FOllow minerva’s upgrade online THE SWAN HELLENIC Minerva’s multi-million pound upgrade is well underway and on schedule for completion on 29 February 2012. Follow the online blog charting the progress of her upgrade, view photographs of her time in dry dock and keep updated on any developments as we await her relaunch in March 2012. Visit www.swanhellenic.com/newminerva

FOR THOSE WITH A MIND TO TRAVEL journalISSUE 10 Travel in country house style with around 350 like-minded passengers Now featuring 23% suites with balconies and expansive new public areas Torre de Oro, Seville, Spain Discover the history and culture of civilisations ancient and modern The dawn of a new era for Enjoy a tailor-made programme of inclusive shore excursions Travel with eminent Guest Speakers, who bring you closer to each destination Swan Hellenic is almost Dine in the restaurant of your choice in the company of your friends upon us. Be assured of exceptional value for money, including all tips on board and ashore Travel with a British company, established in 1954 The newly upgraded Minerva, arriving 2 March 2012... SWAN’S DISCOVERY CRUISES 2012 & 2013 Swan Hellenic has been operating discovery cruises for more than 50 years, blending a mix of ‘must see’ sites with smaller, less-visited sites that larger ships pass by. From March 2012 to May 2013 the newly upgraded Minerva will be taking around 350 like-minded passengers to the Atlantic Islands, Mediterranean and Black Sea, Northern Europe and the UK, The Baltic, The Middle East, India and the Far East. Request or view a brochure at www.swanhellenic.com

SWAN’S RIVER CRUISES 2012 Swan Hellenic is delighted to bring you an exciting choice of award-winning European River Cruises in 2012. Our unique brand of discovery cruising, coupled with A-ROSA’s superior fleet of river cruisers, means you can enjoy discovering the heart of Europe with many of the ingredients that mark out Swan’s traditional ocean-going voyages. Rivers include the Danube, Rhône and, new for 2012, The Moselle & Rhine. Request or view a brochure at www.swansrivercruises.co.uk

Details of improvements are correct at time of going to print but subject to change. Fares shown are based on the lead-in fare for each cabin type and are per person, based on two people sharing. Fares apply to new bookings only, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time *Onboard credit offer applies to selected Minerva cruises only. For cruises departing 16 March and 29 March 2012, receive £200 onboard credit per booking on Balcony Suites (category D only). For cruises departing 19 July and 01 August 2012, receive £100 onboard credit per booking on outside cabins (categories H & I only) or £200 onboard credit per booking on Balcony Suites (category D only). Onboard credit offer applies to new bookings only, is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be combined with any other offer. **Excursion offer applies to bookings confirmed by 29 February 2012 forVintage Iberia & Italy and Postcard from the Mediterranean only and is strictly limited in availability. £200 value applies to Vintage Iberia and Italy additional three excursions stated. Booking terms and conditions apply. Guarantee fares – cabin number will be allocated approximately 3 weeks prior to departure. Travel insurance not included. All details provided, including Guest Speakers, entertainers, shore excursion information and details of improvements are correct at time of going to print but are subject to change. Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd ABTA W0302 ATOL 3897.

20 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com Minerva’s upgrade this winter introduces the next Following the September 2011 announcement chapter in the fine history of Swan Hellenic. The Minerva at anchor off Santorini of Minerva’s upgrade we have received an added comforts of the major work being undertaken increasing stream of correspondence from our will provide an even more comfortable environment loyal passengers who have followed with interest in which to enjoy your cruise with us. the progress of the work being undertaken in the At Swan Hellenic we have always been highly Lloyd Werft dry dock in Bremerhaven, Germany. regarded for the calibre of our Guest Speakers, Your comments and support have been greatly who continue to enthuse and inform on the appreciated, as demonstrated by a high number destinations visited on each cruise. As ever, each Guest Speaker is chosen of brochure requests, followed by confirmed for their specialist knowledge and for their skills in communicating that bookings for the year ahead through to May 2013. knowledge in an accessible and thought provoking way. Discussions are We have been kept informed on the progress on board by regular often continued over dinner which greatly contributes to the congenial photographic updates from the ship which show the installation atmosphere on board and is relished by Guest Speaker and passenger alike. of the new Orpheus Lounge, the creation of 32 new balconies to Minerva’s loyal ship’s company looks forward to the year ahead and of enlarge existing cabins and the creation of the new Promenade Deck. being of service to you. The fascinating thing is that all of this is being achieved through an innovative redesign of the available space on board – Minerva will be Sincerely yours more spacious, both internally and externally, with new and upgraded cabins and ensuite facilities, new lounges and open deck space, while still remaining the small, intimate, ship we all know so well. Work on the hotel aspects of the vessel is being performed alongside the technical improvements, which include the installation of a new propulsion system. The public rooms will benefit from additional Lord Sterling, Chairman furnishings, improved lighting, elegant carpets and fabrics, making a holiday on Minerva even more enjoyable. Many of you have expressed an interest in viewing the ship to see the enhancements made to public areas and cabin accommodation. Please see page 9 of this Journal for more information regarding ship visits this summer. When you visit Minerva we’re sure you will also contents be pleased to see many familiar faces among members of the ship’s company, many of whom have worked on board Minerva for several years and who are keen to return. 2-3 Latest news and views An update from Swan Hellenic. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of Captain John Moulds, his ship’s company, and the German shipyard who, together, 4-5 A look ahead to the first cruises are bringing this multi-million pound project to fruition. We would of 2012 also like to acknowledge the work of Steve Maughan, Minerva’s Ship All new Minerva returns for her spectacular spring season. Superintendent, and of Victoria Kennedy, Hotel & Entertainment Manager, who have been on board Minerva for the entire dry dock 6-7 portsmouth and no-fly cruises period, overseeing this significant upgrade. Rear Admiral John Lippiett reflects on Portsmouth’s Mary Rose and its maritime Whether you choose to sail on Minerva or on one of our dedicated heritage. river cruisers we hope that you will enjoy the unique experience of travelling on a Swan Hellenic discovery cruise in the coming year. 8-9 Drawing on experience and Visit Minerva in Portsmouth Sincerely yours Minerva’s upgrade in illustrations and the opportunity to visit the newly upgraded Minerva in Portsmouth. 10-11 An insight into the spring and summer 2012 seasons Anticipated highlights of the shore excursions Colin Stone for 2012-13. Managing Director 12-13 Guest Speaker highlights in 2012-13 Who’s travelling with us this season and where they are going. 14-15 personal stories from Minerva Interesting stories from some of the familiar faces onboard. 16-17 Your memories aboard Minerva Images and stories received by passengers. 18 European River Cruises 2012 The month of May, by Mrs Sheila Salmon, Cruise Director for Swan’s River Cruises.

