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Small Ship Charters in Croatia Offer Safe 'Travel Bubbles' in 2021

12/15/2020

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Katarina Line offers charter cruises on a range of vessels, from a five-passenger gulet to a larger deluxe boat that carries up to 38. A Deluxe Superior ship is pictured here on a voyage. // Courtesy Katarina Line
By John Roberts 
With vaccines for COVID-19 beginning to be distributed around the world, it seems that we have hope of a return to travel in 2021. 
I know we are all looking forward to getting on the road and seeing new places around the world. Heck, most of us would love to be able to get out of our houses again by now! 
Personally, I'm excited for the prospect of heading off to some of the places on my travel wish list that I wasn't able to get to in 2020. I long to see new historic sites, drink delicious beers and try new foods with friends and family. 
Even with the coming vaccines, travelers and destinations are still likely to be conscious of hygiene and health protocols. No doubt, the world has been reshaped for the coming years by the coronavirus pandemic.  
With that in mind, small-group travel is quite appealing. It always has been for a number of reasons, actually, but now it really stands out as a terrific option. 
Travel surveys reveal that nearly 40 percent of people plan trips as part of a multigenerational group. If you are looking to head out in 2021 with friends and family, parents, grandparents and kids, you might want to consider a cruise voyage on a small ship.  
With some of the smallest boutique lines, like Katarina Line, you can even book a charter and have the whole experience to yourselves. Like your own safe "travel bubble." I'm highlighting Katarina Line here because the company reached out with some interesting details about what they are offering and because the cruise line operates in Croatia, which is among the most beautiful destinations I have visited. It's a great place for outdoors adventures, and it happens to be open to travelers from North America. 
Katarina Line offers sailings off the coast of Croatia, and the company sees a trend when it comes to families planning to travel together in the coming year. 
"We're seeing grandparents book entire ships to treat their extended families and couples celebrating special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries," said Daniel Hauptfel, the company's marketing manager. "We're also seeing more special interest groups that focus on such themes as gastronomy, health and wellness, history, and culture; as well as schools creating music, athletic and other academic programs." 
 
Sailing the Adriatic Sea 
Katarina Line operates a fleet of more than 60 ships that cruise the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, visiting the picturesque islands and port towns of Croatia. Ships range from modern, deluxe superior vessels that accommodate as many as 38 people, to traditional wooden gulets carrying as few as five people for a truly intimate sailing voyage. 
 
Among Katarina Line's larger, deluxe vessels, whole-boat charters prices range from approximately $36,000 to $65,000 for a seven-night cruise with a crew. The vessels typically feature a crew of nine, with 18 to 19 air-conditioned and fully-equipped en-suite cabins. 
Prices include buffet breakfasts and three-course lunches daily, complimentary tea, coffee and water. They also include a Captain's Dinner, as well as an olive oil and wine tasting demonstration onboard. Other dinners are on your own in the destinations that you visit. 
The ships also feature amenities such as sundecks with deck-beds and hot tubs, plus low rear platforms for easy access to the sea, with numerous opportunities to swim in secluded coves. For an added fee, you can add inland excursions, such as guided walking tours, wine tastings, and visits to national parks, with UNESCO World Heritage site Plitvice Lakes National Park a perennial favorite.  
 
"Katarina Line's itineraries give travelers the chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the islands of the Adriatic, as well as the small, coastal towns that are steeped in mythology and history," Hauptfeld said. "We depart from major destinations that include Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik, with unique land and cruise programs that offer some of the most memorable and easiest ways to experience the true Croatia." 
 
Katarina Line's smaller cruise vessels tend to offer more pricing and cruise flexibility. Gratuities, drinks from the bar, taxes and fees are not included. 
 
An Eye on Health 
Katarina Line observes strict health and safety protocols, with frequent and regular cleaning of all common areas, as well as handrails, doorknobs and light switches. Cabins are cleaned on a daily basis, with all surfaces thoroughly sanitized. 
 
