Culture Discovery Vacations Launches Ultra-Small-Ship Cruises in Croatia

TAMPA, FL – June 7, 2025 – Culture Discovery Inc announced today the launch of ultra-small-ship cruises along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, expanding its authentic cultural immersion philosophy to the luxury cruise sector. The new "Luxury Croatia Cruise" program features a maximum of 28 guests aboard a 160-foot vessel, marking Culture Discovery Vacations' entry into small-ship cruising with its signature family-centered approach.

The Croatia cruise represents a radical departure from traditional luxury cruising, focusing on exclusive access to pristine bays and authentic cultural experiences with local Croatian families rather than conventional ship amenities. The program did an incredibly successful 2025 inaugural launch. and continues with multiple departures scheduled for 2026, featuring comprehensive cultural immersion across the Dalmatian islands of Korčula, Vis, Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Lastovo.

"We've completely reimagined what luxury cruising means," said Michael Kovnick, CEO of Culture Discovery Inc. "Real luxury isn't marble bathrooms and formal dining with hundreds of strangers – it's being welcomed into a Croatian family's home where no tourist has ever been invited, anchoring in pristine bays that larger ships can't reach, and experiencing authentic culture that money normally can't buy."

Revolutionary Small-Ship Philosophy

The ultra-small-ship approach reflects Culture Discovery Vacations' commitment to authentic experiences over profit maximization. While the 160-foot vessel could accommodate 40+ passengers, the company deliberately limits capacity to 28 guests to enable genuine cultural connections with local families and communities.

"The difference between 28 guests and any larger group isn't just numbers - it's access to experiences that literally don't scale," explained Daniele Pintaudi, Chief Operating Officer. "Our Croatian family friends can welcome 28 people into their homes authentically. They can't genuinely host 40+ without it becoming a tourist show. When you're truly family, not customers, the math has to work for real relationships."

The program features exclusive experiences unavailable to traditional cruise passengers, including private celebrations with Croatian families, access to remote islands like Lastovo (population 400), and hands-on cultural activities such as traditional peka cooking with local families and organic olive farming with longtime friends Vinko and Katarina.

Exclusive Croatian Cultural Access

The cruise program leverages Culture Discovery Vacations' existing relationships with Croatian families and communities, built through years of operating land-based programs in Split. Guests experience authentic Dalmatian culture through intimate family gatherings, traditional music performances, and exclusive access to locations inaccessible to larger vessels.

Signature experiences include the legendary "White Night Celebration," where the ship transforms into a white paradise anchored in secluded coves, featuring live traditional Dalmatian music, premium Croatian wines, and dancing under the stars. Additional unique offerings include visiting abandoned shepherd villages, stargazing on Lastovo Island (Europe's second-least light-polluted location), and participating in authentic Croatian family celebrations.

"What makes our Croatia cruise special is the depth of connection with local communities," said Marta Marques, Chief Strategy Officer. "These aren't performances put on for tourists – they're real gatherings where we're invited as family. Guests find themselves singing along to traditional songs and dancing to rhythms that somehow feel familiar, creating memories that last lifetimes."

All-Inclusive Authentic Luxury

The Croatia cruise follows Culture Discovery Inc's all-inclusive philosophy, with comprehensive pricing at $6,595 per person covering ship accommodation, all gourmet meals featuring local Croatian ingredients, premium alcohol including regional wines, complete cultural immersion experiences, water sports equipment, and tender service to exclusive locations.

Unlike traditional cruise operators that charge separately for drinks, excursions, and cultural experiences, Culture Discovery Vacations includes everything essential to authentic cultural immersion. The approach eliminates the nickel-and-diming common in luxury cruising while ensuring guests focus on cultural connections rather than additional costs.

"We choose experience quality over profit margins," noted Paola Kovnick, Chief Financial Officer. "While we could pack more passengers and charge for extras, that would compromise the authentic family atmosphere that defines our brand. Our guests consistently tell us this approach creates experiences that exceed their expectations."

Expanding Cultural Immersion Model

The Croatia cruise launch represents Culture Discovery Inc's successful adaptation of its land-based cultural immersion model to luxury cruising. The program maintains the company's core philosophy of small groups, authentic family connections, and genuine cultural exchange while providing access to Croatia's most pristine coastal areas.

The 2026 departure schedule includes four cruise dates: May 16-23, June 27-July 4, September 25-October 2, and October 3-10, with both northbound (Dubrovnik to Šibenik) and southbound (Šibenik to Dubrovnik) itineraries offering unique seasonal experiences and cultural celebrations.

"This cruise program proves that authentic cultural immersion can enhance any travel format," Kovnick concluded. "Whether on land or sea, our philosophy remains the same: transform travelers into family through genuine cultural connections and experiences that exist nowhere else."

About Culture Discovery Inc

Culture Discovery Inc is a Wyoming close corporation headquartered in Tampa, FL, with offices in Italy, Portugal, Spain, and now Croatia. Through its operating divisions Culture Discovery Vacations and Culture Discovery Destinations, the company creates authentic cultural immersion experiences across Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Argentina, and Uruguay. Founded in 2006, the company specializes in small-group luxury experiences featuring hands-on cooking classes in family homes, exclusive community access, and genuine cultural exchange. Culture Discovery Inc holds TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition and operates with proprietary infrastructure in all destination countries.