By the time we stepped aboard the Princess Eleganza, we’d already crossed three countries, ridden buses and trains, climbed more stairs than I care to remember, and well and truly earned the next phase of our trip.

After a long bus ride from Sarajevo, we arrived in Dubrovnik tired but completely wowed. From endless stone steps and sunset spritzes to walking the Old Town walls and finding Game of Thrones filming spots, our first taste of Croatia was equal parts beautiful and chaotic and the perfect prelude to our Adriatic cruise adventure.

Mostar stole our hearts with its fairytale bridge, turquoise river, and cobbled old town buzzing with life. We wandered through markets scented with coffee and grilled cevapi, watched brave locals dive from Stari Most, and soaked up stories of resilience. It’s a city that’s beautiful, raw, and unforgettable – where every stone seems to whisper history and hope.

On our whirlwind 48-hour stopover in Doha, we discovered that this desert city is so much more than just a gateway to Europe. From the futuristic skyline and world-class museums to sprawling malls with outdoor air-conditioning, Doha surprised and delighted us at every turn. Staying at the Dusit Doha Hotel through the Qatar Airways Stopover Program gave us a luxe base with incredible value (under $100 AUD for two nights). Our two days were filled with highlights: exploring Th

You know those days when you've been staring at a screen for too long, and your brain quietly whispers, “maybe you should be on a yacht right now”?Well… I listened. On a particularly long workday, I found a last-minute deal that felt too dreamy to ignore — a 10-day small ship cruise through Croatia aboard the MV Princess Eleganza. Croatia has always been high on our must-visit list, and suddenly, the timing just felt right.