As our Croatian cruise drew to a close, we discovered that the smallest ports often left the biggest impression. From the charming streets of Rab to a heartfelt farewell aboard Princess Eleganza, the final days were filled with unexpected friendships, unforgettable meals and the bittersweet feeling of not wanting the journey to end. Sometimes it's not the destinations you remember most,it's the people and moments that make a trip truly unforgettable.

From quiet mornings wandering medieval streets to listening to music created by the sea itself, the final days of our Croatian cruise reminded us that sometimes the places you never planned to love become the ones you never forget.

Cruise Days 3 and 4 aboard Princess Eleganza delivered the perfect mix of slow travel and standout moments, from a hidden stop in Pučišća and a stylish evening in Split to our first (very cold) swim stop and a visit to Krka National Park. These were the days we truly found our rhythm and why cruising along the Croatian coast just works.

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.

There are some cities that surprise you the moment you arrive, and Sarajevo was one of them.

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.