Centrefold pull-out supplement – Work on Minerva is well underway An interview with Mrs Victoria Kennedy, the latest photos and details of the upgrade.

2 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com 3 ExcursionsNew Offer my first international bird tour 30+ years ago! We then sail west through the Mediterranean with a First spring cruise sold-out – As excitement grows for Minerva’s return couple of stops in Andalusia, and up to Santiago With £200* onboard credit per booking available on Balcony Suites, de Compostela where Crag Martins nest on the we are now also offering additional inclusive excursions on each of cathedral’s fascia. After crossing Biscay with its these cruises – worth up to £200 per person.** high concentration of whales we will stop in my home town of St Peter Port (expect huge crowds Experience Cordoba, Florence and Rome and the Vatican Museum on A look ahead to on the quay to greet us – well, my wife at least!) Vintage Iberia and Italy, or Roman Rome and a Bosphorus Cruise on before Minerva arrives in Portsmouth to start her Postcard from the Mediterranean – all complimentary. Applicable to northern European summer programme. bookings made by 29 February 2012, and with availability strictly limited, the first cruises I join her again on 6 June (Treasures of the British we recommend booking now to experience even more inclusive value Isles) for a surprisingly rich cruise for wildlife – a aboard the new and improved Minerva. circumnavigation of the British Isles. Departing of 2012... Portsmouth we start in the Channel and sail up the east coast where seabirds such as Puffins vintage iberia and Italy postcard from the mediterranean and Gannets will be in the company of Grey and possibly Harbour Seals. After visits to Port Depart March 16, 2012 – 14 Days Depart March 29, 2012 – 14 Days of Tyne and Edinburgh we pass through the Balcony suite from £3,885 per person Balcony suite from £3,665 per person £200 Outside cabin from £1,995 per person Outside cabin from £1,995 per person onboard credit Pentland Firth and into the waters off Scotland’s west coast. Here we will have the best chance of Inside cabin from £1,495 per person Inside cabin from £1,495 per person on Balcony seeing Minke Whales and Orcas, two of Britain’s Suites* largest commonly seen cetaceans. There will be much more besides: orchids in bloom around the standing stones of Callanish, Basking Sharks should be joining dolphins in the Sea of The Minerva returns this March to embark on a series of fascinating spring cruises, beginning with Islands of the Sun, Hebrides where Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots 2 March 2012. Following passengers’ enthusiastic response to the news of Minerva’s multi-million pound upgrade, are common breeding birds and huge rafts of her inaugural cruise has now sold out, and we are greatly excited about welcoming passengers aboard Minerva once Manx Shearwaters might be seen from the ship as more. We are delighted to announce that Minerva’s first cruise will be accompanied, amongst others, by Mr Tim Earl we head on down towards Anglesey. – a firm favourite with passengers, as well as The Band of HM Royal Marines who have always proved popular. Mrs Marion Swan also intends to join Minerva’s inaugural cruise, and we greatly look forward to her sailing with us again. From the garden isle of Madeira, sail north east Experience the fusion of Mediterranean cultures, the new Orpheus Lounge to Cadiz and enjoy a river transit to Seville. art and architecture and trace the history of With so many familiar faces returning to Minerva, her first cruise this year will undoubtedly be one to remember. Discover the architectural links between Morocco empires and peoples as you sail from one great ... sounds like a centrally and Moorish Andalusia manifest in the superb city to the next. Visit the iconic cities of Rome, Alhambra Palace and Seville’s Cathedral Tower. Naples, Valletta, Athens and Istanbul as well as heated wildlife hide Explore the Balearic island of Majorca and exploring the delights of Sorrento, the medina of The Year Ahead conclude your cruise in Italy, visiting iconic cities Sousse and the Norman stronghold of Palermo. Swan Hellenic welcomes with a bar... such as Lucca and Pisa. Itinerary: Mrs Marion Swan aboard by naturalist Mr Tim Earl Itinerary: • Civitavecchia • Naples • Sorrento • Palermo • Funchal • Cadiz • Seville • Tangier • Malaga • Sousse • Valletta • Piraeus • Istanbul Minerva’s inaugural cruise The Isles of Scilly are well known for their birdlife • Palma de Mallorca • Livorno • Civitavecchia Naturalist and wildlife and dolphin-rich waters. Although heralded as and I shall lead a wildlife walk ashore here. Once Your Guest Speakers include: Your Guest Speakers include: writer Mr Tim Earl a lounge, it sounds more like a centrally heated again my home town of St Peter Port is our last Mr Jeremy Paterson – Italian, Roman, is joining Minerva wildlife hide with a bar at which to celebrate the call before returning to Portsmouth. Mrs Maggie McNie – Master of Wine Carthaginian history & archaeology as a Guest Speaker best of our many sightings! Professor Carole Hillenbrand – Islamic history Rear Admiral John Lippiett – naval history My last cruise, departing on 20 June (Midsummer on four cruises this Professor Robert Hillenbrand – Islamic art The Rt Revd Barry Rogerson – history My main deck activities will still be near the stern of in Norway), is up to the northernmost point of summer which are The Revd Dr Rupert Bursell – history Mrs Rachel Ward – NADFAS, Islamic art Minerva where the extended Sun Deck and covered mainland Norway where we will gaze out across likely to feature Inclusive shore excursions include: Inclusive shore excursions include: area around the pool on Bridge Deck should make the Arctic Ocean with only Svalbard between us whales, dolphins and Cabo Girao Scenic Drive, Levada Hike, Seville Tarquinia, Ostia, Pompeii, Villa Oplontis, Monreale, early morning sessions most comfortable. I will, as and the North Pole. Our evenings and nights will outstanding birdlife. Cathedral & Alcazar Walk, Italica, Tetouan, Palermo City Tour & Palatine Chapel, El Djem, usual, escort the shore excursions which offer the be spent watching wildlife in the ‘midnight sun’. Here he takes a Alhambra Palace, Palma walk, Lucca, Pisa, Ostia. Sousse Town Walk, Valletta City Walk, Acropolis, most opportunities for spotting wildlife. Reindeer belonging to the Sami people who have forward look. New Acropolis Museum, Sounion, Blue Mosque & Mrs Marion Swan, Cruise Director Hugh The season is just starting in mid-March but there made Honningsvåg and its surrounds their home Aghia Sofia, Rumeli Hisar & Sadberk Hanim. Leslie, and Hotel and Entertainment Manager, A FEAST of wildlife awaits us on my cruises with will be several species we could hope to see, among will be easily seen but it is the prolific birdlife Victoria Kennedy. Swan Hellenic this coming spring and summer. In them Sperm and Cuvier’s Beaked Whales. In the which will interest me most. Eider (and possibly the course of four cruises we will visit most of the dolphin line we could see Short-Finned Pilot whales King Eider), Gannets and Kittwakes will be ‘bread Following Mrs Marion Swan’s visit to top European sites for whales and dolphins… I can (a dolphin) Bottlenosed, Rough-Toothed, Spotted Livorno Minerva in Portsmouth last year, we were and butter’ birds. Huge colonies of Puffins nest hardly wait! and Risso’s dolphins. In Madeira we can expect delighted to receive her telephone call on the Lofoten Islands attracting large numbers Palma de Civitavecchia Istanbul Mallorca Civitavecchia Italy My invitation to join Minerva’s first cruise after her similar species with Sperm Whale, Common and of White-Tailed (Sea) Eagles. We may even get a Naples Turkey saying that she would like to join Minerva’s Italy fantastic make-over refit was a thrill. We will sail Spotted Dolphins most likely. Here, however, glimpse of Sperm Whales which hunt giant squid Seville first cruise in 2012, Islands of the Sun, Sorrento from Portsmouth on 2 March (Islands of the Sun), we will also look for one of the rarest seabirds in two miles down. Cadiz departing on 2 March. We know that she Malaga will be warmly welcomed on board by across the whale-rich Bay of Biscay to Portugal, the world – Zino’s Petrel – which only breed on I have been amazed at the number of new friends Tangier Palermo Athens many members of the ship’s company who down to Casablanca and then over to the Canaries Madeira. There are between 60 and 80 pairs. Our Minerva has given me. After just one season on (Piraeus) Funchal Sousse have fond memories of Mrs Swan and her and Madeira where we could see some of the rarest visit will be early for this gadfly petrel but they have this wonderful ship many Swans have encouraged Portugal Valletta husband, Mr Ken Swan, President and Co- seabirds in the world. been seen in March leaving me, as always, in hope. and joined me in superb ‘Attenborough moments’. Founder of Swan Hellenic Cruises, and of I will also be looking closely at the new facilities My second cruise starts in Rome on 8 May The 2012 programme will be no different, of that their many cruises together on Minerva and on board. The new wrap-around Orpheus Lounge (A Mediterranean Masterpiece) and visits the I am certain. on previous Swan Hellenic vessels. could give us a vantage point for sheltered Côte d’Azur, Mahon (home of mayonnaise, or observation forward when sailing through whale Mahonaise as it was originally called) where I led

