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Customer reviews for Minerva
4.5
Based on 4 reviews
Cabin
4.5
Service
4.5
Excursions
4.5
Dining
4.5
Activities
4.5
Value for money
4.5
Entertainment
4.5
Our cruise to France (May 2016) we had an RHS Gardening theme. We are experienced cruisers aged 67 and 63. We prefer smaller ships (Braemar, Black Watch, even tried bigger Azamara and Oceania. Also once each on QM2 and Holland America). MINERVA is a great ship, small friendly and informal. On board the 300 passengers meet easily and many meals went on for 2 hours or so just chatting with interesting well travelled well educated people. Mainly English but Americans and Canadians and Aussies also. This notably is a middle class ship with most passengers over 65 and older which reflects the style and ambience of the ship. Do not be put off by this comment. Most are wonderfully charming interesting unpretentious natural people from all backgrounds. ITS GREAT. It really does have the comfort and modern style and feel of a Country Hotel house party without the formality - and that includes the personal service in all departments of course. It's a ship not an hotel and it is not glitzy but rather well decorated and kept to a high standard. It is not crowded or rushed. The food was excellent at all times and varied. It was all about quality and service, not unknown dishes with fancy names. Charming waiters will even take your plates to the table at the buffet or breakfast. Value for money? Yes, not cheap but worth it. All tours and tips included. Many passengers were repeaters. There were a lot of singles who did not at all feel isolated. We will absolutely return.
Verified customer
1 cruise
27 Jun 2016
Our Jewels of arabia cruise was outstanding. The staff set the atmosphere with their friendly and helpful attitude. The lectures and entertainment were insightful and thoroughly enjoyable. Our fellow passengers were all very friendly and the informal seating arrangements at meals meant we all mixed up and socialised well. Minerva is a small ship which does not overwhelm its destinations and the tours are well organised
Verified customer
1 cruise
15 Apr 2015
We enjoyed greatly our first cruise with Swan Hellenic in early December to Burma etc.which was a Saver Booking in mid October. As a result of the Discount and the included Excursions the Cruise was very good value supported by the quality accommodation, service and food during the journey across the Bay of Bengal and then concluding at Singapore. The flight home with Singapore Airlines was superb though slightly longer than we expected. Though Minerva is a smaller ship with up to 300 passengers there were huge benefits in using the small swimming pool most days and walking and sun bathing on the decks at all times in a leisurely manner. The Lectures on this Cruise were superb and focussed on the Heritage and History of the Main Countries we visited as well as Asia itself. Eminent Lecturers were very approachable and involved in certain key visits and excursions.
Verified customer
1 cruise
24 Dec 2014
The Round British Isles cruise has been one of my most enjoyable holidays ever. I was working out why and think it's all down to the way Swan gets everyone fired up to enjoy the excursions. You get a pre-cruise handbook, which tells you the history/background etc. to each destination and detailed descriptions of each trip. Then there's a daily programme of lectures - none of them too heavy but all excellent. We had four speakers and they were all high calibre (two National Trust staff, a Bishop and a Wildlife expert). So by the time you leave the ship you're really looking forward to what's ahead. The costs of the trips (and all tips) are included, although there are also some paying ones e.g. steam train journey. or zodiac safari. There's something for all levels of fitness/mobility at each destination. The ship has just been re-fitted and the public areas are classy. Good library, small but good hair/beauty centre with very keen prices. Nice deck furniture but the pool is tiny. My cabin was functional but not exceptional. Open dining is nice, the food OK but a touch heavy (afternoon tea is a real sinker - but delicious). Drinks very reasonable, wine included on the (few) formal evenings. Good, low-key entertainment e.g. quizzes, harpist, opera concerts but main evening activity for us was chatting to people we met. Passengers are mostly seasoned, savvy travellers. The majority have professional backgrounds and are pretty sprightly, even the elderly ones. Overall, good value for money and a lot of fun. I now understand why so many are returned 'swanners' and I expect I shall be joining their ranks!
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
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The capital of Oman, Muscat is a vibrant port city that’s surrounded by mountains and the desert. With a combination of modern and historical landmarks, it’s known for its decadent seafood, bustling souks and friendly locals. Top attractions in the city include the Royal Opera House, Mutrah Souk and the National Museum of Oman.
