Swan Hellenic Cruises
Swan Hellenic has been perfecting the art of small ship discovery cruising for more than 60 years. Gain a new perspective of the world with expert Guest Speakers and port-intensive itineraries that never repeat themselves aboard the charming Minerva - all at an inclusive value that is unmatched.
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The Swan Hellenic Distinction
For more than 60 years Swan Hellenic, a small ship British cruise line, has been perfecting the art of discovery cruising. Travel in comfort and country-house style as you visit the world's most iconic cities and lesser-visited gems on inspiring itineraries with a panel of eminent Guest Speakers sharing their enthusiasm and expertise along the way.
Travel in the company of 350 like-minded fellow passengers who share your thirst for knowledge and an appreciation of the finest standards of service. From the fascinating Far East to the stunning Caribbean islands, escape the crowds and discover the remarkable history and culture of civilizations, both modern and ancient, aboard Swan Hellenic's charming flagship Minerva.
Whatever corner of the globe you desire to explore, with 60 years of experience planning discovery cruises and distinguished Guest Speaker programs, you can be assured of well-planned and carefully-delivered itineraries that will be both enriching and memorable on a Swan Hellenic cruise.
The Swan Hellenic Distinction also includes an exceptional, inclusive value. Each Swan Hellenic cruise offers unrivalled value for your money with so much included in your standard cruise fare:
- Economy flights* (where applicable) and transfers to and from Minerva are included, starting from the May 11, 2015 cruise
- Tailor-made program of INCLUDED Shore Excursions valued at over $1,500 per person
- A stimulating program of award-winning Guest Speakers who give fascinating insights into the essence of each destination
- All gratuities onboard and ashore
- All meals, with open seating at dinner so that you may dine in the restaurant of your choice, at the time you want and in the company of your friends
- Wines at dinner during the Captain's Welcome and Captain's Farewell dinner
- Team of friendly, dedicated staff to look after your every need and ensure your cruise meets or surpasses every expectation.
*Air arrangements, including routings and selection of air carrier, are at Swan Hellenic?s sole discretion and are based on flight availability and agreements among various airlines and Swan Hellenic. Air & Transfers from JFK or MIA (depending on the cruise) are included on select sailings starting from May 11, 2015. Low cost roundtrip air is available for purchase from many other gateways starting from $129 per person. Call for details.
Swan Hellenic has a long-lasting reputation of meticulously planned cruises and shore excursion programs that are delivered to the highest possible standards. When you return home, you will be as fulfilled and rewarded as you are relaxed; 93% of passengers intend to cruise with Swan Hellenic again.
Relax, discover and make your memories.
Swan Hellenic Cruise Destinations
As their name suggests, Swan Hellenic origins are tied to the Mediterranean where they pioneered discovery cruising in Greek waters. Today, the Minerva charts its course to fascinating destinations around the world on itineraries that never repeat themselves, ranging from the North Cape of Norway to the West Coast of South America.
New exciting itineraries aboard the Minerva include the stunning islands of the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Central and South America. Or, choose from a selection of cruises to Japan, the Orient, India, the Baltic, France the Azores, the French and Italian Rivieras, the Black Sea, Adriatic, Aegean, and the Mediterranean.
Distinguished Guest Speakers and Swan Hellenic?s tailor-made Shore Excursion program uncover the history, culture and architecture of civilizations ancient and modern, bringing each destination wondrously to life.
Swan Hellenic Cruise Ships
A cruise aboard Minerva, the only vessel in Swan Hellenic's fleet, is like nothing else, with a quality and charm that is simply unique. Minerva, with her elegant British country elegance style, is a newly upgraded small ship with big personality that features elegant and understated accommodations, as well as spacious lounges and comfortable bars.
From the friendly staff to the fresh flowers, welcoming staterooms to the warm wood furnishings, the Minerva quickly becomes your home away from home. Whether you want to keep busy or simply to relax, there is an area to match every mood and moment of the day: a relaxed lounge with entertainment, well-stocked library, restaurants, gym and salon, canopied pool area, Wheeler and Shackleton Bar, and more.
Swan Hellenic's Minerva - Accommodations
Swan Hellenic's Minerva offers a variety of accommodations to suit any taste or budget including 44 suites with private balconies, deluxe and superior outside cabins with picture windows, and comfortable inside cabins. Each cabin aboard the Minerva features ample storage space and carefully chosen fabrics, as well as en suite shower facilities, TV and radio, vanity table/writing desk and chair, telephone, hair dryer, binoculars, safe and one bottle of complimentary water.
Balcony, Superior Balcony and Owner?s Suites feature upgraded amenities, expansive teak deck balconies with floor-to-ceiling patio doors, separate seating area with sofa, table, flat screen TV and refrigerator. All Balcony suites on the starboard side have an en suite shower, while all those on the port side have en suites with baths.
