What the Brokers Say: a charter experience like no other
A Croatian Escape on DONNA DEL MARE
In May 2025, selected key Charter Brokers were invited on board 40M/131’ Aegean Yacht DONNA DEL MARE for a familiarization (FAM) trip around the coast and islands of Croatia, embarking and disembarking in Dubrovnik. The trip was an essential opportunity for Brokers to experience life on board the yacht and gain first-hand insight into its crew culture, cuisine and amenities, valuable information to pass on to potential charter guests.
Those on board also discovered this stunning destination in a uniquely authentic way, guided by a Croatian crew with a difference: the Captain, chief officer, chief stew and stew are a family. Their genuine passion for their homeland and in-depth knowledge of its history, culture and highlights enabled them to create a truly local and immersive experience for all on board.
Crafted for Comfort & Character
Discover DONNA DEL MARE
DONNA DEL MARE
High season rate from €127,000 p/week
The Yacht: Details at a glance
- 7 staterooms, comfortably accommodating 12 guests + 4 supernumeraries, ideal for families or groups
- Experienced, personable crew, led by a highly skilled Captain. Warm, adaptable, and deeply knowledgeable about Croatia, elevating any charter into an immersive and unforgettable Adriatic adventure
- Onboard masseuse and private massage area on the main deck
- Exceptional chef on board
- Extensive selection of water toys including jet-skis, Seabobs, paddle boards and more
- Elevated jacuzzi on the sundeck and two full wet bars, perfect for relaxed days and lively evening gatherings
- Classic charm with modern comforts, including a 2024 refit that refreshed various elements on board, including a light blue hull that enhances her timeless elegance
- Zero-speed stabilizers, ensuring smooth cruising and exceptional stability at anchor
FAM Trip Itinerary
Setting off from Dubrovnik, the itinerary took in the quiet bay of Sipan, the verdant national park of Mljet, friendly tame deer in Badija, olive groves and vineyards in medieval Korcula, beaches and wine tastings in Peljesac and oysters in Ston.
Please note: a longer 8-day itinerary is proposed for charter. Contact your Fraser Charter Broker for details.
The Yacht & her crew
Life on board
The Brokers enjoyed the best of the yacht’s interior and exterior spaces: classic in style and maintained to an exceptional condition. Several guests remarked on the yacht’s new teak, fresh paintwork and well maintained, spacious decks. “The yacht was presented very well overall,” said one Broker. “Although it is a classic vessel, I was impressed by how sparkling clean everything was. The teak, in particular, looked beautifully maintained.” The authenticity, warmth, character and soul of DONNA DEL MARE was appreciated, with her traditional craftsmanship and layout ideal for families or groups of friends, with generous communal areas balanced with quiet corners for privacy.
“It’s the crew who truly bring her to life”
‘Passion’, ‘generosity’, genuine hospitality’, ‘heartfelt service’, ‘outstanding’, ‘pure joy’: just some of the feedback the Brokers gave for the crew on board. This dedicated family and crew, some of whom have been together for over 20 years, are the soul of this onboard experience: English-speaking, deeply knowledgeable, and always engaging. The crew of DONNA DEL MARE includes a professional masseuse, a Captain with outstanding knowledge and leadership (who also sings opera), and a chef whose dishes rival top restaurants. Every detail was elevated and a true sense of family was created on board. “It is apparent they love what they are doing,” said Fraser Broker Melanie Burke. “The service and the crew’s attitudes and availability were perfect.”
A shared passion for Croatia
The crew’s passion for Croatia and warm hospitality made every activity more enjoyable. Brokers were guided on a range of activities, including
A tour of an oyster farm, plus oyster tasting
- Salt harvesting in Ston
- Wine tasting on the Peljesac peninsula
- A cruise around Veliko Jazero and its 12th-century Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary
- Discovering local legends in Odysseus Bay
- An unforgettable dining experience at a private home in an olive grove
- Mljet national park
- Bays, coves and local villages
The finest in Croatian gastronomy
Chef Jadran served a menu of traditional Croatian food with Mediterranean/international fusion, including Ston oysters gratinée, monkfish with saffron sauce, caramelized fennel, and black fermented garlic, classic vitello tonnato, homemade gnocchi, black risotto with frutti di mare, pasticada and local olive oil and dark chocolate cake.
“The meals were delicious, perfectly prepared, and the quality of the proteins, cheeses, vegetables, breads and olive oil was fabulous. We experienced a great variety of cuisines, and I am confident Chef Jadran can please any client,” said Melanie. “Chef Jadran is a culinary genius—every dish was exquisite,” added another Broker. “Traditional Dalmatian flavors were woven into a gastronomic journey that made us fall in love—not just with the yacht, but with Croatia itself,” said Fraser Broker Mirta Lupi.
Expert reviews
Broker feedback highlights
From Fraser Brokers Melanie Burke and Mirta Lupi, and other Brokers on the trip
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The crew were outstanding. Pure joy. It is apparent they love what they are doing and the service, their attitudes and availability was perfect. I never wanted to anything.
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Such a memorable experience wouldn’t have been possible without the passion, generosity and genuine hospitality of Captain Peter and the entire team of DONNA DEL MARE. I will continue to heartily recommend DONNA DEL MARE to my clients and to other Brokers with clients looking for a fantastic Croatian yacht charter holiday.
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DONNA DEL MARE herself is full of character with a soul that speaks to those who appreciate heritage over hype. But it’s the human touch, the sincere hospitality and passion of her crew, that leaves a lasting impression.
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There are yachts that impress with sheer size or modern opulence—and then there are yachts like DONNA DEL MARE, which win you over with character, charm, and a deep sense of soul.
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Built with the elegance of traditional craftsmanship DONNA DEL MARE offers something refreshingly different: warmth, stability, and a sense of place. From her wide teak decks to her inviting interiors, everything about her whispers, ‘Welcome. Relax. Stay a while.
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There are many beautiful yachts cruising the Adriatic, but what makes M/Y DONNA DEL MARE truly unforgettable is not just her classic charm —it's the crew, whose warmth and professionalism elevate the entire experience. And at the heart of it all also the chef, whose culinary creations were nothing short of spectacular.
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DONNA DEL MARE may not be the newest yacht on the market, but what she offers is something far more enduring: authenticity, warmth, and the kind of charter experience that leaves guests feeling truly connected—to the yacht, the sea, and each other.
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It went far beyond a typical charter, offering an authentic and enriching glimpse into Croatian culture that made the journey genuinely memorable.
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From sparkling decks to heartfelt service, DONNA DEL MARE exceeded expectations.
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The crew is the soul of DONNA DEL MARE. Whether sharing local myths, organizing adventures ashore (like the Oyster farm tour), or turning an evening on board into a memorable karaoke night—the Captain even sings opera!—they bring joy to every moment.
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The crew were exceptionally helpful, genuine, and hardworking. Communication between them was seamless, and their interaction with the guests was flawless from timely updates to coordinating meals and daily plans. The Captain demonstrated outstanding knowledge and leadership, ensuring smooth coordination across the team.
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The yacht’s layout and onboard spaces are superb, offering a fantastic level of comfort. The stabilizers, in particular, made a noticeable difference and were truly impressive.
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The range of facilities available on board was exceptional, providing guests with a wealth of options for both relaxation and entertainment which equal the services found on much bigger yachts.