Things to do in Muscat:
Opera House
A hub of arts and culture, the Royal Opera House in Muscat is host to an array of theatre performances throughout the year. Located within the Shati Al-Quarm district, it was constructed under the orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman and features stunning traditional architecture.
Mutrah Souq
If you’re looking for an extraordinary activity throughout your time in Muscat, head to the bustling Mutrah Souq. A huge bazaar with a wide array of goods, from clothing to handcrafted souvenirs, it’s the perfect place to pick up something to take home with you.
National Museum
Situated in the centre of Oman, the national museum houses a vast selection of exhibits telling the history of the country. Opened in 2016, it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about this fascinating country.
Muscat
DAY 2
The capital of Oman, Muscat is a vibrant port city that’s surrounded by mountains and the desert. With a combination of modern and historical landmarks, it’s known for its decadent seafood, bustling souks and friendly locals. Top attractions in the city include the Royal Opera House, Mutrah Souk and the National Museum of Oman.
Things to do in Muscat:
Opera House
A hub of arts and culture, the Royal Opera House in Muscat is host to an array of theatre performances throughout the year. Located within the Shati Al-Quarm district, it was constructed under the orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman and features stunning traditional architecture.
Mutrah Souq
If you’re looking for an extraordinary activity throughout your time in Muscat, head to the bustling Mutrah Souq. A huge bazaar with a wide array of goods, from clothing to handcrafted souvenirs, it’s the perfect place to pick up something to take home with you.
National Museum
Situated in the centre of Oman, the national museum houses a vast selection of exhibits telling the history of the country. Opened in 2016, it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about this fascinating country.
Mumbai (Bombay)
DAY 7
A bustling city that lies on the west coast of India, Mumbai (formally known as Bombay) is the largest city in the country. With a vibrant harbour that features the iconic Gateway to India arch, and known as the heart of Bollywood, there are so many things to see and do in the city. Top attractions include the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Kanheri Caves and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Things to do in Mumbai (Bombay):
Temple
The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is a significant Hindu temple that’s dedicated to the god Ganesha. Centrally located, it was constructed in 1801 and is frequently visited by tourists visiting Mumbai. Home to an array of artworks and status, this colourful temple is a must visit when in Mumbai.
Kanheri Caves
A group of caves, the Kanheri Caves are situated within the picturesque Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Within the caves, there are several rock-cut monuments and artworks, making it a fascinating place to visit whilst in Mumbai.
National Park
A protected area in Mumbai, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a beautiful attraction near to Mumbai. Established in 1969, there are caves, cliffs and an array of flora and fauna throughout the park.
Mangalore
DAY 9
Also known as Mangaluru, Mangalore is a bustling sea port situated on the Arabian sea in India. With a mixture of natural and man made attractions, it’s a fascinating port to explore and a great gateway for exploring the surrounding cities. Particular highlights nearby Mangalore include the St. Aloysius Chapel, Panambur Beach and Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park.
Things to do in Mangalore:
St. Aloysius Chapel
An extraordinary chapel, the St. Aloysius Chapel is a prominent landmark in Mangalore. Situated at the heart of the city, on Lighthouse Hill, it boasts a colourful exterior, stained glass and other beautiful features.
Panambur Beach
A tranquil beach in Mangalore, Panambur Beach boasts beautiful white sands, crystal clear waters and a lighthouse nearby. The ultimate place to relax and unwind, you can sit back on a comfortable lounger and take in the breathtaking sea views.
Butterfly Park
Situated in the foothills of a mountain, the Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park is home to several species of butterflies. A peaceful place to explore, you can learn all about their habitats and see these fascinating insects up close.
Cochin, India
DAY 10
Located in Kerala, Cochin (also known as Kochi) is a picturesque port city that has a bustling harbour, alongside several key attractions including the Kerala Folklore Museum, Hill Palace Museum and the Lulu International Shopping Mall.
Things to do in Cochin, India:
Kerala Folklore Museum
Immerse yourself in the culture of Cochin at the Kerala Folklore Museum. Home to a variety of crafts, antiques and folk art, the museum is housed within a beautiful building within easy reach of the city centre.
Hill Palace Museum
An archaeological museum and palace, the Hill Palace Museum is housed within a unique white building in Cochin. Once home to Cochin rulers in the 17th century, it now has an array of artefacts and collections from stone elephants to a dinosaur statue.
Lulu Mall
A popular attraction with those looking for souvenirs or to treat themselves to a new item of clothing, the Lulu shopping mall boasts 225 outlets, 100 popular brands and spans an incredible 68,000 square metres.
