Waves of Emotion: Katarina Line Guest Stories

Work and rest are inextricably woven together in the fabric of our lives. Throughout history, societies have recognized this need for balance: the Han dynasty in China instituted a day of rest after every five days of labour, while Revolutionary France experimented with a ten-day week, granting one day of leisure after nine of work.

The idea of the Sabbath—an intentional pause for re-creation—finds its roots in Judaism and echoes throughout many faiths. Each tradition assigns its own day: Saturday for Judaism, Friday for Islam, and Sunday for Christianity. Despite these differences, all point to a core truth: people thrive when they step away from toil and embrace rest.

Yet, in the early twenty-first century, this ancient wisdom feels elusive. The lines between work and leisure blur. Our digital world chases us wherever we go—across town or across continents. Productivity’s relentless siren-song means that days bleed together, and true rest slips further from our grasp.

I confess, I have been both victim and collaborator in this pattern. It wasn’t until I boarded a Katarina Line Cruise that something changed. The tools of work were still within reach, but, remarkably, the impulse to use them faded. Something deeper—a longing, a weariness—surfaced, and for the first time in years, I truly breathed.

As the Mediterranean’s brilliant blues met at the horizon, projects and deadlines faded from view. I drifted into naps beneath the sun, lulled by the ship’s gentle motion and the wideness of the sky. At anchor, I plunged into the open sea with childlike abandon. In the water and warmth, fears and commitments dissolved. For five days, I relearned what it means to rest—a healing I didn’t know I needed.

It was water play, laughter with newfound friends, and the felt presence of grace that restored me. I was recreated on the deck of the Futura. While cruise itineraries have names like “Northern Gems” or “One Way Wonders,” I would advocate for a new title: “The Voyage to Rest.” That is the unique gift offered by the Mediterranean, the kindness of the crew, and the enchantment of the sea breeze.

In a world consumed by endless striving, perhaps the truest miracle is to pause—to allow ourselves to be healed by rest, to remember we are more than what we produce. A Katarina cruise restores the spirit and heals us with rest, sun, and water.

I’m, live in the USA, in South Carolina. My Katarina cruise was the highlight of his year.

By J. R.

This was my partner Liezl and I’s first trip overseas together, and neither of us had been to Croatia before. After a few days acclimatising ourselves on the mainland, we were very excited to join the Meridijan’s first departure of the season – the 7 night Dalmatia South bike cruise from Split on April the 26^th, 2025…

Boarding the Meridijan at Split harbour

As well as the exciting challenge of the daily guided bike rides, swimming in the Adriatic, amazing food, learning about local history, and getting to know our fellow passengers, Liezl and I were very excited about 2 of our other favourite things…flowers and ice cream! The trip was a mixture of me stopping along the way to photograph the wide array of colourful flowers and Liezl finding the best gelato places along the way. Here are our highlights…

All in all, we had a wonderful trip - we even managed to get fitter despite enjoying all the great food and ice cream that the lovely crew on the Meridijan and Dalmatian islands had to offer. We’ll be back Croatia, we promise!

By R.B.

I was lucky enough to go on a cruise holiday to Croatia with the daily cycling adventure included. When I found out about the itinerary, nothing clicked on how much work and effort needed to do such activity all I can think of is to enjoy the scenery and grasp the picturesque view the country can offer.

The day of the first cycling adventure I got my e-bike and that was my first time riding one and I was really struggling to use it because it was a bit high for me and heavier than the ordinary bike. One of the reasons I was struggling was because I am not a cyclist and I only know the very basic of cycling. I can’t cycle with one hand, nor stand or look at behind me for safety, all the cycling experience I had is in the park where it is very safe or in the countryside where there are less traffic and with my boyfriend Rob guiding me along the way by giving me instructions when to stop and when to cross safely.

