REBIRTH OF SWAN HELLENIC'S MINERVA

We are really excited to be partnering with All Discovery Cruising that has Swan Hellenic, Hebridean Cruises and Voyages of Discovery. You may have seen our ads in the Globe and Mail for some really exciting offers on Swan Hellenic. Their ship, the mv Minerva is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment.

Imaginative design will transform the public areas on board providing increased passenger space for our 350 passengers. A new wrap-around Orpheus Lounge and Bar will be created at the forward end of the top deck providing expansive panoramic views. Shackleton’s Bar will be extended into a horseshoe shape allowing passengers additional space in which to relax and enjoy the intimate on board ambience prior to dining in the newly named signature Swan Restaurant, named after our founders W F and R K Swan.

A new walk round teak Promenade Deck, which preserves the classic days of cruising,will be laid at the top of the ship. This, with the Orpheus Lounge and Bar, will offer the perfect vantage points, both inside and out, for those memorable arrivals and departures, early morning walks and pre and post dinner cocktails.
A reconfiguration of the public areas on Bridge Deck will see the former cinema upgraded to an additional lounge, to be known as the Livingstone Lounge. The internet area, currently located in the Library, will move to the port side of the ship and be renamed the Internet Lounge. This larger facility will meet our passengers’ expectations, allowing them to remain in close touch with family and friends.

The renowned and popular Swan Hellenic library, which boasts some 5,000 volumes, an integral part of the Swan Hellenic heritage, will remain unchanged. A new Salon Centre and Gymnasium will be created at the aft end of Aegean Deck.
The aft end of the new Sun Deck will be extended with teak decking to create anadditional, sheltered outside space for relaxation, while the teak deck surrounding the pool area on Bridge Deck will now benefit from a canopy arrangement to provide protection from the sun. This will create an enhanced space for dining alfresco and also create a late evening entertainment venue.

Equally important and included in this multi-million upgrade – but not as visible to passengers – will be a systematic and thorough renewal and upgrading of the ship’s technical capability, improving Minerva’s efficiency, comfort and environmental performance. A new propulsion unit will improve efficiency and increased thruster power will improve maneuverability – particularly in smaller, remote ports.
Other improvements to the ship’s infrastructure include a new waste management system to provide increased environmental and personal hygiene facilities on board, an upgraded air conditioning system, new internal pipework and new facilities for the ship’s laundry.

Minerva’s tenders will also be replaced, providing a significantly improved tender serviceat anchorage ports. The popular ship’s zodiacs will remain on board, providing additional opportunities for exploration in shallow waters.
MORE BALCONY CABIN SUITES THAN EVER BEFORE - This significant redesign and upgrade will create 32 new balcony cabins, bringing the total number of balcony cabins up to 44; this represents 23% of passenger accommodation.

The current 12 Deluxe cabins will be extended, and teak balconies created, by building out over the Sun Deck; these cabins, with an overall size of 31 square metres, will be known as Deluxe Balcony Suites.

The 20 Superior cabins will also be extended out over the Sun Deck and have teak balconies created; these cabins, which will also measure 31 square metres, will be known as Balcony Suites.

On Bridge Deck our premier cabins, the two Owners’ Suites, will be enhanced with new en suite facilities, as will the Suites; the latter will now be known as Superior Balcony Suites. The 22 port side suites will be fitted with new en suite bathrooms while the 22 suites on the starboard side of the ship will be refitted with en suite shower rooms.

The cabins on Aegean and Baltic deck will all be upgraded, with new en suite shower rooms and soft furnishings.

The Minerva will virtually be a "new ship" and to celebrate her re-birth Swan Hellenic have a current promotion that any reservation made and deposited before December 31/11 will receive a US$300.00 per cabin shipboard credit. Since the cruise price includes all your shore excursions and shipboard gratuities this complimentary shipboard credit can be used towards any of your on board expenses. Take a look at this video for more insight into the atmosphere of a Swan Hellenic cruise.