Cruise Croatia Began Its 2024 Small-Ship Cruising Season

With 144 guaranteed seven-night voyages, Cruise Croatia has began its 2024 small-ship cruising season sooner than ever before.

From early May to mid-October 2024, the premium small-ship cruise expert will privately operate six ships, a 35% increase in capacity from the previous year.

The sailings, which run between Split and Dubrovnik, are currently on sale and take tourists to Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, Vis, and the Mljet and Krka national parks.

A number of themed departures, including a murder mystery cruise featuring Wilf Webster, the star of the BBC television series The Traitors, will also be available through Cruise Croatia in 2024.

Prices start at £2,195 for a seven-night Signature Food and Wine Cruise aboard the MV Bellissima, which sails on 12th October 2024.

Transfers, breakfast, three-course meals, and certain evenings are all included on all itineraries.

Graham Carter, co-founder and commercial director at Cruise Croatia, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our 2024 season a full three months earlier than ever before.

“As we only have limited availability left on 2023, it’s clear that customers are already eager to secure their sailing for next year as early as possible.”

The Unforgettable Travel Group, the parent company of Cruise Croatia, revealed the results of a study it performed among 2,014 persons at the same time as the 2024 launch announcement.

According to the survey, the majority of travelers chose small-ship cruising for their seaside vacation.

A small-ship cruise was chosen by one in five (20%) travelers; river cruising was mentioned by 16% and ocean cruising by 10%.

The most popular small-ship travel destination is Greece, with Italy coming in second and Croatia coming in third.

65% of respondents said they seek advice from family and friends before making a decision, making recommendations from them the most popular source for holiday inspiration.

38% of people turn to TV and movies, while 53% look for inspiration in periodicals and newspapers.

Carter said: “Small-ship cruising gives travellers a chance to truly immerse themselves in a destination, taking in cruising hotspots alongside lesser-known, hidden gems with a small group of fellow passengers.

“Its increasing popularity is reflected in the demand we’ve seen across our smaller ship sailing options.”

The poll also found that, on average, 24% of respondents did not take all of their yearly leave last year.

According to the research, 16% fewer persons took annual leave in 2022 than they did in 2019, and 11% of respondents said they are already worried they won’t use all of their vacation this year.