Dive trip with Splendid - 7 nights

Boat

Built in May 2014, M/S Splendid is a 38.50-metre steel Croatian cruise ship with an 8-metre beam and 2.40-metre draft. Two 350 hp Scania engines deliver a stated 8.5-knot cruising speed and 11-knot maximum. The technical table records three generators, an 8,000-litre fuel tank, 55,000 litres of fresh water, 18 guest cabins and six crew members.

The vessel's scale is suited to Croatia's island harbours, narrow approaches and sheltered coves. Days combine coastal navigation with meals, swimming and guided heritage visits; nights are generally spent alongside, so guests can dine independently and explore historic centres on foot. Safety equipment published by the operator includes video surveillance, navigation systems, smoke and fire detection, life rafts, life jackets and an onboard announcement system.

The main-deck salon-restaurant covers roughly 72 m² and opens to a 38 m² covered terrace. A second, approximately 60 m² sheltered terrace sits on the upper deck, while the 180 m² sun deck offers open-air lounging and a Jacuzzi. The stern platform, ladders and showers are used during authorised swim stops. Splendid delivers a more traditional, good-value small-ship atmosphere rather than the newest-yacht scale of the fleet.

Food service follows a small-ship rhythm: buffet breakfast every day, six three-course lunches, a welcome dinner and a Captain's Dinner on the standard weekly program. Menus mix Mediterranean, international and Croatian cooking. Dietary requirements should be declared before travel; the galley can make reasonable arrangements but cannot promise a completely allergen-free environment.

Cabin

Splendid's 18 cabins are distributed across three passenger decks: eight standard-deck, four main-deck and six upper-deck cabins. Double and twin beds are available; selected main-deck cabins may add a third bunk. Every room is ensuite and independently air-conditioned. Lower rooms use portholes, while higher categories offer windows and easier access to the public decks.

Published in-room equipment includes satellite LCD television, radio, safe, work surface, chair, mirror, bedside lights, hair dryer, 220 V outlets, wardrobe and under-bed luggage space. Each cabin also carries a life jacket and connects to the fire-alarm and cruise-manager announcement systems.

Daily cleaning is included. Bath towels are normally changed every second day and bed linen in the middle of the week. There is no passenger laundry service. Cabin size, stair access, window type, third-bed availability and solo-use supplement vary by category; confirm the exact room rather than relying on a generic photograph.

Diving and Water Activities

M/S Splendid is not a scuba-diving liveaboard. The operator does not advertise cylinders, compressors, a dive deck, equipment storage, dive guides, certification checks or organised dives. Scuba diving, rental equipment and dive insurance are therefore not included.

A certified guest who wants to dive would need to use an independent licensed shore centre during a sufficiently long port call. Transport, equipment and payment would be separate. Because weather, harbour congestion and the captain can change timing, no dive should be booked until Ambassador Travel confirms in writing that it fits the ship's schedule. The vessel will not wait for an unauthorised shore activity.

Guided snorkelling and loan equipment are not published inclusions either. Guests wishing to bring a mask and snorkel should ask about storage and local rules. The ship's tender is controlled by the crew and is not a general-purpose passenger boat.

The included marine activity is recreational swimming, when conditions permit. The captain selects safe bays and controls access from the stern platform and ladders. Deck showers allow guests to rinse afterward. Jumping overboard during navigation is prohibited. The Biševo Blue Cave visit uses a local excursion boat and is sightseeing—not cave diving or free swimming; entry can be cancelled by waves.

Other Information

The following separation reflects the operator's published 2026 vessel itineraries and general conditions. The confirmation for the selected sailing remains authoritative.

Published as included:

• Seven nights in the confirmed cabin category
• English-speaking cruise manager and the published crew complement
• Daily buffet breakfast, six three-course lunches, welcome dinner and Captain's Dinner
• Complimentary fresh fruit and a drinking-water dispenser
• Guided English-language walks in the cities named in the final itinerary, with wireless headsets
• Daily cabin cleaning, bath-towel changes every second day and midweek linen change
• Wi-Fi, public decks, rooftop Jacuzzi and scheduled swim stops when conditions allow
• CCTV and published onboard safety systems

Published as excluded or payable separately:

• Port and tourist taxes: the published 2026 amount is €50 per person per week, payable onboard in cash
• Biševo Blue Cave and Mljet National Park entrance fees on the published Elixir/San Spirito/Splendid programs
• Optional Vis Island tour and, northbound, optional Ston excursion
• Private transfers, flights, hotels, travel insurance and visas
• Most dinners, bar purchases and drinks beyond expressly included services
• Gratuities; the FAQ suggests 5–7% of fare for crew and 2–3% for the cruise manager
• Laundry, scuba diving, dive equipment, guided snorkelling and independent shore activities
• Solo supplements, upgrades and admission not specifically named as included

Practical booking notes:

• Published season: mainly April to October; weekly cruises normally depart on Saturday
• Duration: eight days/seven nights, one way rather than a return to the embarkation port
• Cabins: normally ready from 14:00; late arrival must be reported in advance
• Language: English is the official onboard and guiding language
• Wi-Fi: cellular and therefore variable between islands; not suitable for guaranteed streaming or remote work
• Food and drink: outside supplies are generally prohibited except authorised medical, infant or special-diet items
• Health: no onboard doctor or medical centre; travel and medical insurance are strongly recommended
• Accessibility: no adapted cabins; published terms say wheelchairs cannot embark and strollers are unsuitable
• Changes: route, port and even assigned vessel may change for weather, safety, port works or charter conditions