Unforgettable Croatia has confirmed plans to bolster its Australian team with the addition of a new Melbourne-based staff member as sales out of the Australian market continue to soar.
Speaking to LATTE on a recent visit to Australia, Unforgettable Croatia Global Sales Manager David Stone said he was currently in talks with regards to the position and hoped to have the new starter in place by May 1, joining Aurore Bertomeu who was appointed last year. She has been working alongside Australian Business Development Manager Sarah Whitty from the Hotel Connection.
“Aurore joined us eight, nine months ago which gave us more of a presence,” Stone said. “Things are going really, really well so we’re in a position where we can add to the workforce which is great.”
Year-on-year sales from the Australian market have surged by 27%, with revenue up 39%, as more Aussies seek out a small-ship cruising experience in the popular European destination.
“Every month, we’re seeing an increase in trade business, with high interest in small cruises and what we have to offer in the market,” Bertomeu shared.
“Australians love to be on the water, and they prefer small luxury ships over large ones. We also offer land itineraries, which allow travellers to extend their European holidays with a hassle-free combination of cruise and land experiences.”
Bertomeu’s quick response time and expertise has played a crucial role in these results, according to Stone. “A lot of agents know they can get in contact with Aurore and get quick answers, which has really helped our performance,” he said.
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As the company grows, it continues to innovate with new products, such as the Yacht Cruise Collection which launched in January and has already garnered significant interest.
“It’s even smaller than the small ships, but it offers extra benefits and more luxury,” Stone explained.
With only 14 cabins, the Alfa Mario offers a more exclusive, upscale experience, complete with unique offerings like yoga classes. The charter will sail six Yacht Collection Cruises in 2025, catering to a growing trend toward ultra-luxury experiences, and which the company plans to expand further in the future.
Not only that, but the company has a new build 36-guest ship, MV Aretis, joining its fleet in northern spring of this year. The newcomer will offer 19 seven-night departures from Dubrovnik to Split and vice versa from June 7 to October 11 2025.
Together, the vessels will increase Unforgettable Croatia’s capacity by 10% year-on-year – a necessary increase as the company saw its highest-ever occupancy rate of 99.21% in 2024 and expects to reach a similar target in excess of 99% in 2025, with 87% of 2025 cruises already sold.
“Following a year of impressive growth, Australians are now tipped to make up one in five guests onboard our luxury small ship cruises, with the Australian market growing from 15% in 2024 to 20% in 2025,” Stone said.
Looking ahead, the company is also preparing to launch new itineraries for 2026 due to customer demand. “We’ve always released products a bit later in the year, but now clients are looking to book much further in advance,” Stone said. He also reported growing interest in Montenegro and Slovenia land product, in addition to its core Croatia offering. It combines all three destinations in its Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro Cruise Tour.
