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Katarina Line Offers Small-Ship Cycling Cruises in Croatia

6/24/2020

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Katarina Line's cruises around Croatia's stunning islands offer an ideal way to stay active while exploring.
By John Roberts
Fresh air, sunshine and serenity is the way to go these days. You want to avoid the crowds and get out to enjoy nature. There is no better way to ensure a safe and fun getaway.
And Croatia is the ideal destination for all of this.
Small cruise company Katarina Line, which offers intimate sailing experiences in Croatia, says it is seeing a surge in more active itineraries as more travelers seek "the great outdoors."
Katarina Line is reporting rising interest in its popular "Cycle & Cruise" programs, for example, as Croatia prepares to reopen its borders to international travel. The tours, departing from Split and Opatija, explore Croatia's spectacular coastline, medieval towns, natural attractions and picturesque villages and bays.
Highlights include tours of vineyards, pine woods and natural attractions, such as Mljet National Park, which is Croatia's oldest Mediterranean marine protected area.

"Katarina Line is ready to go full steam ahead with all our cruises and inland tours," said Daniel Hauptfeld, marketing director for Katarina Line. "Croatia has been praised for its strict and effective approach to lockdown, allowing the country to restart its economy and welcome visitors safely again.
"Tourist facilities and services will soon be up and running, with every safety measure in place to ensure the utmost well-being of our guests. More importantly, visitors will be welcomed with pleasant sunny days that are ideal for cycling the beautiful countryside and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Dalmatian coastline."

Check out these details for Katarina LIne's active program:

Going South 
The seven-day round-trip "Bike Split South" itinerary departs from Split and includes guided tours of the islands of Brac and Hvar, the Peljesac Peninsula in southern Dalmatia and Mljet, Korcula and Solta, before returning to Split.
Cycling routes include the coastal road of the northern part of the island of Brac, which passes old-world fishing villages before arriving in Pucisca. Pucisca is often called "one of the prettiest villages in Croatia," thanks to its white limestone and scenic bay. You will also enjoy cycling to Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula. The port town is known for its waterfront lined with houses and exotic gardens built by the sea captains who made the town prosperous in 18th century.
Cruisers will cycle around Mljet National Park, a distinctive natural haven that features two connected salt water lakes, lush flora and a unique coastline of cliffs and islets surrounded by green hills. In Korcula, you can cycle through olive groves and vineyards that include one of the most famous grape varieties, Posip. A visit to Hvar includes an exploration of its architecture. Passengers also will cycle through Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the ancient Greek land division of road and properties lines has been preserved to this day.
Open Roads in Opatija
The seven-day "Bike Opatija" cruises lead cyclists on a tour around the stunning Kvarner Bay, among other locations. The voyage is a round-trip sailing, launching from Opatija. Passengers will explore the islands of Krk, Rab and Pag, which is known for its barren, moonlike landscape. You also will explore the islands of Ilovik, Losinj, and Cres, famous for its 16th-century Venetian Tower and Arsan Palace, before returning to Opatija.
 
This itinerary also includes cycling from Krk Island to Cres Island. Along the way, travelers will discover the islands' stunning coastlines, medieval towns, old villages and charming bays. They will be introduced to dazzling beaches, green vineyards, pine wood forests and unique coastal towns steeped in history as they enjoy challenging rides around the historic islands.
 
"After months of sheltering at home, travelers are eager to hit the open road again," Hauptfeld said. "Katarina Line's Cycle & Cruise programs offer active and healthy opportunities to experience the great outdoors and discover why Croatia is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world."
 
These cruises are relaxed and intimate sailings on wooden ships that feature cabins with private shower/toilet, mostly bunk beds, an air-conditioned salon and professional guides. Fares include continental breakfasts, choice of three-course lunches or dinner, with children under 10 at 50 percent off.
 
About Katarina Line
Katarina Line is Croatia's premier small-ship cruise company with 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, 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 an opportunity to experience the true Croatia.