4 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com 5 This summer Minerva looks forward to her popular no-fly programme, sailing from her new home port of historic Portsmouth. With a rich historical background and fine heritage, Portsmouth also boasts exceptional road, rail and air links with easy access, making it an ideal and convenient location Portsmouth 2012 from which to embark. With a fascinating series of no-fly cruises available, you can choose to sail to No-Fly Cruises the Baltic Isles, Norway, France, Ireland and the Mediterranean. St Petersburg and the Baltic 22 May-6 June 2012 – 16 Days Rear Admiral John Lippiett reflects on his experience aboard Fares per person from £5,400 balcony suite, £3,525 outside cabin, £2,700 inside cabin Minerva’s 2011 Empires of the Baltic cruise during last year’s As Minerva sails around the Baltic, discover trading cities that once belonged to the Hanseatic League. Cruise through an successful season of no-fly cruises from Portsmouth. archipelago of tiny islands to the elegant city of Stockholm, spend a night in St Petersburg where palaces and world-class art await and visit the fairytale city of Copenhagen where the little mermaid gazes wistfully out to sea. • Portsmouth • Kiel Canal transit • Ronne • Visby • Stockholm • St Petersburg • Tallinn • Gdansk • Copenhagen • Portsmouth Your Guest speakers include: Professor Christopher Andrew, Professor William Vaughan FSA, Rear Admiral John Lippiet CBE MBE and Canon Dr Andrew Wingate.

