Your Crew
CAPTAIN Jure Škarica & 1ST DECKHAND Goran Maric
Name: Jure Škarica
Position: Captain
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English, Italian
Captain Jure is the heart and soul of the motor sailer Care Diem. With years of experience navigating the Adriatic Sea, he has developed a deep understanding of its hidden bays, charming coastal towns, and crystal-clear waters. Calm, reliable, and highly professional, Captain Jure takes great pride in ensuring that every journey aboard Care Diem is smooth, safe, and truly unforgettable.
Fluent in English and always approachable, Jure enjoys sharing stories about the Adriatic, its traditions, and Croatia's rich maritime heritage. His natural hospitality and relaxed personality quickly make guests feel at home, while his attention to detail ensures that everything on board runs flawlessly.
For Captain Jure, sailing is not just a profession but a lifelong passion. He loves introducing guests to the authentic beauty of the Adriatic—whether it’s a quiet morning anchorage in a hidden bay, a scenic sail along the islands, or recommending the best local spots for swimming and exploring.
When he is not at sea, Jure enjoys spending time with his family and friends, fishing, and following sports. His easygoing nature, strong leadership, and genuine love for the sea make him a captain guests quickly come to trust—and remember long after their journey ends.
Name: Nina Mlakota
Position: Stewardess
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English, Italian
Nina brings a wonderful blend of knowledge, organization, and hospitality to her role as stewardess aboard Care Diem. She holds a degree in History and Art History, and during her student years, she worked as a tour guide in Dalmatia, sharing the region’s rich culture and heritage with visitors from around the world.
Highly organized, systematic, and attentive, Nina takes great pride in ensuring that guests feel comfortable and well cared for throughout their stay. Always at the service of guests, she handles their requests with ease and professionalism, while also offering helpful recommendations on how to make the most of their time exploring the Adriatic.
A true travel enthusiast, Nina has successfully combined her education, skills, and passion for working with people in her career at sea. Her warm personality, reliability, and dedication to excellent service make her an invaluable member of the Care Diem crew.
Name: Ivan Družijanić
Position: Chef
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English, Italian
Chef Ivan was born in Pula, a city with a rich culinary and maritime heritage that strongly influenced his passion for gastronomy from an early age. Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience working in boutique hotels across Istria, where he refined his culinary skills and developed a deep appreciation for high-quality ingredients and refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Working in some of Istria’s renowned hospitality establishments allowed Stipe to master the balance between traditional flavors and modern culinary techniques. His cooking is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented dishes that highlight the region's authentic flavors.
Calm, creative, and highly dedicated to his craft, Chef Ivan takes great pride in preparing meals that become a memorable part of the guests’ experience on board Care Diem. His passion for cooking, attention to detail, and commitment to quality ensure that every dish is prepared with care and creativity.
In his free time, Stipe enjoys gardening, a hobby that reflects his love for nature and fresh ingredients. Tending to plants and growing his own produce is both a relaxing pastime and a source of inspiration for the flavors he brings to his kitchen.
Name: Mia Mateljak
Position: Sous chef
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English
Mia Mateljak, sous chef aboard Care Diem, comes from Split, a city known for its vibrant culinary traditions and Mediterranean lifestyle. Growing up on the Dalmatian coast inspired her love for fresh ingredients, simple flavors, and cooking that brings people together.
Working alongside the head chef, Mia helps ensure that every meal served on board is prepared with care, precision, and attention to detail. Her positive energy, reliability, and team spirit make her an important part of the galley and the Care Diem crew.
In her free time, Mia enjoys spending time by the sea, cooking for friends and family, and discovering new recipes and flavors.
Name: Stipe Fistanić
Position: Waiter
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English
Stipe Fistanić, a waiter aboard Care Diem, comes from Split and graduated from the Tourism and Hospitality School. At 29, he brings a friendly attitude, professionalism, and genuine Dalmatian hospitality to the service on board.
Approachable and attentive, Stipe enjoys taking care of guests and making sure they feel relaxed and well looked after during their time on the yacht.
In his free time, Stipe sings in a traditional Dalmatian klapa, combining his love for music with the rich cultural heritage of the coast.
Name: Goran Marić
Position: 1st Dechand
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English
Goran is a seasoned sailor who joined the Carpe Diem crew in 2021. With a remarkable 15 years of experience on charter yachts, he has forged enduring working relationships with Captain Jure and Chef Ivan, collaborating closely for extended periods. Goran's extensive expertise encompasses navigation, mechanics, and the art of delivering exceptional guest service. His previous roles as a deckhand and steward/bartender on smaller yachts have honed his skills in creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for those on board. Goran's true passion lies in connecting with people, and his unwavering reliability makes him an invaluable member of the Carpe Diem crew.
Name: Toni Ban
Position: 2nd Dechand
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English
Toni, boasting a decade of experience on mini cruise ships, has cultivated a profound passion for the role of a deckhand. His journeys have taken him far and wide across the picturesque Adriatic Sea, imparting him with a wealth of knowledge about the coastal regions. Toni initially completed his education at Maritime High School in Split and subsequently dedicated himself to honing his skills as a proficient deckhand. What sets Toni apart is his relaxed and easygoing nature, making him a natural at connecting with people. He eagerly anticipates embarking on new adventures in the maritime world. During his leisure hours, you'll often find Toni indulging in his love for football and video games.