To book an accessible cabin, please give us a call
020 3991 1166
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.
Talk to a Cruise Expert
Our cruise experts will help you pick the perfect cruise line, ship and destination.
We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
Combining ancient history and architecture with modern urban flair, Stockholm is known as one of the most welcoming cities in the world. Culture vultures, in particular, will be delighted by the range of attractions on offer, such as the fairytale-esque Old Town, the extravagant royal palace and the Vasa Museum. For ultimate relaxation, head to a Swedish sauna to soak in an ambient setting. Just don't forget to leave time for authentic Swedish street food!
Things to do in Stockholm:
Royal Palace
One of most impressive palaces in Europe, the Royal Palace of Stockholm holds the majority of the monarchy's formal receptions year-round, as well as being the King of Sweden's official home. The palace, designed to resemble a Roman palace, was constructed in the baroque style by architect Nicodemus Tessin. With a state apartment overlooking the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard, the palace includes more than 600 rooms spread across eleven storeys.
Fotografiska
Housed in an impressive brick building, the Fotografiska is a photography museum filled with contemporary exhibitions. Showcasing world-class photography, this unique attraction is located within the centre of the city.
ABBA Museum
Whether you love ABBA or you simply want to learn more about the band's iconic past, ABBA The Museum in Stockholm makes for a fun day out. See costumes they wore, artwork and more at this fascinating museum in the heart of the city
Copenhagen
DAY 10
Comprising unique architecture, scenic canals and a wide range of attractions within easy reach of the cruise port, Copenhagen is often hailed as the best city in the world in which to live. No matter your age or interests, and no matter the weather, there's something for everyone - take a bus tour to get your bearings, then explore royal palaces, museums and parks. Nyhavn is an iconic spot for photos, cafes and culture, and breathtaking 18th-century architecture.
Things to do in Copenhagen:
Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid sculpture, perhaps one of Copenhagen's most well-known tourist destinations, took inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's well-known fairy tale. The Little Mermaid, a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen, was unveiled on August 23, 1913 and is located on Langelinie Pier.
Tivoli Gardens
Situated in the centre of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a theme park with rides, a beautiful lake, shops, cafes and more. The third-oldest operational amusement park in the world, it dates back to 1843. A magical attraction that’s worth a visit when you’re in Copenhagen, it has something for all ages.
National Museum of Denmark
Denmark's main cultural history museum, the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, contains a variety of exhibits, from Danish artefacts to international exhibits. Located near Strget in Copenhagen's downtown, it's the perfect day out for those wanting to learn more about Denmark's captivating past.
Oslo
DAY 12
As Norway's capital city, there's no doubt that Oslo is a hub of stylish architecture, Scandinavian culture and quirky art scenes, as well as plenty of traditional Norwegian cuisine. The renowned Opera House and Holmenkollen Ski Museum are just two examples of the fascinating and eye-catching attractions you'll find in this cosmopolitan city, while outdoor adventurers will love exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Things to do in Oslo:
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is an amazing place to learn about Oslo's past. Under king Hkon V, construction on Akershus Castle and Fortress began in 1299. The 1300s saw the completion of the mediaeval fortress, which was strategically situated at the tip of the headland and resisted several sieges throughout the centuries.
The Vigeland Park
A bus ride away from the cruise port, Vigeland Park is an incredible sculpture park and museum that displays an array of exhibitions and pieces, including from the park’s namesake, Gustav Vigeland. A beautiful, tranquil park it spans an impressive 80 acres.
Oslo Opera House
Situated within easy reach of the cruise port, in the centre of Oslo, the Oslo Opera House is the permanent home of the Norwegian Ballet and National Opera. Unique in design, it’s located within the popular Bjorvika neighbourhood. You can even climb the opera house, which grants incredible views of the Oslofjord from the top.
Portsmouth
DAY 15
As one of the oldest seaside cities in the British Isles, Portsmouth plays host to some of the best maritime attractions you'll ever experience. It is also home to the naval base, making it a must-visit for military history enthusiasts who will love the naval museum ships and fortresses, as well as a stroll around the dockyard. You can also witness the Mary Rose at her museum, as well as the HMS Victory, and for the best views of Portsmouth, visit the Spinnaker Tower.
Things to do in Portsmouth:
Spinnaker Tower
standing at 170 metres tall, this prominent landmark is the ideal place to take in picturesque views of Portsmouth. Situated in Portsmouth Harbour, you'll see it as you set sail on your cruising adventure.
HMS Victory
Built in 1758, HMS Victory has over 246 years of service. An iconic attraction in Portsmouth, it has an incredible 104 guns and is a prominent attraction within easy reach of Porstmouth Harbour.
Mary Rose
A historical museum situated in the Historic Dockyards, you'll be able to explore this fascinating exhibit learning all about the iconic Mary Rose ship.