Croatia is opening up as a cruising destination

Croatia is one of the most popular destinations for sun-and-fun vacations, and is opening up as a cruising destination

It offers a beautiful coastline and great weather, thanks to its location on the Adriatic Sea.

Katarina Line is a small ship cruise company based in Croatia.  Its fleet ranges from luxury Deluxe Superior cruisers with a capacity of up to 38 passengers to intimate gulets that cater to as few as seven passengers offer 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 of more than 60 ships 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 travellers 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.

New Vessels, Such as the MV Riva (above), feature luxury and comfort while  cruising the dazzling Croatian coastline

Katarina Line’s Northern Gems cruises feature seven-day round-trip departures from Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea.

The cruise hops from one island to another, with opportunities to swim in secluded coves and explore some of Croatia’s most popular attractions. It calls upon the towns of Trogir, Rogoznica, Šibenik, Sali, and Zadar.

It also visits the “nautical paradise” of the Kornati archipelago, as well as the island of Zlarin, often called the “golden island” for its unspoiled beauty.

Excursions on the Northern Gems include a tour of Krka National Park, where visitors can swim under the falls and enjoy the clear fresh water.  There are also guided walking tours of Split, Šibenik, Zadar, and Trogir, and wine tasting at the Bibich Winery.

Rates include daily buffet breakfast, nine 4-course meals (lunch or dinner, depending on itinerary), a captain’s dinner with live entertainment, as well as all visitors’ taxes and port taxes.

“The beautiful islands and crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea are just the start of a visit to Croatia,” said Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina Line. “Croatia also offers a rich cultural and historical legacy dating back to medieval and Roman influence.  Its museums, picturesque towns and national parks are modern treasures that have captivated visitors for generations.”

One of the company’s most popular cruises, Katarina Line’s seven-day Adriatic Explorer sails between the fashionable resort town of Opatija in the northern-most coast of Croatia and Dubrovnik, on the country’s southern tip.  In between, the Adriatic Explorer’s ports-of-call include the islands of Rab and Korčula, and the historic coastal towns of  Zadar, Šibenik, Split, and Metković. Among the excursions is a tour of Krka National Park, known for its series of breathtaking waterfalls.

Guests will also visit the Zadar Sea Organs, an architectural masterpiece that uses sea waves to make music through tubes located underneath a set of marble steps. Excursions also include wine tasting and light tapas lunch at the Bibich Winery, as well as maraschino liquor tasting in Zadar, and Rab cake tasting in Rab.

Prices for the Adriatic Explorer include a deluxe cabin with en suite bathroom, daily buffet breakfast, nine meals (lunch or dinner, depending on itinerary), as well as a captain’s dinner with live entertainment.  They also include guided walking tours, visitors’ taxes and port fees.