For Captain Marin Terzić, the sea is not just a workplace—it is home, history, and passion, deeply rooted in his family’s tradition. From a young age, he watched ships glide across the horizon, mesmerized by their grandeur and the stories they carried. His father, Aldo, passed down his love for the sea, first working on fishing boats before transitioning to nautical tourism after the war. This lifelong bond with the Adriatic was something Marin and his brother Roko naturally inherited.
Their journey as shipowners began in 2015 when they purchased their first vessel, Rogač, which they later renamed Sv. Roko after their father’s guidance. They dedicated years to sailing and improving the ship before deciding to sell it in 2019 to acquire Adonis. From that moment, Adonis became not just a ship but a family project—a labour of love requiring constant care, upgrades, and dedication.
A Ship with a Story to Tell
Adonis was built in 1975 in La Coruña, Spain, originally serving as a private yacht under the name Panama Emi. Over the decades, the vessel changed ownership and purpose multiple times. In the 1980s, it was used for one-day excursions but also had a more illicit past—rumoured to have been involved in smuggling cigarettes and alcohol across the Adriatic. This came to an abrupt end when authorities intercepted the ship near Lumbarda, seizing its cargo and auctioning it off.
After changing hands again, Adonis was fully reconstructed in 2002, marking the beginning of its new life in nautical tourism. When Marin and his brother acquired the ship in 2019, they embarked on another wave of restorations—installing air conditioning in all cabins, modernizing the kitchen, and upgrading the engine room. Unlike many of the new steel vessels, Adonis boasts a beautiful wooden hull with elegant lines, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Aboard Adonis: More than Just a Cruise
Spanning 24 meters in length and 6 meters in width, Adonis accommodates 14 guest cabins and 3 crew cabins, ensuring a cosy, intimate setting for travellers. The ship features 110 square meters of sun decks - a paradise for those who wish to bask in the Adriatic sun - and a shaded area for guests who prefer a break from the heat. Traditional wooden details throughout the interior create a timeless maritime charm, making it a unique experience compared to modern vessels. But beyond its structure and history, what truly sets Adonis apart is the atmosphere onboard. Marin and his crew strive to make every guest feel at home, fostering an environment where strangers quickly become friends.
The captain’s dinner and traditional Dalmatian barbecue nights are among the highlights, where guests gather around the grill, tasting freshly cooked specialities and sharing stories under the starlit sky. Adonis has also been a witness to beautiful personal moments - from surprise engagements to celebrations of love. Marin fondly recalls a young Australian couple getting engaged on Sv. Roko in 2018, followed by his own best man proposing to his future wife aboard Adonis in 2019. Such memories reinforce the ship’s special place in the hearts of those who sail on her.
A Lifelong Passion for the Sea
For Marin, captaining Adonis is not just a seasonal job - it is a year-round commitment that demands love, dedication, and perseverance. From winter maintenance to summer voyages, the sea dictates its own rhythm, and only those who are truly passionate about it can thrive. His advice to young aspiring sailors? “Understand that this is not just a job for the summer—this is a way of life.” And to first-time cruise guests, his words are simple: “Let go, embrace the moment, and enjoy every second of your journey. ”For those who step aboard Adonis, it is more than just a cruise - it is a story of tradition, adventure, and heartfelt hospitality, carried by the waves of the Adriatic.
Discover the timeless charm of the Adriatic aboard Adonis, where tradition meets comfort—and every journey becomes a story worth telling.
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