This July I spent ten days cruising the Adriatic aboard the small ship Monet. Rather than rushing from one famous landmark to the next, I enjoyed wandering through old towns, photographing everyday life, and discovering the unexpected moments that make travel memorable.

When most people think of cruising, they imagine a floating city with thousands of passengers. The MS Monet was just the opposite. With only 55 passengers, it felt more like traveling with a small group of friends. We quickly recognized one another, meals were relaxed, and there was never a sense of crowds or rushing.

Aboard the MS Monet, our home on the Adriatic

One of the little surprises waiting for us aboard the Monet.

The Dubrovnik bridge from the water