Cruise Croatia has reported its best-ever sailing season, carrying more than 4,000 passengers between May and October this year.

The luxury small-ship operator saw a 33% increase in guests compared with the same period in 2022, having run 107 departures across eight itineraries at a 99.7% occupancy rate.

The brand said the uptick in business has in-part been driven by travel agent bookings, which hit an all-time high in 2023 following the introduction of a dedicated trade team in May this year.

Cruise Croatia chief commercial officer Graham Carter said the success of the company’s 2023 season is a “tribute to the hard work” of the company’s head office staff and on board teams.

“Their ability to increase operations by over 30%, while still maintaining the highest level of customer service, is a great achievement,” he added. “And we’d particularly like to thank the trade for all their support in helping us meet this demand and deliver to such a high standard.”

Cruise Croatia to boost programme further in 2024

For 2024, Cruise Croatia is increasing its programme by a further 35%, running 144 departures across 10 itineraries and six vessels.

Earlier this year the specialist operator revamped its website to create a “more premium feel” for agents, with the inclusion of a streamlined quote process and added functionality, allowing the trade to add multiple cabins for groups and optional land-stay extensions.

It also offers information on Cruise Croatia’s vessels sailing from Split and Dubrovnik, details on shorter-duration catamaran charters and guidance on how to organise full-ship, private yacht charters.