I went on a Croatia party cruise with boat DJs and beach clubs – here is what to expect

I WAS crawling into bed just before 5am when I heard the ship’s engine roar to life.

It was the end of yet another wild night out in Croatia — this time partying in Deep Club, a nightspot inside a cave on Cape Osejava in Makarska.

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I had no idea what to expect when I boarded the Salve Di Mare in Split just six days previously for the “ultimate party cruise experience”.

Aimed at 18-39 year olds, the VIP Navigator trip promises passengers a week they will never forget.

Although, disclaimer: Memories may be patchy after a seven-day booze cruise.

If, like me, you thought cruising was for your golden years — think again.

Sail Croatia gives under-39s the chance to island hop their way along the Croatian coastline onboard some of the liveliest boats on the Adriatic Sea.

Choose to travel from Split to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Split or, in my case, Split Return South on the VIP Navigator.

In just seven days you’ll visit some of Croatia’s most beautiful destinations, including Hvar and Dubrovnik.

Despite a jam-packed itinerary, you can fully relax knowing you get to see the sights without the hassle of dragging your suitcase across the country.

You’ll wake up each morning in a new destination and the short distances mean you get a full day and night to enjoy it.

You can experience everything that Croatia has to offer — from swims in secluded bays and exploring historic towns to watching incredible sunsets and partying until sunrise on Hvar’s Carpe Diem Beach Club.

And the fantastic part is you’ll do it with great friends you’ve met on-board.

So don’t worry about going alone — there were single, solo travellers there who left with life-long friends.

Sail Croatia attracts young professionals from all over the world who are keen to explore day and night — with a few sundeck naps in between.

360-degree views

Our ship’s tour guide Vania went above and beyond to make it an unbelievable week — an excellent mix of informative daily briefings, helpful advice on excursions and offering hidden gems for dinner recommendations.

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Accommodating up to 40 guests, the 164ft-long sleek ship has multiple sun deck areas, a splash pool, air-conditioned ensuite cabins and a fully stocked bar in the dining room.

Its luxurious modern design and superb service from the friendly and welcoming crew ensures you’re made to feel like a real VIP.

Prepare to consume a boatload of mouth-watering food during your holiday with a buffet breakfast and a perfectly varied three-course lunch included daily on all cruises.

That then leaves you free to explore the ports at night — be it a restaurant, bar or club!

VIP Navigator cruisers can also expect to enjoy a winery sunset dinner in Stari Grad on the first night, as well as a cocktail night onboard, boat DJ and themed parties along the way.

But its the sheer variety of things to see and do along the way that really make the holiday.

Top recommendations from Vania included the fantastic Culture Club Revelin in Dubrovnik, a superclub set in a medieval fortress.

And for sunset drinks, it would be hard to beat The Massimo Cocktail Bar in Korcula Town.

It didn’t just deliver great cocktails — it served them in style too.

Customers must climb a ladder to reach the roof of the 15th-century Zakerjan Tower where they send up drinks from below via a pulley on the side of the medieval building.

While I wimped out, braver fellow travellers raved about the bungee jump from a 183ft bridge on the outskirts of Dubrovnik.

For the lesser adrenaline-junkies, the buggy drive across Korcula Island to the beach is great.

And to work off all that fantastic food, a four-hour bike hire allows you to cycle at your leisure around Mljet National Park to soak up the stunning scenery.

There’s plenty to explore from beaches, caves and ancient trails — plus pull over for a dip in the fresh water lakes to cool off before catching a quick boat ride to an island for lunch.

Dubrovnik was a highlight with great clubs but even by day, it surprised.

Catch a cable car and go 1,035ft up a mountain to see the breathtaking views of Old Town in Dubrovnik from above.

On a clear day you’ll be able to see as far out as 37 miles.

Enjoy drinks or dinner at the Panorama Bar where you can watch 360-degrees views of the sunset before heading onto the clubs for more night-time fun.

But it was the relaxed boat scene — chilling with my new friends and fellow cruisers — that topped off a fantastic trip.

With great-value drinks and plenty of fab food to soak it up, we were at our happiest sunbathing while sailing the calm waters with a beer in hand, catching up on the gossip from the previous nights’ shenanigans.

Sail Croatia’s VIP Navigator cruises have shown me a whole new side to cruising — and left me with friends for life.