ICY 55 M Argo Review: 13-Cabin Croatian Luxury Cruiser Star



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Unique in every sense, this modern luxury cruiser with thirteen cabins is the Croatian builder’s vision for the future and is bound to be a star in the highly appealing segment of multi-cabin luxury cruisers for charter, with a capacity for twenty-six guests

During the last decade, Croatian shipbuilding has taken an interesting direction, focusing on steel vessels approximately fifty meters in length. These include mini-cruisers designed for cabin charter and luxury motor sailers with six cabins, both built specifically for tourism, particularly charter purposes.

Unique niche in the charter market

luxury cruiser argo charter croatia

In recent years, the world has observed a growing trend in the mini-cruiser segment. These vessels are becoming increasingly luxurious, typically featuring 10 to 14 cabins and being chartered similarly to ‘normal’ luxury yachts, often by a single client.

In the market segment of common charter yachts, accommodating 20 guests typically requires two large yachts, with costs often exceeding half a million euros. Croatian luxury cruisers offer an intriguing alternative, introducing something new to the international charter market at a much more competitive price.

Argo: A Step Beyond Traditional Luxury Cruisers

luxury cruiser argo upper deck

The luxury cruiser Argo stands out as a project that takes innovation one step further, combining many features of real yachts with the conveniences of mini cruisers. Notably, the Argo is both the first and the last boat of its kind, as local regulations governing the construction of small passenger boats in Croatia have changed, becoming significantly stricter.

Your dream yacht awaits

YACHT SUGGESTION
luxury cruiser for charter argo

Argo

Luxury superyacht Argo represents a 5-star floating resort specially designed for large charter parties. This brand new yacht with 5-decks is custom-built by ICY and accommodates up to 26 guests. Besides numerous amenities and water toys, the 14-member crew service will make your stay on Argo a superb cruising experience.

Argo is a project by International Cruising Yachts—officially named ICY 55—designed by Marlena Dapčić and built at the Nuić shipyard in Vranjic under the supervision of engineer Branko Vuković. Initially built to explore the waters of Baja California, Mexico, Argo was intended to make Croatia the first leg of its adventurous journey.

Redefining luxury yacht charters in Croatia

Argo was launched in June and had a highly successful first charter season, operating without a single day off until October. It is already well-booked for the next season, with many satisfied guests eager to repeat this year’s experience.

A luxurious vessel, inside and out

The charter success of the luxury cruiser Argo lies in its unique blend of visual appeal and exceptional onboard service. As the first yacht in Croatia to sail with an international crew of 15, Argo delivered a level of service typically reserved for elite yachting experiences.

This included six stewardesses and two cooks, ensuring unmatched hospitality. The crew set new standards, with the deck team working tirelessly to provide guests with a variety of water toys and ensure their utmost satisfaction.

Innovative 13-Cabin Layout and Sophisticated Interior

Argo’s most remarkable feature is its exceptional accommodation capacity. Its 13 cabins comfortably host up to 26 guests, with a clever 55-meter hull layout that ensures an open and uncrowded atmosphere. The configuration includes:

  • Eight cabins on the lower deck
  • Four cabins in the bow section of the upper deck
  • A luxurious master suite with an adjacent gym on the main deck

Argo upper deck dining aerea luxury cruiser argo gym luxury cruiser argo with 13-cabins

The salon is located on the upper deck, featuring a cozy sitting area with two sofas on each side and a spacious, fully air-conditioned indoor dining room that comfortably seats 26 guests. Towards the bow of the upper deck, you’ll find a versatile space that serves as a reading room or a playroom for children, complete with a large TV for entertainment.

Unique Features of Luxury Cruiser Argo

The interior exudes a cool and stylish ambiance, featuring light oak accents paired with elegant grey fabrics and meticulously chosen wooden panels sourced from renowned Italian suppliers. The aft section of the upper deck seamlessly extends from the dining area, offering an inviting space with smaller dining tables—perfect for enjoying breakfast or savoring an afternoon drink of your choice.

couple on luxury yacht charter croatia

The free-standing furniture pieces, including beautifully crafted tables, shelves, and decorative elements, are custom-made predominantly from light oak, adding a touch of elegance and warmth. The open-air bow area on the upper deck serves as a technical hub, accommodating jet skis, a rescue boat, and an additional 8.5-meter tender. These are seamlessly launched into the water with ease and efficiency, thanks to the powerful onboard crane.

