Swan Hellenic invited us to visit their cruise ship Minerva which cruises from Portsmouth Continental ferryport so Gill and Sue decided to take the morning looking round. Minerva is a small ship with just 190 cabins and appeals to those wanting a smaller, quieter ship but with still enough to do and low key entertainment. They are well known as being the educational ships with several lecturers on board to educate you about the places you are visiting. The staff and very friendly and get to know you personally as there are fewer passengers. Bar prices are very reasonable and no higher than typical bar prices. Typical prices were £4.50 for a glass of wine, £15 for a bottle, Pimms or cocktails from £3.50 which we thought were very reasonable. They have undergone a refit in the last year and we were pleasantly surprised by the standard of this ship. The following are a selection of photos to give an idea of what to expect.
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| Check in area in Portsmouth |
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| Reception on board |
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| Dining room |
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| Well stocked library |
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| Balcony to superior cabin |
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| Owners suite with champagne supplied and replenished |
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| Balcony suite |
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| Deluxe balcony |
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| Observation lounge |
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| Bar in observation lounge |
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| Sunbathing area away from pool |
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| Outside dining area for lunch or evening meal |
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| Only pool is in dining area |
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| Bar and relaxing lounge area |
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| Less formal dining area |
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| Piano bar and loungs |
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| Lecture area and entertainment area |
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| Inside cabin |
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| Outside cabin |
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| Outside cabin with 2 portholes |
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| Shower room |
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| Small but well equipped gym |
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| Main restaurant where we had a very enjoyable and tasty lunch |
