Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruising
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ISSUED MAY 2015 SWAN HELLENIC DISCOVERY CRUISING November 2015 – November 2016 Exceptional inclusive value Cruise fares include all meals, gratuities, Guest Speaker programme and shore excursions For those with a mind to travel Solovetsky Islands, White Sea, Russia I am delighted to welcome you to Swan Hellenic’s latest brochure, which is filled with an array of wonderful itineraries and exciting new ports of call. I hope you will be inspired to discover some of these spectacular destinations with us. Regular Swan Hellenic passengers will be familiar with our unique style of discovery cruising, Welcome which includes visits to smaller, off-the-beaten-track ports. On each cruise we also include a superb selection of shore excursions, helping you to reach the very heart of each destination. timulating, informative, relaxing, sociable – these are just some of the words our During winter 2015/16, Minerva will visit stunning Caribbean islands and the spectacular West passengers have used to describe the Swan Hellenic experience. S Coast of South America.Passengers will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating 15th Century Inca site of Machu A cruise aboard Minerva is like nothing else, with meticulous attention to the finest details and with a quality and charm that is simply unique. Picchu before or after their cruise and, for the very first time, they can extend their holiday with a cruise around the incredible Galapagos Islands, a fabulous way to marvel at the remarkable flora and fauna of this remote archipelago. In summer 2016 Minerva will explore the White Sea for the very first time, visiting the beautiful Solovetsky Islands. Later in the year she’ll again head south to take in the stunning scenery, intriguing history and cultural gems across the Mediterranean. Cruising closer to home, she will embark on a voyage combining ocean cruising with journeys along the Loire, Seine and Garonne Rivers. You can also discover the numerous treasures of our own British Isles, with a chance to experience Royal Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo and the opportunity to sail up the Thames to Greenwich, from where you can visit the famous Chelsea Flower Show. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll experience a warm welcome and truly impeccable service. A relatively small ship, Minerva has a unique charm and elegance akin to that of a country house hotel, with highlights including a well- stocked library, spacious lounges and a choice of excellent restaurants and bars. Every Swan Hellenic cruise will be accompanied by a panel of distinguished Guest Speakers. Through a series of fascinating talks, they will share with you their unrivalled expertise and knowledge and bring to life, with passion and enthusiasm, the facts and stories that define each of our destinations. At Swan Hellenic, we take care of every detail, so you can sit back and relax as you cruise to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. Each itinerary is meticulously planned and your cruise fare includes all meals, as well as a tempting programme of shore excursions and all gratuities both on board and ashore. I do hope you will choose to travel with Swan Hellenic in 2015/2016 and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you on board in the future. Kind regards Ian Smith Group CEO, Swan Hellenic Front cover image: Venice, Italy Call Swan Hellenic on 1800 OCEANS (623 267) or visit au.swanhellenic.com 3 “What a cornucopia of delights Swan Hellenic provided! From the ambience, the food, the outstanding lectures and the very excellent service to the new friends we made on board, it added up to a special holiday. Indeed I have bored people rigid singing the praises of Swan Hellenic.” CONTENTS Christina Hodson Introduction to Swan Hellenic........ 2-25 Cruise destinations: November 2015/April 2016......22-45 April 2016 / November 2016 ....46-79 Grand Voyages .............56-57 & 80-87 Guest Speakers’ biographies .........88-95 Suites and cabins ......................96-97 General information................. 98-101 Booking conditions ................102-104 Deck plans ............................... 105 Fares .................................106-109 “Each port visited was a delight and all the excursions were well-planned and executed.” Cruise calendar .....................110-111 Exceptional, inclusive value Ronald Edmonds Relax in comfortable and elegant Enjoy the congenial company of Delicious meals complemented by We’ll help you make the most Reach the smaller ports that larger So much included in your cruise fare surroundings aboard Minerva your distinguished Guest Speakers relaxed open-seated dining of your time ashore so you can ships can only pass by Enjoy exceptional value for money with so With the ambience of a country house Your expert Guest Speakers are great Dining on board Minerva is a relaxing discover more Minerva continues to lead the way to much included, from the porterage of your