Unforgettable Croatia has revealed that bookings through the trade increased by 24% in 2024, as part of a record-breaking year for the luxury small-ship operator.
More than 1300 guests booked via an agent, the operator confirmed, as it marked the conclusion of its May – October sailing season.
Overall, Unforgettable Croatia secured its highest-ever occupancy rate of 99.21%. This was achieved alongside a total cabin capacity increase of 20% to 2286, from 1905 in 2023.
In Australia alone, revenue and bookings were both up almost 50% for the 2024 season, with Australian travellers now accounting for 15% of all guests onboard the luxury operator’s small ship Croatia cruises.
The upswing in local bookings has coincided with the arrival of Unforgettable Croatia European Travel Specialist Aurore Bertomeu, based in Melbourne, this year.
Graham Carter, chief commercial officer at Unforgettable Croatia, said: “We’d like to thank agents for all their support in achieving this significant increase in bookings. We can’t wait to see how our relationships develop in 2025 and beyond, especially in Australia as Aurore continues to work closely with our partners”.
Unforgettable Croatia has also revealed a spike in the number of corporate bookings and charters, with 11 corporate full charter bookings in 2024 representing a 70% year-on-year increase.
For corporate bookings, Unforgettable Croatia works in collaboration with the organisation to design bespoke itineraries, featuring tailored excursions and experiences. The operator also manages restaurant bookings, water sports, transfers and pre/post hotel bookings.
Up to 36 guests can travel per ship and multiple vessels can be booked for larger groups. The line currently operates a fleet of five ships.
“The increase in corporate bookings and charters is testament to the hard work that has gone into differentiating our product in an increasingly competitive landscape. Our luxury small-ship experience provides a unique way for businesses to come together in an inspiring and creative setting, away from the hustle and bustle of office life,” Graham said.
Unforgettable Croatia has additionally announced that 72% of its cabin allocation for next year has already sold to date.
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.
With new ship, 36-guest MS Aretis, launching in 2025 and taking the fleet to six, there will be a total of 2500 cabins, a 9% year-on-year increase.
The new ship will offer 19 seven-night departures from Dubrovnik to Split, and vice versa, from June 7 to October 11, 2025.
The 2025 season also features a new seven-night Signature Croatia Hidden Gems Cruise, sailing from Split to Opatija and visiting Sibenik, Zadar, the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the islands of Losinj and Krk.
In August, Unforgettable Croatia welcomed travel agents on its inaugural trade famil. A total of 13 agents, with partners, sailed on a four-night Dalmatian Coast itinerary onboard the 38-guest Memories from Dubrovnik to Split. Unforgettable Croatia is planning a second agent famil in July 2025, offering Australian agents the opportunity to experience the product.
