Minerva II was previously the final one in a series of eight almost identical ships in the now defunct Renaissance Cruises fleet (at the time, the cruise industry’s only totally non-smoking cruise line). Swan Hellenic Cruises now operates this ship under charter for a period of seven years (it is much larger than Minerva, and loses some of the ambiance for which previous Swan Hellenic ships were known). The ship’s square, royal blue funnel sports a white swan, the company’s logo, and balances the royal blue hull, white superstructure, and high sides. Minerva II can cruise at faster speeds than the previous Minerva, thus allowing the company to offer even better itineraries that cover more ground (well, water, actually).

An outside lido deck has a swimming pool and good sunbathing space, while one of the aft decks has a thalassaotherapy pool. A jogging track circles the swimming pool deck (but one deck above). The uppermost outdoors deck includes a golf driving net and shuffleboard court.

The interior decor is quite elegant, and is a throwback to ship decor of the ocean liners of the 1920s and ’30s. This includes detailed ceiling cornices, both real and faux wrought-iron staircase railings, leather paneled walls, trompe l’oeil ceilings, rich carpeting in hallways with an Oriental rug-look center section, and many other interesting (and expensive-looking) decorative touches. The overall feel is of an old-world country club. Swanners (regular Swan Hellenic Cruises passengers) will surely be pleased with the taste with which its interiors have been designed and executed.

The public rooms are basically spread over three decks. The reception hall (lobby) has a staircase with intricate, real wrought-iron railings (but painted on plasti-glass panels on the stairways on other decks). A large observation lounge, the Orpheus Room, is located high atop the ship, with great views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The room has a long bar which faces forward (the barmen actually have the best view) and very comfortable seating. There is also a small bandstand and wooden dance floor, while the aft section on the port side has six internet-connect computer terminals (although there’s little privacy).

Other public rooms: The Lounge is used principally for lectures and evening theatrical and musical performances. The delightful wood-paneled Wheeler Bar (it used to be a casino) has a fireplace, a long bar, and a large half-model of S.S. Caledonia, a former P&O ship.

The vessel has several bars – including one in each of the restaurant entrances. The Library is a beautiful, grand, restful room (perhaps the nicest public room), designed in Regency style. It features a fireplace, a high, indented, trompe l’oeil ceiling, and an excellent collection of about 4,000 books, plus some very comfortable wingback chairs with footstools, and sofas you could sleep on.

Swan Hellenic Cruises provides a seamless cruise and tour program, geared specifically to British and North American passengers, at a price that’s very hard to beat considering the destination-rich itineraries, pre- and post-cruise land stays at high-quality hotels, all transfers, and the expert lecturers that accompany every cruise. You should experience a fine, hassle-free cruise holi­day aboard this ship. There may not be marble bathroom fittings, or caviar and other (more expensive) niceties, but the value for money is excellent. The onboard currency is the British pound.

There is no wrap-around promenade deck outdoors, but there is a small jogging track around the perimeter of the swimming pool, and open decks on the port and starboard sides. There areno wooden decks outdoors (they are covered by Bolidt, a sand-colored rubberized material). There is no sauna. The stairways, although carpeted, sound tinny.

In April 2007, Minerva II will be transferred to the Princess Cruises fleet after some slight modifications (including the re-installation of a casino), to be renamed Royal Princess (thus joining sisters Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess). An updated rating and details of changes made will appear in the next edition of this guide.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008