Australians are increasingly cottoning on to the joy of small ship cruising as this luxury sector becomes one of the most exciting growth areas in global travel.
With fewer guests on board, a higher crew-to-guest ratio, and access to smaller, lesser-known ports, small-ship cruises deliver an exceptional level of authenticity and attention to detail. From private yacht charters to boutique ships with under 50 guests, it’s now a thriving sector in its own right and is the antidote to overtourism, allowing a more intimate and personalised experience for those looking for a deeper, more authentic connection with local destinations and communities.
While many new ships have launched to cater to the increasing demand for intimate cruise experiences, luxury small ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has been perfecting the art of small-ship cruising for a decade. And as the small ship operator continues to cruise Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast with the newest fleet of small ships in the country, interest in 'micro cruising' is growing.
Unforgettable Croatia revealed it is already more than 50% sold for its 2026 small-ship cruising program, which went on sale in March this year. This represents the strongest early demand in the company’s history, with more bookings at this stage than any previous season on record.
Out of Australia alone, September 2025 was a record month for sales with local bookings up 72 per cent and revenue up 48 per cent compared to September 2024, showing how much the small-ship trend is growing among Australian guests.
Earlier in the year, the specialist small-ship operator revealed that its 2025 season was 98% sold, a record which looks set to be broken in 2026, even with a 12% uplift in capacity.
In 2026 there are 145 guaranteed departures across eight ships, including new build Aretis, which has been particularly popular with Australian guests. During its sell-out debut season, Australians made up one in four guests (25%) on the new luxury ship. About 40 per cent of Aretis cabins in 2026 are already sold, with 15 per cent of bookings to date from Australia.
Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Croatia, said: “We’ve seen a fantastic response to our 2026 program, with travellers – both returning guests and new to the brand – keen to experience a holiday at sea with a difference. People are increasingly looking for a more personalised, immersive experience, where every journey feels uniquely tailored, and that is what a small-ship sojourn with Unforgettable Croatia delivers”.
"As the cruise sector as a whole continues to go from strength to strength, one area in particular that is generating plenty of interest is small-ship cruising. When speaking to our guests, it's apparent there is strong demand for a boutique style of cruising. The reasons for this are varied, but what we hear is that people are looking for a personalised, immersive experience, where every journey feels uniquely tailored. It often comes back to the desire to truly explore a destination, at its heart, rather than rigidly sticking to the tourist hotspots. With Unforgettable Croatia, our fleet of 38-guest, luxury ships offer a unique way to cruise that puts the guest at the forefront of the experience,” Graham said.
Second tier cities are on the rise
As major tourism cities reach their limit and travellers seek out less crowded, more affordable alternatives, second tier towns are on the rise and 2026 looks set to be the year many of these destinations step into the limelight.
While Dubrovnik and Split will always be two of the leading stars for Croatia, a rising star is Sibenik, a charming medieval town brimming with 1000 years of history and Croatian culture. From 2026, luxury small ship operator Unforgettable Croatia is branching out from its traditional embarkation and disembarkation ports of Dubrovnik and Split to offer more itineraries that start and end in Sibenik. In the Unforgettable Croatia 2026 program, 36 cruises will begin in Sibenik (up from 10 in 2025), offering guests the chance to explore this less-trodden coastal gem as part of their unforgettable Croatian holiday. Unforgettable Croatia is in a unique position to take guests to smaller off-the-beaten-track ports such as Sibenik, with its luxury small ships carrying a maximum of 38 guests.
Unforgettable Croatia is also driving demand for less-trodden European destinations neighbouring Croatia, namely Slovenia, with the specialist cruise operator increasingly branching out into land and cruise packages to cater to demand from Australians wanting a longer stay and to visit multiple countries. Bookings featuring Slovenia have increased by an impressive 286% year-on-year, while Montenegro is tracking up 20 per cent. Overall, Unforgettable Croatia cruise and land packages booked by Australians are up 36 per cent year-on-year.
“This surge strongly indicates a growing appetite among travellers for emerging and lesser-known destinations. While Slovenia may not boast the same volume of UNESCO-listed sites as some of its neighbouring countries, it more than compensates with its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and an increasingly recognised wine region. These attributes appear to resonate with travellers seeking a sense of escape and authenticity,” Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Croatia, said.
A 14-night Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro Cruise Tour, which begins in Ljubljana, includes a seven-night Unforgettable Croatia cruise, and finishes with a private guided tour of Kotor, starts from $10,150 per person twin share, for departures between June and September.