Treasures of the British Isles 6 June-20 June 2012 – 15 Days Fares per person from £4,655 balcony suite, £3,095 outside cabin, £2,175 inside cabin From the mountains of Snowdonia, the highlands of Scotland, rugged coastline and offshore islands to castles, magnificent houses and gardens, our own British Isles offer unsurpassed monuments and spectacular scenery shaped by our islands’ history. • Portsmouth • Port of Tyne • Edinburgh • Scrabster • Stornoway • Tobermory • Oban • Anglesey • Belfast • Isles of Scilly Minerva departing Portsmouth in 2011 • Dartmouth • St Peter Port • Portsmouth Your Guest speakers include: Mr Jeremy Pearson, Mr Adrian Tinniswood, The Rt Revd Stephen Platten, Mr Tim Earl and Mr Mike Nelhams (Anglesey/Isles of Scilly only). From the Mary Rose to Minerva 2012 Midsummer in Norway 20 June-5 July 2012 – 16 Days by Rear Admiral John Lippiett CBE MBE A momentous year Fares per person from £5,325 balcony suite, £3,475 outside cabin, £3,070 inside cabin for MAry Rose A midsummer cruise to discover the picturesque, rugged Norwegian coast. Experience the long days of the midnight sun at etting off to sea for a voyage is always an adventure, At Easter the Trust takes over the newly- Honningsvåg, cross the Arctic Circle to the remote Lofoten Islands and enjoy spectacular scenery as Minerva cruises inland Sand as we sailed out of the historic naval port of built museum, just astern of HMS Victory along some of Norway’s most scenic fjords. in the Historic Dockyard, and then spends • Portsmouth • Bergen • Kristiansund • Tromso • Honningsvag • Alta • Leknes • Geiranger • Akrafjord • Portsmouth Portsmouth, past the Tudor fortifications and the site of the next six months fitting it out with Your Guest speakers include: Dr Peter Cattermole, Professor Keith Ward FBA, Mr Tim Earl, Sir Richard Dales and Professor Mark the dramatic sinking of the Mary Rose in 1545, we headed their new exhibition. The new museum is Horton. up the busy shipping lanes of the Channel into a pleasantly expected to be open at the end of the year, with a formal opening in spring 2013. calm North Sea. Rounding Denmark and visiting the Meanwhile, the existing Mary Rose display A French Accent 5 July-19 July 2012 – 15 Days castle at Elsinore, with Sweden plainly visible only four will be diminished during the summer, and Fares per person from £4,585 balcony suite, £3,050 outside cabin, £2,330 inside cabin kilometres away, it became clear how the Baltic countries will concentrate on telling the story of the creation of the new museum – a fascinating Explore treasures closer to home including Amsterdam, Bruges and beautiful French ports. Discover famous artists and the have always fought over yet been united by this sea. tale in itself, this being described as an landscapes that inspired them, learn about the history of France, and enjoy the city centre berths of St Malo and Bordeaux. architectural marvel, and one of the most • Portsmouth • Amsterdam • Ostend • St Malo • Bordeaux • La Rochelle • Belle Île • Brest • St Peter Port Our visit to Karlskrona allowed most of us to visit carvings that adorned her have been replaced on complex projects underway in the country! • Honfleur • Portsmouth the excellent Maritime Museum in this delightful the hull, and a select band of Minerva passengers In view of the ongoing changes at the Your Guest speakers include: The Very Revd Robert Grimley, Mr Sam Hunt FMA, Ms Hilary Hope Guise (NADFAS) late seventeenth-century planned naval town. For were shown by the Head of Conservation behind Mary Rose, the very special tour available and Lt. Colonel Tony Coutts-Britton the smaller number who went on a special tour the scenes to the storage rooms beneath the ship to passengers prior to embarking Minerva of the historic naval dockyard, a look at the Rope where yet more carvings are stored, together with in Portsmouth has been adjusted. John Up to £200 onboard credit Walk, the early dry dock, and the huge wooden other rare artefacts. Lippiett, Chief Executive of The Mary Gardens of the Celtic Fringe 19 July-1 August 2012 – 14 Days Rose Trust will give an introductory talk building that covered the slipway for shipbuilding Our voyage round the Baltic continued with the Fares per person from £4,260 balcony suite, £2,840 outside cabin, £2,165 inside cabin to set the scene about the 500 years of gave us a wonderful feel for the early Swedish navy, charms of Helsinki and its delightful open-air Explore some of the finest gardens, landscape scenery, cities and castles on this cruise which circumnavigates Northern continuous naval history to be seen in the well narrated by a Swedish naval commander. museum of old wooden houses and church; Ireland and Eire, and then sails south to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and up the River Seine to Rouen. Dockyard. Visitors will then be taken on A particular feature of this cruise is the number and variety of gardens visited. The passage through the Swedish archipelago the wonders of St Petersburg and its treasures; a private conducted tour of HMS Warrior • Portsmouth • Dublin • Portrush • Killybegs • Glengarriff • Cork • Isles of Scilly • Falmouth • St Peter Port to Stockholm revealed the fascination of the the enchantment of Tallinn with its fairy-tale 1860, led by its Commanding Officer. • Rouen • Portsmouth thousands of islets and narrow passageways that appearance, and a visit to Bornholm, the Danish have protected the city over hundreds of years. We equivalent of the Isle of Wight, with its fortified Your Guest speakers include: Mr Steven Desmond (NADFAS), Canon Andrew Evans and Professor Peter Harbison. ©powerscourt gardens admired the historic centre and the Royal Palace round church one of the stars of Minerva’s voyage. and Armoury of the capital, but for many the Finally we returned to the North Sea and the highlight of the visit was the museum containing English Channel by way of a day-long trip through South to the Mediterranean 1 August-15 August 2012 – 15 Days Up to £200 onboard credit the warship Vasa. Built in 1628, over 100 years the Kiel Canal, which afforded us, quite literally, a Fares per person from £4,270 balcony suite, £2,875 outside cabin, £1,995 inside cabin after the Mary Rose, but unlike the 34 years of very different view of what cruising could be. Green Spain, the ‘golden’ River Douro, the Moorish Alhambra Palace, the gem of the naval port of Cartagena and a service that the Mary Rose saw, she sank on her quartet of Mediterranean islands lie in wait as Minerva sails south to the Mediterranean. Rear Admiral John Lippiett will next be sailing as maiden voyage due to poor design. Recovered in • Portsmouth • St Peter Port • La Coruna • Oporto • Cadiz • Malaga • Cartagena • Palma • Cagliari • Trapani • Valletta Guest Speaker aboard Minerva’s Postcard from the 1961, she was found to be largely intact, and the Mediterranean, 29 March 2012 and St Petersburg Your Guest speakers include: Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, Professor Ian Beckett (NADFAS), Dr Philip de Souza and The Revd sight of this great ship towering over the visitors © Mary Rose Trust and the Baltic, 22 May 2012. Tim Blewett. never fails to impress. Not all the magnificent

6 7 MINERVA UPGRADE

UPDATE Drawing on The ‘all-new’ Experience

ictor Lunn-Rockliffe sailed with Swan VHellenic in 2010 and captured our Minerva takes attention with the wonderful illustrations he made of his experiences on board. Recently A pull-out supplement of the latest photos with comment from he was asked to put his thoughts on the Hotel and Entertainment Manager, Mrs Victoria Kennedy upgraded Minerva to paper – the resulting shape cartoons, which you may have already received in postcard form, are a humorous 1. 2. and memorable tribute to all the hard work currently underway... SOUVENIR COVER

Third illustration coming soon... Look out for the third and final in this series of illustrations coming later this month as the 3. process of Minerva’s upgrade draws to a close. To celebrate her return, Swan Hellenic is offering the chance to win one of five limited edition framed prints of the three Minerva upgrade cartoons, signed by the artist himself. To enter the draw, please email [email protected] with your name and address, clearly stating ‘cartoon competition’ in the subject line. 1. The Orpheus Lounge in position on the Promenade Deck. 2. A section of the new Orpheus Lounge is lowered into position. 3. The first of the new balconies are added to the suites on Sun Deck. Below: An artist’s impression of the newly upgraded Minerva.

Shore excursions now online Shore excursions for all cruises on the newly upgraded Minerva, from 2 March 2012 until 8 May 2012 are now available online, with more details for the later summer cruises coming soon. As previously mentioned in this Journal, you can also find more information on the additional inclusive excursions now available on Vintage Iberia and Italy (16 March 2012) and Postcard from the Mediterranean (29 March 2012). Of course, you will still receive full details in your cruise book and more, including fascinating Guest Speaker articles, relevant reading lists and detailed information on the destinations you are visiting. Click the shore excursions link on the individual cruise pages at www.swanhellenic.com.

8 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com 9 So, what has been achieved since Minerva arrived in dry dock in November 2011? Work is well Work is going well and is very exciting. I have now been able to stand in the new Orpheus underway... Lounge and get a real feel for the space and light MINERVA’S NEW ORPHEUS LOUNGE WITH EXPANSIVE PANORAMIC VIEWS that will flood through and also the wonderful • Named after a former Swan Hellenic Dance Floor for deck space for sun lounging. Now that the vessel Swan Hellenic’s Hotel and Entertainment Doors to outer late evening/daytime Promenade Deck is also in place, the Captain • Seats 145 passengers Promenade Deck entertainment Manager Victoria Kennedy has been at the dry dock and I have had a walk round in our hard hats • Soundproofed and air conditioned Large fl atscreen TV throughout for Guest Speaker talks and Antarctica jackets to see how it felt. Not Grand Piano SIDE OBSERVATION in Bremerhaven, overseeing the work of Minerva’s quite the Med but special! upgrade throughout. Here she gives us an insight as We now have all the balcony doors cut out and StageGents WC Area to how the work has been progressing. work is now starting for the first glass to be inserted.

