What to Expect
Is This Right For You?
Please read below to make sure this trip is right for you. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who joins us has an amazing time, and because we’re different from most traditional tours (and now cruises), it’s important that our guests are looking for the kind of experience we offer. This helps ensure that not only will you have the trip of a lifetime, but so will the other guests—and us too!
We’re all about creating a fun, immersive, and family-like atmosphere. Our trips are designed for those who crave authentic experiences, love connecting with locals, and enjoy traveling with a small, close-knit group. If you’re looking for luxury in the traditional sense—with rigid itineraries and impersonal service—this won’t be the right fit. But if you’re excited about getting off the beaten path, diving into local culture, and sharing moments that feel more like traveling with friends, then you’re in the right place.
Here’s a bit more of what to expect on this adventure:
Physical Limitations: This is not a trip for anyone with mobility issues or physical limitations. We like to put it this way: Can you walk a mile on uneven surfaces, climb a couple of flights of stairs, and keep going? If so, you’re good to go. Can you jump off a boat, swim on your own, and climb a ladder to get back onboard? Then you’ll be just fine!
Culinary Restrictions: We can easily accommodate vegetarians and many other food preferences, but if you have super specific cultural or dietary restrictions, there may be limitations. Don’t expect bacon and eggs every morning or a wide variety of North American-style options. We’ll be venturing off the beaten path in Croatia, so a little sense of culinary adventure goes a long way!
To Serve or Be Served?: If you’ve been on our CDV trips before, you know this well—but we want to underscore it here. You may hear “luxury yacht” and imagine someone serving you drinks while you lounge, offering room service, or catering to your every whim. While the yacht is luxurious, we’re CDV, and our core is all about family. Want a drink? The bar’s over there—grab one for yourself and one for the crew member you’re chatting with! And while you’re at it, why not help out with the dishes or swab the deck since the two of you have been chatting so long?
That’s how we roll, and if you know, you know. But if you do not, this is what forges the amazing sense of family that has our guests (and us) in tears when leaving. This is at our core. So if you are looking for white glove service, this will surely not be for you.
•Turn Up the Volume: We love to have fun! There will be music—sometimes we’ll be dancing and singing along to AC/DC, other times it might be Dua Lipa or classic disco. Suddenly, we’ll switch it up with traditional Croatian tunes. The point is, if you’re inclined to say “turn down the music,” this might not be the trip for you. But if you’re ready to let loose and have a blast, you’re in for a great time.
•Genuine Connections: We focus on building real, meaningful connections—with each other and the locals we meet. Whether we’re sharing a meal or learning from the people who call this place home, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve made lasting friendships, not just seen tourist sites.
•Flexibility: We’re all about going with the flow. Sometimes the weather or unexpected opportunities will call for a change in plans, and we embrace that. Whether it’s extending our stay at a hidden gem or spending extra time with a local family, we adjust to make the most of every day. If you’re flexible and open to spontaneity, you’ll love the journey.
•Immersive Culture: This trip isn’t about checking off famous landmarks. Instead, we focus on truly experiencing the local culture—through hands-on activities, authentic food, and traditions that most tourists never get to see. Expect heartfelt moments and a deep dive into the true essence of each place we visit.
•Small Group Vibe: This is an intimate experience, perfect for travelers who enjoy being part of a small, friendly group. The family-like atmosphere makes it easy to share stories, meals, and laughter with like-minded travelers, creating a close-knit community on board.
•Active Participation: While there will be plenty of time to relax, this trip is also designed for guests who love hands-on experiences. Whether it’s cooking a local dish, learning a traditional game, or mixing your own cocktail, there’s always an opportunity to participate and have fun. If you thrive on interaction and involvement, this is the trip for you.
If all of this sounds like what you’re looking for, then we’re excited to welcome you aboard! We’re committed to making your experience unforgettable, full of lasting memories, and shared with new friends who feel like family.
Inaugural Trip Need To Know
Our May 31, 2025 sailing will be our inaugural trip. We call these our “Launch Weeks” and invite alumni guests only for a reason. The alumni that come on these weeks are mostly looking to be part of something new and exciting, and to be with a group of very like-minded people. More than anything, it is about the people.
Launch Weeks always come with a disclaimer: Things can and will go wrong, but we will make the best of it, and they are super easy going about it. Plans may change on the fly because we may suddenly meet that person that is really cool and tells us we can do that amazing thing we never expected. They also know that we are looking for issues we need to fix, and to expect to have lots of photos taken, because that will be the material for the website and video!
They also know something else: Those that have been on our launch weeks in the past are always in for a some of surprises we will only do on that trip, and never again.
Launch weeks are always a huge family reunion!