The Arabian Gulf is the next cruise hot spot
With multiple airlines connecting Australians to the northern hemisphere via the Gulf, the region has largely been a stopover market. But just as Asian cities have turned their transit hubs into holiday hotspots, the Arabian Gulf is ready for its next chapter as a standalone destination. And paving the way for affordable and accessible exploration of this exotic corner of the world is cruise. This year, and into 2026 and 2027, cruise lines like Celestyal are offering cruises around the Gulf, encouraging travellers to explore the region in more depth.
For the first time Celestyal will homeport both its ships - the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey and 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery - in the region from December this year. This follows Celestyal’s maiden 2024-25 one-ship program (with Celestyal Journey) and represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase.
With a blend of iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi alongside Khasab in Oman and Sir Bani Yas in the UAE – an island which combines an African safari with beach clubs as only the UAE knows how – it’s easy to see why the Arabian Gulf is an emerging destination.
The compact geography of the Arabian Gulf means travellers can visit multiple countries in a relatively short time, experiencing a variety of cultures, cuisines and landscapes all in one trip.
“By the end of their cruise, many guests tell us they were surprised by how diverse the Arabian Gulf is. From the serene beaches and wildlife of Sir Bani Yas Island to the cultural depth of Doha, the scenic fjords of Oman and the luxury and world-class attractions of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, they leave with a much broader appreciation of the region’s contrasts,” Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, Celestyal said.
“Australians have been travelling to and through the Gulf for many years, and we are excited about further opening up this region for anyone wanting to do more than just scratch the surface during transit. A Celestyal cruise offers the chance to discover the authentic spirit of the Gulf with all its many differing facets and hidden gem destinations. The Gulf is home to a rich and exotic cultural heritage, providing a treasure trove of destination highlights, from the history and colour of traditional souks, to the vast, dream-like desert landscapes, the glitz and glamour of the big cities and awe-inspiring mosques and palaces.
“Our seven-day Desert Days itinerary offers the ultimate immersion in the Gulf from Bahrain and Oman to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. And with Celestyal Discovery joining Celestyal Journey in the region from December, we are adding three- and four-night cruises into the mix, which present the perfect extended stopover product. It’s a chance for travellers to tick off multiple cities instead of just one, with cruises calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Ras al Khaimah and Oman.”
Sports tourism is kicking travel goals
Whether Aussie fans are travelling to another capital city to watch their favourite footy team or travelling overseas for a major event, sports tourism is proving a big drawcard for when and why sports mad Australians travel.
With the addition of F1 themed cruises, Celestyal is tapping into this new and emerging sports tourism demographic. Sport and travel are two of Australians’ favourite things - add in cruising and it’s a win-win-win.
Celestyal’s next Arabian Gulf program revs up with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race in early December 2025 and packages offer an accessible and affordable way to take in a major F1 event with accommodation, transfers, a cruise and grid access all bundled together. Not to mention the chance to hear from a Formula 1 legend with Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author and broadcaster David Coulthard joining guests onboard.
All aboard for young and old
Putting outdated cliches well and truly to bed, the latest data shows cruising is just as much for the young, as the young at heart. According to CLIA Australasia, the average age of an Australian cruise passenger is 48, down from 50 in 2019. With around one third of cruisers now under 40, it’s clear that cruising is appealing to ages right across the board. Recent Roy Morgan research also revealed that a quarter (26%) of Australians who cruised in the past year were under 50, largely driven by multigenerational and family groups, as well as groups of couples and friends.
It’s a trend that Celestyal has seen onboard its ships.
“Cruise has moved far beyond the clichés of the past and is now embraced by a much broader and younger audience. At Celestyal, we’ve seen our average guest age fall - for the Arabian Gulf it now sits at 44 years - reflecting a shift that’s being mirrored across the wider industry, and one we believe will continue into 2026 and beyond,” Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, Celestyal said.
“A big driver of this trend has been the popularity of shorter itineraries packed with ports, a dynamic and unique offering that allows travellers the chance to explore six or seven destinations in just three or four days. This vibrant, fast-paced approach to cruising has attracted a different demographic from younger travellers to first-time cruisers keen to dip their toe in without committing to a longer stay at sea. That flexibility has been instrumental in attracting younger couples, groups of friends and multigenerational families, proving that cruise is now a holiday choice that works for all ages.”
Unforgettable Croatia is also reporting a rise in bookings from multi-generational families and groups, which are seeing strong growth in 2026, up 34% year-on-year.
Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Croatia, said: “These figures demonstrate that demand for intimate, small-ship cruising is stronger than ever. Travellers are seeking deeper, more authentic experiences, and our itineraries deliver just that. What’s more, the increase in multi-generational families and groups choosing to explore together highlights how small ships offer the ideal setting for shared memories”.
