We, four friends, one 60+, two 70+ and an almost 90 yr old gentleman with Parkinsons – all very young at heart - have just returned from an amazing holiday in Croatia. We had our concerns about the feasibility of a cruise with John but, my goodness, we need not have worried. The Captain, crew and staff on HS DREAM were fantastic. I must say that every aspect of the holiday for all of us was beyond our expectations. It is rare to have a holiday for a mixed group and to be able to say there was not a single negative aspect. We particularly loved Split with its ancient buildings, a city full of colour, character and history. Worth extending one’s stay for. The Croatians we met all along the Dalmatian coast seem to be a welcoming, helpful people keen to help visitors to enjoy their country. It is indeed stunning. Every single member, Captain Pavo, his 2nd in command Zdenko, his sister Lucy, seamen Frane and Mario, fantastic cook Ami, the lovely bar attendant Oli, as well as the always attentive and organised Vedrana, our guide, did far more than their duties. They went out of their way to keep an eye on John on board and to assist him so carefully and kindly across ships and on and off. Vedrana ensured that we had her contact mobile number to ring her if we needed assistance. She was brilliant. Our cruise was from Split to Dubrovnik in main deck twin cabins and we all loved every minute. The ship itself was a new one this year and we had expected an older one - a lovely surprise. It was a perfect size, very comfortable and suitable for the numbers. The crew kept everything impeccably clean every day. The cabins were a good size with comfortable beds, wardrobe and a decent sized en-suite; everything spotless, thanks to Lucy. The ship has lovely areas and facilities for sunbathing, sitting reading, gathering in groups for a drink in the evenings or dancing after the Captain’s dinner! I was particularly impressed with the facility to swim off the rear of the ship. There were 40 guests in all on board with 25% British and 50% Australian, a group of Norwegian and Finnish a couple from New Zealand and couples from USA, with an age range mostly from late twenties to early seventies. My lasting impression? …….we were all, including the crew, ‘one happy family’ having a great time in a beautiful part of the world. Thanks to the crew, the Katarina line and the agent, Caroline from The Small Ships Collection, Responsible Travel, who arranged our week and communicated with the Katarina line re the feasibility of travelling with John. Ann