TBT:OUR DIAMOND IN DUBROVNIK

 TBT: OUR DIAMOND IN DUBROVNIK  Awaiting us at the  designated harbor was more than just our yacht, the MS DIAMOND. Actually, the yachts raft up, meaning one boat ties to the dock and the others tie up alongside each other, like a floating row of boats.  So one walks onto the boat tied to the dock and walks through each boat until you reach your own craft. We became quite proficient at this yacht hopping (one stop five across with 6 being the most permitted.) Very efficient. Synchronized departures with the outermost departing first...

Fortunately, our cruise director, Ivan, was awaiting our arrival and after introductions, handed out room keys so we could get settled. He also told us about the closest eateries for lunch. We would be having a welcome dinner and meeting that evening to explain our 8 day cruise and about a daily itinerary post (with suggested restaurants ) on a whiteboard so we could use our cells to take screenshots. (NOTED: first eco effort)

This was the Diamond's first cruise of the season. She runs 8-day cruises along the Croatian coast from Dubrovnik up to Split /vice versa.  Known for its good food and guided tours it has been part of Zantium Travel's fleet since 2015, refitted in 2024. I especially loved the remodeled cabin bathroom, with a large glass shower, a large shower handle, and a vanity with a deep drawer.

Passenger capacity is 38 for their 18 cabins, all with private bathrooms, AC, safe, hairdryer, TV, and no-charge WiFi. The cabins were European size, you know, SMALL. We were only 16 passengers hailing from Brisbane, Australia, St. Louis, Mo, Northwest (Washington/Oregon Me bad for not remembering), Chicago, Il, La Crosse, WI, Russellville, and Little Rock, AR. So we really got to know each other at meals and downtime. 

Above the cabin main floor was a lounge area, restaurant, bar,  kitchen, and captain's bridge. Above that, a covered upper lounge, big sundeck and hot tub.

Most of our crew were very friendly newbies with varying degrees of English proficiency. None of us knew any Croatian. We had the advantage of avoiding staff 'burnout' traveling at the beginning of the season. 

There were many advantages to not being in a large cruise ship that could not enter the small ports like we could.  Here's Zantium's link, should you want to check them out. 

https://www.zantium-travel.com/en/croatia-cruises/