"We recently had a group of 18 people, all from the same family, and aged from 30 to 80 years old, join us for a Croatian cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. We've also had younger guests, aged 17, onboard travelling with their parents and grandparents. What this really highlights is the versatility of small-ship cruising - an experience that brings generations together while still delivering the intimacy and authenticity travellers are seeking.”
While many new ships have launched to cater to the increasing demand for intimate cruise experiences, luxury small ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has been perfecting the art of small-ship cruising for a decade. And as the small ship operator continues to cruise Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast with the newest fleet of small ships in the country, interest in 'micro cruising' is growing.
Unforgettable Croatia revealed it is already more than 50% sold for its 2026 small-ship cruising program, which went on sale in March this year. This represents the strongest early demand in the company’s history, with more bookings at this stage than any previous season on record.
Out of Australia alone, September 2025 was a record month for sales with local bookings up 72 per cent and revenue up 48 per cent compared to September 2024, showing how much the small-ship trend is growing among Australian guests.
Earlier in the year, the specialist small-ship operator revealed that its 2025 season was 98% sold, a record which looks set to be broken in 2026, even with a 12% uplift in capacity.
In 2026 there are 145 guaranteed departures across eight ships, including new build Aretis, which has been particularly popular with Australian guests. During its sell-out debut season, Australians made up one in four guests (25%) on the new luxury ship. About 40 per cent of Aretis cabins in 2026 are already sold, with 15 per cent of bookings to date from Australia.
Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Croatia, said: “We’ve seen a fantastic response to our 2026 program, with travellers – both returning guests and new to the brand – keen to experience a holiday at sea with a difference. People are increasingly looking for a more personalised, immersive experience, where every journey feels uniquely tailored, and that is what a small-ship sojourn with Unforgettable Croatia delivers”.
"As the cruise sector as a whole continues to go from strength to strength, one area in particular that is generating plenty of interest is small-ship cruising. When speaking to our guests, it's apparent there is strong demand for a boutique style of cruising. The reasons for this are varied, but what we hear is that people are looking for a personalised, immersive experience, where every journey feels uniquely tailored. It often comes back to the desire to truly explore a destination, at its heart, rather than rigidly sticking to the tourist hotspots. With Unforgettable Croatia, our fleet of 38-guest, luxury ships offer a unique way to cruise that puts the guest at the forefront of the experience,” Graham said.
Second tier cities are on the rise
As major tourism cities reach their limit and travellers seek out less crowded, more affordable alternatives, second tier towns are on the rise and 2026 looks set to be the year many of these destinations step into the limelight.
While Dubrovnik and Split will always be two of the leading stars for Croatia, a rising star is Sibenik, a charming medieval town brimming with 1000 years of history and Croatian culture. From 2026, luxury small ship operator Unforgettable Croatia is branching out from its traditional embarkation and disembarkation ports of Dubrovnik and Split to offer more itineraries that start and end in Sibenik. In the Unforgettable Croatia 2026 program, 36 cruises will begin in Sibenik (up from 10 in 2025), offering guests the chance to explore this less-trodden coastal gem as part of their unforgettable Croatian holiday. Unforgettable Croatia is in a unique position to take guests to smaller off-the-beaten-track ports such as Sibenik, with its luxury small ships carrying a maximum of 38 guests.
Unforgettable Croatia is also driving demand for less-trodden European destinations neighbouring Croatia, namely Slovenia, with the specialist cruise operator increasingly branching out into land and cruise packages to cater to demand from Australians wanting a longer stay and to visit multiple countries. Bookings featuring Slovenia have increased by an impressive 286% year-on-year, while Montenegro is tracking up 20 per cent. Overall, Unforgettable Croatia cruise and land packages booked by Australians are up 36 per cent year-on-year.
“This surge strongly indicates a growing appetite among travellers for emerging and lesser-known destinations. While Slovenia may not boast the same volume of UNESCO-listed sites as some of its neighbouring countries, it more than compensates with its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and an increasingly recognised wine region. These attributes appear to resonate with travellers seeking a sense of escape and authenticity,” Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Croatia, said.
A 14-night Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro Cruise Tour, which begins in Ljubljana, includes a seven-night Unforgettable Croatia cruise, and finishes with a private guided tour of Kotor, starts from $10,150 per person twin share, for departures between June and September.
The Arabian Gulf is the next cruise hot spot
With multiple airlines connecting Australians to the northern hemisphere via the Gulf, the region has largely been a stopover market. But just as Asian cities have turned their transit hubs into holiday hotspots, the Arabian Gulf is ready for its next chapter as a standalone destination. And paving the way for affordable and accessible exploration of this exotic corner of the world is cruise. This year, and into 2026 and 2027, cruise lines like Celestyal are offering cruises around the Gulf, encouraging travellers to explore the region in more depth.
