Yacht Maritime Introduces Stewardess and Culinary Programs in Croatia

Founded in 2024 by Ante Marinović and Krešimir Odrljin, Yacht Maritime operates in the luxury yachting and high-end hospitality sector, focusing on the training and placement of skilled professionals to meet industry standards. 

While the agency primarily recruits yacht crew, it also serves chalets, villas, and Michelin-starred restaurants, addressing both the shortage of trained personnel and the need for structured guidance for newcomers.

To meet this demand, Yacht Maritime will launch a Stewardess and Culinary Academy in Croatia in December 2025, providing practical training and professional development for careers in luxury hospitality.

Leadership and Expertise

The academy is guided by a team with extensive industry experience:

• Ante Marinović - CEO / Captain
  With over a decade in yachting, Ante brings expertise in operations, team leadership, and service excellence. His hands-on approach emphasizes clear communication, adaptability, and trust, ensuring smooth operations and professional standards on board.
• Krešimir Odrljin - COO / Masterchef
  A culinary expert with global experience, Krešimir focuses on mentoring the next generation of chefs. His vision blends technical skill, creativity, and industry standards, preparing students for high-level careers in luxury hospitality.
• Lucija Medić - Academy Manager / Recruiter
  Lucija has lots of experience on yachts ranging from 35m to 140m. As Academy Manager, she leads the Stewardess Academy, overseeing training in interior service, guest relations, teamwork, and professional conduct.

Origins and Vision

The academies grew out of Krešimir and Ante’s vision to establish a structured approach to hospitality training. To shape the Stewardess Academy, they invited Lucija to design a program that blends practical instruction with a deep understanding of crew dynamics. 

Set against Croatia’s strong maritime tradition and the rapid growth of its yachting and luxury tourism sectors, the academies provide participants with hands-on experience and direct exposure to international service standards.

Programs and Training

The Culinary Academy focuses on cooking techniques, menu planning, plating, kitchen management, international cuisines, and yacht-specific dining.

The Stewardess Academy, under Lucija’s guidance, trains students in elite service standards, housekeeping, table settings, wine and cocktail knowledge, guest relations, and organizational skills. As Lucija explains:

'The academy teaches proper behavior on a yacht - respect for hierarchy, communication, discretion, safety, and anticipating guest needs. It’s about fostering a professional and harmonious environment for both crew and guests.'

Both programs emphasize professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail, preparing graduates for careers on yachts, luxury villas, and high-end resorts.

Looking Ahead

With the combined expertise of Ante, Krešimir, and Lucija as Academy Manager, Yacht Maritime aims to strengthen the talent pipeline for yachting and luxury hospitality, positioning Croatia as a hub for world-class training and professional development.