Cochin, India
DAY 11
Located in Kerala, Cochin (also known as Kochi) is a picturesque port city that has a bustling harbour, alongside several key attractions including the Kerala Folklore Museum, Hill Palace Museum and the Lulu International Shopping Mall.
Things to do in Cochin, India:
Kerala Folklore Museum
Immerse yourself in the culture of Cochin at the Kerala Folklore Museum. Home to a variety of crafts, antiques and folk art, the museum is housed within a beautiful building within easy reach of the city centre.
Hill Palace Museum
An archaeological museum and palace, the Hill Palace Museum is housed within a unique white building in Cochin. Once home to Cochin rulers in the 17th century, it now has an array of artefacts and collections from stone elephants to a dinosaur statue.
Lulu Mall
A popular attraction with those looking for souvenirs or to treat themselves to a new item of clothing, the Lulu shopping mall boasts 225 outlets, 100 popular brands and spans an incredible 68,000 square metres.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DAY 14
Colombo, Sri Lanka's major commercial hub and popular tourist destination, was first found by traders over two thousand years ago. The capital of the country, serves as a cosmopolitan entry point to the splendors of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial past, as well as to mouth watering cuisines. It boasts an array of attractions to explore during your time there including Independence Square, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Temple and the Viharamahadevi Park.
Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka:
Independence Square
A national monument in Sri Lanka, Independence Square symbolises when the country became independent of British rule. A tranquil area with beautiful surroundings, it’s in the heart of the city and makes for a fascinating walk.
Kelaniya Temple
A prominent attraction in the city with a captivating past, the temple is known for the Gautama Buddha, its beautiful paintings and sculptures. Depicting the events in the life of Buddha, alongside the Jataka tales, the temple is a must see when visiting Colombo.
Viharamahadevi Park
Situated in the Cinnamon Gardens, the Viharamahadevi Park is surrounded by an array of buildings including the Town Hall- which is a popular landmark due to its colonial architecture. The largest park in the city, it’s filled by beautiful plant life.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DAY 15
Colombo, Sri Lanka's major commercial hub and popular tourist destination, was first found by traders over two thousand years ago. The capital of the country, serves as a cosmopolitan entry point to the splendors of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial past, as well as to mouth watering cuisines. It boasts an array of attractions to explore during your time there including Independence Square, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Temple and the Viharamahadevi Park.
Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka:
Independence Square
A national monument in Sri Lanka, Independence Square symbolises when the country became independent of British rule. A tranquil area with beautiful surroundings, it’s in the heart of the city and makes for a fascinating walk.
Kelaniya Temple
A prominent attraction in the city with a captivating past, the temple is known for the Gautama Buddha, its beautiful paintings and sculptures. Depicting the events in the life of Buddha, alongside the Jataka tales, the temple is a must see when visiting Colombo.
Viharamahadevi Park
Situated in the Cinnamon Gardens, the Viharamahadevi Park is surrounded by an array of buildings including the Town Hall- which is a popular landmark due to its colonial architecture. The largest park in the city, it’s filled by beautiful plant life.
Langkawi
DAY 25
An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is a picturesque destination with tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking beaches amongst fantastic man made attractions. Its main island is home to several must-see landmarks including the Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi SkyCab and Crocodile Adventureland.
Things to do in Langkawi:
Kilim Geoforest Park
One of the must see attractions in Langkawi is the picturesque Kilim Geoforest Park. Featuring an array of flora and fauna, from mangrove forests to beaches, you can enjoy a relaxing river tour through the nature park and even visit a floating restaurant during your time there.
Langkawi SkyCab
Take to the skies and enjoy an unforgettable cable car ride on the Panorama SkyCab. Reaching heights of 708 metres above sea level and spanning just over 2 kilometres, the sights you’ll see along the way are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Crocodile Adventureland
From crocodile talks, to fishing and feeding, Crocodile Adventureland gets you up close to these fascinating creatures. Spanning 20 hectares, the wildlife park is home to a variety of different species.
