Vessel Profile
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| Length | 133 metres |
|---|---|
| Beam | 20 metres |
| Draft | 5.75 metres |
| Passengers | 350 |
| Cabins/Staterooms | 206 |
Minerva
Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)
Operated by Swan Hellenic
No matter which corner of the globe you choose to discover, after exploring ashore, you will always appreciate Minerva’s stately comforts: a relaxed lounge with entertainment, well-stocked library, restaurants, gym, Wheeler bar and Shackleton's bar. An elegant environment in which polished wood and gleaming brass are complemented by works of art and fresh flowers. With over 50 years experience in discovery cruising, Swan Hellenic knows all the ingredients for the perfect cruise. From the on board environment to inspiring itineraries, and from our knowledgeable reservations team to our European ship's officers and attentive crew, we are committed to providing you with the ultimate discovery cruise experience.
Top▲Vessel History
- Registered in Bahamas
- Previously named R8
- Built in 1996 at Entered Service on April 29, 1996
- Refurbished in 2003
Top▲Vessel Specifications and Information
| Number of Staff and Crew | 160 |
|---|---|
| Tonnage (GRT) | 12,500 |
| Passenger Capacity | 350 |
| Number of Bars and Lounges | 2 bars and 1 lounge |
| Number of Restaurants | 2 |
| Nationality of Staff and Crew | Mainly Filipino and Ukrainian |
| Number of Passenger Decks | 6 |
| Number of Cabins / Staterooms | 206 |
| Nationality of Officers | British and European |
| Special Diets | We can usually make provisions for special diets provided that sufficient notice is given. A vegetarian choice is available onboard ship and vegetarian mealsare also available on flights. |
| Nationality of cruise Staff | Filipino and Ukrainian |
| Meal Seatings | Open from early until late, there are no sittings or seating plans on board |
| Dress Code On-board/at Dinner | Casual |
| Currency(ies) On-board | On board MINERVA all prices are in Sterling, except for cruises visiting Antarctica when prices are in US Dollars. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards, cash and Travellers' Cheques are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts. We also accept UK debit cards bearing the Visa or Mastercard logos. |
Top▲Cabins / Staterooms
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Inside Stateroom
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Baltic, Atlantic, Promenade Deck
Outside Stateroom
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Baltic, Atlantic and Promenade Deck
Suite
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Bridge Deck
Top▲Onboard Facilities and Services
| Dining Rooms / Restaurants | 2 |
|---|---|
| Show Lounge / Theater | |
| Lounges / Bars | Wheeler bar and Shackleton's bar & Darwin Lounge |
| Movie Theater / Cinema | |
| Library / Reading Room | Well-stocked library |
| Gift & Souvenir Shop | Boutique and Gift Shop |
| Swimming Pool - Outdoor | |
| Spa Facilities | Sauna and Spa Services |
| Drycleaning / Laundry Service | |
| Hair and Beauty Salon | Beauty Salon |
| Doctor / Surgery / Infirmary | Medical Center |
| Internet Access / Internet Cafe | E-mail Facilities |
| Fitness Center / Exercise Room | Gymnasium, Sauna |
| Wheelchair Accessible | |
| Credit Cards Accepted | Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards, cash and Travellers' Cheques are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts. We also accept UK debit cards bearing the Visa or Mastercard logos. |
| Purser's Desk |
Top▲List of Cruises for This Vessel
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Norwegian DiscoveryDover, England to Dover, England | June to June | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicFew landscapes can compare with Norway’s dramatic shores. Dotted with clapboard houses and bustling boardwalks, Minerva reaches north, beyond the Arctic Circle where the sun barely sets over longboat carvings in Alta or Amundsen memories in Tromsø. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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England, Ireland & FranceDover, England to Dover, England | July to July | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicDartmouth and Cobh are rich in seafaring links. Journey with Minerva from the rugged west coast of Ireland to the gentle Scilly Isles. Two Irish capitals as well as the Normandy beaches round off this eclectic Gaelic and Gallic tour. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Cities and RivieraDover, England to Civitavecchia | August to August | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicYour journey to the Mediterranean takes in the Manueline styles of Lisbon, the atmosphere of the Moorish Alhambra and its fragrant gardens, Gaudí’s visionary spires, Roman theatres, Riviera terraces in France and Renaissance sights of Italy. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Journey to the land of the TsarsDover, England to Dover, England | July to July | 15 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicItineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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The North CapeDover, England to Dover, England | July to July | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicOut on an Arctic limb, Honningsvåg and its stark surroundings provide the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Midnight Sun. The journey there and back features scenery that’s every bit as breathtaking. Locals open their doors to us around the Lofoten Islands; picturesque houses stand on stilts by the… |
