With the steady roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine restoring confidence in travel worldwide, Katarina Line, Croatia’s premier small ship cruise company, is seeing the phones “ringing steadily” and interest in Croatia growing.
Bookings are especially strong from families and groups that are looking to reconnect after months at home. Small ship cruising provides the perfect “travel bubble”, allowing them to safely vacation together throughout the entire journey.
“Families want to travel again after so many months at home, but they will still be concerned about their health,” said Daniel Hauptfeld, Katarina Line’s marketing director.
“Our small ships hold from eight to 38 passengers and are perfect for small groups, who can travel together in a ‘bubble’ of safety. We observe strict protocols that include the continuous disinfection of all public areas and observance of social distancing.”
With signs for a strong 2021 season, Katarina Line will officially debut three new deluxe superior vessels and introduce additional, guaranteed departures, with the 7-night “One Way Wonder”, cruising from Split to Dubrovnik September 25, 2021, among the latest.
“Our guests enjoy the clean, fresh air of the warm Adriatic Sea as well as guided tours that reveal the beauty of Croatia’s many islands, historic towns, and superb national parks – all of which will be welcoming them again,” said Hauptfeld.
New Ships and New Departures
Preparing for the 2021 season, Katarina Line has added three new deluxe superior vessels for 2021: the 36-passenger Rhapsody and 36-passenger Aurelia, as well as the 38-passenger Adriatic Sky.
Deluxe superior vessels are the newest and largest in Katarina Line’s fleet, built to the highest standards, with quality materials that include solid wood, glass, marble, and stainless steel. They also feature hot tubs, spacious sun decks with lounge areas, and luxurious, air-conditioned en suite cabins with all the modern amenities.
Katarina Line also announced the addition of a September 25, 2021 guaranteed departure of the popular “One-Way Wonder”, a 7-night, one-way cruise between Split and Dubrovnik. Other departures are available throughout the season.
Itinerary highlights for “One Way Wonder” include a cruise around Dubrovnik’s city walls and swimming in a secluded cove within the Elaphiti Islands. Guests also visit the fishermen’s village of Slano and take a guided tour of the small, medieval fortified village of Ston. This includes a special tasting of oysters, for which the village is famous.
As part of the “One-Way Wonder” cruise, guests will tour Mljet National Park and its famous salt lakes, as well as take a boat ride to St. Mary Isle for a visit to the medieval Benedictine monastery. Later, guests will visit the island of Vis for a tasting of its local wines and a tour of the remains of a Roman thermal bath house. They will enjoy views of Hvar’s famous lavender fields and tour the old town, known for its Renaissance cathedral. There are also guided walking tours of Korčula and Split.
Rates start as low as $1,575 per person, based on double occupancy. Prices include arrival and departure airport transfers, air-conditioned cabins with en suite facilities, daily buffet breakfasts and three-course lunches, and a Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment. They also include transportation and admission fees to all tours and activities on the itinerary.
“People are eager to get out into the fresh air and ‘stretch their legs,’” said Hauptfeld. “Our small ship cruises provide the opportunities to safely enjoy Croatia’s historic towns, beautiful islands and amazing national parks.”
Strict Health and Safety Protocols
Katarina Line observes strict health and safety protocols, with frequent and regular cleaning of all common surfaces, including handrails, doorknobs, and light switches, as well as the use of air purifiers in the restaurant area. Cabins are cleaned on a daily basis, upon request, with all surfaces thoroughly sanitized.
Katarina is the premier small ship cruise company with a fleet of 60 ship and weekly guaranteed departures from the end of April to mid-October. It operates out of the major tourist centers of Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik. With a growing fleet in six different categories, the company serves more than 110,000 clients that include 30,000 cruise guests of all ages and budgets. Katarina Line itineraries give travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural environment and picturesque Mediterranean towns of Croatia while hopping from one island to another, offering guests unique opportunity to experience the true Croatia. The company enjoys an exceptional relationship with travel advisors, which account for more than 98% of all bookings worldwide. Katarina line is a member of many different travel associations, including USTOA, ASTA, NTA, ACTA, RDA, STAN and ETOA. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-485-3121 or visit www.katarina-line.com.
