Life Onboard

Travel in Style to Unique and Exotic Destinations

No matter which corner of the globe you choose to discover, after exploring ashore, you will always appreciate Minerva’s stately comforts: a relaxed lounge with entertainment, well-stocked library, restaurants, gym, Wheeler bar and Shackleton's bar. An elegant environment in which polished wood and gleaming brass are complemented by works of art and fresh flowers. With over 50 years experience in discovery cruising, Swan Hellenic knows all the ingredients for the perfect cruise. From the on board environment to inspiring itineraries, and from our knowledgeable reservations team to our European ship's officers and attentive crew, we are committed to providing you with the ultimate discovery cruise experience.

Travel in Distinguished Company

You will travel with like-minded people and as you share the experiences of your voyage, you may find acquaintances turn into lasting friendships. Your cruise will be further enriched by the presence of distinguished speakers drawn from the academic, diplomatic and media worlds. Their presentations and the more informal conversations you can enjoy in the Darwin Lounge will really bring our destinations to life.

Tastefully decorated - impeccably finished

Refreshed and updated, Minerva has lost none of the charm that has made her such a firm favourite with our most loyal passengers. Inside, you'll warm to the congenial atmosphere, panelled rooms, the glint of brass, deep pile carpets and welcoming, buttoned leather sofas.  Soft, subtle lighting and carefully chosen fabrics also extend to our cabins, all recently refurbished. A wide range of accommodation choices includes suites with private balconies, deluxe and superior outside cabins with picture windows, comfortable inside cabins that don't miss out on essentials like ample storage space or on refinements such as bathrobes, binoculars and books.

Places you can hide away or stretch out

More informal is the Veranda that opens onto the Pool Deck, letting you dine alfresco. Other favourite daytime venues include the conservatory-style Shackleton's Bar with its cane chairs and potted palms. You can hide away in the Library where newspapers, an extensive collection of fiction, books on the destinations we visit, as well as games and assorted jigsaws are among the most popular diversions on our days at sea. There's also an internet facility to keep in touch with home.

Another is Minerva's expansive teak promenade deck, so reminiscent of the golden age of cruising. It's the perfect vantage point from which to spy new coastlines, to photograph bird life in Antarctica or gaze out at Mediterranean sunsets. Aft, the promenade leads to the sun deck where you can lie back and relax or take a cooling dip in the pool.

Traveling alone?

Many of our passengers travel unaccompanied and find the friendly Swan Hellenic style of cruising the perfect way to see the world. There's a wide choice of accommodation in Standard Inside or Outside cabins. These prove very popular and we strongly recommend you book early. Once our single occupancy cabins have been sold, twin cabins might be available for single use, but we may not be able to offer them at our special single occupancy rate.