Thanks for reading,
JR
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UnCruise Adventures to Resume Alaska Cruises

6/18/2020

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UnCruise Adventures is set to resume voyages in amazing Alaska.
By John Roberts
UnCruise Adventures announced that it will return to service on August 1, with the start of its Alaska voyages.
The entire travel industry has been frozen, with cruises shut down since early March, as the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world. UnCruise and other U.S.-based small-ship operators have the chance to return to service earlier than most companies, as they use ships that sail with fewer than 250 people onboard, thus avoiding a CDC temporary ban on ships operating above that number of passengers.
With so many avid travelers and cruisers eager to get back out exploring, the resumption of UnCruise's Alaska expeditions is great news. Certainly, travel during these times will look a little different and will come with enhanced health protocols. But if you are eager to travel and love an active vacation, UnCruise has designed a safe and exciting way to visit a magical destination.
"As one of the first companies to restart service, this is a pivotal moment for the travel industry and Alaska," says UnCruise Adventures Owner and CEO Dan Blanchard. "These initial departures represent a reframing of what adventure travelers are increasingly looking for, small groups, inclusion and human connection."
The initial Alaska sailing is a roundtrip seven-night Glacier Bay National Park Adventure, departing from Juneau and with an enhanced wilderness itinerary. During two days in Glacier Bay, the UnCruise experience is free from a large-ship presence and offers immersion in the pristine solitude of Southeast Alaska. Your program features active adventures daily with remote wilderness hikes, shoreline kayaks and a full slate of other nature-based activities.
The ability to set sail prior to other operators highlights the benefits of small, American-flagged ships with a local presence and the quick actions taken by the company to restart travel. UnCruise Adventures has taken strong measures to implement health safety standards with a coronavirus protocol plan.
The restart of the summer sailings represents a dedication to supporting regional partnerships and UnCruise Adventures' long-standing work with Alaska state officials.
"How we structure our recovery efforts with new health safety standards, establish partnerships and operate with a small footprint will continue to define our industry and the pristine environments we visit for decades to come," Blanchard says. "The market is showing a growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations, and that is what we do best. We've been social distancing since 1996."
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Hiking in Glacier Bay.
UnCruise health protocols during COVID-19
Daily temperature checks for guests and crew.
Daily sanitation of all touchpoints in staterooms, with attention to handles, doorknobs, switches, etc. 
Sanitation rounds conducted four times daily with attention to all touchpoints, such as railings, handholds, doorknobs, etc.
Sanitation of adventure gear and equipment after each guest's use.
Use of personal protective gear such as masks during certain events and as situations may require.
Placement of additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the vessel.
Plated meal service to replace buffets.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be kept behind transmission barriers and passed to guests individually.
Crew to exercise social distancing best practices at all times.
Crew member training in COVID-19 symptom observation, identification, and reporting.
Thorough PPE equipment training for all crew members.
Onboard supply of personal protective equipment (PPR) including face shields, gloves, and face masks for the crew.
Masks will be required when direct contact with people is planned. For example, during transfers on/off vessels. As such guests are requested to bring masks to last the duration of your adventure experience. A limited supply will also be available on board if you forget.
Detailed crew response plan in the event of any suspected outbreaks.

Thanks for reading,
JR
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A Look at Silver Origin, a Luxury Cruise Ship for the Galapagos

6/11/2020

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Rendering courtesy Silversea Cruises
By John Roberts
Luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises has marked the next step toward the launch of its first destination-specific ship. The cruise company has taken delivery of Silver Origin, a 100-passenger ship that will offer year-round luxury expeditions in the Galapagos. 
Silver Origin integrates state-of-the-art technology and distinct comforts to give travelers an unforgettable way to visit the archipelago known for its abundance of amazing wildlife. 
The ship also offers a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion alongside the comfort and service. The new Silversea vessel features all-suite, all-balcony accommodations for its cruisers.
Let's take a look at the top features for Silversea's Silver Origin, an expedition ship that offers luxury adventures in one of the most pristine and sought-after destinations in the world.

