Sail Croatia predicts boom 2024 with new speciality sailings on offer for the first time

Sail Croatia predicts boom 2024 with new speciality sailings on offer for the first time
Edited by Travel Weekly


From wine tasting on the UNESCO Stari Grad plain, to sunset yoga overlooking Mljet National Park or partying at the iconic Hideout Festival, 2024 is all about doing and learning more on a small ship cruise.

Small ship specialist Sail Croatia saw unprecedented growth across its programme for 2023, particularly for its Hike cruises (up 77 per cent), Navigator party cruises (up 68 per cent) and Cycle cruises (up 30 per cent).

The popularity of these products has led Sail Croatia to introduce two new themed cruises for 2024, the ‘Wines of Croatia’ itinerary will immerse guests in the burgeoning wine production of the Adriatic, while a ‘Yoga’ cruise caters to those seeking a holistic wellness experience.

“Croatia’s standing as a top destination continues to attract a multitude of tourists eager to explore the breathtaking Adriatic,” co-owner and MD, Sail Croatia, Grant Seuren, said.

“Special interest cruises are particularly popular, demonstrating that people want to learn or indulge in a hobby while they are away.

“Our ‘Wines of Croatia’ cruises proved our most successful new product ever. So much so, that within a matter of days we were adding additional capacity. We are seeing no slow down in demand for these products.”

The company’s ‘Navigator’ party cruises for the under-39 demographic have witnessed a 68 per cent spike in sales throughout 2023, reflecting the popularity of Croatia’s iconic clubbing scene and venues such as Hula Hula, Carpe Diem, and Revelin.

Festival Cruises, targeting electronic music enthusiasts with week-long party cruises to the Hideout and Ultra festivals, have further fueled this upward trajectory.

A pivotal aspect of Sail Croatia’s forward-looking strategy involves a substantial investment in expanding its fleet of luxury yachts.

With a remarkable 58 per cent surge in bookings for their Private Yacht Tour experiences, catering to small groups of families and friends seeking a skippered island-hopping adventure, they have added three yachts in 2023, and a further three will be available for 2024including Slice of Heaven, a 55ft super catamaran and Morpheus a 53ft luxury sailing yacht.

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