Retirement is a significant milestone in one's life, and it deserves to be celebrated in a grand way. If you’d like to celebrate with panache, going on a cruise with your loved ones is the way to do it! Traveling keeps us young, curious, and active. But, where should you go?
Well, here’s an idea — how about Croatia?
Croatia occasionally gets mentioned in movies too
Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Cruising this country really offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy the waters and abundance of beaches. You’ve got your history landmarks for the curious, plus the cuisine is something out of this world!
However, let’s dive deeper and explore why a Croatian cruise is perfect to celebrate your retirement.
Croatia is a hidden gem of Europe, located at the east Adriatic. The Croatian coastline is famous for crystal-clear waters, picturesque islands, and charming coastal towns. The wonderful thing about these places is that their historical centers are very much preserved and are still teeming with life! Just look at Dubrovnik, its walls serving as popular King’s Landing in the Game of Thrones franchise, or Zadar with its unique sea organ.
The country has a rich history and culture, with influences spanning to ancient times! The Greeks, Romans, and Venetians all left their mark on the wonderful architecture and the way of life here.
Croatia is also home to eight national parks, including the well-known Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its amazing cascading lakes and pristine nature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cruising along the Croatian coast offers an unforgettable experience. The cruise ships are luxurious and offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. You can relax on the deck, soak up the sun, and enjoy the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
The cruise also stops at various ports, allowing you to explore the charming coastal towns and islands. This way, you get to island hop in style and get the best of both worlds, sea and land!
By traversing this beautiful land on cruise ships, you get to enjoy the beauty of some of the most beautiful places in the Adriatic, all while sipping a nightcap in the privacy of the ship’s deck and your family. Imagine making a toast to your wonderful career under the night sky in the port of Hvar, looking at its impressive Fortica castle!
Hvar port at night
Croatia has over a thousand islands, and all of these have their own unique charm, beauty, and distinct traditions. You can visit the famous islands of Hvar and Korčula, known for their stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, amazing sea forts, and endless lavender, and vineyard fields.
Lesser-known islands, such as Vis and Mljet, offer a peaceful and tranquil escape into almost untouched nature! Just look into the wonder of the blue cave on Vis, and you’ll know what we mean.
Statistically, the country is one of the safest places on Earth! So, you can rest assured that you’ll have a carefree holiday. As financial security is high on the priority list for senior travelers, you’ll love to hear that the place is considered relatively inexpensive too. On average, reports estimate that you’ll spend around $55-$200 per day here.
Here’s where cruise ships come in handy too — considering how most of the time is spent on board and with cruise package benefits, you can really expect to go even lower on some days!
Croatian cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Central European flavors. It is known for its fresher-than-fresh seafood, grilled meats, and delicious pastries! You can indulge in local delicacies such as black risotto, octopus salad, and “peka” — a traditional Croatian dish cooked under a bell-shaped lid.
Dalmatian peka is a must-try on your visit to Croatia
And don’t even get us started on the wines!
Croatia has one of the best wine-making microclimates in the world and is known for some amazingly sweet and dry wines, especially in the southern region of Dalmatia. And, on some cruises, you even get to try them directly in family-owned wineries and restaurants included in the itinerary, so it’s definitely worth investigating!
Choosing to cruise along the Croatian coast elevates the retirement celebration to an unforgettable experience. From renowned Hvar and Korcula with vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches to tranquil Vis and Mljet, each island presents a unique charm.
Celebrate your achievements in a grand and personalized way, surrounded by the beauty, history, and cultural richness of this Adriatic jewel. Cheers to retirement, Croatian style!
