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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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Just a short distance from Athens, Piraeus is the biggest port in the Mediterranean and sees over 20 million cruisers each year. This port city is a perfect example of life by the sea, boasting an impressive harbour and authentic seafood dining, as well as the rich and fascinating history of ancient Greece. Whether you’re looking to discover archaeological findings or just want to relax in the sun at a friendly café, Piraeus is the place to be.
Things to do in Athens (Piraeus):
Agia Triada Church
Despite being a modern construction, Agia Triada features Byzantine architecture as well as an impressive dome that is visible from every spot within the church. Overlooking the port of Piraeus, Agia Triada is a must visit to discover the history of the town and take in the tranquillity.
Castella
This vibrant and colourful district is nestled on top of a hill with views out over the bay. A walk around this neighbourhood will take you to quaint cafes, neoclassical architecture, Prophet Elias church and the Veakeion outdoor theatre.
Archaeological Museum
Covering the Mycenaean period to the Roman era, the Piraeus Archaeological Museum offers artefacts excavated from Piraeus’ landscape, as well as collections donated from other sites. Visitors will discover monuments, statues, artwork and more.
Hellas Liberty
One of only three surviving Liberty ships, the SS Hellas Liberty is a fascinating vessel to explore. This floating maritime museum was presented to the public in 2010 and covers a range of exhibits people of all ages will enjoy.
Zea Bay
With stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the beautiful vessels moored in the harbour, the bay of Zea is the perfect place to go for a walk, enjoy a delicious coffee and take in the sunshine. You’ll find many hidden gems here, including ancient walls.
Suez Canal Transit
DAY 4
Dating back to Ancient Egypt when the city was used to protect the land from invasion, the Suez Canal offers plenty of history to discover as well as a slower pace of life than the bustling cities nearby. Explore the museums here to learn more about the fascinating timeline of the canal as well as the Pharaoh’s and their pyramids, or if you have a longer stay, venture further afield to witness the Pyramids of Giza themselves.
Things to do in Suez Canal Transit:
The Suez Canal Museum
The Suez Canal museum is brimming to the teeth with all sorts of artefacts from ancient Egypt and other local sites just waiting for you to discover them. Learn all about the history of the Suez Canal and the history of those who it connects to.
Ismailia Museum
Boasting over 4,000 artefacts from Ancient Egypt through to the Greek and Roman era, the Ismailia Museum includes pieces such as an intricate mosaic, statues, scarabs and an open-air gallery in the garden.
Port Said Military Museum
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Pyramids of Giza
By far the oldest of the ancient wonders of the world, the Pyramids of Giza are truly a bucket-list-worthy sight to see. Built 2550 to 2490 BC, the craftsmanship of these structures are a fine example of the feats of Ancient Egypt.
Salalah
DAY 11
A city in Oman, Salalah is known for its pretty scenery, modern shopping centres and vast history. Top attractions include the The Museum of the Frankincense Land archaeological museum, the spectacular Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Salalah Gardens Mall.
Muscat
DAY 14
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Things to do in Muscat:
Opera House
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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.