Minerva

Launched in 1989, the MV Minerva was originally built as a research vessel - that is, a spy ship- for the USSR and called the Okean.

However, it was never used for its intended purpose and in 1996, it was acquired by Swan Hellenic Cruises. Its name was changed and the vessel underwent a complete refit, turning into a luxurious cruise ship with the refined atmosphere and friendly service that one would expect in an exquisite country house hotel.

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Every detail on the Minerva has been carefully considered. Public rooms feature wood panelling and brass details and they are furnished with high-quality seating that you'll gladly sink into with your favourite drink. Meanwhile, the cuisine is delightful, the crew members are attentive and fellow passengers are generally well travelled and friendly.

The Minerva sails to a broad range of destinations, and its small size allows it to travel to ports where larger ships simply cannot fit. This makes the vessel the ideal choice for passengers who want to see the world from the comfort of a lavish cruise ship.

Itineraries vary widely and are generally based in the waters around Europe. They typically last around a fortnight and popular destinations include Stokholm, St Petersburg, Copenhagen, Portsmouth, Edinburgh, Belfast, Venice, Palma de Mallorca, Dubrovnik and Sicily.

The ship also regularly departs on Grand Voyages, the duration of which can be as many as 30 or 40 days. These travel to far-reaching destinations like Dubai and Oman via the Suez Canal. Sometimes they simply provide a more comprehensive tour of the Mediterranean - stopping at as many as 15 or more ports of call. The ship has also been known to travel to specialist destinations like the Antarctic.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 474
Year entered service: 1996
Beam (ship width): 65.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 19.6 feet
Length: 436.3 feet
Tonnage: 12,500
Crew: 157
Maximum speed: 15 knots
Number of passenger decks: 6
Number of lifts: 2
Number of swimming pools:1
Number of cabins: 178

Food, cuisine and dining

Dining aboard the Minerva is a delight and there are two options to choose from. The main restaurant is simply called the Dining Room and it is a formal location with breakfast and lunch offering both table-service and buffet options. The dinner menu includes a variety of traditional dishes, as well as a mouth-watering selection of desserts.

There's an excellent wine menu, which also includes a number of fine Champagnes if you're looking for something special to enjoy with your meal.

For something a bit more casual, why not head to the Veranda, a large buffet. Breakfast options include cereals, cold meats, yoghurt, fresh fruit and hot items like bacon and eggs. Lunch is often internationally themed and also includes a salad bar. Meanwhile, dinner is generally similar to what's available in the main restaurant.

The Veranda is also the place to go for afternoon tea and it serves hot drinks around the clock. A limited room service menu is also available.

On-board entertainment and activities

During the day, the main entertainment option on the Minerva is the excellent range of informational lectures. These are carried out in the Darwin Lounge generally about the places and cultures that the vessel will be visiting and are often provided by notable guest speakers.

Of course, other options are available and the ship's two bars are lively places to go for a delicious drink, engaging conversation and even some live music and dancing. In the evenings, the Darwin also features concerts and other performances.

There's an on-board cinema if you'd like to see a film and the library is a great place to go for reference books about the ship's destinations, as well as a bit of fiction for pool-side reading.

And if you'd like to do some shopping, there's a boutique gift shop, where you can pick up items like perfumes, clothing, jewellery, and branded souvenir items.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking to improve your wellbeing during your voyage, then there's a small spa and beauty salon that should do the trick. Relaxing and rejuvenating services can be provided, such as facials and manicures, while there's also a sauna for a bit of heat therapy.

The ship is also home to a fully-equipped gym and passengers who are looking for a bit of exercise in the fresh air may enjoy a few laps of the outdoor swimming pool.

Cabins

When selecting accommodation options, you'll have a range of options. The ship has nearly 200 rooms in five different grades and 16 price ranges. These vary by size, amenities and location on the ship and with so many variations, there's sure to be something to suit your preferences, even if you're looking to find the best cruise deals.

The majority of rooms have ocean views - only about 50 are interior cabins. But if you're looking for the luxury of a private balcony, there are only 12 rooms with this feature available - and they book up quickly, so it's best to make your reservations well in advance.

All rooms include a separate sitting area with a television, plenty of storage space and a private bathroom.