Small-ship cruise line Unforgettable Croatia has hailed significant growth in corporate bookings and charters. The operator reported 11 corporate full charter bookings for 2024, an increase of 70% year-on-year. Unforgettable Croatia works in collaboration with each organisation to design bespoke itineraries, with tailored excursions and experiences. It also manages restaurant bookings, watersports, transfers and pre/post hotel bookings. Up to 36 guests can travel per ship and multiple vessels can be booked for larger groups. The line currently operates a fleet of five ships. Graham Carter, chief commercial officer, said: “The increase in corporate bookings and charters is testament to differentiating our product in an increasingly competitive landscape.” “Our small-ship experience provides a unique way for businesses to come together in an inspiring and creative setting.” Unforgettable Croatia’s 2025 programme features 131 seven-night departures, operating from early-May to mid-October. The itineraries sail between Split and Dubrovnik, taking in the Dalmatian coast. Additionally, the line will operate a new ship in 2025. The 36-guest MV Aretis will join the fleet in early spring, offering 19 seven-night departures from Dubrovnik to Split, and vice versa, from June 7 to October 11. The 2025 season also features a new seven-night Signature Croatia Hidden Gems Cruise, sailing from Split to Opatija and visiting Sibenik, Zadar, the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the islands of Losinj and Krk. Full charter prices for a seven-night cruise start from £2,095pp, including half-board dining and selected experiences.

Unforgettable Croatia has seen trade booking surge by nearly a quarter in 2024, as part of a record-breaking year for the small-ship operator. It gained a total of 1,346 guests booked via a travel agent, the operator says, up by 24%. Overall, Unforgettable Croatia secured its highest-ever occupancy rate, at 99.21%. This was achieved despite a total cabin capacity increase of 20% for the 2024 summer season. In August, Unforgettable Croatia welcomed travel agents on its inaugural Fam trip. A total of 13 agents, with plus ones, sailed on a four-night Dalmatian Coast itinerary, onboard the 38-guest Memories, from Dubrovnik to Split. It has additionally announced that 65% of its cabin allocation for 2025 has already sold. The 2025 programme comprises a total of 2,500 cabins, which is a 9% year-on-year increase. This is in part due to the launch of new ship, MS Aretis, taking the fleet to six. Graham Carter, chief commercial officer, said: “We’d like to thank agents for all their support in achieving this significant increase in bookings. We know the trade are keen to learn more about our product and what makes us unique.”

  Cruise Croatia has announced a new seven-night ‘Opatija to Dubrovnik Deluxe Balcony Cruise’ for 2024.   The specialist, luxury, small-ship cruise operator will offer four departures dates, between June and September, on the 36-guest MS My Wish.   The itinerary, on sale now, gives guests the opportunity to discover the extended Croatian coastline, sailing to or from the lesser-known port of Opatija to Dubrovnik. The cruise will connect four archipelagos, through the untouched Kvarner and Kornati Islands, which make up the Northern Dalmatian coast, and the more popular Pakleni and Elaphiti Islands in the south.   Calls will be made to the iconic cities of Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, with island hopping taking in Hvar and Korcula. All excursions are included, with guests being treated to a visit to the spectacular waterfalls of Krka National Park, along with wine tasting at an underground family winery in Hvar, plus a host of other cultural tours.   The My Wish yacht, launched in 2020, offers deluxe accommodation across 18 ensuite guest cabins, many of which feature their own private balconies. She features a top-deck hot tub, spacious sundeck and swimming platform, while boasting a 1:4 crew to guest ratio.   All itineraries include luxury transfers, breakfast, three-course lunches and select dinners. A programme of guided tours and visits, daily swim stops, complimentary water sports, a professional Cruise Director and on-board lectures are also available. Prices start from £2,195 per person.   Cruise Croatia offers pre- and post-cruise extensions for guests to explore the region of Istria - referred to as the Tuscany of Croatia - with its rolling hills, medieval villages and family-run vineyards.   Graham Carter, Chief Commercial Officer at Cruise Croatia, said: “This itinerary promises an unforgettable, intimate adventure of the spectacular Dalmatian coast. Sailing from Opatija to Dubrovnik gives access to an untouched part of the Croatian coast, which we are keen to introduce our guests to. Led by local guides, guests will get to know each destination in-depth, while the fabulous facilities on My Wish means travel time can be spent in luxurious comfort.”   Cruise Croatia is offering a total of 144 luxury Croatia departures, across 10 itineraries, in 2024. Opatija to Dubrovnik is one of four new routes.  

Croatia is the newest member of the border-free Schengen zone. It replaces the Croatia kuna with the euro. It became an EU' member in 2013. Croatia is the 27th country of the Schengen zone. EC President Ursula von der Leyen called it a ‘historic’ moment. Croatia has ‘achieved its strategic, state and political goals’ Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said. It ‘means a lot for Croatia as a tourist country’ the PM said.