- Authentic Farm To Table Gastronomy: The specialized culinary voyages prioritize regional traditions, incorporating indigenous wine tastings, family-run olive oil estate tours, and open-air oyster harvesting experiences
- Surging Small Ship Tourism Demand: Comprehensive market research indicates that small-ship luxury cruising is growing at a significantly faster rate than the mainstream mega-liner industry.
- Highly Exclusive Passenger Capacity Limits: Both the MV Bellissima and MV Adris limit guest capacity to just 36 passengers to guarantee an intimate, uncrowded, and boutique hotel atmosphere at sea.
- Curated Immersion Heritage Tracking: The historical itineraries offer unique access to off-the-beaten-path experiences, including Cold War military tunnels on Vis and traditional silk crafting workshops.
According to an exciting industry report shared by Cruise Croatia the high-end small-ship travel market is experiencing significant growth, far outpacing broader maritime tourism trends. In direct response to this rising consumer demand for intimate, curated journeys, the luxury operator has officially unveiled two brand-new themed itineraries as part of its highly anticipated 2027 sailing program. Designed specifically for discerning travelers who value slow travel, authentic cultural immersion, and regional culinary arts, these exclusive voyages offer a highly personalized, uncrowded exploration of the spectacular Dalmatian Coast.
The first new concept is the Croatia Heritage Cruise, a seven-night journey sailing between Šibenik and Dubrovnik onboard the elegant, 36-guest MV Bellissima. Departing in May and October 2027, this itinerary highlights centuries of history with guided visits to UNESCO-listed cathedrals, traditional olive oil mills near Krka National Park, and Cold War military tunnels on the island of Vis. Guests will also experience authentic local traditions, including a traditional silk presentation in the Konavle Valley and a classic peka dinner in Korčula.
For culinary enthusiasts, the Food and Wine Cruise offers a seven-night sensory adventure from Dubrovnik to Split onboard the sophisticated MV Adris. This epicurean voyage features curated food walking tours, private oyster tastings in Mali Ston, exclusive vineyard estates on Hvar, and an indigenous Vugava wine tasting hosted inside historic island tunnels. All premium packages beautifully incorporate luxury airport transfers, daily breakfast, three-course lunches, professional cruise director services, and daily swim stops with complimentary water sports equipment, providing an exceptionally smooth, rewarding, and deeply memorable European holiday.
‘Croatia Heritage Cruise’ (7 nights; $2,940 per person) will sail on May 1 and October 9, 2027, onboard the 36-guest MV Bellissima. Sailing from Šibenik to Dubrovnik. Highlights include:
- A guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Šibenik Cathedral,
- An opportunity to explore the rural hinterland surrounding Krka National Park, with a visit to a traditional olive mill for tasting.
- A military tour of Cold War tunnels on Vis
- The opportunity to enjoy an authentic ‘peka’ dinner in Korčula
- A visit to the historic salt pans of Ston, known as the “white gold” of the Dubrovnik Republic, alongside an oyster tasting experience.
- A visit to the Konavle Valley, where guests will take part in a silk presentation.
‘Food and Wine Cruise’ (7 nights; From $2,600 per person) will sail on May 8 and October 9, 2027, onboard the 36-guest MV Adris. Sailing from Dubrovnik to Split, highlights include:
- A food-focused walking tour in Dubrovnik, showcasing local specialities including olive oils, cured meats and traditional sweets.
- A private oyster tasting experience in Mali Ston.
- A traditional peka dinner in the village of Žrnovo
- A winery visit in Hvar
- A tasting of indigenous Vugava wines on Vis, set within historic military tunnels.
- A visit to a family-run olive oil estate in Omiš.
*The research, compiled by Unforgettable Croatia, a specialist luxury small-ship cruising company and digital travel marketing agency, Adido, analyzed four years of American search data and found that generic searches for terms such as “small ship cruises,” “luxury small ship cruises,” “expedition cruising,” and “yacht cruises” have risen 63% in two years.
