The Sea Cloud has been sailing overnight from Albania to Croatia, in thick, humid air. We woke up to the massively fortified city of Dubrovnik in front of us. Built by the Venetians to control the Adriatic Sea, the beauty of Dubrovnik earned it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Massively damaged during the Yugoslav wars, it was largely restored by the end of the 1990s. After experiencing the surprising sites of relatively unknown Albania, it was time to go explore “The Pearl of Adriatic,” as Dubrovnik is called. We can barely wait and we’re already on line to tender ashore.
9/20/2024
Read
Sea Cloud
Kotorfjord, Montenegro
Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.