Unique in every way, this modern luxury cruiser with thirteen cabins is the Croatian builder’s vision for the future and bound to be a star of the extremely appealing segment of luxury cruisers with capacity of more than twelve guests
For years, Croatian shipbuilding has been developing in the same direction: steel boats of about fifty meters in length, either mini-cruisers or luxury sailboats with six cabins, built specifically for tourism.
In the last few years, we have noticed a new trend in the segment of mini-cruisers, the most popular type of boat in the so-called cabin charter: they have been growing into even more luxurious vessels, with 10 to 14 cabins, which are rented out just like ‘normal’ yachts, mostly to one client.
Looking at the market segment of common yachts, if you want to sleep 20 guests, you need two big yachts whose price is usually over half a million euros. Croatian luxury cruisers represent an excellent alternative and bring something new to international charter market.
The project that went one step further is called Argo and brings together many elements of real yachts with the conveniences of luxury cruisers. It should be noted that the luxury cruiser Argo is the first but also the last boat of its kind, as local regulations for the construction of small passenger boats in Croatia have changed and become significantly stricter.
Argo is a project of International Cruising Yachts – its official name is ICY 55 – designed by Marlena Dapčić, and it was built in the Nuić shipyard in Vranjic under the supervision of engineer Branko Vuković. Interestingly, Argo was built to sail the waters of the Baja California, in Mexico, and Croatia is only the first stop on its cruise.
Your Dream Yacht Charter Argo Awaits
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 was launched this June and had a very successful first season in charter, without a day off from the launch until October. It’s already been well booked for the next season, with a number of satisfied guests wanting to repeat this year’s experience.
The secret of the success of luxury cruiser Argo lies in the unique combination of visual appeal and the on-board service provided, as Argo was the first yacht in Croatia to sail with an international crew, 15-strong, offering the level of service usually reserved for yachting – for example, with six stewardesses and two cooks.
Argo has 13 cabins accommodating 26 guests, and even we were surprised at how many cabins can fit in a 55-meter hull, but the smart layout prevents any crowded feeling. There are eight cabins on the lower deck, four on the bow section of the upper deck, and the master cabin followed by the gym are on the main deck astern.
All passages, staircases and emergency exits have been built to the standards of passenger ships, and special non-flammable materials were used in ship’s construction.
The salon is on the upper deck, with a small sitting area with two sofas and a large dining room seating 26 people, while in the bow part there is a reading room/playroom with a large TV. The interior is cool and stylish, in light oak and carefully selected wooden panels from the Italian company Nord Compensati.
Other pieces of furniture are custom: beautifully designed tables, shelves and decorative elements, also mostly in light oak. The bow of the upper deck hosts jet skis, rescue boats and an 8.5-meter tender, while aft there are dining tables, large enough for breakfast or just an afternoon drink of your choice.
The main outdoor area is the entire fourth deck, also called the Bridge deck, as its bow hosts the wheelhouse. Farther toward the bow, there is a Jacuzzi, and astern there is an open dining room and a large bar, an ideal spot for dining al fresco or a few cocktails in the evening. As we found out, that deck is used the most: one of the guests’ favorite moments this summer was dinner with a view of Dubrovnik.
Luxury cruiser Argo is unique in another aspect: it has a fully equipped fifth deck, the popular Sundeck with deckchairs for sunbathing, but also a guest-favorite large outdoor grill and a small bar. Finally, Argo carries a large selection of water toys, the jet skis, Sea Bobs and E-Foil toys, two windsurfing boards, biodegradable golf balls, and a large pool – there aren’t many toys left to be packed on it, to be honest.
The icing on the cake is the luxury tender Axopar 37 Sun Top with two 300-hp Mercury engines, reaching cruising speed of 30 knots, ready to take the guests into the most intimate corners of the Croatian Adriatic. Captain Leo Lemešić and his crew are ready to take Argo anywhere guests want, and we wish Argo a bright future and many opportunities to show the world the capabilities of Croatian boat building.
Argo general info:
Length 55 m
Beam 8,52 m
Draft 2,58 m
Gross tonnage 498
Cabins 13
Guests 26
Cabin Configuration: 2 Master Cabins, 3 VIP ensuite staterooms, and 6 double and two twin ensuite staterooms
Crew: 14
Max. Speed 12 čv/kn
Cruising Speed 9 čv/kn
Builder International Cruising Yachts