Penang
DAY 26
Penang, commonly referred to as the pearl of the orient, is one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations. The island is located on the Malaysian Peninsula's northwest coast. On the island, there are lots of different attractions to enjoy. Blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian food, culture, and architecture. Its capital, George Town, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your time there, make sure to visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang National Park and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Things to do in Penang:
Kek Lok Si
Built in 1891, Kek Lok Si Temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful and popular temples to visit in Malaysia. Not only does it boast millions of images of Buddha, but sculptures, murals and impressive carvings. Blending traditional Chinese rituals with Mahayana Buddhism, it’s a captivating attraction that’s a must visit whilst in Penang.
National Park
Alternatively, you can head to the picturesque and tranquil Penang National Park. Offering an array of activities within it, from hiking trails to jungle trekking and visiting the beautiful Muka Head Lighthouse, you won’t be lost on activities to enjoy. A wide selection of wildlife can also be found here, including the Black Giant Squirrel, White-throated Kingfisher and turtles (within the designated Turtle Conservation Centre).
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Another fascinating attraction in Penang is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Situated in George Town, it’s a museum that encapsulates the heritage of the island. Housed within a colourful and extraordinary building, it will immerse you into the town’s captivating past.
Malacca
DAY 27
Situated in the south west of Malaysia, the bustling city of Malacca is a vibrant place to visit. Not only does it boast a night market that's famous for its large amount of produce, but lots of historic attractions, such as the Cheng Hoon Teng temple that dates to the 17th century.
Things to do in Malacca:
Night Market
The iconic Jonker Street Night Market is a popular place to visit for tourists, due to the array of souvenirs, food and entertainment. A bustling open-air market that's open on the weekend, it's a spectacle that's worth seeing during your time in the city.
Temple
Alternatively, if you're looking for something a little more historic, head to the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Dating to the 17th century, this colourful Buddhist, Confucianism and Taoism temple is the oldest of its kind in the country.
River Walk
If you want to see Malacca in all of its glory, head down the river. The popular river walk is the perfect way to take in the sights and sounds of the city, stopping along the way at local vendors. A picturesque walk, it's a must when in the city.
Singapore
DAY 28
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an exotic yet easy-to-navigate cruise destination. Singapore has long been Asia's crown jewel, with a plethora of glitzy shopping malls, rooftop cocktail bars and fine dining opportunities. It's modern, classy and blessed with lots of sun for a day of exploring.
Things to do in Singapore:
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a haven for nature lovers, located near the Marina Bay Waterfront in the heart of Singapore. Gardens by the Bay has hidden gems such as unique plantlife, calm gardens and unique spots to relax in, as well as its expansive conservatories.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park, named after the water-spouting Merlion statue, is an essential Singaporean landmark. The Merlion is Singapore's national symbol, with a lion's head and fish's body. The park is popular with tourists and locals alike, who come to take photos of the outstanding scenery, the famous statue and relax by the water.
Mint Museum of Toys
The Mint museum houses a collection of the best toys from across many ages. Learn about its history and the significance of the museum to academics, artists and students on a guided tour. With so many toys to see, you'll be reliving your childhood in a wave of nostalgia.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Agri-Horticultural Society, in 1859, transformed plantation property into a massive botanical garden for recreational use. It has become a major element of Singapore throughout the years, to the point where it has been designated as the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Orchid Garden is a highlight, as is the ample room for jogging dining or simply relaxing.
Singapore
DAY 29
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is an exotic yet easy-to-navigate cruise destination. Singapore has long been Asia's crown jewel, with a plethora of glitzy shopping malls, rooftop cocktail bars and fine dining opportunities. It's modern, classy and blessed with lots of sun for a day of exploring.
Things to do in Singapore:
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a haven for nature lovers, located near the Marina Bay Waterfront in the heart of Singapore. Gardens by the Bay has hidden gems such as unique plantlife, calm gardens and unique spots to relax in, as well as its expansive conservatories.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park, named after the water-spouting Merlion statue, is an essential Singaporean landmark. The Merlion is Singapore's national symbol, with a lion's head and fish's body. The park is popular with tourists and locals alike, who come to take photos of the outstanding scenery, the famous statue and relax by the water.
Mint Museum of Toys
The Mint museum houses a collection of the best toys from across many ages. Learn about its history and the significance of the museum to academics, artists and students on a guided tour. With so many toys to see, you'll be reliving your childhood in a wave of nostalgia.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Agri-Horticultural Society, in 1859, transformed plantation property into a massive botanical garden for recreational use. It has become a major element of Singapore throughout the years, to the point where it has been designated as the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Orchid Garden is a highlight, as is the ample room for jogging dining or simply relaxing.