Croatia’s border opening saw an influx of bookings for premier small ship cruises with Katarina Line – masks and all.

Passengers told the line wearing a mask does not stop them from having fun on the ship. After months pent up in their homes, the ocean breeze is a welcome change.

Guests have been asked to respect 1.5m social distancing both onboard and on land and bring a sufficient amount of masks onto the ship with them. However, if you do not have enough, the crew will provide more.

Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina said: “Our clients know they can book us with confidence and enjoy a worry-free holiday. All of our ships have been thoroughly inspected, with increased cleaning and disinfectant procedures in place to ensure the utmost health and wellbeing of every guest”.

Following assurances of health and safety, passengers are also seeking booking policies that will give them the option to reschedule their cruise should it be cancelled due to government regulations. This flexibility, albeit limited, is offered by the line.

Katarina operates out of the major tourist centres of Opatija, Split, and Dubrovnik. The fleet of 60 is growing and ranges from luxury cruisers taking 36 passengers to small gulets catering to as few as five passengers. 

Mr Hauptfeld said: “Our partnerships with travel agents are helping us build a reputation for quality that continues to win recognition and awards”. He attributes the success of the line to long term industry partnerships, including many family-owned vessels.

The line currently has ships sailing the Adriatic and Dalmatian coast in Europe, guaranteeing weekly departures with convenient and seamless transfers to all of its customisable land tours.