Today, our journey brought us to Zadar, a captivating city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and one of the newest additions to the UNESCO World Heritage list; it was recognized in 2017 for its inclusion in the network of Venetian defensive works. As we stepped ashore from Sea Cloud II, we were greeted by a landscape that tells stories from antiquity through the modern era. We experienced a striking contrast in the form of Zadar’s celebrated contemporary landmark: the Sun Salutation and Sea Organ. This unique waterfront installation, which uses the rhythm of the waves to create hauntingly beautiful melodies, was a fitting end to our day — a reminder that Zadar is not only a city of the past, but one that continues to inspire.
Our exploration continued with a walk through the ruins of the Roman forum, once the bustling heart of the city during the Roman Empire. From there, we admired the Church of Saint Donatus and the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, both exceptional examples of Romanesque architecture that reflect Zadar’s enduring religious and cultural significance.
We delved deeper into the city's layered past, learning about its strategic importance along the Adriatic, its centuries of conflict and shifting allegiances, and its resilience through conquest and crusade. We also visited the Church of Saint Mary’s, where Benedictine nuns care for an exquisite treasury filled with artifacts from the Byzantine and Venetian periods, preserving the artistic and spiritual legacy of the region.
In the afternoon, we set sail into the shimmering waters of the Adriatic. With the sails of Sea Cloud II fully unfurled, guests enjoyed the timeless experience of travel by wind. While at sea, guests gathered in the lounge for a fascinating talk by one of our on-board specialists, Jessica Todd Marrone, who brought to life the vivid history of piracy in the Adriatic with tales of coastal raids, privateers, and the maritime powers that tried to control them. It was a day of discovery, reflection, and the sheer joy of sailing — an unforgettable blend of history and seafaring tradition.