Thus, when I tried it, I did not have the confidence to do it, and I was so scared because deep inside me I knew right away that I could never do it because of those personal restrains of abilities. However, with the help and support of my boyfriend I did try and practice riding it and I can never forget his words when I was very hesitant to try (If you won’t try that’s the whole week gone, don’t be afraid I am here to help you) and so I strengthen my resolved and practice for a good 10 to 15 minutes until I got my bearings and found a way to support my weaknesses.

So, the first ride started, and I chose to be last in the line among 33 cyclists with my boyfriend and the guide supporting me along the way. As we cycle through the busy road I kept moving steadily and slowly but was a bit scared of the traffic because I know myself that I don’t have good control and stability when cycling. Then we had our first stopped and I truly enjoyed the ride, and the sceneries Croatia offers, and when we continued with our ride, I got so scared when the other cyclists where near me and lost my confidence out of fear and I stumbled a bit. But with the help and support of the guide I was able to carry on believing that I can do it and I will be safe with him and my boyfriend around. I managed to finish the whole cycle route without any accidents, and I felt so fulfilled for achieving such feats and made me very excited for the next coming days.

The most significant experience I had was when we cycled around the Island of Korcula on our third day because we must cycle 58 km with a maximum altitude of 360m, a total ascent/descent of 1280m, a surface of paved and gravel and with the difficulty of 5/5. During this time, I was able to get a hanged with how to use the e-bike and its gears and I was able to find my rhythm with the help and guide of David, our tour guide. But as I cycle to its highest peak, I was feeling my thighs very sore and I struggled to pedal my way up the hill and at one point I have chosen to push to the bike, however I managed to reach the highest peak and I felt so happy to see everybody waiting for me. I thought that was it, but my next fear came when we had to cycle the gravel path for about 7km and I have never cycled in such a path in my life. However, I did try my best and David gave me a lot of tips so that I won’t stumble or fall off the bike and my boyfriend decided to be in front of me so that I can follow his path to make it easier for me, which really helps. When I managed to complete that path, I was so happy and proud of myself for achieving another milestones in my cycling adventure.

But that was not the end of it, I never expected  that going down a steep hill could be very difficult because I have to carry my full weight and the weight of the e-bike and it did put a lot of strain on my hands trying to keep my balance and maintaining a proper speed especially in every sharp pins we pass. But I did it with a bang and without any incidents and I was proud of myself, and it helped me boost my confidence and my desire to keep cycling.

The next few days were not too bad after I passed the biggest hurdle in our cycling itinerary, but what made it difficult is the pain I felt on my thighs, but I never let it stop me from joining the group in enjoying the happiness cycling can give to anyone. I felt very lucky because the guide David and Andre never made me feel that I need to rush and the other cyclists were very supportive of me as well. Aside from that having my boyfriend along the way made me feel that I can do anything because I know he will keep me safe.

My adventure was very successful due to a lot of reasons: One the presence of my boyfriend, who makes me feel that I am safe and he will protect me. Second, the tour guides who made me feel that I don’t need to rush and I should focus on my safety and enjoy the activity. Third, the other cyclists who were very patient of me and never made a complain that I am taking more time in completing the course. Fourth, the staff and crew of the Meridijan boat who provided us comfort and good food everyday and lastly the Katalina Line for making this kind of adventure possible.

At the end of the adventure, I learned a lot of things, never stopped believing on yourself and never give up until you have tried, and one most important thing if you are scared then do it scared. This experience makes me realize that cycling around each island and each town is one of the best ways to experience the beauty a country can give.

Croatia, expect to see me again!

By L. M. R.

Wow, just wow. The cruise was great, the staff just perfect, the food delicious, the swimming stops just right, the island hoping was amazing and…and…I was alone the first 5 minutes…
As I boarded, I introduced myself to six passengers, a family of four and a couple and ended up at their table.
The magic was there. The comfort of the ship, the nice dinner room setting, the delicious food and a staff so welcoming I would love to meet them again on a next cruise.

