Minerva – a Goddess among Cruise Ships…………

Minerva is quite simply cruising for the serious traveller, a person who expects the very highest standards from their whole cruising experience, on and off the ship. She delivers excellent accomodation, fantastic friendly service, superb food, and an informative and fullfilling lecture programme to ensure that her guests are able to get the best from each and every port of call, of which there are many. This 12,000 tonne vessel is naturally able to access much smaller ports of call than the giants of the cruise industry. She offers port intensive itineraries that your average cruise ships never could.

Minerva is traditional British, refined cruising, for people who enjoy the best. Forget ‘blingy’ and ‘glitzy’ cruise ships, this is quietly understated quality. I like!
I know you are already thinking £££’s, but Swan Hellenic offers great value for money – included in your price are Gratuities, Shore Excursions, Guest Speakers, and food and drink. The ship is not looking to make money from you on board. They want you to relax and enjoy.
Follwing her multi-million pound refurbishment, Minerva is looking as good as new while maintaining her original appeal to her loyal clients. The public areas have been extended and improved and she now has 44 more balcony cabins. She may be a tiny ship but her balconies are substantially larger than you will find on large ships! Her decor is tasteful and calming, it allows you to be sociable if you wish while also offering smaller more intimate areas if you prefer some quiet time. She now boasts a gym and a small spa too.

Her cabins are of a good size and are extremely comfortable and well equipped – yes, there is tea and coffee available in all of them too so you can enjoy your morning cuppa in bed or on your private balcony!

We were lucky enough to have lunch on board and I have to say it was second to none. One of the best port day lunches I have had, and I have had a few as you may recall. I had the Smoked and Fresh Salmon Tartare with Salmon Roe and Cucumber Carpaccio followed by the most delicious Oven Roast Chateaubriand of Beef in Madeira Sauce with Fresh Strawberries, Brandy Snaps and Baileys Ice Cream for dessert. There was also Lemon Sole on offer or the vegetarian option of Terrine of Roasted Vegetables followed by Quorn Ragoout with fresh herbs, green lentil puree, toasted chickpea and buckwheat risotto. I could not fault any of it. It was cooked to perfection – and the plates were hot too!

For anyone looking for a relaxing cruise I must tell you that Minerva does not take children under the age of about 13-14 years. This is not a family cruise ship – it offers informative cruising for those who take travelling seriously. People who have the luxury of no longer having to take the family on holiday with them.
All in all, I have to say this is a top notch cruisiing experience. Definitely 5* in every way. If you would like to know more about Minerva and the itineraries she has on offer please feel free to contact me on 0800 408 6084 and I will be delighted to tell you all about it.