Something new to most (American) gay cruise fans: Swan Hellenic Cruises
Most of us are familiar with the major cruise brands owned by Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean, and NCL, but there are many smaller brands that haven’t been gobbled up by the biggies…yet. British cruise company Swan Hellenic is one of them, and Ship Expert Tom Baker says a sailing on their Minerva is a great experience. – Ed.
Swan Hellenic Minerva
A cruise aboard Swan Hellenic’s 320 passenger Minerva is a unique experience, perfect for the gay who has been everywhere! The Minerva’s interior is designed to reflect a British Manor House, and she offers port-intensive itineraries that are planned and meticulously executed (discovery) cruising.
With more than 50 years’ experience this British company has perfected the art of small ship discovery to perfection. This is a British product designed for well-traveled clientele looking for rewarding port itineraries, intimacy, a cerebral learning experience while touring, and the atmosphere of a private Country Club.
A Swan Hellenic cruise also represents excellent value for money in today’s many choices of cruise offerings, with so much included in your fare:
- Itinerary to fascinating ports of call that includes evenings in port and overnight stays
- An exciting array of shore excursions hosted be renowned historians and expert lectures on the ports-of-call
- A stimulating Guest Speaker series
- A Swan Hellenic on-board crew that is trained to take care of every detail for the most discriminating traveler.
- All onboard gratuities, soft drinks, bottled water, and wine with diner are also included on board.
While most of the Minerva’s passengers are British, North Americans will feel at home in this elegant—but not stuffy—British Manor House. The staterooms are quite a bit smaller than most contemporary ships but that is overlooked by guests who are enamored with the brilliant onboard experience. This ship has a 95% perfection rating among its valued travelers. That is amazing!!! The ship was recently refreshed and updated to maintain the ultimate in guest comforts and luxury. Dining onboard is open seating and offers gourmet international fare (not British cooking), even though Minerva’s heritage is decidedly British…
Minerva is a small ship, offering a truly unique cruising experience:
- Travel in country house-style comfort with around 320 like-minded passengers
Discover the history and culture of civilizations ancient and modern
Enjoy a tailor-made program of inclusive escorted shore excursions worth up to $900
Travel with eminent Guest Speakers, who bring you closer to each destination
Dine in the restaurant of your choice in the company of your friends
Exceptional value for money, including all tips on board and ashore
Travel with an experienced British company established in 1954
Swan Hellenic offers a very special cruise experience in today’s huge cruise offering. It has exceptional value for example you can travel to the Mediterranean in 2011 on Minerva, a small luxury ship including your gratuities, many beverages, and all excursions for under $200 per person a day-Now that’s value!!!
Happy Cruising