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Fjords, Faroes & IcelandDover, England to Dover, England | July to August | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicAfter a spell in Norway’s fjord country, Minerva will sail into Tórshavn. Ruined Fort Skansin still keeps watch over the Faroes’ first city, today a peaceful retreat where timber houses shelter under grassy roofs. The focus of your cruise centres around volcanic Iceland where natural phenomena range from geysers to… |
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Baltic ExplorationDover, England to Dover, England | August to August | 15 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicCastles and palaces in Zealand and brave new world architecture in Finland will leave their mark. Two nights in St Petersburg give plenty of time to browse Hermitage exhibits. Medieval walls ring Tallinn and Visby, while Berlin adds another dimension from the Baltic coast. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Grand Mediterranean 2009Dover, England to Piraeus | August to August | 28 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicExplore Moorish and Catalan facets of Spain, gems like fashionable Portofino, Michelangelos in Renaissance Florence and Pisa. Taormina’s theatrical Sicilian setting then leads us on to Ravenna, Venice, and the best of the Dalmatian Coast. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Grand Adriatic, Aegean & Black Sea 2009Civitavecchia to Istanbul | September to September | 28 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicCity streets and cobbled squares, canals and ancient monasteries atop giant granite outcrops. These will charm and amaze you, as will Renaissance art, Doric temples and landmarks where the great campaigns were waged. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Ancient WondersAqaba to Piraeus | April to April | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicLovers of antiquity will delight in this absorbing journey either side of Suez. From rose-pink, rock-hewn Petra with its façades that emerge from the cliffs to the bustling heart of Cairo and its Pyramids on the city’s fringes, expert guides and entertaining onboard guest speakers will shed new light on these ancient… |
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Eastern Mediterranean & Black SeaPiraeus to Istanbul | May to May | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicBetween Acropolis legacies and Ottoman empires, Minerva brings together Minoan treasures, ancient temples dedicated to Dionysus in Delos and the pilgrim island of Tinos. With the haunting battlefields of the Crimea and Gallipoli, she adds the grandeur of Odessa. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Grecian OdysseyIstanbul to Livorno | May to May | 15 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicThe Library of Celsus in Ephesus, the Lion Gate at Mycenae or the stadium where the Olympic flame is still lit provide memorable landmarks around the Aegean. Through the Corinth Canal, Italian islands await and the chance to visit Pompeii and Florence. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Grand OdysseyDover, England to Istanbul | August to August | 42 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicWith well-known venues around Portugal, Spain and the French Riviera, great cities like Venice and Istanbul, we also add the unusual. Albania and the Ukraine will surprise you with their share of historical and cultural treasures. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Grand Voyage Of Antiquity - 2009Istanbul to Funchal (Madeira) | October to November | 29 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicCovered bazaars and minarets in Istanbul, medieval walls around Old Rhodes, Egyptian dynasties, and a host of unspoilt finds for too long buried beneath African sands lead out to the delights of flower-filled Madeira. |
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Classic AntarcticaUshuaia to Ushuaia | December to January | 15 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicOur plans in the South Shetland Islands include a call at Elephant Island. Our guides will describe vividly what life was like for the members of Shackleton’s Endurance expedition who survived here for over four months before being rescued. As we approach the White Continent, train your binoculars on colonies of… |
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Antarctica, South Georgia & FalklandsUshuaia to Ushuaia | December to February | 21 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicA packed programme of sights line up on this cruise, none more moving than our visit to Grytviken. Empty sheds and the stricken hulks of sealers remind us of bygone industries, while the pristine white picket fences that surround the clapperboard Whaler’s Church also harbours Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting… |
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Grand ExplorerUshuaia to Aqaba | March to March | 56 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicCombine the tranquillity of Antarctica with an African adventure. Like the shores explored by Shackleton, you’ll find many places unchanged by time. Stone Town in exotic Zanzibar is one, while others proudly bear testament to colonists that have come and gone. Note: If landings at Tristan da Cunha and/or Nightingale… |
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Grand VoyagerCape Town to Piraeus | March to March | 49 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicNature makes a lasting impression on this cruise. There’s the view across the veldt in KwaZulu Natal or the scent of fragrant ylang-ylang in the Comoros. Lakes hidden by aquatic birds, safaris that step through the bush, coral reefs home to green sea turtles. To these we’ll add the finest sites of antiquity in… |