Open for Visitors 
Croatia is open to U.S. citizens throughout the COVID crisis. A negative PCR test (within 48 hours) is required for entry to the country. You probably won't find direct flights from the U.S., but airports in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik offer daily connections from major European hubs. Katarina Line's cruise season runs from April through October. 
 
About Katarina Line 
Katarina is one of Europe's premier small-ship companies, with a fleet of 60 vessel 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 categories of ships, the itineraries give travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning natural environment and picturesque Mediterranean towns of Croatia while hopping from one island to another. 
I have sailed on a small yacht charter in Greece and had plans to get to Croatia in 2020. Of course, that was nixed, but I am looking forward to exciting new adventures like this soon, and I'm putting one of these intimate voyages with my friends and family on the calendar.  
Who wants to join us? 
Thanks for reading, 
JR â€‹
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Colorado Hiking Guide: Kruger Rock Trail Near Estes Park

12/8/2020

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By John Roberts
After just shy of two miles of scenic hiking through a grassland and into lightly forested areas, with a few heart-pumping stretches along the way, we scramble through a fun keyhole to pop out on top of Kruger Rock.
The bald summit offers some of the most beautiful views you can imagine -- the vistas cover 360 degrees, and we gasp at our neighbors, the nearby mountain peaks, quiet valleys and Lake Estes.
It feels as if we are on top of the world.
Many places in Colorado will give you that euphoria, and we've enjoyed several such hikes over the decades. But Kruger Rock offers the best payoff for not too much investment.
That is, you can easily complete this fantastic hike in about three hours without totally trashing your feet and legs. Colleen and I were joined by Ryan and Kelly of Watch Us Wander on the hike in late-November. We caught a perfectly sunny and mild day for our outing. The weather was crisp and cool but we warmed up fine with just a couple light layers on.
Kruger Rock Trail in one of several trails available in Hermit Park Open Space, which is located just outside of Estes Park and near Lyons, about a 90-minute drive northwest from Denver.
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Kruger Rock Trail 
Fee: $9 per car to enter Hermit Park Open Space 
Distance/Type: 3.8 mile out and back; 1.9 miles one way. 
Time: 2:30 to 3 hours roundtrip 
Elevation: Trailhead starts at 8,440 feet, and you hike to a top elevation of 9,350 feet 
Tips: Wear layers, pack plenty of water and binoculars, as well as snacks for along the way and a lunch to have at the top. (There is plenty of space to spread out and sit down on the bare rocks up top.) Have fun!

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We started on the trail around 8:30 a.m. and were among the few people heading up the mountain. After our lunch and during our descent, we noticed dozens of more hikers had arrived. So, it's best to get out as soon after sunrise to have the most peaceful experience and all the views to yourself. The views were plentiful and the highlight of the hike.
Once you make your way up the trail toward the base of the ascent, you will have to take regular stops. Perhaps to catch your breath every now and then from the incline. But mostly because you will want to look out over Estes Park and the stunning scene that is painted by the trees, mountains, rocks and Lake Estes as you gaze to the north.
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Our morning was quite gorgeous, with blue skies interrupted by billowy clouds and accented by plentiful sunshine. We made it up in less than two hours, even with several photo stops. Then, it was time to crush our sandwiches and chips while soaking in the epic panorama.
After about 20 minutes up top, we noticed that several more people were starting to make their way to our little slice of heaven. We packed up, dropped back down through the keyhole and made the return descent.
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It is truly a spectacular little day hike close to Denver. I hope you get to try it out. We'll definitely be back with more friends to share another great experience.

