Small Ship Cruise Company is Meeting Increasing Demand of North American Travelers for Luxury and Comfort

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - Sept 20th, 2016 - Katarina Line, Croatia’s leading DMC and premier small ship cruise company, announced that it is expanding its fleet for 2017 with three new deluxe ships to meet demands for lavish, more comfortable cruising from North American travelers. The company, which recently published its 2017 program, has already added seven new ships in the past three years as the popularity of small ship cruising continues to soar and tourism to Croatia reaches record numbers. It is also increasing outreach to North American travel agents with new incentives, trade show support, familiarization trips, and a generous commission structure that provides agents with up to 20% commission.

Like all Katarina Line’s deluxe ships, the new vessels will be fully air conditioned with spacious en-suite cabins, Wi-Fi and other amenities. Cruise itineraries feature unique gastronomical and sightseeing experiences, with visits to many of the popular destinations along the Croatian coast. These include the towns of Split, Bol and Trstenik, the city of Dubrovnik, and the islands of Korčula, Hvar and Bol, as well as the lush island of Mljet, which is a national park.  Katarina Line’s guests explore Croatia’s scenic Mediterranean coastline and striking seaside towns. Along the way, they can go swimming in the sunlit waters and enjoy the local attractions as they cruise from island to island.

The company offers a total of four cruise categories, from the deluxe boats that accommodate up to 42 guests, to the more traditional gullets that accommodate from eight to 14 passengers.  It provides guaranteed departures throughout the spring and summer and can tap into its extensive land programs with both packaged and customized pre- and post-cruise land tours.   

“Croatia has 260 days of sunshine and one of the most picturesque coastlines in the Mediterranean, so almost every cruise will enjoy near-perfect weather and gorgeous scenery,” said Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina Line. “With the value of the dollar rising against the Euro, now is the perfect time to visit what has been called ‘the country of a thousand islands.’”

Hauptfeld noted that there has been a 25% increase in American travelers to Croatia in recent years, as well as more Canadian travelers taking advantage of new direct flights to Croatia. The expanded, deluxe cruise offerings are a response to a growing demand from the U.S. and Canadian markets for a more luxurious cruise experience.  

Katarina Line has local offices in Croatia, allowing them to quickly and efficiently respond to customers’ needs. Its strong partnerships with quality hotels in Croatia and Slovenia means every pre- and post-cruise land tours booked through Katarina Line boasts the best accommodations for the money.

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