...much of this work Stairway will be carried out by British contractors... Lift

WC All the prep work has been done in the A and B deck ensuites and now, for me, the interesting

work begins. Lovely large pale stone tiles are being OBSERVATION FORWARD laid and the pale-laminate is also being cut ready for fitting. We had a dummy fitting of all the Pantry shower fittings and work is now due to commence on the upper deck en suites. Bar SIDE OBSERVATION I had a long conversation with the project Doors to outer Forward Banquette manager in charge of this part and he tells me Promenade Deck Seating that all the stone has already been cut and dressed for the floors, bulkheads and vanity units so these will soon be fitted. The new ‘orpheus’ lounge The windows for Shackleton Bar are also due to be What can we expect from the new public cut soon. The corners have already been done and areas, their look and feel? ...The light, the views and the fact that it will be the area has been cleared in preparation - so this New areas will undoubtedly give more space as is another event eagerly awaited. well as choice to passengers. The introduction of perfect for day time use (especially whilst at sea) In many of the public areas we are also taking more light with the additional windows will be as well as a wonderful night time venue. the opportunity to renew the deck heads and light very noticeable and will be a great advantage fittings. for those northern itineraries where it is not always so warm. We will now be able to view all Tell us about the improvements to the the scenery whilst cocooned inside. complete stock take of the Library and to sort out passenger accommodation damaged books. We will be ordering some new What look have you gone for in the All passenger cabins will benefit from new en additions to our non-fiction collection following Orpheus Lounge? suite facilities and soft furnishings throughout recommendations from Guest Speakers. A good as well as new Egyptian Cotton bed linen in the With all the light we have chosen a carpet design stock of new novels will also be on board. I have balcony suites. For the new balconies, we have with plenty of warm colours and from these have also looked to improve the lighting, particularly continued our Swan Hellenic tradition of teak chosen some banquette seating and comfortable over the puzzle table. Relocating our Internet furniture, selecting chairs and tables in teak tub chairs in faux leather. Lounge has also given more space back to the from a British manufacturer, whilst chunky seat Have any of the soft furnishings been Library. cushions will add to comfort. agreed yet? Can you tell us about the new Internet Will the country-house ambience still be Passengers whose favourite bar is the Shackleton Lounge? retained? will be pleased to know that we have purchased Our new spacious Internet Lounge will We will of course continue with our country-house similar furniture for the new area to make it feature a total of six terminals and the leather feel but new areas have given us the opportunity flow well. Chesterfield sofas will provide a comfortable to also add in some places a modern twist to What about the Library? place to sit. The same carpet will run throughout our eclectic mix. I am working closely with our There will be a new carpet incorporating the this area and we will also be removing all the architect and we meet most days. We have a very colours from the stair carpet and also new Alcantara from the bulkheads both here and productive time. blinds and curtains. I took the opportunity in the Card Room, recovering a much lighter 1. One of the two new upgraded tenders. with some of the Swan Hellenic team to do a fresher covering. 2. Work taking place on the hull of the ship in dry dock.

11 We can only select wall coverings with accreditation from the IMO (International Maritime Organization) as our marine Visit Minerva regulations are very strict. With new blinds and curtains this room will have a very different look. Tell us about the new Spa and Gym and in Portsmouth what we can expect from these? The new Spa and Gym will be located on A hen Minerva makes her triumphant return to the deck so very easy to find and will have all UK on 1 March 2012, Swan Hellenic will be giving new equipment and fittings. We’ve taken the opportunity to marry practicality with a little Wpassengers the opportunity to visit the ship and view bit of the unusual. I will say no more but look the wealth of improvements on board. More details of when forward to hearing what our passengers make of you can capture a glimpse of her arrival in Portsmouth will be the new look! I’m pleased that we have also been posted online at www.swanhellenic.com/newminerva. There are New en suite facilities will be able to arrange a layout which will allow for those installed throughout the ship also opportunities throughout the summer to visit Minerva in passengers who have asked me over the years for Category B cabin on Sun Deck – Portsmouth and if you would like to register your interest for Deluxe Balcony Suite now 31.28m2 space for mat work. (formerly Deluxe Cabin) one of these events, please complete the form below. How will the Launderette be improved? There have been huge changes here especially as we have chosen condensing machines which should alleviate some of our previous problems. We will Important dates for have four each of washing and drying machines as well as ironing tables. your diary... What local companies are you using for the There will be opportunities for passengers to visit Minerva work? in Portsmouth. Please register your interest on the following I’m very pleased that we have been able to source dates by completing the form below: much of our new furniture, soft furnishings and Lunch on board and tour of the ship available: carpets from British manufacturers. Additionally Category D cabin on Sun Deck – much of this work will be carried out by British Balcony Suite now 31.62m2 22 May, 6 June, 20 June, 5 July, contractors who have worked with Swan Hellenic (formerly Superior Cabin) 19 July and 1 August 2012. on many projects over the years. Again we have to follow strict regulations but are fortunate Areas like the Library look quite ghostly with Restricted numbers will apply. If oversubscribed, passengers will be invited that some of our manufacturers produce a good minimal light and everything shrouded in old on a random drawn basis. Places will be confirmed in writing with full range of marine products as well as for their linen sheets and slip covers. A hard hat and safety that it will be perfect for day time use (especially details of each event. retails market. We’re pleased to continue our shoes as well as lots of layers are required in place whilst at sea) as well as a wonderful night time relationship with Ulster carpets and Wilton of uniform and I have to admit we do not look venue. But then I think the Livingstone will be carpets. our usual smart selves! There is, however, a great the perfect place to read – peace and quiet but team spirit especially as there are only 63 of us in still in the midst of all that is going on. How did you select them? REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO VISIT total. Is everything going to plan or have there We select them for their quality, design and MINERVA IN PORTSMOUTH flexibility and from previous experience of having What will be the most challenging stage of been any changes? worked with them. With projects of this kind all work and why? Everything is going according to the master DURING 2012 sorts of things can occur and you learn to value Undoubtedly the last stage as we know passenger plan; like a house you always uncover something 22 May  6 June  20 June  those people who will do more than simply consult expectation will be very high and we want to show unexpected but that is why you employ experts. It a stock record on their PC, but do their utmost to Minerva at her very best. is usually small things where we may have to find 5 July  19 July  1 August  help. What is going to be your favourite space? another method of doing something and this is Name: where experience comes into play. What have the conditions been like? Oh dear, I always find this sort of question very Address: Very different to when I usually join. However hard to answer. Having been involved with Are we on target for 1st March delivery? I’ve done quite a few dry docks over the years so I Minerva since 1996 I have loved all the changes Definitely and we cannot wait for our arrival knew what to expect. It’s very cold on board and but possibly for me on this occasion it will be the in Portsmouth and the start of a new era for often very dark with just emergency lighting. Orpheus Lounge. The light, the views and the fact Minerva and Swan Hellenic. Email address: FOllow minerva’s upgrade online Please register your interest by 31 March 2012 for visits from Minerva’s multi-million pound upgrade is well underway and on schedule for completion on 29 February 2012. 22 May to 1 August 2012. Follow the online blog charting the progress of her upgrade, view photographs of her time in dry dock and keep updated on any Please email [email protected] or alternatively return to developments as we await her relaunch in March 2012. Visit www.swanhellenic.com/newminerva ‘Minerva Visits’, Swan Hellenic, 14th Floor Dukes Keep, Marsh Lane, Southampton, SO14 3EX.