Thanks for reading, and happy hiking!
JR
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Emerald Waterways Unwraps Holiday Trips for All Traveler Types

12/4/2020

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Emerald Waterways' "Christmas Connoisseur" cruises visit some of the most festive cities and towns along the Danube, Rhine and Rhone rivers so that you can join in on the warmth and celebrations of the holiday season.
By John Roberts
People around the world are prepping for an intimate holiday season -- with most having their celebrations at home and spending time with their families, forgoing any adventures abroad for the time being.
But the spark to travel still exists, ready to be stoked and returned to a full blaze in 2021. A new year brings the hopes that we will have the chance to venture back into the world to seize new experiences and share amazing adventures with friends, both old and new.
With the holidays arriving, we can dream about future holiday travels that span the globe.  
One of our preferred small-ship cruise companies, Emerald Waterways, has curated a Santa's wish list of river and yacht sailings itineraries focused on the winter holidays that offer something for just about every type of traveler, from those looking to explore winter wonderlands to destinations fit for cruisers looking for balmy environments.
Check out these Emerald Waterways' trips that you look forward to unwrapping these holidays:

The Christmas Connoisseur: These river cruises visit some of the most enchanting Christmas Markets in Europe, and it's a dream come true for any enthusiast of the festive holiday season.
Wandering through the gingerbread-inspired stalls, sipping mulled wine and shopping for traditional ornaments and unique gifts is the perfect way to usher in the holiday spirit while satisfying the desire to experience the timelessness of the holiday season in Europe. Don't want to miss even a single cozy evening spent by the Christmas tree? Not to worry -- each river ship is fully decked out in elegant holiday regalia. Emerald Waterways' 2021 and 2022 Christmas Markets sailings range from five to 15 days with sailings along the Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers.
The Adventurer: Southeast Asia is probably not an obvious Christmas destination, but that's what makes it so attractive for the adventure-loving travelers among us. In fact, a Mekong River sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia in December gives you the chance to enjoy the holidays from a completely new perspective -- through the lens of ancient and fascinating cultures. Festivities and decorations adorn the villages and cities along the exotic Mekong River, with the largest celebrations happening in Ho Chi Minh City, where Christmas Eve is a major holiday complete with a Vietnamese feast.
You will even see Santas zooming by on scooters. Plus, the warm temps of the region in December make this sailing extra attractive for those looking to escape the winter chill back home. Sailings and land packages of 13-21 days are available for the 2021 and 2022 season.
The Bucket Lister: A holiday sailing to the Holy Land onboard Emerald Cruises' super yacht, Emerald Azzurra, offers the opportunity for intrepid travelers to check multiple items off their bucket list. Emerald Azzurra is scheduled to launch in mid-2021.
The eight-day Holy Land at Christmastime itinerary includes Port Said, Egypt, where you can visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and savor a day cruise along the legendary Nile River, before spending two days in Haifa, Israel, and a sojourn to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.
The highlight of this sailing are the two days spent in Ashdod, a city that plays a major role in the teachings of the Bible and still marks the starting point for pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This will be a big stop for bucket listers as well as historians and bible scholars.
Then, travelers can choose from excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv.

Special Holiday Deals: Just in time for the holiday season, Emerald Cruises is offering a free "Emerald Extended Drink Package" with any 2021 or 2022 Christmastime European river or yacht cruise booking made by December 24, 2020. The drink package carries a value of $128 per person per week and includes a selection of wine, draft beer and soft drinks available throughout the day. For Southeast Asian river cruises booked by December 24, you will receive equivalent onboard credit of $128 per person, which can be used toward drinks at the bar, salon and spa services or at the onboard shop.
These deals are combinable with the current offers:
  • On European Christmas Market river cruises: savings of up to $2,500 per couple or free flights to Europe;
  • On Southeast Asia river cruises: savings of $2,000 per couple or free flights to Southeast Asia on itineraries of 13 or more days;
  • On Emerald Yacht Cruises: earlybird pricing of up to 20 percent off full fares.
In addition, on all these itineraries, travelers save up to an additional 10 percent off 2022 sailings, when paying in full 12 months prior to departure with Emerald Waterways' "Super Earlybird" promotion.

What trip will you put in your stockings this year? I'm leaning toward a holiday adventure in SE Asia with friends and family.
Happy holidays and happy travels, always!
Thanks for reading,
JR
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