Sail Croatia Adds MS Contessa and Mid-Week Sailings to 2026 Explorer Cruises
The small-ship cruise line adds the renovated 36-guest MS Contessa and introduces mid-week Adriatic departures for the first time in 2026.
Photo: Spencer Davis / Unsplash
Sail Croatia will expand its Explorer program next summer with the launch of the 47-meter MS Contessa, a newly refitted small ship joining the fleet in 2026. The update also introduces mid-week departures between Split and Dubrovnik for the first time, giving travelers more flexibility during the busy Adriatic season.
Built for just 36 guests across 18 cabins, Contessa will undergo a full interior and exterior renovation before entering service next spring. The refit will bring a palette of soft neutrals and clean, contemporary finishes designed to create what the company calls “a serene and timeless atmosphere throughout the ship.” “We are excited to welcome Contessa to our fleet,” said Helle Seuren, co-founder and director of Sail Croatia. “Ahead of the 2026 season, she will undergo a full interior and exterior renovation, transforming her into one of the most impressive vessels sailing the Adriatic.”
The Explorer line—positioned between Sail Croatia’s more social Navigator sailings and its higher-end Elegance category—caters to couples and multi-generational groups seeking relaxed, small-ship cruising with a local lens. Each seven-night itinerary, departing from either Split or Dubrovnik, includes stops at destinations such as Hvar, known for its superyachts and nightlife, and Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns on the Dalmatian Coast.
Contessa will operate 21 one-way voyages in 2026, with 17 departures scheduled for Wednesdays rather than weekends, which may appeal to travelers looking to avoid peak-day airfares and hotel turnovers. The company’s second Explorer vessel, MS Princeza Diana, will also emerge from a design refresh ahead of the new season.
Rates for Contessa’s seven-night Dubrovnik-to-Split itinerary start at $2,409 per person, based on double occupancy for the May 16, 2026 departure. Breakfast, lunch, and the Captain’s dinner are included; flights are not.
With its mid-week schedule, low guest count, and refreshed fleet, Sail Croatia is fine-tuning its formula for the growing market of travelers seeking comfort, culture, and quieter luxury along one of Europe’s most in-demand coastlines.
