Moja Maja

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.

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