12 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com 913 An insight into the Explore new destinations and uncover hidden gems Hike in the Diverse Artist’s Impressions Canary Islands See the works of Chagall, Matisse and Discover the Canary Islands on foot, Picasso as well as the landscapes that Charles Spring & Summer hiking through diverse volcanic landscapes. Rennie Mackintosh so loved, as you travel Explore the wilderness of Lanzarote, see along the French Riviera to Nice and over the lava streams of Mount Teide, Tenerife, to Port Vendres and Collioure. the lush gorges of La Gomera and climb to A Mediterranean Masterpiece, 8 May 2012. Mt Teneguia’s peak on La Palma. Collioure, French Riviera 2012 seasons Islands of the Sun, 2 March 2012 Mariinsky Theatre Ballet, Mt Teide, ©Harry Pinkerton St Petersburg Opera Walk Seville A ballet performance is the highlight of any ach cruise experience is made up of Follow in the footsteps of Bizet’s Carmen, visit to St Petersburg and Swan Hellenic Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Mozart’s memorable moments, some anticipated and is pleased to advise that seats have been E Marriage of Figaro and explore Seville reserved at the world renowned Mariinsky some unexpected, which allow you to see each Minerva anchored off Sorrento, on foot to discover the streets, squares Theatre (programme to be advised). destination from a new perspective, as if for the Bay of Naples and buildings that inspired these great St Petersburg and the Baltic, 22 May 2012. La Sylphide, ©Mr Lopez first time. Your Guest Speaker may surprise you romantic operas. Vintage Iberia and Italy, 16 March 2012 National Trust in the UK with a fascinating insight into a familiar sight, Old Tobacco Factory, Seville Join National Trust speakers as or your tailor-made shore excursions may uncover hidden gems Cordoba you cruise around the UK visiting rarely visited by other tourists. Here is an indication of some Visit the Mesquita, the Great Mosque of diverse National Trust Properties Cordoba, the centre of Islamic Al Andalus and sites including impressive Wallington, of the highlights and lesser-visited sites that you might see, as for over three centuries. Wonder at its Mount Stuart House, the natural wonder suggested by Swan Hellenic’s Head of Planning, Saskia Vrolyk. distinctive courtyard, arcaded halls, gilded of the Giant’s Causeway, Plas Newydd on mihrab and baroque chapel. the banks of the Menai Straits and Agatha Vintage Iberia and Italy, 16 March 2012 Christie’s former home and gardens, Mesquita, Cordoba Greenway. Villa Oplontis, Naples Treasures of the British Isles, 6 June 2012. For a refreshing alternative to the popular Plas Newydd House, Wales Roman treasures of Naples, Villa Oplontis diverse and distinct Gardens could be of much interest. Discovered in As part of your inclusive excursion the 1970s, this former residence of Emperor programme visit a fine array of gardens ‘A snapshot of a cruise’ Nero boasts colourful and finely preserved including Powerscourt, Garnish Island 8th August 2012 frescos. Italianate Gardens, Tresco Abbey Gardens, Today in Malaga we enjoyed an inclusive full day at the spectacular Alhambra Palace. Postcard from the Mediterranean, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Swan Hellenic treated us to a delicious lunch. Tomorrow we look forward to the 29 March 2012. celebrated Giverny Garden in France. naval port of Cartagena with its well Fresco, Villa Oplontis, ©Pam Perry preserved Roman Theatre, literally a hidden Gardens of the Celtic Fringe, 19 July 2012. gem as it was only recently discovered Rumeli Hisar Fortress, ©Powerscourt Gardens, Wicklow amidst the town’s buildings. Can’t wait! Istanbul Ancient peoples of the 1 14th August 2012 Enjoy an excursion along the shores of the Mediterranean ©Guernsey Tourist Board Yesterday we explored the Greek sites of 3 Sicily including the peaceful surrounds of Bosphorus including a visit to the Ottoman Guest Speaker Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe Selinunte with its acropolis and array of fortress of Rumeli Hisar, built by Mehmet ruins – all utterly unforgettable. We are will be talking about some of the ancient just sailing past the grand fortifications the Conqueror as part of his preparations tribes of the Mediterranean, including the South to the Mediterranean and bastions of Valletta Harbour. It’s quite breathtaking to arrive by sea. Of course for the planned siege of Constantinople. Phoenicians in the West, the Iberians and 4th August 2012 we are sad to be leaving Minerva soon, but we will be taking home some wonderful Postcard from the Mediterranean, the Greeks in the Western Mediterranean Arrived at La Coruna today and visited the memories. pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, 29 March 2012 and beyond. Included excursions include where the magnificent 12th century Rumeli Hisar Fortress Cathedral houses the tomb of the Apostle the Phoenician trading cities of Nora and St James. Thousands of pilgrims have Minerva calls to Kerch braved treacherous journeys to come here Mozia, and there will be an excursion to – they certainly didn’t have the luxuries On the eastern Crimean Peninsula explore we have experienced aboard Minerva! some of the oldest known temples of the the little known port of Kerch, founded as a Mediterranean in Malta. trading outpost of the Greek Empire in the South to the Mediterranean, 1 August 2012. 7th century BC. Discover the burial mound Hagar Qim Temple, Malta 4 of the Bosporan Kings and the byzantine Korcula – Sword Dancers icons of the Church of St John. As Minerva sails along the Adriatic Istrian Black Sea Panorama, 11 April 2012. and Dalmatian coast, call at small Venetian Church of St John Islands including Korcula where you can 1. St Peter Port, Guernsey A bird’s eye view of Dubrovnik enjoy a special performance of the Moreska 2. River Douro, Oporto, Portugal Take a cable car to the top of Srd Hill to Sword Dance, re-enacting the tale of the 2 enjoy the panoramic views of the terracotta 3. Alhambra Palace, Granada Black and White Kings fighting for the love 5 roof tops of Dubrovnik Old Town as well as of a princess. 4. Roman Theatre, Cartagena, the nearby islands of the Dalmatian Coast. Venice & the Adriatic, 15 August 2012. Spain A Classic Spring, 25 April 2012 5. Segesta, Sicily Dubrovnik Cable Car Korcula, Croatia 6 6. Valletta Habour, Malta

