiful — bright, spacious and comfortable while still intimate and cozy. On both Lastavica and Swallow, there are three categories of cabins that are fully equipped with air conditioning and range in size from 130 to 187 square feet. Beds can be configured as two twins or one double. Several cabins have a sofa that can be used as a third bed. All feature a television, a safe, a wardrobe and ample storage space. The roomy bathroom in my cabin exceeded all expectations.

Public spaces were also impressive, considering the size of the ship. There are indoor and outdoor eating areas, two bars, a lounge for quiet reflection (which doubles as a massage treatment room with a masseuse in the mornings), multiple sun decks (covered and open), a Jacuzzi, a sauna and a swimming/watersports platform.

Although it might sound daunting to charter a whole ship, you may be pleasantly surprised by Lastavica's unique business model, which offers an opportunity to exponentially increase your profitability. Good fits for ship charters include family reunions, social groups or couples who like to travel together and river cruisers who want a new European cruising experience. There are countless options, and you probably already have these clients in your database.