Founder of Polaris Yachting · Local expertise since 2008
Meet Ivana: Your Local Croatia Cruise Expert
I grew up around Croatian boats, owners and crews. Today I use that lifelong experience to help guests choose the right ship, cabin, route and charter style instead of leaving them alone with an overwhelming catalogue.
Ivana Tomić Kalina · Founder & Owner of Polaris Yachting
More than a booking website
Why Work With a Local Croatia Cruise Expert?
Many websites can display attractive boats and itineraries. The difficult part is understanding which ship, cabin and crew will actually suit your group. That is where practical local knowledge matters.
A lifetime connected to the Adriatic
From Family Boats to Polaris Yachting
My knowledge did not begin with a tourism brochure or sales course. It began aboard my family’s boats and developed through years of practical work, formal education and daily contact with the people who operate Croatia’s cruise fleet.
More Than 100 Years of Family Maritime Tradition
My great-grandparents owned a boat more than a century ago. The connection continued through my grandparents and parents, making boats, the sea and hospitality a natural part of family life rather than simply a profession I discovered later.
My First Nautical Steps on a Wooden Yacht
My grandparents’ wooden yacht became especially meaningful to our family. For more than 40 years, members of the Italian fashion family Missoni returned to cruise aboard her. This is where I took my first real nautical steps and learned how personal a long relationship between guests, crew and a family boat can become.
Rebuilding the Historic Yacht Polaris
My parents acquired a former American tugboat built in 1943 and connected to the Normandy D-Day invasion fleet. Our family converted her into the yacht Polaris. I was involved throughout the reconstruction and later worked across the operation: in the shipyard, onboard, with guests, in marketing, booking management and cruise logistics.
Building Polaris Yachting
I created Polaris Yachting to turn that practical experience into personal guidance for travellers. Since 2008, I have helped guests compare Croatia small ship cruises, catamaran charters, gulets, private boat trips and transfers according to what they genuinely need.
The story behind the experience
A Life Around Boats, Guests and the Sea
These photographs are part of the family and professional journey that shaped how I work with guests today.
Local knowledge where the fleet lives
Based in Krilo Jesenice, Croatia’s Small-Ship Cruise Centre
I live and work in Krilo Jesenice, the largest home port for Croatia’s privately owned small cruise ships. Around 90% of the country’s small-ship cruise fleet comes from this community.
This is not distant product knowledge. I see the ships, know the local industry and maintain direct relationships with many owners and operators. It gives me a practical understanding of how boats differ beyond their photographs and category labels.
Practice supported by education
A Degree in Nautical Tourism
After learning the practical side of boats, cruising and hospitality, I decided to strengthen that knowledge through formal study. I graduated in Nautical Tourism and qualified as a Tourism Manager.
The diploma is not the reason I understand Croatia cruises, but it complements the experience gained in shipyards, onboard operations, booking management and years of working directly with travellers.
What this means for your holiday
How My Experience Helps You Choose Better
A beautiful boat is not automatically the right boat for every guest. My role is to explain the differences that are difficult to see in a booking catalogue.
Choosing the Right Ship
I compare ship size, layout, atmosphere, crew style, inclusions and value rather than relying only on a category name.
Selecting Your Cabin
I explain Lower, Main and Upper Deck positions, VIP cabins, triple cabins and which compromises are worth the price difference.
Matching the Right Route
I help you choose the direction and itinerary according to your flights, hotel plans, preferred pace and places you want to experience.
Finding Value Within Your Budget
I compare the complete price, cabin position, departure date, discounts and inclusions so a lower headline price does not hide a weaker match.
Planning for Families
I identify child discounts, suitable cabin layouts and triple-cabin options for families travelling with children.
Personal Support
You communicate with a real local specialist who knows your booking and remains available for questions before your holiday.
A personal recommendation
How I Help You Find the Right Cruise
Tell Me About Your Holiday
Send your dates, group size, budget, preferred route and the type of experience you want.
Receive Suitable Options
I compare current availability and explain the differences between the options that genuinely fit.
Choose With Confidence
You receive clear information about the ship, cabin, price, inclusions and booking conditions before deciding.
Explore Croatia by sea
Choose Your Croatia Cruise Experience
Start with the travel style that interests you. If you are unsure, send me your plans and I will help you compare the most suitable current options.
Croatia Small Ship Cruises
Seven-night island-hopping routes between Split and Dubrovnik aboard ships carrying up to 38 guests.
Private Catamaran Charters
A carefully selected owner-skippered fleet with private itineraries and complimentary transfers on seven-day charters.
Private Gulet Charters
Traditional character, spacious decks and professional crews for private family and group holidays.
Boat Trips and Private Tours
Group cruises and private boat experiences from Split, Hvar and nearby departure points.
Frequently asked questions
About Ivana and Polaris Yachting
Who is Ivana from Polaris Yachting?
Ivana Tomić Kalina is the founder and owner of Polaris Yachting. She grew up in a Croatian maritime family, worked across yacht reconstruction, onboard service, operations, marketing and booking, and graduated in Nautical Tourism.
Does Ivana personally answer enquiries?
Yes. Ivana personally reviews guest requirements and helps compare suitable current options. You are not handed over to a large anonymous call centre.
Can Ivana help me choose a ship and cabin?
Yes. Send your dates, number of travellers, budget and preferences. Ivana can explain differences in ship style, cabin position, layout, inclusions and overall value.
Does Polaris Yachting offer only small ship cruises?
No. Polaris Yachting offers Croatia small ship cruises, private catamaran charters, gulet holidays, one-day boat trips and private transfers.
How do I ask for a personal recommendation?
Use the Polaris Yachting contact form and include your dates, group size, preferred travel style, budget and any important cabin or route requirements. Ivana will reply with the most suitable available options.
Your Croatia holiday starts with a conversation
Tell Me What Kind of Croatia Cruise You Want
Send your preferred dates, number of guests, budget and travel style. I will personally help you identify the ships, cabins or private charters that best fit your plans.
Ivana Tomić Kalina · Local Croatia Cruise Expert