Experience Croatia from a small cruise ship

Croatia’s natural beauty, sun-kissed islands and historic old towns are all tourism magnets — and one of the best ways to experience it all is on a small cruise ship.

News from award-winning specialist operator Unforgettable Croatia has my mind recalling a recent summer holiday in Croatia.

The company’s Yacht Cruise Collection is available for six sailings from June to September 2025, departing from Split to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Split, and Zadar to Dubrovnik.

With just 28 guests, the voyage aboard the 52m Alfa Mario mega-yacht will be one of the most intimate small ship cruises in the world. Built in 2021 and refitted in 2024, Alfa Mario’s intimate size with only 16 cabins allows it to hug the extensive Croatian coastline as it cruises.

The yacht’s sleek interiors are complemented by extensive outdoor living space with a sundeck spa and sun lounges.

The itinerary for each Yacht Cruise Collection departure calls at some of Croatia’s most-loved islands, benefiting from access to smaller ports not accessible for larger ships.

The ports of call for the Split to Dubrovnik (and vice versa) itinerary are Split, Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Korcula, Slano and Dubrovnik. And the Zadar to Dubrovnik route features Zadar, Sibenik, Vis, Hvar, Korcula, Slano and Dubrovnik.

Guests can disembark the yacht to enjoy diverse experiences such as getting up close to the picturesque waterfalls of Krka National Park, soaking up the vibe on stylish Hvar, savouring exquisite wines created by a local family producer on Korcula, tucking into fresh oysters and mussels picked straight from the sea in Ston, or discovering the UNESCO-listed gems of Split and Dubrovnik as part of cultural and culinary tours.

The Alfa Mario makes daily stops in secluded bays specially chosen by the Croatian captain where guests can enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and explore each location on jet skis, kayaks or paddleboards.

Breakfast and barbecue lunches are served on board and feature fresh produce such as seafood, fruit and vegetables sourced locally throughout the sailing.

At night guests are invited to eat alfresco in the best local restaurants — booked in advance with the assistance of the Unforgettable Croatia Lifestyle Management team.

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Unforgettable Croatia’s 2025 program features 131 guaranteed seven-night departures, sailing between Split and Dubrovnik along the Dalmatian Coast from early May to mid-October.

A new ship, MS Aretis, with room for 36 guests, is launching in 2025 and will offer 19 seven-night departures from Dubrovnik to Split, and vice versa, from June 7 to October 11, 2025.

Prices for a Yacht Cruise Collection departure start from $6450 per person based on double occupancy. This includes a seven-night luxury yacht cruise; breakfast, lunch and two onboard dinners including live music and a memorable Yacht Party; complimentary tea, coffee and water; a drink with onboard lunches and dinners; daily swim stops with use of premium water toys and sport equipment; daily morning yoga classes; excursions including expert-guided tours, wine tasting and park entrance; private luxury arrival and departure transfers and a privilege card offering exclusive rates at preferred restaurants onshore.

For more information, visit www.unforgettablecroatia.com or call 0452 620 431.