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Grand Adventurer - 2009Cape Town to Aqaba | March to April | 35 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicTsavo National Park, the Valley of the Kings and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom count among the mainland highlights. Take to the savannah, or stay and explore flourishing resorts by the coast. Offshore, islands in the Indian Ocean and ports around the Horn of Africa line up, historic trading posts our on-board speakers and… |
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Journey from the MediterraneanLivorno to Dover, England | June to June | 15 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicStories of Napoleon in Elba and Nelson off Trafalgar will be brought to life by our guest lecturers. Bound for Andalusia, a river transit along the Guadalquivir leads to Seville and the Moorish Alcázar. The delights of Porto lead home by way of Alderney. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Adriatic VoyageCivitavecchia to Piraeus | September to September | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicMosaics hint at Ravenna’s past and the treasures of Venice beckon. Red-roofed towns of Sibenik and Dubrovnik nestle on the Dalmation Coast. A visit to Albania uncovers Butrint – marked with the Roman Empire’s stamp before a grand finale through the Corinth Canal. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Black Sea OdysseyPiraeus to Istanbul | September to September | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicStep ashore and discover classic sites in Nauplia. Admire the villages that cling to the heights of Skyros and the spectacular monasteries that tower above Meteora. Great War echoes in the Dardanelles lead to the memories of historic encounters in Sevastopol and Yalta. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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In the footsteps of Alexander the GreatIstanbul to Alexandria (Egypt) | October to October | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicAncient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman strands fade under the sun right around the Eastern Mediterranean. Fortresses perch atop Kavala, streets lie ruined on the plains of Philippi where Mark Anthony did battle. Turquoise coast treasures lead on to Egypt. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Civilisations of North AfricaAlexandria (Egypt) to Funchal (Madeira) | October to October | 15 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicAncient Alexandria leads onto the spectacular finds in the ruins of Leptis Magna and Cyrene reminding us of civilizations past, while Moorish travels are traced through Tunis, Andalusia and Casablanca. We finish in the relaxed, flower-filled atmosphere of Madeira. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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South American JourneyFunchal (Madeira) to Buenos Aires | November to November | 21 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicEscape winter and enjoy ocean cruising in the classic style. Bound for Brazil, the baroque city of Olinda awaits. African heritage and rhythms infuse Salvador. Gaucho farms, white hot beaches and incomparable cities ring with the samba and the tango. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
Antarctica ExplorerBuenos Aires to Ushuaia | November to November | 22 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicTwo nights in the Argentine capital allow time to explore and warm to the tango. Visit the battlefields outside Port Stanley before icy waters lead to our landings on the Antarctic Peninsula. Guided by experts, your landings ashore will reveal phenomena unique to the region. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
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Antarctica DiscoveryUshuaia to Ushuaia | December to January | 21 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicA packed programme of sights line up on this cruise, none more moving than our visit to South Georgia. Empty sheds and the stricken hulks of sealers remind us of bygone industries, while the pristine white picket fences that surround the clapboard Whaler’s Church also harbours Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting… |
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Grand Antarctica & AfricaUshuaia to Mombasa | March to March | 40 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicSail between snowcapped peaks and hidden Antarctic harbours to the warm waters that sweep the glorious beaches of the Indian Ocean. There are memorable sunsets from Table Mountain all the way round to Zululand. Excursions that will take you down a gold mine or across the swamplands of the Maputo Elephant Reserve.… |
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Cape To Cape - 2009Buenos Aires to Cape Town | March to March | 23 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicExtraordinary and unusual, this eclectic cruise sails from the waters of Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope. In between are the icy cliffs and wildlife of Antarctica and the remote refuge of Tristan da Cunha. Note: If landings at Tristan da Cunha and/or Nightingale Island are not possible, the Minerva will proceed… |
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Kenya, Seychelles & Red SeaMombasa to Aqaba | April to April | 18 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicDiscover a host of treasures in the Seychelles behind its palm-lined beaches. Bird sanctuaries, walks among towering granite rocks and Praslin’s colourful Valée de Mai are all part of the appeal. Surprises in store either side of the Red Sea include the mysteries of the Yemen, salt lakes and nomad camps around… |
