Itinerary
August 17-24 2024
Friday August 16
Dubrovnik
~11pm Unofficial Pre-Cruise meet up at Milk Bar
Saturday August 17
Dubrovnik
2-3:30pm Embarkation at Gruz Port
4pm Orientation Mixer & Hors D'oeurvres
Explore Dubrovnik at leisure
Dinner at leisure
Sunday August 18
Dubrovnik-Slano
Breakfast on board
9am Depart Dubrovnik
Swim stop
Lunch on vessel
~2pm Arrive in Slano
Bus to town of Ston
Oyster Tour (optional)
Explore town of Ston at leisure
6:30pm Meet at designated point for bus to Slano
8:30pm "Sail Away With Me" Welcome Dinner
Main Deck Soiree
Monday August 19
Slano - Mljet
Breakfast on board
Arrive in Mljet ~9am (boat docks til ~1pm in Pomena)
Explore at leisure
National Park (25 euros entrance fee)
Lunch on vessel ~1pm
Explore at leisure
Boat to Anchor at Sea ~7pm
8pm "Golden Hour" Captain’s Dinner
Main Deck Party Anchored at Sea
Tuesday August 20
Mljet - Korkula
Breakfast on board
Swim Stop
Lunch on vessel
1 Hour Guided Walking tour in Korkula upon disembarkation
Explore at leisure
Dinner at leisure in Korkula
Wednesday August 21
Korkula - Vis
Breakfast on board
Blue Caves (entrance 25 euros)
Swim Stop
Lunch on vessel
Arrive in Vis
Explore at leisure
8:30pm "Kaftans & Cocktails" Dinner
Main Deck Soiree
Thursday August 22
Vis - Hvar
Breakfast on board
Swim Stop
Arrive in Hvar Town
Bus transfer to Hora Estate Winery for Traditional Peka Lunch
Return to Hvar Town
Explore at leisure
Dinner at leisure
Friday August 23
Hvar - Split
Breakfast on board
Swim Stop
Lunch on vessel
Arrive in Split
Boat docks at Ferry Port Split
1 hour Guided Walking Tour of Split upon disembarkation
Dinner at leisure
Saturday August 24
Split
Breakfast on board
~10am Disembarkation after Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change
Use the Travefy App to view more detailed itinerary here.
Safety & Etiquette
One of the key reasons Ursula Hosting and Beard & Compass have been so successful in planning group trips is our dedication to bringing together amazing people. We know that vacations are a time to unwind, let loose, and have a fantastic time. Our ultimate goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone on board.
We hope our guests will be kind, courteous, and inclusive, helping us maintain our mission of uniting our community through shared experiences. Please listen to our crew members' instructions and follow all safety protocols. Be sure to adhere to the boat rules and the captain's directions, and be punctual for excursions and departures from the port.
And, most importantly, have fun!
Your cruise director, crew, and hosts—Nelson, Jeremiah, and Brandon—are here to ensure you have the best time. If there's anything we can do to make this one of your best holidays yet, please let us know!
What's Included & Not Included?
Included
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All breakfasts and lunches and three onboard dinners
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Peka traditional Croatian Lunch on the Hora Estate in Hvar
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Free onboard WiFi
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Port fees & Tourist taxes
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Walking tours in Korkula & Split, including gratuity
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One beach towel with additional towels available for rent
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Onboard water cooler stations for drinking water
NOT Included
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Dinner at leisure in Dubrovnik, Korkula, Hvar & Split
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The Oyster tasting experience in Ston is not included. The cost is 35 USD per person. We highly recommend this tour.
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Entrance to Blue Caves and Mljet National park. The cost is 25 euros per person for each.
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Alcohol is not included but can be purchased at the onboard bar. Prices are quite reasonable (cocktails ~11 euros). Bringing alcohol onboard is strictly prohibited.
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Other off-board excursions, unless otherwise specified, are not included.
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Airfare and airport transfers
Theme Nights
On Sunday August 18th, we will have a Welcome Dinner onboard. The theme is "Sail Away With Me." Following dinner there will be a soiree with music and mingling on the rooftop deck.
On Monday August 19th, we will host a Captain's Dinner onboard. The theme is "Golden Hour". We will be anchored at sea this evening in Mljet so we will be able to have a party on the on the top deck following dinner.
On Wednesday August 21st, we will have dinner onboard. The theme is "Kaftans & Cocktails." We will have music and mingling on the top deck following dinner.
Music will be provided by Atlanta's very own DJ Delaney.
We would love to see everyone participate in the theme nights. We were mindful in picking themes that would promote creativity and be left open for interpretation. No need to over think it. Be creative, be fun, be you!
Tipping Guide
Suggested tip per passenger (in cash)
Cruise director - 35 euro for the week per guest
Crew - 50 euro for the week per guest
Cruise Hosts (Brandon, Jeremiah, & Nelson) - tip at your discretion
Envelopes for tips will be left for each guest in the cabins on Friday Aug. 23 and will be collected prior to final disembarkation on Saturday.
Travel Tips
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Check to make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your date of arrival in Europe.
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Getting cash out of an ATM will generally give you the best exchange rate. When prompted, you should always accept the conversion rate in the local currency.
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Whenever using your credit card, if given an option to choose between the local currency and USD, always chose local currency for best exchange rate.
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Notify your credit cards of your travel plans.
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Check with your mobile provider to see if Croatia is included in your international plan. AT&T for example, has an add-on plan that costs 12 USD per day for use in Croatia. Verizon has similar rates.
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Verify your flight information and double check luggage restrictions.
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Croatia is generally safe with low rates of crime but using the buddy system is never a bad idea while traveling.