And there is more…I met another two ladies from South Africa and a super nice couple from Australia. Russell, the husband, was keen to film with his drone so we ended up with superb footage from our cruise.
And there is more…As we were walking on one of the islands, Andries from South Africa purposed to his “wife to be”. I had the chance to see him kneeling from a bit far but caught the moment on camera.

Later that week, we also celebrated the birthday of a 21 years old charming girl and his boyfriend.
What a cruise! I’m a sailor, I sailed around the world so I am acquainted with boats a lot but I must admit this was the experience of a lifetime. Being 70 years old makes it really an experience of a lifetime.
I sincerely thank the organizers, the captain, the crew and all the people from Katarina Line who contributed to this amazing cruise.  

By G. B.

Some journeys change how you travel. Others change how you remember. The Northern Pearls voyage from Split to Opatija with Katarina Line did both. For my wife and I, it was not simply a cruise along Croatia’s coast, but a gentle immersion into the rhythm of the Adriatic — a week where time softened, strangers became friends, and the sea became our constant companion. Before boarding, I carried quiet doubts. I had always dreaded the idea of boat travel — visions of towering cruise ships, endless queues, wasteful excess, crowds herded behind raised flags, and the dull anonymity of being one face among thousands. None of that materialized. Instead, this journey felt intimate, thoughtful, and human. Every fear dissolved with the first morning at sea. We began in Split, where Roman stone meets modern life, and history breathes through the corridors of Diocletian’s Palace. As the ship slipped away from the harbor, the city faded into gold and limestone, replaced by open water and anticipation. Each day unfolded like a carefully written verse: Trogir’s medieval beauty, Primošten rising from the sea like a painting, crowned by vineyards and bathed in afternoon light. Life on board was its own quiet poetry. Mornings began with coffee on deck as the sun climbed from the horizon. Swim stops became moments of wonder — leaping from  the deck into impossibly clear water, laughter echoing as bodies met the sea. One day, in what felt like the middle of nowhere, our ship paused as a small local boat pulled alongside. Fresh mussels were handed up directly from fisherman to crew. There were no second guesses what awaited us for lunch — mussels so fresh they tasted of the sea itself, prepared simply, honestly, and memorably. Meals reflected the land and waters we sailed through — local cuisine shaped by availability, tradition, and care. The staff delivered it all with warmth and smiles, always present, always attentive, making every guest feel seen. Our floating community was beautifully diverse — travelers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, the UK, and even a Croatian among us. At the Captain’s Dinner, those connections deepened into joy. What began as an elegant evening turned delightfully spontaneous as each nationality took turns singing a beloved song from home — karaoke-like moments filled with laughter, pride, and applause, each voice adding its own spice to the night. Music followed us everywhere. Sometimes live, sometimes drifting softly through the air — songs by Oliver Dragojević, carrying the soul of Dalmatia. His melodies became the soundtrack of shared sunsets and quiet reflections on deck. As we moved north through Krka, Zadar, Rab, and Krk, the Adriatic revealed both its wild beauty and its welcoming heart. By the time we reached Opatija, elegant and serene, strangers had become friends, and the journey had etched itself deeply into memory. Yet this voyage also marked the beginning of another journey — one we could not yet see. During the trip, my wife began feeling unwell. Only later, after returning home, did the full reality emerge. She was hospitalized, and after a long and courageous battle, she passed away earlier this year. This cruise now holds a dual meaning for me: a memory to treasure, and one that carries quiet sorrow. But life, like travel, is layered. We do not choose which moments become turningpoints. What we can do is honour them — to explore memory, to savour joy where it existed, and to acknowledge that even the most beautiful journeys may carry shadows. The Northern Pearls voyage remains a gift. A reminder of love, connection, and presence. A chapter worth revisiting — gently, gratefully — and one that will always live where the sea meets the heart. By J. A.

Thank you to everyone who shared their story and trusted us with their memories. The Best Story Contest returns in 2026, alongside our annual Photo and Video Contests. As a thank you, the author of the best story each year is awarded a Katarina Line cruise for two. Full contest rules can be found here.