Where Will Your Heart Lead You Next? Captain Brajcic’s 2024 Collection Favorites

Cuisine and travel have a way of pairing well together, and the way I approach the delicious dishes on board is the best analogy for how I am exploring our expansive new 2024 Collection. When I dine, first I give my eyes full permission to enjoy the food, and then I have to control my appetite so that I can truly enjoy and savor the dishes I select…because Oceania Cruises offers The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and there simply isn’t any other way.

Places of the Heart
Likewise, as Master of the ship, I have been traveling all over the world, and I find it quite difficult to pick just one favorite region to navigate or a few destinations to explore. Each place has its own special meaning and beauty as I let my eyes roam the pages of our beautiful new brochure. The tropical islands dotting the Caribbean and iconic sites and colorful cities in South America come to life; the mysteries of the Far East, adventurous places in Africa and remote South Pacific islands beckon; and the iconic ports and legendary coastlines of Europe call out. There are some places that my heart draws me back to again and again, just as I return to my favorite dishes on board that make our ships my home at sea. There are places where I left a piece of my heart, places that are unquestionably on the highlight reel of my life, and memories that I still hold dear years later. If I think of these, of course, the Adriatic Sea rises to the top as I come from this region. I love to navigate the Adriatic Sea as well. Since there are no tides, navigation is easy, the places you can visit are marvelous and the sailing season is wonderfully long, thanks to the mild climate.

A Menu of the World
So as I dive deeper into our new 2024 Collection, a tantalizing menu in its own right, the sailings I’m personally drawn to are those that trace the Adriatic Sea, the surrounding Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas. One of the first cruises in this region that draws me in is the 17-day Barcelona to Rome Mediterranean Romance aboard Marina, departing April 19, 2024. It sails to the best of Italy and then spends many days extensively exploring the Adriatic and also a few picturesque Greek islands. I love the beauty of the 10-day Venice to Istanbul Philosophers & Sultans aboard Vista as well, departing May 1, 2024 – from the Adriatic to lovely Greek Isles and on to Turkey, the amazing Ephesus and even an overnight in Istanbul. What’s not to love?

I have always had a fondness for itineraries that span the coast of Portugal to the heel of Italy and beyond…it is incredible to see the diversity of landscapes, cultures and daily rhythms on journeys like these, not to mention the incredible food from Lisbon and Oporto to Spain and Greece, and my beloved Croatia. In particular, the 20-day Athens to Lisbon Aegean & Iberian Magic aboard Vista, departing September 3, 2024, and the sweeping 34-day London to Venice Caesar’s Continent aboard Marina, departing September 22, 2024, will be fantastic journeys.

In these regions, I really appreciate that we can take advantage of the longer season and the autumn sailings are ones I always encourage travelers to consider. The Mediterranean and Adriatic take on entirely different personalities in the fall – you have not truly experienced the region until you spend some time here during these cooler, more tranquil months. For example, the 10-day Valletta to Venice Ionian Crossroads aboard Marina, departing October 16, 2024, and the 10-day Venice to Rome Adriatic & Ionian Portrait aboard Riviera, departing October 25, 2024, are certain to be memorable, revealing new aspects of the ports we call on.

And for those that enjoy settling in and enjoying life at sea with a longer adventure, the 59-day Miami to Rome Seafarer’s Inspiration on Sirena, departing March 27, 2024, is a true standout voyage, visiting everywhere from the Canary Islands to the British Isles and south to the enchanting Mediterranean.

A Magical Return: The Dalmatian Coast
As Master of the Insignia many times during the world cruise, I have had the pleasure and privilege of sailing to every port that Oceania Cruises calls on and I know one thing for certain: it is still the Croatians’ beautiful Dalmatian Coast that pulls at my heart. The southern region of Croatia, running all the way from Split, Hvar, Korcula to Dubrovnik, is magical to me. When I am on board and I know it is that time in the season when we will soon be returning to my hometown port of Dubrovnik, my heart is full. As I was born and raised here, it always brings back happy memories and I feel a sense of belonging. This region offers an appealing combination to travelers: a crossroads of Eastern and Western influences throughout history, a diversity of cultures, stunning landscapes and, of course, fantastic Mediterranean cuisine.

In fact, when you find yourself in Croatia during your future travels, the dish you must try is local grilled fish with black risotto – the fresh cuttlefish ink has a special flavor that makes this dish incredible. The white wine I recommend you pair it with is Dubrovacka Malvasija, made from grapes that have been grown in the Dubrovnik area for more than six centuries and is known for its dry, fruity characteristics and warm golden hue.

Since my heart always leads me back to the dining room on board, I will leave you with some of my favorite dishes from our gourmet restaurants. Some of the true highlights for me are the signature dishes I enjoy again and again. At The Grand Dining Room, I choose the Pancetta-Wrapped Filet of Veal with Baby Lobster Tail Oscar-Style, and at Polo Grill, I favor the Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Goat Cheese Napoleon with Champagne and Truffle Vinaigrette – it is delectable every time. Ah and then Toscana. What a gift to us…my choice Italian dish has to be the Osso Buco Alla Milanese. I always pick the Crème Brûlée or Tiramisù – a sweet ending to any evening on board our beautiful ships. Until we have the chance to welcome you back on board soon, as we say in Croatia, adio!

About Captain Maroje Brajcic
Captain Maroje Brajcic was born and raised in the small town of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast. Coming from five generations of captains, he knew as a little boy his life would be at sea. Captain Brajcic graduated from the Dubrovnik Marine Academy in 1989, then started as a deck cadet on a cargo vessel, eventually making his way aboard cruise ships. He is a second-generation captain with Oceania Cruises and has been with the cruise line since its inception, having served as one of the very first officers. After almost thirty years of traveling the world by ship, he still looks forward to every day at sea. He is the happiest when sailing into his home port of Dubrovnik. In his time off, he enjoys deep sea fishing with his wife, gardening, taking care of his olive trees and producing olive oil. He also enjoys cooking for family and friends.