SAT, June 23 – Embark ship; Overnight Dubrovnik

Embarkation officially begins at 2pm. This evening, enjoy welcome drinks, introduction of the crew and a scenic cruise-by of the medieval walls of Dubrovnik.

SUN, June 24 – Dubrovnik; Ston; Overnight Slano

We’ll explore Dubrovnik this morning and leave after lunch for a refreshing swim stop at a cove of the Elephanti Islands. On the island of Slano, in the town of Ston, is the Great Wall of Europe – 2nd biggest wall in the world!

MON, June 25 – Mljet; Overnight Korcula

We’ll spend the morning on the island of Mljet – most of which is a National Park where you can enjoy biking, kayaking or a guided walking tour of the monastery. We’ll spend the afternoon and evening on the island of Korcula – the birthplace of Marco Polo.

TUE, June 26 – Overnight Komiza

We’ll cruise this morning to the remote island of Vis. Lunch onboard or on own at waterfront cafes in Komiza. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. On the 2017 WOW! trip, Komiza was a favorite of everyone!

WED, June 27 – Blue Grotto; Hvar; Overnight Starigrad

We’ll be among the first to enter the Blue Grotto at Bishevo (weather permitting) – so we won’t have to wait in a long queue. Then we’ll cruise to the island of Hvar. After lunch, while we enjoy a walking tour of the city of Hvar, Black Swan will reposition to the other side of the island – at the 2,400-year-old town of Starigrad. We’ll see the lavender fields and olive groves on the island during the transfer from Hvar city to Starigrad. Dinner on own at one of the restaurants along the picturesque port.

FRI, June 29 – Omis; Overnight Split

Cruise to Omis, famous for its adventure options and hill-top fortress offering amazing views. Cruise to Split in the afternoon where we’ll take a walking tour with free time for shopping. Farewell dinner onboard.

THUR, June 28 – Golden Horn Beach; Overnight Bol

Cruise to Bol and transfer by dingy to Golden Horn beach (Zlatni Rat). Enjoy free time for water sports and exploring the pleasant town of Bol.

SAT, June 30 – Disembark in Split

Say goodbye this morning as we disembark in Split. An optional 7-night extension commences today, visiting other amazing highlights of Croatia and Slovenia.

THE SHIP

Our 30 guests will sail aboard the Black Swan, a luxury motor vessel currently under construction in Croatia (she will operate her inaugural cruise in May). Just under 160 feet long, the ship features 18 staterooms that are designed for a maximum 38 guests. A crew of eight professional, friendly Croatians will attend to your every need.
Cabins are a comfortable 168 sq’ stateroom with luxury features and fine amenities; all rooms have remote-control air-conditioning, TV, safety deposit box, a spacious bathroom with a shower, and leather upholstered beds. The beds were built for luxurious living, with high-quality linens and one double or two twin beds. There’s a small closet and plenty of under-bed storage. The dining room is modern and bright, and the Sun Deck has lounge chairs, sunbeds, and a hot tub.

Click here for more information about the ship. Check out the page on the Katarina Line website with details, deck plan, etc.

The Avangard (shown below), a Superior Deluxe vessel, is in the same category as the Black Swan. Because the Black Swan is currently under construction, there is no video, but this will give you a feel for the Croatian cruising experience!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ7w9DGflk0

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WOW! TRAVEL CLUB – CROATIA CRUISE

CRUISE DATES: June 23-30, 2018

Posted excursion dates exclude calendar days that may be required for international flights

COST:
$3,995 per person, double occupancy (couple or roommate share)
$4,545 per person, single occupancy

AIR TRANSPORTATION:
You may make your own flight arrangements or we can assist with a $50 per person service fee. We cannot book mileage tickets or upgrades, which must be done directly with the carrier. If you would like us to assist, contact Gabriel Haigazian at gabriel@thectpgroup.com or call him at 818-444-2700. It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the legal name as on the passport. Passport must be valid for six months from return date. Carriers may deny boarding if name on ticket does not match name on passport.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Space is limited. Reservations and stateroom assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Cruise Deposit: $1,500 per person at time of registration
• Final payment: Balance due March 23, 2018.

 CANCELLATION:
If unforeseen events happen that force you to cancel, we will try to resell your space. Penalties vary depending on the date of cancellation:

• From time of booking to December 15, 2017: $250 service fee, per person
• From December 16, 2017 – March 23, 2018: Forfeiture of deposit(s)
• After March 24, 2018: No refund, unless your stateroom is resold*

*If we are able to fill your place, we will refund all monies, less a $250 per person administrative fee.

 SUPPLEMENTAL TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TRIP CANCELLATION/INTERRUPTION:
We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided upon receipt of deposit.

 RATES:
All rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of October 30, 2017 and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum group size of 30 paying guests on the cruise and 14 guests on the post-trip. Should the group size(s) be smaller than this, package price or inclusions may be modified. Unused tour items, missed meals or tours, etc. are not refundable.

 TIPS AND TAXES:
The package includes all service charges and taxes imposed by hotels and all entrance fees to museums, etc. Basic gratuities to drivers, guides and porters are included. You are welcome to extend additional gratuities for anyone who has provided exemplary service.

 BAGGAGE:
Please check applicable baggage allowances and fees with your airline carrier.