10 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com 11 North Cape, Norway A memorable day on the Coast of a Kingdom cruise by Mr Paul Carter, Cruise Director – Guest Speaker featuring Professor Mark Horton, Guest Speaker

We had already had our fair share seeing. Sailing as far into the bay as time permitted, we caught glimpses of the of highlights on the cruise before famous Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula before heading towards Valentia Highlights the day in question, 30th June Island. 2011: The Royal Marines playing us out of Portsmouth; the truly spectacular Europe’s most westerly harbour and now linked to the mainland by bridge, there Red Arrows performing directly above us as we sailed out from Leith and, of is nothing between Valentia Island and Newfoundland some 1,900 miles away. course, the natural beauty of Scotland and the islands in generally fine weather. But perhaps more famously, Valentia Island is important historically as being the in 2012-13 But it was with an eye to Ireland and the weather conditions that would decide site from where the first transatlantic cable was laid in 1857 with regular contact whether we sailed down the east or west coast that was particularly occupying with New York being established in 1866. In addition, it is now generally This year, as ever, our Guest Speaker Captain John Moulds. Passionate about the country and, having driven the west regarded as being the location of the oldest fossilized foot-print in the northern coast with his wife last year, he prayed to the weather gods and, as we departed hemisphere, discovered in 1992 and reckoned to belong to a marine tetrapod programme features eminent Guest Portrush, we were rewarded with the forecast that he had been hoping for and some 400 million years ago! Needless to say, Professor Horton’s boundless Speakers drawn from the academic, turned west! enthusiasm reached new heights here! So at 08.00 on a leisurely sea day, Captain Moulds As the afternoon became early evening and with the weather political and cultural worlds. broadcast into the cabins essentially telling us that we conditions still very favourable, Captain Moulds took us out had about 15 minutes to be out on deck as we closed in Our final treat to have a look at the Skellig Islands, approximately 8 miles on Inismór, the largest of the Aran Islands just outside away from Valentia Island. Two neighbouring slate stacks, the mouth of Galway Bay. With generally clear skies that came as the sun Little Skellig is home to some 40,000 nesting gannets whilst its stayed with us for the day, Minerva was taken within larger neighbour, Skellig Michael (Great Skellig) is home to an a safe distance to view the towering cliffs that rise to was setting... we ancient monastic site at the top of its 715’ summit. The ruins about 300’ and edge the southern shore of the island. encountered a pod of St Fionan’s Abbey, founded in AD560 give lasting testament With evidence pointing to human occupation of the to the extraordinary feats of construction and dedication to island dating as far back as the late Bronze Age, the of about nine fin religious solitude, a truly awesome sight. Sailing between the highlight was sailing beneath the imposing prehistoric two Skelligs at the end of a fabulous day at sea and our final Regular Guest Speakers, who have a following among our passengers, include Mr Jeremy Paterson (Postcard from the Dún Aengus ring fort, perched precariously on the cliff whales... treat came as the sun was setting a little while later and we Mediterranean and The Mediterranean World), Professor Ian Beckett (A Classic Spring, South to the Mediterranean, Mysteries of high above us and which had Professor Mark Horton encountered a pod of about nine fin whales, the second largest (of BBC Coast fame) in raptures, waxing lyrically on the creatures to have ever been on the planet after the blue whale. the Indian Ocean and Greece & the Crimea), Mr Tim Earl (Islands of the Sun, A Mediterranean Masterpiece, Treasures of the British first of what were to become a number of impromptu deck talks. On a flat calm sea, and with the golden glow of sunset as a back drop, Captain Isles and Midsummer in Norway), Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe (Black Sea Panorama and South to the Mediterranean), Professor Moulds skilfully manoeuvred the ship amongst the whales for about an hour Sailing by the desolate and officially ‘abandoned’ Blasket Islands with ruined Christopher Andrew (A Mediterranean Masterpiece, St Petersburg and the Baltic and Holy Lands), Dr Peter Cattermole (Midsummer before we continued on our way to Cobh. houses and an almost idyllic air about them, we headed towards the Dingle in Norway and Byzantine Legacy), Professor Alexei Leporc (Venice and the Adriatic) and Dr Robert Bradnock (Colours of India and Peninsula in County Kerry sailing along the southern shore into Dingle Bay. With all of the sight-seeing dovetailed between the Lounge Talks and meal To Sri Lankan Shores). This prominent feature is scenically beautiful with sandy beaches, mountains times, the wonderful ‘itinerary’ that Captain Moulds put together for us and rising to 3,000’ behind and a band of lush green between the two. With one with Professor Horton’s bubbly, enthusiastic commentaries at regular intervals, of the greatest concentrations of Celtic ruins in Ireland, there were plenty of this really was a special day to remember. beehive huts and ancient stone walls to be seen and, once again, Professor The next UK cruise will be Treasures of the British Isles (6 June 2012). See page 7 Dr Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director is Emeritus Professor Lord Renfrew Horton was in his element as he described some of the history of what we were for the full details of the itinerary for this 15-day cruise. of the British Museum, will be travelling on his first Disney Professor of Archaeology, University of Swan Hellenic cruise on Hellenic Highlights (29 August Cambridge, and Senior Fellow of the McDonald 2012). His area of academic interest and specialisation is Institute for Archaeological Research. Professor the coinage and history of the Roman Republic; he was Renfrew is the author of many books on archaeology awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List for services to the and will be travelling as a Guest Speaker on The Mediterranean World British Museum and Numismatics. (24 October 2012). Mr Nigel McGilchrist, author of a 20 The Revd Professor Judith volume series of cultural guides to the Greek Islands, will also be a Guest Speaker on Hellenic Highlights (29 August Brown, Guest Speaker on Travels in India and 2012). Nigel has lived and worked in the Mediterranean Arabia ( 27 February 2013) specialises in South Asia The Royal Marines Guard playing Minerva out Red Arrows salute above Minerva in Leith Fin whales sighted off Minerva – Italy, Greece and Turkey – for 30 years and lectures and wider aspects of imperial history and taught in widely in art and architecture at museums and institutions in Europe and Oxford as Beit Professor of Commonwealth History the USA. and Professorial Fellow of Balliol College (1990-2011). Most of her writing concerns modern Indian politics (with biographical studies Professor Mark Horton, well known to many of you from the popular BBC Coast programme, will be travelling with us again as a Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell of Gandhi and of Nehru), the South Asian diaspora and the British Guest Speaker on Midsummer in Norway (20 June 2012). Empire. She trained for ordination (2009) at Cuddesdon and helps in a will be travelling as a Guest Speaker on Venice and “I first visited the west coast of Norway when I was a small child when going on cruises to the Fjords was becoming fashionable. the Adriatic (15 August 2012). Lord Hurd served as west Oxford parish and in Balliol chapel. It was all scenery and I suppose to a young archaeologist there is more to life! Then I returned a couple of years ago to make an Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Home Secretary episode of Coast, and was bowled over by the culture of these extraordinary places. This cruise will allow us to visit some of them – and Foreign Secretary in the Governments of John Major with their strong Viking heritage, and intrepid use of the sea. But we will also follow the Hanseatic merchants and I hope glimpse and Margaret Thatcher. He was created a Life Peer in 1997. some of the greatest outdoor prehistoric picture galleries in Europe. So it’s not just Fjords but a fascinating culture where mountains meet the sea.”

