• Soaring Small Ship Demand: Analytical search data reveals a dramatic 63 percent increase in consumer interest for boutique small-ship and yacht cruises over a two-year period.
• Boutique Yacht Fleet Scale: The newly launched 2027 themed itineraries will take place aboard the ultra-intimate MV Bellissima and MV Adris, with each vessel accommodating an exclusive group of just 36 passengers.
• Immersive Cultural Heritage Routes: The specialized heritage itinerary emphasizes deep regional history, featuring curated excursions to historical salt pans, ancient olive mills, and historic island tunnels.
• Epicurean Gastronomy Focus: The dedicated culinary sailings showcase the finest flavors of the Adriatic, offering private vineyard tastings of indigenous grapes and traditional village dining experiences

The global luxury travel sector is witnessing a magnificent shift as small-ship cruising grows significantly faster than the wider maritime market. According to recent data compiled by Unforgettable Croatia and digital marketing agency Adido, American search queries for yacht and boutique expedition cruises have surged by an impressive 63 percent over the last two years. Responding to this soaring demand for intimate, experience-driven travel, leading luxury operator Cruise Croatia has officially unveiled two brand-new themed itineraries as part of its highly anticipated 2027 fleet deployment.

Designed for just 36 guests per voyage, these immersive seven-night sailings promise an unparalleled blend of cultural depth and sophisticated relaxation. The Croatia Heritage Cruise, operating aboard the sleek MV Bellissima, paths a route from Šibenik to Dubrovnik. Travelers on this historic voyage will enjoy private, expert-led tours of the UNESCO-listed Šibenik Cathedral, explore hidden Cold War military tunnels on the island of Vis, and witness a traditional silk presentation in the Konavle Valley. For culinary enthusiasts, the specialized Food and Wine Cruise aboard the MV Adris journeys from Dubrovnik to Split, treating guests to private oyster tastings in Mali Ston, exclusive winery tours on Hvar, and a traditional, slow-cooked peka dinner in the historic village of Žrnovo.

Every meticulously curated itinerary seamlessly bundles five-star hospitality with authentic local flavors. Guests onboard will enjoy daily swim stops in pristine Adriatic bays, complimentary use of cutting-edge watersports equipment, and the personalized guidance of a professional cruise director. Packages feature premium inclusions such as luxury private airport transfers, gourmet breakfasts, multi-course artisanal lunches, and specialized tastings. By combining the supreme flexibility of a private yacht with the educational depth of expert-led lectures, Cruise Croatia is setting a marvelous new benchmark for sustainable, slow-travel adventures along the breathtaking Dalmatian coast.

‘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 Visa
• 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 specialties 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.