First look: one of the most intimate small ship cruises in the world – coming in 2025

Specialist tour operator Unforgettable Croatia has announced a fresh way to explore the Adriatic coast in 2025, via its exclusive new ‘Yacht Cruise Collection’.

The Collection is available for six sailings from June to September 2025, departing from Split to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Split, and Zadar to Dubrovnik.

With a capacity of just 28 guests  – the voyage onboard the 170ft Alfa-Mario mega-yacht will be one of the most intimate small ship cruises in the world.

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Built in 2021 and refitted in 2024, Alfa-Mario’s size – with only 16 cabins – allows it to hug the extensive Croatian coastline as it cruises. Sleek interiors are complemented by extensive outdoor living space. The yacht’s sundeck offers a jacuzzi as well as loungers for all passengers to relax in the Croatian sun.

An outdoor fitness area with a mini gym is also home to a sauna, welcomed after daily morning yoga sessions led by Alfa-Mario’s onboard yoga instructor. Heading indoors, a cinema room with immersive surround-sound offers the perfect place to settle down in the evenings in front of your favourite film.

Each cruise has daily swim stops in secluded bays known to the local Croatian captain, away from busy crowds for the ultimate yachting experience. An onboard ‘Beach Club’ offers complimentary water sports including jet skis, E-foil, SeaBob, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Breakfast and lunch are served alfresco to an everchanging backdrop of picture-perfect coastal views. From tasty morning spreads to enticing BBQ lunches, menus brim with produce sourced locally throughout the sailing, including fresh fish, seafood and fruit and vegetables.

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The itinerary for each Yacht Cruise Collection departure calls at some of Croatia’s most-loved islands, with access to smaller ports that are not reachable on a larger ship.

Disembark and wander Korcula Old Town’s fishbone of streets, people watch on stylish Hvar island or learn the history of long closed-off Vis, amongst others. The ports of call for each route are: 

Other key experiences include:

• Exploring the picturesque waterfalls of Krka National Park
• Visiting former military sites on Vis by off-road ATV
• Savouring wines created by a local family producer on Korcula
• Unlimited fresh oysters and mussels picked straight from the sea in Ston
• Discovering the UNESCO-listed gems of Split and Dubrovnik as part of cultural and culinary tours

As the night draws in each day, guests are invited to eat alfresco in authentic local restaurants – booked in advance with the assistance of the Unforgettable Croatia Lifestyle Management team – before returning to the ship at a time of their choosing. Unforgettable Croatia guests also benefit from an exclusive discount in select local restaurants.

Two onboard dinners include a live music night and a memorable Yacht Party.

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Prices for a seven-night Unforgettable Croatia Yacht Cruise Collection sailing start from £3,095pp, based on double occupancy.

This includes: a seven-night luxury yacht cruise; breakfast, lunch and two onboard dinners (including a yacht party); complimentary tea, coffee and water; a drink with lunches and dinners; daily swim stops with use of premium water toys and sport equipment; daily morning yoga classes; excursions including expert-guided tours, wine tasting and park entrance; private luxury arrival and departure transfers and a privilege card offering exclusive rates at preferred restaurants on shore.

Graham Carter, chief commercial officer of Unforgettable Croatia, commented: “Our ‘Yacht Cruise Collection’ will set the standard for next level cruising, with an enhanced experience across all aspects of the voyage. Whether it’s dining out on the top deck under the Adriatic sun, enjoying state-of-the-art onboard amenities, keeping fit with an on-board yoga instructor or exploring hidden gem destinations that larger ships cannot access, we’ve tailored these itineraries to showcase the true luxury yacht experience.”

Find out more

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