Your Crew
CAPTAIN Maja Ercegovic & CHEF Hrvoje Ercegovic
Name: Maja Ercegović
Position: Captain
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English, German, Italian
Captain Maja Ercegović is one of the few female captains on the Croatian Adriatic, known for her deep connection to the sea, strong leadership, and warm hospitality. As the owner and captain of the traditional motor-sailer Moja Maja, she proudly continues a family maritime legacy that began with her father, master shipbuilder Toma Mandić.
Maja grew up surrounded by shipbuilding and sailing. From the age of five, she watched and helped her father build the wooden vessel Moja Maja by hand in their backyard. This early experience shaped her lifelong passion for the sea. She obtained her first maritime license at the age of 18 and, by 25, was already captaining a ship independently. Today, she has over 20 years of maritime experience.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Maritime Transport and Management from the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Split, as well as professional education in Yachts and Marinas Management. Alongside her academic background, she has more than 16 years of professional experience in the maritime sector, managing operations, coordinating teams, and working with international partners and guests.
Captain Maja is known for her excellent organizational and communication skills and her dedication to ensuring that every guest on board feels comfortable and safe. Her leadership style combines professionalism with a personal touch, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that guests often describe as feeling like home.
Fluent in English and German, with additional knowledge of Italian, she easily connects with guests from around the world and enjoys sharing the beauty, culture, and traditions of the Adriatic.
For Captain Maja, sailing is not just a profession but a lifelong passion. She believes in respecting the sea, preserving maritime traditions, and creating unforgettable experiences for everyone who steps aboard Moja Maja.
Name: Hrvoje Ercegović
Position: Chef
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English, German, Italian
Chef Hrvoje Ercegović brings authentic Dalmatian flavors and maritime tradition to the galley of Moja Maja. Born in Krilo Jesenice, a town known for its long shipbuilding and seafaring heritage, Hrvoje grew up closely connected to the sea and life on board. This environment naturally shaped both his love for sailing and his passion for cooking.
A professionally trained chef since 2003, Hrvoje has worked in the culinary field since 2004, with extensive experience preparing meals under the demanding conditions of life at sea. His cuisine is inspired by the Mediterranean and traditional Dalmatian gastronomy, focusing on fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, and aromatic herbs such as rosemary and bay leaf, complemented by homemade olive oil and quality local wines.
Hrvoje specializes in creating dishes that highlight simplicity, freshness, and authentic regional flavors, offering guests a genuine taste of the Adriatic coast. His menus are carefully adapted to suit international guests while preserving the character of traditional Croatian cuisine.
Working in the compact environment of a ship’s galley requires precision, organization, and creativity. Hrvoje has strong experience in menu planning, provisioning, and minimizing food waste, ensuring efficient use of ingredients while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety.
Committed to continuous professional development, he has completed several culinary training courses and workshops, including the “Specialist in Dalmatian Cuisine” course with renowned chef Hrvoje Zirojević, as well as professional programs and workshops focused on modern gastronomy and sustainable kitchen practices.
Fluent in Croatian and English, with basic knowledge of German, Hrvoje easily communicates with guests from around the world, creating memorable dining experiences that perfectly complement the journey along the Croatian coast.
Inspired by the sea and coastal heritage, Chef Hrvoje approaches every meal with dedication and passion, ensuring that dining on board Moja Maja becomes an essential part of the unforgettable Adriatic cruise experience.
OTHER CREW MEMBERS - TBC
Vibeke, Danska
After experiencing several 7-day Mediterranean cruises, “Moja Maja” stands out as an exceptional and unforgettable journey. From the moment you step aboard, a warm and welcoming atmosphere surrounds you, setting the tone for an incredible adventure. This unique charm comes directly from Captain Maja and her dedicated crew, whose genuine care and enthusiasm create an environment of relaxation and joy.
Once you settle in, you immediately feel at ease, ready to begin a journey filled with stunning scenery, delicious local cuisine, and peaceful swim stops bathed in sunlight. Whether you’re looking for quiet solitude or lively socializing, Moja Maja suits every personality. The boat becomes a haven, offering spaces both for calm reflection and meaningful connections.
The Adriatic Sea reveals its wonders as you sail to picturesque islands and marinas, each stop offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery. Wandering through the narrow, colorful streets of these coastal towns, you discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in local traditions, and enjoy authentic culinary delights.
After a day of exploring and perhaps shopping, you return to Moja Maja to unwind. With a drink in hand and the gentle sound of waves in the background, you share stories with fellow travelers and listen to Captain Maja’s enchanting tales. As the boat gently rocks you to sleep, you feel a deep sense of peace, drifting off like a baby rocked by the sea.
Moja Maja is not just a cruise — it’s an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Ana K., Croatia
You know that moment in life when you are certain you are in the right place at the right time? You will feel that moment as soon as you step aboard the ship Moja Maja. What you experience during the seven days of cruising the most beautiful Adriatic islands will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Because Maja is not just a ship. Maja is the people who will do everything they can to provide you with an unforgettable experience throughout your stay. A place to relax. Maja is food for both the soul and the body. You wake up sailing across the endless sea, lie in a cabin with the most beautiful view, relax on deck chairs sipping cocktails, swim in turquoise-blue waters, while your evenings are reserved for walking and exploring small towns — each one more beautiful than the last.
And most importantly — stop thinking. Truly relax. It simply happens that from the moment you leave the ship that gave you the vacation of your dreams, you are absolutely sure of only one thing: you will return.