MV MINERVA
Minerva is a small ship, carrying 320 like-minded guests, in a congenial country house environment. Our experienced Captains, Officers and Crew, on board Swan Hellenic team, attentive cabin stewardesses and those waiting at your table, look forward to being of service to you – and to making your cruise a memorable one.
THE SWAN HELLENIC DISTINCTION
PLACES THAT INSPIRE – PLACES THAT SURPRISE
Swan Hellenic has been refining the art of discovery travel for more than 50 years, blending a mix of “must see” sites with smaller, no less intriguing, destinations that larger ships pass by. Our cruises include world-class cities such as St Petersburg, Venice, Istanbul, Bangkok and Singapore but also smaller, “off the beaten track” destinations, that combine to produce meaningful and thought-provoking itineraries that can be linked together to form longer voyages of discovery. Pre- and/or post-cruise options further extend the cruise experience.
SMALL SHIP CRUISING, COUNTRY HOUSE STYLE
Minerva is a small ship, furnished in country house style, she has all the refined comforts you would expect: tasteful color schemes, button-backed sofas, wood paneling, art, flowers and plants, comfortable and well equipped cabins, as well as a well-stocked Library, a Card Room, Cinema, beauty center and pool. The convivial onboard atmosphere is further enhanced by open seating dining, so you can dine with your friends in the restaurant of your choice, at every meal. Fine dining – accompanied by specially selected wines from Rothschild chateaux and domaines – is a key ingredient of our cruises.
SHORE EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
Included in your cruise fare is a tailor-made program of shore excursions, meticulously planned to bring out the best of each destination. An Adriatic cruise might include key sights in Venice, the opportunity to visit a private palazzo, Palladian villas and an evening concert ashore, with other ports visited revealing the full extent of the Venetian Empire as well as contemporary politics in the countries that border the Adriatic Sea.
A Far East cruise might include key sites in Singapore, the opportunity to visit WWII sites, the Botanical Gardens and an evening ashore spent enjoying a boat ride followed by a drink at Raffles Hotel. While other smaller ports offer a taste of the wildlife and nature of the region including a trek through virgin forest and a visit to an orangutan rehabilitation center.* Based on a typical 15-day cruise with a combination of full and half-day excursions and admission prices to places of interest.
TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS
Our long established and renowned Guest Speaker program illuminates days at sea, providing enlightening and stimulating talks that uncover the past and explain the present. Our guest speakers are mainly academics, diplomats and writers, chosen for their knowledge and passion – and also for their communication skills. Learn about the archaeology of a site with those currently involved in excavation work, hear about contemporary issues from former Ambassadors and visit Chekhov’s house in Yalta with an expert on his life and work.
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE – NO HIDDEN EXTRAS
A Swan Hellenic cruise is outstanding value for money with transfers to and from the ship (for those booked on Swan Hellenic flights), an inclusive shore excursion and Guest Speaker program, services of a dedicated Swan Hellenic team on board Minerva, and all gratuities on board and ashore included in your cruise fare – no tipping required.
A BRITISH COMPANY WITH MANY YEARS’ EXPERIENCE
Established since 1954, all those employed by Swan Hellenic have worked for the company for many years. An experienced Swan Hellenic team travels on board each cruise to ensure that your cruise exceeds expectation.
