DATA has revealed interest in small-ship cruising is booming, with the intimate style of voyaging becoming particularly popular with Australians over the last decade. The research, compiled by small-ship cruise line Unforgettable Croatia and digital travel marketing agency Adido, analysed four years of Australian search data from 2022 to 2025,...
DATA has revealed interest in small-ship cruising is booming, with the intimate style of voyaging becoming particularly popular with Australians over the last decade.
The research, compiled by small-ship cruise line Unforgettable Croatia and digital travel marketing agency Adido, analysed four years of Australian search data from 2022 to 2025, which found a spike of 64% in travellers seeking out small ships.
Adido aggregated search volumes across dozens of cruise lines which carry less than 250 guests, with numbers increasing by 64% over the past two years.
Collective brand searches rose by 22%, when looking specifically at 2025 versus 2024.
Searches for terms including “small ship cruises” doubled versus 2022 levels, and “expedition cruising” quadrupled over the past four years.
“Small-ship cruising has moved firmly into the mainstream for Australian travellers, and we’re seeing that reflected directly in both enquiry levels and booking patterns,” Unforgettable Croatia co-founder Graham Carter said.
“Guests are increasingly drawn to more intimate ships, destination-focused itineraries and experiences that feel more immersive and personal.”
Adido chief executive officer Andy Headington said the firm’s latest search analysis shows small ship and specialist cruise brands are gaining visibility.
“We’re seeing particularly strong gains around expedition and small-ship terminology, alongside sustained growth in brand searches, which typically indicates a more informed and conversion-ready customer.
“For specialist operators and agents focused on small-ship cruising, the outlook is very positive,” he said.
Meanwhile, Unforgettable Croatia has released a comprehensive brochure for Aussie advisors, called the ‘Croatia Collection’ (CW 13 Feb).
The 72-page guide encapsulates the essence of Unforgettable Croatia, including what life is like on board, past guest testimonials, the cruise line’s service, and which itineraries are best for families or adults-only.
There are also details of Unforgettable Croatia’s cruise itineraries, land add-ons, private tours, yacht charters, multi-country journeys, and more – CLICK HERE to read.
Unforgettable Croatia is also currently running a travel advisor incentive, inviting agents to win a Greek holiday with its sister brand Unforgettable Travel (CW 12 Jan).
Those who book a cruise before 02 Mar will go into the draw. MS