A number of single occupancy cabins are available on Swan Hellenic?s Minerva with a special single occupancy rate. These are very popular are we strongly recommended you book early.
Dining on a Swan Hellenic Cruise
Swan Hellenic prides itself on featuring gourmet dishes that are reflective of the cultural heritage and destinations to which the Minerva travels, prepared only with the freshest, locally source ingredients. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner arranged on an open sitting basis in a choice of two restaurants, the Swan Restaurant or Veranda Restaurant.
At lunchtime choose from a delicious a la carte menu in the Swan Restaurant, a lighter buffet back in the Veranda Restaurant or an al fresco barbecue around the pool. As a British cruise line, Swan Hellenic follows the fine tradition of afternoon tea served in the intimate Swan Restaurant, with a complimentary selection of cakes, sandwiches and biscuits.
Open from early until late, there are no sittings or seating plans in the elegant Swan Restaurant. Dinner is served with white tablecloths, sparkling glasses and polished cutlery. A varied and beautifully presented menu of international dishes tempts you, as does the carefully selected wine list. Efficient but never obtrusive restaurant staff, under the expert guidance of the Maitre d', ensure that dinner is served at the perfect pace. The Veranda Restaurant offers buffet dining with the same dinner entrees as those served in the main dining room.
In the evening, the dress code varies according to your chosen restaurant. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie for dinner in the Swan Restaurant. On formal nights (approximately two in a 15 day cruise), gentlemen are invited to wear black tie or dark suits. The Veranda is more relaxed, observing a smart casual dress code; dresses or blouses with skirts or trousers for women and, for gentlemen, long trousers and shirts with collars.
A vegetarian choice is available onboard Minerva. For any special dietary restrictions, Swan Hellenic must be advised at the time of booking. Swan Hellenic will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your dietary requests but cannot guarantee that such requests can be met. Please contact your Cruise Specialist for more details.
Swan Hellenic Cruises for Kids & Teens
There are no recreational facilities for children aboard Swan Hellenic's Minerva and reservations for children are not advised.
Onboard & Onshore Activities - What to Do on a Swan Hellenic Cruise
From traditional performances of local musicians and craftsmen to fascinating natural history presentations there is something for everyone on Swan Hellenic cruise vacation.
During the day, your cruise will be enriched by presentations and conversations with award-winning Guest Speakers you can enjoy in the Darwin Lounge. Visit the extensive library and browse books on each destination of your itinerary, or play a game of Bridge. Attend a watercolor or yoga class. Take a stroll on the Promenade Deck, a traditional wrap-around teak deck so reminiscent of the golden age of cruising. Escape the heat of the midday sun and take a dip in the pool then enjoy your BBQ lunch al fresco on the canopied Pool Deck.
In the evenings, you will have your choice of a variety of sophisticated entertainment including classical concerts, after-dinner talks, film screenings and more. Gather with new friends for a pre- or post- dinner drink at Shackleton Bar accompanied by a cocktail pianist, dance the night away to the band under the stars on the Pool deck or enjoy late-night jazz music in the Orpheus Lounge.
- Guest Speakers: The highlight of a Swan Hellenic cruise, each passionate Guest Speaker is a respected historian, classicist, archaeologist, volcanologist, geologist, military historian, botanist, art historian, theologian, ambassador, writer or broadcaster ? to name but a few. Three or four Guest Speakers accompany each Swan Hellenic cruise.
- Workshops: Leisurely days at sea provide the time and space to learn something new, or to develop existing skills. Selected cruises feature one of a range of workshops, each led by specially invited tutors. You might choose to develop your Bridge skills, attend a watercolor class, join a singing workshop, hone your writing skills, explore Tai Chi or relax in a yoga class.
- Entertainers: Swan's varied evening entertainment includes classical concerts, operatic and theatrical performances, light-hearted quizzes and films, rather than grand stage shows and casinos.
- Spacious Lounges for lectures and early evening entertainment include Orpheus Lounge, Livingstone Lounge and Darwin Lounge
- Shackleton and Wheeler Bars
- Cinema
- Library, Card Room and Internet Lounge
- Boutique and Gift Shop
- Swimming Pool, Fitness Center and Beauty Salon
To enhance your experience ashore, Swan Hellenic features a tailor-made Shore Excursion program included in your cruise fare. Each excursion is researched in detail by a knowledgeable, well-traveled team, who aim to make the most of half-day, full-day, evening or overnight stays in port. Active hikes, historical sites, local communities and the natural world are all featured in Swan Hellenic's Shore Excursion Program. When ashore on excursions, all gratuities for guides and drivers plus any entrance fees are included in your cruise fare.
Swan Hellenic Past Guests
As a way of saying thank you, all returning passengers of Swan Hellenic enjoy a loyalty discount on future cruises. Please contact your Cruise Specialist for more details.