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Grand Navigator - 2009Alexandria (Egypt) to Buenos Aires | October to November | 37 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicWhat other journey brings tales of Romans and Conquistadors together? You’ll explore the Medina in Sousse, call on Ancient Carthage, trace Creole travels over the Atlantic and thrill to the sight and sounds of glamorous Rio. |
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Africa & Indian Ocean - 2009Cape Town to Mombasa | March to April | 19 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicVibrant Cape Town, cherished wine labels on the Garden Route, settler trails, golden beaches, Zulu tales – you’ll encounter all these as Minerva sails around South Africa, bound for some of the continent’s finest game reserves plus the exotic island of Mozambique, Mayotte and Zanzibar. |
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Four Continents Grand VoyageUshuaia to Piraeus | March to March | 70 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicBetween near-deserted archipelagos in the Atlantic and teeming Kasbahs in North Africa, this voyage ranks as one of Minerva’s most exhilarating cruise combinations. Penguin rookeries in the Antarctic, desert sands around the Horn of Africa, cosmopolitan cities such as Buenos Aires and Cape Town and ruins only recently… |
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Classical CivilisationsAqaba to Istanbul | May to May | 14 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicLovers of antiquity will delight in this absorbing journey from the rose-red Nabatean city of Petra to the teeming streets of Istanbul. Your cruise through Suez to Alexandria includes a visit to the heart of Cairo and a call at the Pyramids on the city’s outskirts. Across the Mediterranean, the walls that ring Rhodes… |
Antarctica VoyagerUshuaia to Ushuaia | January to January | 21 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicFalkland conflict memories still echo 25 years on, the outline of beached squareriggers taking us back further still. Crossing the Scotia Sea to the tip of Antarctica, you’ll step ashore to a cacophony of wildlife that includes a million pairs of penguins, squawking petrels aloft and silent whales breaking through… |
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Antarctica AdventurerUshuaia to Ushuaia | February to February | 21 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicRemote South Georgia provides the backcloth for playful fur and elephant seals. Another of Shackleton’s conquests, you’ll hear about his trek across this inhospitable landscape. Elsewhere, the Austral sun shines over tabular glaciers casting shadows over our decks. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we hope to… |
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In the Wake of the DhowsMombasa to Aqaba | April to May | 20 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicWhite sands glow along Mombasa’s beaches. Linger under the palms on Mahé’s beautiful Beau Vallon Bay. Shop for black pearls and seek out Praslin’s giant coco de mer nut. As Minerva heads for the Red Sea, Yemeni highlights include mosques and souks in Mukalla, traditional fishing boats bringing home their catch… |
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Cape To Cape - 2010Buenos Aires to Cape Town | February to March | 25 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicExtraordinary and unusual, this eclectic cruise sails from the waters of Cape Horn to the Cape of Good Hope. In between are the icy cliffs and wildlife of Antarctica and the remote refuge of Tristan da Cunha. Also featured is Nightingale Island, rich in pirate tales and stories of hidden pieces-of-eight. Note: If… |
Africa, Madagascar & Indian OceanCape Town to Mombasa | March to April | 21 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicVibrant Cape Town, cherished wine labels on the Garden Route, settler trails, golden beaches, Zulu tales – you’ll encounter all these as Minerva sails around South Africa. As well as exploring the continent’s finest game reserves, you’ll also discover the rich and unique biodiversity of Madagascar. |
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Grand Explorer - 2010Cape Town to Istanbul | March to March | 53 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicA string of South African ports and resorts point the way to lovely islands in the Indian Ocean. Three stops in Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island and home to some five per cent of nature’s plant and animal species, promise an amazing prelude to stops in East Africa. The Seychelles and their powdery… |
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Grand Africa, Red Sea & Aegean - 2010Mombasa to Istanbul | April to May | 32 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicSafari trails, tales of Lawrence of Arabia, Egyptian deities and dynasties – all these are bound together on this journey from the Indian Ocean to the landmarks of the Old World’s greatest cities, be it Petra or Pergamum, Ephesus or Istanbul. |
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Grand African AdventurerCape Town to Aqaba | March to March | 39 NightsOn the Minerva (Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)) | Operated by Swan HellenicDiscover thousands of facets of the Dark Continent as you link the veldts of South Africa to Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, taking in Madagascar, Yemen and more. Itineraries and timings may be subject to change. |
View all 315 cruises available on vessel type Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)
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Diane Coffman
Wayne Hagadone
Catherine MacDonald
