Small-ship cruising is making waves with Australians driving a surge in demand for boutique sailings, offbeat destinations, sports-themed cruises and family adventures.
Here are five of the biggest trends in small ship and expedition cruising for 2026.
Small ships mean big adventures
Small ship cruises and expedition voyages have never been so popular. Australians are getting onboard in droves as this luxury sector continues to show exciting growth in global travel.
Small ship cruising appeals to many types of travellers. It’s particularly attractive for the ‘anti-cruiser’. You know, the kind who thinks they ‘won’t like cruising’. Or they don’t want to be ‘stuck’ with thousands of other passengers. Small ship cruising is perfect for winning these travellers over to the joy of cruising. With fewer guests, a higher crew-to-guest ratio, and access to remote ports and towns, small ship cruising is booming. Small ship cruising is a tonic for overtourism: think private yacht charters or ships carrying less than 100 passengers. It’s intimate, it’s personal, and it’s all about digging beneath the surface of a destination.
1. Cruise Croatia and avoid over-touristed mainstream European ports
Unforgettable Croatia has been quietly nailing the small-ship experience for over a decade. Their 2026 program is already more than half sold – the strongest early demand on record. In fact, September 2025 saw a record 72% jump in Aussie bookings and a 48% bump in revenue compared to the previous year. It’s clear that Australians are loving the small-ship vibe and are voting with their wallets.
Their 2025 season was 98% sold out. And with a 12% capacity boost for 2026, another record looks set to tumble. Unforgettable Croatia offers 145 guaranteed departures, eight ships, and newcomers like Aretis winning new cruise fans. Australians made up a quarter of guests on Aretis’ debut run, and 40% of its 2026 cabins are already snapped up.
Co-founder Graham Carter sums it up, “Travellers want more than just a holiday, they’re seeking a personalised, immersive journey. Small ships let you get right to the heart of a place, not just skim the surface.”
2. Small cities and towns step into the cruise spotlight
As the big-name cities fill up, Australians are looking for less crowded and little-known alternative places to visit. Enter second-tier city gems. Like Sibenik, a medieval marvel on Croatia’s coast, which is poised to shine in 2026. Unforgettable Croatia is expanding its itineraries, with 36 cruises now starting or ending in Sibenik, an increase from just 10 in 2025. Boutique ships are capped at 38 guests, meaning guests can step ashore in harbour towns and soak up genuine local culture, without being part of an overwhelmingly large group.
It’s not just Croatia, either. There’s rising demand for neighbouring Slovenia (bookings up 286% year-on-year) and Montenegro (up 20%). Australians are staying longer, venturing further, and booking more cruise-and-land combos, which are up 36% overall.
What’s the attraction? Slovenia’s rugged landscapes, glassy lakes and emerging wine scene are striking a chord with Aussies seeking something a bit different. Aussies also like to be the first to ‘discover’ little-known destinations and Croatia and Slovenia tick that box.
As Graham Carter puts it, “Travellers are chasing authenticity and a sense of escape, and these lesser-known destinations deliver.”
A case in point is the new 14-night Wonders of Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro Cruise Tour, starting in Ljubljana and finishing with a private tour of Kotor, from $10,150 per person twin share.
3. Arabian Gulf is the latest cruise hot spot
The Arabian Gulf was once just a stopover on the way to more interesting ports. Not so any more. The Arabian Gulf is having its moment and Celestyal Cruises are making it easy for travellers to get a taste of the Middle East. More airlines mean easier access to this little-known region, but Celestyal are making it a destination in its own right. For the first time, both Celestyal Journey (1260 guests) and Celestyal Discovery (1360 guests) will homeport in the Gulf from December 2025, marking a 211% capacity surge.
The region’s compact geography means you can hop from Dubai to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Oman’s Khasab, and Sir Bani Yas Island – a wild mash-up of safari, beaches and UAE flair – all in a single trip. It’s an attractive way to sample diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes without the hassle of longhaul flights from Australia.
Celestyal’s Lee Haslett says guests are blown away by the region’s variety, “From wild beaches to ancient souks, from shimmering mosques to the glitz of big cities, the Gulf is full of surprises.”
Seven-day Desert Days itineraries now run from Bahrain and Oman to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, with shorter three- and four-night options for those seeking a longer stopover.
4. Sport, sea and a side of F1 – sports tourism is kicking goals
We all know Australians love sport. Almost as much as they love to travel. Combine the two with a cruise and you’ve got a winning combination. Celestyal is tapping into sports tourism with F1-themed cruises, launching with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2025. Packages include rF1 ace access, transfers, a cruise, and a special appearance by F1 legend David Coulthard. It’s a hassle-free way to catch the action up close and personal while soaking up the spectacle and glamour of F1 racing.
5.Cruise passengers are getting younger
From youngsters to the young at heart, cruising has something to suit. Small ship cruising is especially geared up for broad age ranges. Cruising ditched its reputation for being just for retirees long ago. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) the average Aussie cruise passenger is now 48, down from 50 in 2019. About a third are under 40, thanks to a surge in family groups, friends, and couples embracing cruising holidays.
Celestyal has watched the average age drop to 44 on its Gulf routes, as younger and first-time cruisers flock to shorter, port-packed itineraries. These quick getaways let travellers sample six or seven destinations in just a few days. It’s a vibrant, flexible approach that appeals across generations.
Unforgettable Croatia also reports a 34% rise in multigenerational and group bookings for 2026. “We’ve hosted everyone from 17-year-olds to 80-year-olds on the same cruise, sometimes three generations travelling together,” says Graham Carter. “Small ships really do bring people together while keeping things personal and authentic.”
