Cruise Croatia announces 2024 small-ship cruising programme

Cruise Croatia has launched its 2024 small-ship cruising programme earlier than ever before, with 144 guaranteed seven-night departures on offer.

The luxury, small-ship cruise specialist will privately operate six vessels from early May to mid-October, 2024, representing a 35% year-on-year increase in capacity.

On sale now, the sailings operate between Split and Dubrovnik, taking passengers to visit Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, Vis and the national parks of Mljet and Krka.

Cruise Croatia will also offer a number of themed departures for 2024 including a Murder Mystery Cruise featuring Wilf Webster, star of BBC’s TV show The Traitors.

A seven-night Signature Food and Wine Cruise onboard MV Bellissima, departs October 12, 2024, with prices from £2,195.

All itineraries include transfers, breakfast, three-course lunches and select dinners.

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.”

News of the 2024 launch came as Cruise Croatia’s parent, the Unforgettable Travel Group, released the findings of a survey conducted among 2,014 people.

The poll found most holidaymakers would prefer to cruise via small ship as their holiday-at-sea option.

One in five (20%) selected a small-ship cruise, with river cruising cited by 16% and ocean cruising 10%.

Greece is the preferred small-ship destination to visit, followed by Italy in second and Croatia third.

Recommendations from family and friends lead the way when looking for holiday inspiration, with 65% of respondents seeking advice before making their choice.

Just over half (53%) look for ideas in magazines and newspapers, and 38% via TV and films.

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 survey also revealed 24% of people did not use all their annual leave last year, with an average of six days left untaken.

The findings also showed that 16% of people took less annual leave in 2022 than they did in 2019, with 11% of people already concerned they won’t take all their leave this year.