The Marina
This is a key feature, as most of your activity in the Galapagos involves getting to the water. The Marina has been designed to offer travelers an unprecedented arrival/disembarkation experience. Connected to the Basecamp, the Zodiac embarkation area features large comfortable couches, as well as showers so you can rinse gear. Racks are available to conveniently store wetsuits and other equipment, and an innovative fold-out stern is part of the facility that can accommodate two Zodiacs at the same time. A large garage area with hydraulic doors, hatches and cranes is located between Decks 2 and 3 to store six of the ship's eight Zodiacs; two will be stored on the bow.

Basecamp
Basecamp is one of Silver Origin's most innovative spaces, designed especially to bring the destination onboard. Sitting in the heart of the ship, Basecamp will host educational activities so that you can interact with Silversea's team of expert guides -- all permanent residents of the Galapagos and certified by the Galapagos National Park -- to learn more about the wildlife, landscapes and captivating history of the Galapagos Islands.
Basecamp's focal point is a large interactive digital wall. The interactive program will change according to the itinerary and offer access to informative destination-related content, including historical pictures provided by the Royal Geographical Society of London, videos with exclusive aerial and underwater shots, excursion previews and scientific presentations. The Expedition Team will use the LED wall to introduce passengers to the wonders of the Galapagos before they embark on Zodiac and kayak excursions.

Explorer Lounge
An inviting place to enjoy a cocktail and read a book from the curated library, the spacious Explorer Lounge offers elegant decor fitting of an ultra-luxury vessel. The space doubles as a state-of-the-art lecture room and is designed to host daily lectures and briefings, as well as live piano performances. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for brilliant views, and a large video wall with AV technology and wide HD screens will be used for enrichment programming. Outside, a beautiful terrace with comfortable sofas and armchairs, including a round central sofa with a fire pit, offers the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a cocktail with new friends.

The Restaurant and The Grill
As part of Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. program, Silver Origin features an immersive culinary philosophy, centered upon regionally grown ingredients, Ecuadorian cuisine and a farm-to-table approach. Local cuisine will strengthen travelers' connections with the culture, landscapes and people of the Galapagos and Ecuador. The Restaurant on Deck 4 (capacity: 120) and The Grill on Deck 7 (capacity: 100) give passengers two choices for their dining experiences. Silversea's Hot Rocks concept (hot stone at-table cooking) will be tailored with an Ecuadorian twist at The Grill, where an advanced sheltering system will protect diners from the wind and allow for maximum comfort.

Observation Lounge
Located at the front of the ship, the Observation Lounge offers an elegant hideaway with incredible panoramic views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. After a long day spent exploring the Galapagos Archipelago, you can relax in the Observation Lounge and enjoy the sunset while engaging in conversation and recapping your day's adventures.

Spa and Fitness Center
The ship's gym features an ample array of Technogym equipment, and you get peaceful views of the destination while you work out through floor-to-ceiling windows. The spa, with a dedicated treatment room for therapies and massages, is the ideal place to relax after a day of exploration on the islands. The full-service Beauty Salon has a menu of treatments, including hairdressing and manicure/pedicure.

Staterooms
Silver Origin's suites are among the most spacious and comfortable in the Galapagos, according to Silversea. The Owner's Suite, for example, measures 1,722 square feet and has a large balcony. This is the only ship in the archipelago to offer butler service for all suites. Passengers will enjoy the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the region (at nearly 1 to 1) for unparalleled levels of personalized comfort. All suites benefit from full room automation, which allows you to control room conditions with the touch of a button.
All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony, while select suites feature the innovate Horizon Balcony, which converts to a floor-to-ceiling window at the touch of a button. Most upper suites incorporate an ocean-view bathtub and shower, some of which are accessible from the balcony.

Cruising with a Purpose
Additionally, Silversea Cruises has launched the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos -- a dedicated fund that supports educational projects for the sustainability of the Galapagos Islands. By supporting a diverse selection of projects, the Silversea Fund will strengthen the balance between humans and nature in the Galapagos, as part of a long-term conservation strategy. Donors to the fund will enjoy savings on Silversea voyages, as the cruise line will match contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit.

We have not yet been to the Galapagos and are looking forward to seeing this paradise. This ship looks like a spectacular option to explore this place in a delightful way. 
Have you been to the Galapagos? What was it like? I bet it was amazing, right?

Thanks for reading,
JR
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