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Please use the safes in each cabin to store your valuables.
Packing List Recommendations
Passport (that does not expire within 6 months of arrival date in Europe)
Prescription & over-the-counter medications
Dramamine (for sea sickness)
Swim wear
Sandals/Flip-flops/Water shoes*
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Theme night attire
Phone Charger
Outlet Adaptor
*Many beaches in Croatia are rocky or have small pebbles and the clear waters off the coast are known to have sea urchins. Water shoes or sandals are recommended for entering the water.
M.S. Diamond Info
Built: 2015, Refit in 2023 for 2024 season.
Length: 50m; Width: 8.6m
Refit includes change of all wooden windows and new black glass panels will be installed, complete refurbishment of main restaurant, full refurbishment of cabins.
Maximum occupancy: 38 passengers
Voltage: 220v
Passengers cabins: 10 - double/twin cabins on the main deck ; 6 double/twin cabins and 2 triple cabins on the lower deck
Crew members: 8
A popular vessel to cruise Croatia’s waterways, the MS Diamond is a stunning 50 meter long and 8.8 meters wide deluxe vessel. Built in 2015, the ship underwent a refurbishment at the end of the 2023 cruise season and was updated with modern, state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Each cabin comes equipped with air conditioning, safe, wardrobe, hairdryer, TV and toiletries.
The vessel has an outdoor lounge, swim platform, bar and restaurant, it provides the perfect intimate setting for solo or group travelers alike. No doubt a pleasure to cruise on, the MS Diamond is sure to be the highlight of any Croatian adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there laundry service on board?
Unfortunately, there is no laundry service on board the Diamond, but there are easily accessible and fast laundry services in almost every port you’ll visit and since the ship normally sails into port in the afternoon around 3-4 PM they’ll be able to have it done within a few hours for you. Your cruise manager will be on hand to assist with locating these services and everything else. There are laundry services in the port (within 5 min walking from the ship) in Split, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Slano and Dubrovnik and it costs about 20 EUR per load.
How often are our cabins cleaned?
The crew will check cabins and tidy up each day (towel change if needed, trash removed, etc). Bed linens will be changed mid-week.
Will our cabins have soap and shampoo?
Shampoo, soap and shower gel will be included, but we recommend bringing your own if you have a special treatment or preference for your hair or skin.
Where do I board the ship in Dubrovnik and what time can I board?
The M.S. Diamond will be docked in Gruz Port, a short taxi or uber ride away from old town Dubrovnik. You can drop your bags off as early as 10am but boarding will not begin until 2pm. You should be on board by 3:30pm.
At 4pm, join us for a mixer where we'll serve delicious hors d'oeuvres! Our friendly Captain and crew will also lead a safety orientation to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Safety first! - This part is mandatory.
How do I find the ship?
Your hosts will share the location via WhatsApp group chat on the day of embarkation.
When can I disembark the boat once we arrive in Split?
We should arrive in Split by 5pm or earlier on Friday August 23, 2024. If you have to disembark the boat to make a flight that is leaving Friday evening, you can disembark as soon as the ship is docked. Please let the cruise manager and hosts know this beforehand so we can make any necessary preparations to allow for a smooth disembarkation.
On Saturday, we will need to be off the boat after breakfast by 10am. If you have a later flight, we recommend storing your luggage at baggage storage at the Ferry Port Exit near the Jadrolinija building. There is also another baggage storage at the bus terminal one minute away by walking.
How is the WiFi onboard?
Wi-Fi is available onboard via cellular service. However, due to the ship's location at sea, the connection may be unreliable or slow at times. It is best suited for checking emails or accessing news portals. Please refrain from downloading files, uploading videos, or streaming Netflix as it impacts the connection for others. For better connectivity, consider using your own cellular data when the ship is near cell towers. Many restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops on land offer free Wi-Fi with more reliable speeds.
Is there a curfew or quiet time?
Noise restrictions begin at midnight (24:00hrs). While the ship stays docked overnight, allowing flexibility for passengers to return at their convenience, quiet hours should be observed upon late return. Noise from shore activities or neighboring ships may be audible, especially in lively ports during peak seasons. Consider bringing earplugs for undisturbed sleep.
What time do I have to be back on the boat in each port?
Ships depart early in the morning, typically between 6am and 8am, as scheduled by local port authorities. Buffet breakfast is usually served onboard from 7am to 9am as the ship heads towards its first destination of the day. Please be sure you are onboard prior to the ship leaving port. You will be responsible for getting to the next port if you miss the boat.
How much money should I bring and what currency is used onboard?
The official currency used onboard is the Euro (EUR). You can withdraw Euros from ATMs using your debit, credit, or travel money card. Euros can also be obtained from banks or exchange offices upon arrival. Most stores and restaurants accept credit cards. It's advisable to carry a small amount of Euros for emergencies. We suggest having between 100-200 Euros per person when you board. Cash is necessary for optional excursions and any additional cruise expenses.
Restaurant Recommendations
Restaurant Reservations are not generally required (unless there is a specific restaurant you are wanting to check out). Some of the more popular restaurants, however, may book up months in advance. Regardless, Croatia has a plethora of amazing restaurants and you will be sure to find an amazing meal.
Dubrovnik
Restauran Kopun
Restaurant Nautika
Restauran Arsenal
Fish Restaurant Proto
Korčula
Konoba Maslina
Konoba Marco Polo
Konoba Adio Mare
Restaurant “Aterina”
Konoba Belin Žrnovo
Hvar
Mediterraneo
Dalmatino
Restaurant Park Hvar
Restaurant Hanibal
Split
Restaurant Bajamonti
Restaurant Brasserie On 7
Restaurant Zora Bil