hotel, Minerva will take you around the characters whose expertise of both the experience with our open-seated dining. Enjoy an included tailor-made shore new and exciting destinations around the luggage to port taxes, all meals on board world in style. Guests make this charming iconic sights and lesser-known gems make Our attentive yet unobtrusive staff will excursion programme – worth up to globe. Her small-but-perfectly-formed and an excellent Guest Speaker programme. ship, with its spacious lounges, welcoming our cruise experience so enriching. Their ensure service is at the perfect pace. $1,350 per person – which features size enables her to head straight into the Gratuities are also included, which means bars and well-appointed cabins, a home passion and enthusiasm for their chosen From leisurely breakfasts to delicious something for everyone. You will visit heart of a destination, and she regularly no further tipping of waiters, stewardesses, from home, enjoying a warm welcome and subject – from archaeology, art history lunches and sumptuous dinners, cities of music, culture and art, sites of calls at smaller, off-the-beaten-track ports hairdressers, porters, drivers and guides is professional service from our friendly staff. and classics to geology, horticulture and exceptional cuisine from our highly skilled ancient civilisations, remote villages, that are inaccessible to mega liners. As expected or required. Passengers booking Engaging onboard activities wildlife – really comes through during chefs is always on the menu. Imaginative iconic coastlines and inspirational a result, we are able to create a unique selected cabins (category A-C) will also their lively talks. landscapes. Our well-travelled team have range of itineraries that are meticulously receive complimentary chauffeur service* Browse the extensive library, take a dishes showcase their creativity and expert researched every port of call in detail and planned and reach the heart of numerous within 75 miles of Portsmouth or your refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy the fresh Professors, doctors and former high- palate as you enjoy beautifully presented have carefully selected excursions to make unusual destinations. arriving/departing UK airport (London and air on deck or relax in a quiet corner. ranking military personnel, these leaders meals in your choice of two restaurants. the most of your time ashore. Manchester only). Perhaps learn a new skill such as bridge, in their field are as approachable as they Captain’s gala nights are knowledgeable and happy to chat painting or yoga in one of our workshops. We also include two gala nights per over dinner and accompany you on When the sun goes down, enjoy our varied 15-day cruise, including complimentary selected shore excursions. ALL THIS IS INCLUDED Porterage of luggage programme of evening entertainment, cocktail parties, where you can enjoy the from classical concerts and sparkling company of the captain and ship’s officers. Shore excursions up to the value of $1,350 All port taxes revues to light-hearted quizzes and film screenings. All meals with open-seated dining *Complimentary chauffeur service for cruises arriving and/or departing the UK (Categories A-C only) Engaging talks by expert Guest Speakers Selection of onboard activities and entertainment All gratuities 4 Call Swan Hellenic on 1800 OCEANS (623 267) or visit au.swanhellenic.com 5 “There is no one memory from this wonderful cruise... where do I begin... the flat calm sea and perfect blue sky throughout, the people we met, the enthralling shore trips, the fascinating lecturers, the entertainment.” The Swan Hellenic distinction Pat Wood uests have been enchanted by Swan Hellenic’s unique, Gmulti-award-winning cruise experience for 60 years – indeed, 95%* of our passengers intend to travel with us again. Boasting all the refinements of an intimate country house hotel, Minerva will take you in style and comfort as she leads the way to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Joining you on your voyage will be a maximum of 350 like- minded passengers who share your thirst for knowledge, along with carefully selected, renowned Guest Speakers. Engaging and approachable, informed and passionate, they will deliver lively talks that bring to life the fascinating history and remarkable stories that lie at the heart of each destination. Setting us even further apart is our handpicked shore excursion programme – worth up to $1,350 and included in your fare. As you discover the world’s most iconic sites along with an array of lesser-known gems, these carefully designed excursions will ensure you experience the true essence of each port of call. When you return home, you will be as fulfilled and rewarded as you are relaxed. LOYALTY DISCOUNT Minerva’s accommodations are elegant and understated with For all returning passengers, a spacious lounges and comfortable bars. Friendly staff cater to 5% loyalty discount will apply to your every need and ensure your cruise meets or surpasses every Standard Fares on future bookings expectation.