Premium outdoor living for ultimate relaxation

The main outdoor area spans the entire fourth deck, aptly named the Bridge Deck, as it houses the wheelhouse at its bow. This al fresco dining space features a uniquely designed table and concludes with a spacious bar, making it the perfect setting for summer meals or evening cocktails under the stars.

Stylish Bridge Deck

As we found out, this deck quickly emerged as a favorite among guests, with one of the summer’s standout moments being a magical dinner at anchor, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Dubrovnik. Moving forward, the bridge deck boasts a Jacuzzi area, elegantly enclosed with shaded glass, offering both privacy and a seamless connection to the Argo’s stunning exterior design.

Argo Jacuzzi

Sun-kissed sundeck

Luxury cruiser Argo stands out with a distinctive feature: a fully equipped fifth deck—the beloved Sundeck. This versatile space offers deckchairs for sunbathing, a guest-favorite outdoor grill, and a cozy bar for relaxing moments. Adding to its charm, the Sundeck transforms into an open-air cinema, creating unforgettable movie nights under the stars. This unique combination of amenities ensures an unparalleled cruising experience.

Unparalleled water toy experience

Finally, a key element of guest satisfaction is Argo’s impressive selection of water toys:

  • Jet ski x 2
  • Sea Bobs x 2
  • E-Sea Bike x 2
  • E-foils x 2
  • Windsurf x 2
  • Wakeboard
  • Water skis
  • Ringo Tube
  • Inflatable water toys
  • Kayaks x 2
  • SUP x 4
  • Snorkelling Equipment – amateur
  • Biodegradable golf balls for eco-friendly fun
  • A large pool for refreshing escapes

To be honest, there’s hardly a toy left unaccounted for on this yacht—it’s a playground on water!

luxury cruiser argo water toys

The icing on the cake of Argo’s offerings is the luxurious Axopar 37 Sun Top tender. Powered by twin 300-hp Mercury engines, it effortlessly reaches a cruising speed of 30 knots. Perfect for exploring the hidden gems of the Croatian Adriatic, it also enhances every water adventure, making full use of an array of towable water toys for an unforgettable experience.

While honoring the natural flow of life onboard for charter guests, Argo has been constructed with meticulous adherence to safety standards. All passages, staircases, and emergency exits meet the rigorous specifications of passenger ships, ensuring maximum security. Additionally, the yacht’s construction incorporates special non-flammable materials, offering an uncompromising commitment to safety without sacrificing comfort or style.

Longevity programs and corporate events

Except being chartered in the usual manner, Argo offers a special possibility for corporate events out of the season, being able to accommodate selected groups of employees in the fantastic surrounding of Croatia, coupled with a newly built yacht – we can easily imagine a special board meeting in Hvar in May. At the same time, it is capable of hosting events with larger groups of guests, because these possibilities are based on short-term charters, like weekends or holidays during spring or autumn months.

argo at anchor in croatia

What is especially interesting, during the whole year, this luxury cruiser offers special packages for well-being due to its ownership relation with top medical discoveries and practice. The most interesting are longevity packages offering in-depth anti-age treatments, but your eye may also catch carefully designed detox and weight loss programs, both based on an individual approach.

Dedicated and professional crew

What truly sets this luxury cruiser apart is its exceptional crew, headed by the experienced Captain Leo Lemešić. With a deep understanding of the sea and a passion for delivering unparalleled guest experiences, Captain Leo ensures Argo reaches every dream destination. Under his guidance, Argo proudly represents the excellence of Croatian boat building, demonstrating its full potential to the world.

Argo specifications
Length: 55 m
Beam: 8,52 m
Draft: 2,58 m
Gross tonnage: 498 t
Cabin Configuration: 2 Master Cabins, 3 VIP ensuite staterooms, and 6 double and two twin ensuite staterooms
Crew: 14
Max. Speed: 12 knots
Cruising Speed: 9 knots
Builder: International Cruising Yachts

Unforgettable Croatian Vacations: Charter a Luxury Cruiser

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Let us open your eyes to Croatia!
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