NERA EXCELLENCE

Name: Davor Paskovic
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: As Captain, Davor brings a lifetime of maritime experience and an unwavering passion for the sea. His journey began at the age of ten when he first started sailing alongside his father, who owned a boat and introduced him to the traditions and responsibilities of life at sea. After spending time ashore, he returned to the industry sixteen years ago and has since dedicated himself to delivering safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experiences for his guests.
Known for his professionalism, calm leadership, and extensive knowledge of the Adriatic, he takes great pride in ensuring every voyage runs smoothly. His approachable nature and commitment to guest satisfaction make him not only a trusted captain but also a welcoming host who enjoys sharing stories, local insights, and recommendations from years spent exploring the coastline.
Away from the helm, he is a proud father of two children, a son and a daughter, who are at the center of his world. Music has been a lifelong passion, he spent more than twenty years playing drums in a rock band and remains a devoted fan of rock & roll. Today, he continues to express his love for music by playing the saxophone during traditional carnival festivities, embracing both his creative side and local heritage.
With a lifetime connected to the sea, a passion for people, and a wealth of Adriatic experience, Captain Davor looks forward to welcoming guests aboard and creating memorable moments throughout their journey.

Name: Nikola Baric
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Nikola has been onboard Nera Excellence since her purchase.

Name: Ante Lokvic
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ante has been onboard Nera Excellence over the last 2 years. A very experienced deckhand with a great sense of humor.

Name: Evelyn Brown
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Masseuse
Position details: Masseuse
Languages: Not specified
Description: Evelyn originates from the USA but a summer holiday to Croatia changed her life forever. She loved the country so much that she decided to leave the States for good and settle in Croatia. She is a well experienced personal trainer and a masseuse.

Name: Mateo Stipetic
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Head Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Mateo discovered his passion for cooking during his high school years, when he became deeply interested in professional kitchen work and developed a strong culinary foundation.
Early in his career, he spent two years working in Istria in a fish restaurant, gaining valuable hands-on experience with fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine before transitioning to life on board yachts.
With a total of 12 years of experience as a chef, including 10 years working with Lastavica Cruising, he has built a solid reputation for consistency, discipline, and a deep understanding of guest-focused service at sea. From the very beginning, he knew that cooking was not just a job but his true calling.
Even outside of work, his passion for food continues, he genuinely enjoys cooking for himself and experimenting in a relaxed, personal way. Known for his easy-going personality, he also enjoys gaming and joking that his perfect off-duty combination is “games and sleep.”
Calm, reliable, and experienced, he brings both skill and personality to the galley, ensuring guests are always well taken care of through thoughtful, well-prepared meals.

Name: Tamara Dudic
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Chef
Position details: Assistant Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Tamara is a talented Croatian chef who brings vibrant Adriatic flavours to life throughout your cruise on the Dalmatian coast. Born and raised in Split, she grew up surrounded by the scents of the sea and traditional Mediterranean kitchens. Tamara trained at a renowned culinary academy in Dubrovnik before joining the cruise industry, where she now crafts seasonal menus using locally sourced seafood, olive oil, and garden-fresh produce. Guests adore her warm personality and passion for sharing Croatian culinary heritage, turning each meal into a cultural experience as unforgettable as the turquoise waters around them.