Captain Duje Mladin and MV Aquamarin – A Life Shaped by the Sea

Duje’s journey to becoming a captain started long before he took the helm. At just eight years old, he followed in his father’s footsteps, stepping aboard for the first time. It wasn’t just a family business, it was a way of life.
"When I see our islands and the endless blue of the sea, I don’t need any other motivation," he says with a smile.

Like many from seafaring families, Duje learned from the ground up. He started as a deckhand, then worked as a waiter, later as a cook, before finally earning the title of captain at just 25 years old. Every step of the journey gave him a deeper appreciation for life at sea, for the guests who come aboard, and for the incredible places he gets to explore every day.

While many see life at sea as demanding, for Duje, it’s a balance between work and family. His children join him onboard during school holidays, and his wife sails whenever she finds the time. "Of course, they support me! We all share the same love for the sea," he says.

This deep connection to both family and tradition is what makes the atmosphere aboard MV Aquamarin so special. Guests don’t just feel welcomed; they feel like they are part of something bigger, a seafaring heritage built on warmth, hospitality, and genuine passion.

Built in 2017, MV Aquamarin is a sleek and elegant mini cruiser designed for both comfort and adventure. At 43 meters long and 8.5 meters wide, it accommodates 36 passengers, with a dedicated crew of eight ensuring an unforgettable journey.

The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems, fast and reliable 5G internet, a jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation, and a powerful 5-meter tender boat for seamless shore transfers and water adventures. Yet, as impressive as the features are, it’s not the equipment that makes this ship special; it’s the atmosphere onboard.

"By the second day of the cruise, guests and crew become friends," Duje shares.

Whether enjoying a morning coffee on deck or sharing stories over dinner, the camaraderie between guests and crew is something that makes every journey unique.

For Duje, there’s one moment on every cruise that never loses its magic, the swim stop.  "No matter how many times I visit the same bay, I feel the same excitement as I did the first time," he says.

Perhaps that’s the secret of life at sea—it never feels routine. Every sunrise over the water is unique, every swim in a secluded cove is refreshing, and every evening spent watching the sunset from the sundeck is unforgettable.

The design of MV Aquamarin reflects this spirit. It’s modern, yet warm and inviting, or as Duje playfully describes it, "just right." Whether you are lounging on the spacious sun deck, enjoying a meal in the salon, or retreating to your cosy cabin, you’ll feel completely at ease.

For those setting sail for the first time, Duje has just one piece of advice: "Come as soon as you can, because once you do, you’ll want to return again and again!" 

And for young people considering a career at sea, his words are simple but sincere: "It’s a job and an adventure in one! What could be better?"

When Duje takes the helm of MV Aquamarin, he’s not just guiding a ship; he’s sharing his entire world. He’s offering a glimpse into a life shaped by the sea, by tradition, and by the simple joy of making people feel at home, even in the middle of the Adriatic.

For him, being a captain isn’t just about steering a ship; it’s about creating moments that stay with people long after they leave. And if you step aboard MV Aquamarin, one thing is certain: you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.

So, are you ready to set sail?