For the first time Celestyal will homeport both its ships - the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey and 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery - in the region from December this year. This follows Celestyal’s maiden 2024-25 one-ship program (with Celestyal Journey) and represents a 211% year-on-year capacity increase.
With a blend of iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi alongside Khasab in Oman and Sir Bani Yas in the UAE – an island which combines an African safari with beach clubs as only the UAE knows how – it’s easy to see why the Arabian Gulf is an emerging destination.
The compact geography of the Arabian Gulf means travellers can visit multiple countries in a relatively short time, experiencing a variety of cultures, cuisines and landscapes all in one trip.
“By the end of their cruise, many guests tell us they were surprised by how diverse the Arabian Gulf is. From the serene beaches and wildlife of Sir Bani Yas Island to the cultural depth of Doha, the scenic fjords of Oman and the luxury and world-class attractions of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, they leave with a much broader appreciation of the region’s contrasts,” Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, Celestyal said.
“Australians have been travelling to and through the Gulf for many years, and we are excited about further opening up this region for anyone wanting to do more than just scratch the surface during transit. A Celestyal cruise offers the chance to discover the authentic spirit of the Gulf with all its many differing facets and hidden gem destinations. The Gulf is home to a rich and exotic cultural heritage, providing a treasure trove of destination highlights, from the history and colour of traditional souks, to the vast, dream-like desert landscapes, the glitz and glamour of the big cities and awe-inspiring mosques and palaces.
“Our seven-day Desert Days itinerary offers the ultimate immersion in the Gulf from Bahrain and Oman to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. And with Celestyal Discovery joining Celestyal Journey in the region from December, we are adding three- and four-night cruises into the mix, which present the perfect extended stopover product. It’s a chance for travellers to tick off multiple cities instead of just one, with cruises calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Ras al Khaimah and Oman.”
Sports tourism is kicking travel goals
Whether Aussie fans are travelling to another capital city to watch their favourite footy team or travelling overseas for a major event, sports tourism is proving a big drawcard for when and why sports mad Australians travel.
With the addition of F1 themed cruises, Celestyal is tapping into this new and emerging sports tourism demographic. Sport and travel are two of Australians’ favourite things - add in cruising and it’s a win-win-win.
Celestyal’s next Arabian Gulf program revs up with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race in early December 2025 and packages offer an accessible and affordable way to take in a major F1 event with accommodation, transfers, a cruise and grid access all bundled together. Not to mention the chance to hear from a Formula 1 legend with Formula 1 driver, entrepreneur, author and broadcaster David Coulthard joining guests onboard.
All aboard for young and old
Putting outdated cliches well and truly to bed, the latest data shows cruising is just as much for the young, as the young at heart. According to CLIA Australasia, the average age of an Australian cruise passenger is 48, down from 50 in 2019. With around one third of cruisers now under 40, it’s clear that cruising is appealing to ages right across the board. Recent Roy Morgan research also revealed that a quarter (26%) of Australians who cruised in the past year were under 50, largely driven by multigenerational and family groups, as well as groups of couples and friends.
It’s a trend that Celestyal has seen onboard its ships.
“Cruise has moved far beyond the clichés of the past and is now embraced by a much broader and younger audience. At Celestyal, we’ve seen our average guest age fall - for the Arabian Gulf it now sits at 44 years - reflecting a shift that’s being mirrored across the wider industry, and one we believe will continue into 2026 and beyond,” Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer, Celestyal said.
“A big driver of this trend has been the popularity of shorter itineraries packed with ports, a dynamic and unique offering that allows travellers the chance to explore six or seven destinations in just three or four days. This vibrant, fast-paced approach to cruising has attracted a different demographic from younger travellers to first-time cruisers keen to dip their toe in without committing to a longer stay at sea. That flexibility has been instrumental in attracting younger couples, groups of friends and multigenerational families, proving that cruise is now a holiday choice that works for all ages.”
Unforgettable Croatia is also reporting a rise in bookings from multi-generational families and groups, which are seeing strong growth in 2026, up 34% year-on-year.
Graham Carter, co-founder of Unforgettable Croatia, said: “These figures demonstrate that demand for intimate, small-ship cruising is stronger than ever. Travellers are seeking deeper, more authentic experiences, and our itineraries deliver just that. What’s more, the increase in multi-generational families and groups choosing to explore together highlights how small ships offer the ideal setting for shared memories”.
"We recently had a group of 18 people, all from the same family, and aged from 30 to 80 years old, join us for a Croatian cruise from Split to Dubrovnik. We've also had younger guests, aged 17, onboard travelling with their parents and grandparents. What this really highlights is the versatility of small-ship cruising - an experience that brings generations together while still delivering the intimacy and authenticity travellers are seeking.”
