Could it be the ending of the state monopoly next year, or has national ferry company Jadrolinija really started to listen to the needs of their passengers?
After years without the most basic customer services in a maritime nation in the European Union, change is coming thick and fast.
It started last year with the introduction of online booking for catamarans, something unheard of precviously, and after a cautious start, this was rolled out to ferries as well as catamarans.
Then came a very welcome move late last year, especially for regular commuters such as this correspondent, with four hours to spend back and forth between Split and Stari Grad - the introduction of on-board WiFi. Finally dead commuting time could be turned into productivity.
"Vida" is the latest addition to the Jadrolinija fleet, with a capacity of 304 passengers. It will have facilities for kids and disabled passengers, as well as, for the first time, capacity for bicycles, which is excellent news for Croatia's cycling tourism business. Island hopping is a key part of the cycling experience, and this has been hitherto impossible with Jadrolinija catamarans in Croatia.
I have often been critical of Jadrolinija in the past (not without reason), but long may these great initiatives continue. Next initiative - reduced prices for bicycles on ferries, perhaps?
Catamaran "Vida" will be easily visible on the water this summer, as it is also the first catamaran with branded advertising. According to the report, Vida will be sailing between Split, Hvar Town and Korcula Town this summer.
