MV Leonardo: Where History Meets Hospitality

In Krilo Jesenice, a place where the sea has shaped the rhythm of life for generations, the Šarolić family carries its own quiet piece of that maritime heritage. Joško didn’t inherit a ship or a ready-made business; he built his seafaring career entirely on his own, starting more than 25 years ago. Still, the roots run deep. His great-grandfather was among the first seafarers in Krilo Jesenice, transporting wine to Trieste in the mid-19th century, a reminder that the call of the sea has always echoed somewhere in the family line.

Joško often says he first went to sea driven by the need to build a better life, only to discover that the sea was where he truly belonged. What began as necessity quickly grew into passion. Over the decades, he earned his experience step by step, fueled by ambition, dedication and a genuine love for the job and for the guests he hosts on board.
 

For many years, the MV Leonardo was not only his workplace but also the shared stage of a father-and-son partnership. Joško and his son Duje sailed together for ten seasons, learning from each other and proving that seamanship, when done with heart, becomes a family language of its own.

Today, Duje captains his own ship, but the connection remains strong. They exchange stories, advice, and lessons shaped by the same stretch of Adriatic they’ve both come to know intimately.

"To maintain the highest quality in this business, family involvement is essential. A successful shipowner isn’t just an individual—it’s a whole team working together as one," Duje emphasizes.

The MV Leonardo is not just another cruise ship, it is a vessel with a rich history and a unique character. Originally built in 1953 by Feadship, one of the most prestigious yacht builders in the world, Leonardo was once a luxury yacht designed for the elite. In 2000, it found its way to Croatia, where it was carefully converted into a boutique cruise ship in 2006. Since then, it has been sailing the stunning Adriatic coastline, offering travellers an intimate and authentic experience of the Dalmatian islands.

Joško acquired the ship in 2016 and, together with his son, immediately set to work on maintaining and upgrading it. Their vision was to preserve its timeless elegance while ensuring it meets the highest standards of modern comfort. Thanks to their dedication, Leonardo remains one of the most beloved ships in the Katarina Line fleet, earning praise from guests who appreciate its charm, warmth, and impeccable service.

Today Leonardo offers:

• 13 air-conditioned cabins in Katarina Line’s Premium category
• dimensions of 30 meters in length and 6 meters in width
• a distinctive blue hull with a yellow superstructure that stands out in every harbour
• a cosy, refined interior reminiscent of a small private yacht

Every guest notices the details. But what they remember most is the atmosphere.
"Every summer, guests tell us how much they love the ship's atmosphere, and that’s what motivates us to keep improving," Duje shares.

For guests, it’s the comfort and the sense of space on a smaller ship.

For Joško, the magic lies in balance: creating moments of joy while keeping every guest safe and well cared for.

“This job is a mix of all the important things,” he says. “Safety is the priority, but guest satisfaction must always follow. Even when we adjust a route because of the weather, we make sure the experience remains beautiful.”

And it does. Many guests step on board as strangers and leave as friends, grateful for the warmth and authenticity they’ve experienced.

Although he is the captain, Joško will readily admit that the toughest tasks often fall to his wife and daughter, who help keep everything running smoothly throughout the season. Their dedication shapes the ship's welcoming spirit, and guests feel that immediately.

“The best moments are the thank-yous from guests after a beautiful journey,” Joško says. Those gestures mean more to him than any dramatic story from the sea"

While Joško remains the captain of the MV Leonardo, his son Duje is still very much part of its story.
He grew up on the ship, learned every skill by watching his father, and eventually became a captain himself. Today he steers his own vessel, proud to carry forward a tradition built not on inheritance but on hard work, passion, and family values.

Every captain has stories to tell, and Duje is no exception. One of his most unforgettable experiences happened when a group of guests, deeply moved by their time on board, decided to get tattoos of the MV Leonardo as a permanent reminder of their journey.

"It was truly touching to see how much our ship and our hospitality meant to them," he recalls. "That’s the kind of experience we strive to create—one that stays with our guests forever."

Ask him how he feels when he’s navigating his ship, and he’ll answer simply:

“I feel very happy!” That sincerity is the heart of every voyage on the MV Leonardo.

It’s why so many guests return, not just for the itinerary, but for the people who make the journey unforgettable.

If you're looking for a truly authentic and intimate cruising experience in Croatia, the MV Leonardo offers everything you could hope for—a warm, family-like atmosphere, stunning scenery, delicious food, and the chance to explore some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Book your cruise with Katarina Line and experience the Adriatic like never before!