 PASSPORT:
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of re-entry to your home country.

 HEALTH/VACCINATIONS:
Consult your physician for recommendations. Additional information regarding Traveler’s Health precautions is available at the website for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Final travel documents will be sent to your mailing address about two weeks prior to departure.

 RISKS OF TRAVEL AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
International travel involves inherent risks. The CTP Group/WOW! Travel Club (CTP/WOW) cannot be liable for any injury, death or loss of personal property in connection with your participation in CTP/WOW activities. By participating in CTP/WOW Croatia, you assume risk of inherent dangers (including without limitation, annoyance and expenses) related to military or political action, civil disturbances, quarantine, strikes, detention, mental trauma, pilferage, weather, epidemiological events, acts of God or any other circumstances over which CTP/WOW has no control.

I understand that CTP/WOW reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant or remove from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in activities, or who it determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by CTP/WOW. CTP/WOW reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests.

CTP/WOW reserves the right to alter or cancel any trip due to weather, sickness, political climate, and/or insufficient registration or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. While CTP/WOW will make every effort to obtain full or partial refunds from suppliers, CTP/WOW cannot guarantee your ability to recoup payment.

The above terms and conditions are hereby expressly incorporated into the “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” to be signed by you as a WOW! Travel Club participant.

 CONSENT:
Payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for registration of a participant for CTP/WOW activities constitutes consent by all guests/participants registered by the party completing online registration. You and your guests/participants hereby agree to the Terms & Conditions of this website. The Terms & Conditions set forth on this website may not be modified or amended except in writing by an authorized officer of CTP/WOW.

All guests/participants are required to initial and sign a Release Waiver and Indemnity Agreement, which will be sent upon receipt of your deposit. Final processing of your registration payment cannot be completed until such time as CTP receives the initialed and signed “Release, Waiver, and Indemnity Agreement” of all participants/guests covered by your online registration.

December 2017 CST # 1016440-10

WOW! VOWS

All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:

• I vow to travel with my sense of wonder and my sense of humor.
• I vow to be a gracious guest and leave a place at least as good as I found it.
• I vow to be a respectful traveler – thoughtful of the people and places I visit.
• I vow to be on time or catch up with the group at my own expense.
• I vow to communicate any complaints, grievances or missed expectations to the tour leader promptly, privately and appropriately.
• I understand that travel requires patience, a positive attitude, and an ability to laugh. If I can’t relax and enjoy the unexpected, I vow to stay home!
• I vow to refrain from any discussion within the group related to US politics!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a day on the ship like? If you were to drive from Dubrovnik to Split, it’s only 150 miles – so there’s not a big distance to cover at sea. We cruise only during daylight hours and dock in different ports each night. We visit lovely, historic and picturesque towns and islands, with walking tours conducted by local guides at each location. As always, our itinerary avoids the “big” ships as much as possible.

What about Wi-Fi? If you must stay connected during your trip, Wi-Fi is free and reliable everywhere on the ship.

What will the weather be like? The weather in Croatia in late June, early July is usually quite dry and especially lovely. June and July boast long days with about 15 hours of daylight. The average daily temperature is 75°F with highs of 82° and lows of 69°.

What about airfare? Airfare is not included in the package. CTP can assist you with making reservations for a service fee of $50.

How are staterooms assigned? Stateroom assignments will be made in order of registration. If you have a special need or request, please email gabriel@thectpgroup.com

What is the dress code? There is no need for formal attire, just stylish, smart/resort casual. For daytime, comfortable, casual clothing and shoes/sandals are suggested. Be sure to pack your bathing suits, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses! Also, Croatian beaches are pebbly vs. sandy, so water shoes are suggested.

Will I need an adaptor to plug in my appliances and chargers on the ship? YES! The electric current is 220 volts. Most cell phone and computer chargers allow for voltage between 110 and 230 so you will only need an adapter for the plugs. Black Swan is equipped with hair dryers.

Can I use my cell phone in Croatia and on the ship? With most providers, it’s best to activate an international data and telephone plan. We suggest that you contact your carrier to discuss potential costs for data and voice communications. WIFI is complimentary on the Black Swan.

Should I be concerned about sea sickness? The Black Swan vessel is equipped with stabilizers that make for a very smooth ride. The entire cruising distance is approximately 150 miles, with very little time in the open sea. With that said – know yourself and your own tolerances.

What is the currency? Although Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, they country still uses its own currency, the Kuna (HRK), instead of the Euro. Some places will accept Euros as payment since Croatia is mostly frequented by European visitors. We suggest using ATM machines to withdraw local currency as needed and use your credit or debit card to pay for meals, taxis and purchases. (Some shops and restaurants do not accept American Express.) It’s best to advise your bank and credit card company of your plans to travel to Croatia so there will be no suspicion of fraudulent activity. Ask about transaction fees.

As of this writing (9/22/17), one US Dollar will get you approximately 6.3 Kuna.

Here is a link to the current exchange rate.

What about travel insurance? We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided upon receipt of deposit. Here are links to two travel insurance providers: Travel Guard and Squaremouth.

What about extending? We’d highly recommend it! We’ve developed a custom 7-night land itinerary that will visit regions in northern Croatia, the Istrian Peninsula, and Slovenia – wonderful places in their own right.