12 For the latest updates on Guest Speakers travelling aboard Minerva, visit www.swanhellenic.com 13 Remembering – a Personal Reflection Personal stories Charitable by Father Brian McMahon Giving on One of the anticipatory joys, cemetery – Lancashire, where I have lived my 43 years in Minerva pre-cruise, is when the Cruise England. I walked the beach where the Irish regiments from Minerva Book arrives. How many can resist came ashore and in the sand I spotted one small green “Whilst on leave from Minerva, Each cleric who travels on the temptation to immediately stone. As I type, the stone is beside the computer. Whilst Minerva has spent this winter undergoing her multi-million pound I was honoured to attend the Minerva is invited to nominate flick through the pages to see January 2011 and it was Singapore. I conducted four wedding of Captain Giovanni and upgrade, the ship’s officers and crew members have nonetheless been keeping busy. a charity to receive the retiring what is on offer? Depending on services and having visited Changi Prison Museum and Danielle, which was a very happy where Minerva is sailing, there Many of Minerva’s loyal hotel crew members returned home to be reunited with occasion. I have also been travelling collections at each onboard viewed the beauty of the Nativity mural by Stanley Warren and in Manila was reunited with church service. Over the years is a short special event which is I was overwhelmed by the contrast of the “Peace on earth seldom (if ever!) detailed and their families. Meanwhile, for two weeks in January, Future Sales Manager Paul some of Minerva’s hotel crew. We many charities have benefited to men of goodwill” sketch with the ‘grave’ consequences of are all excited about returning yet, once experienced, leaves a profound impression. Are Cranny and Deputy Cruise Director Andrea Chambers joined our Reservations from your generosity; indeed, the horrors of war. aboard our much loved, renewed, you intrigued? I am privileged that I have conducted the Remembrance Day service But the most unusual Service was the Remembrance and Administration departments respectively. Below we share with you some home from home.” short Remembrance Services in War Cemeteries and at in November 2011 raised a Service on Minerva II where no place was visited. We Mr Lech Straszewski, Memorials, in different continents, attended by so many more stories from Swan’s on board team, as they reveal what they have been up to staggering £700 for charity. were not ashore. Nor were we at sea! We were sailing the Hotel Director while on excursions. The locations vary greatly. during their recent time ashore. Charities chosen have ranged Amazon. I commented that Remembrance Services seem We gathered at the gravesides of a small number from Mission to Seafarers, to dissolve into each other with the passing of years but we (three from WWI; six from WWII) of navy personnel Action Homeless (Leicester), would always remember the Amazon Service. Recently, a in Montevideo cemetery, conscious that some were The second long awaited wedding of the year St Andrew’s Ecumenical Trust passenger said to me, “Every Remembrance Sunday, I relive involved in the Battle of the River Plate. Port Stanley was the Amazon Service”. (which brings people from memorable as the Falklands War is still vividly fresh in our As Swan Hellenic cruisers, we are ambassadors visiting by Captain Giovanni Biasutti, Master of Minerva former Soviet countries to minds. At the Memorial there are no unmarked graves, no these sacred places. I always mention there are so many train as pastors and priests), marked graves, just recognition of all who were involved, Water Aid, the Royal British who will never have the opportunity to visit these far flung celebrant priest. On one of our cruises together, we asked Father Brian well especially those who did not return. Poignantly for me, Captain Biasutti and his wife, cemeteries so when we stand there we represent these Legion, Julia’s House (the among the ships listed were three, cruise and commercial, Future Cruise Sales Manager, known amongst all Swans as well as the Minerva crew, to perform the nuptial hospice for children in Dorset) special people. For this poignant privilege and for making it Danielle Biasutti (née Porter) mass and ceremony. Father Brian, has been absolutely grand! He managed to on which I sailed. One is extra-special – Uganda – on and St Joseph’s Hospice in possible, thank you, Swan Hellenic, and without doubt the make what for us was the most important part of the day, really personal and whom I sailed my maiden chaplaincy voyage in 1981. London. Charities further highlights of my association is with passengers. friendly. Just to mention a little example of what he did for us, he opened the More than 7,000, known and unknown, are buried at El afield include the Anglican ceremony in Italian for those that did not speak in English. A thought that Alamein and I always associate it with Benghazi, across Centre in Rome (concerned was surely well appreciated by all. As a funny note, in the Italian tradition, it is the border in Libya, as I conducted services in both places Father Brian will be travelling on Minerva’s first three with reconciliation between the Best Man that donates the rings to the couple. The photographer prior to within days of each other. Throughout the recent Libyan cruises in 2012: Islands of the Sun (2 March 2012), Vintage different Christian churches Danielle’s arrival, has approached him asking to take a photo of the rings. Well, troubles, I hoped and hoped that the War Cemetery would Iberia and Italy (16 March 2012) and Postcard from the and groups) and Care by now, I gather you are guessing what came next...he has forgotten the rings not be damaged as my mind, almost irrationally, thought Mediterranean (29 March 2012) and, in his pastoral International (with special role, looks forward to renewing acquaintances with both at the hotel. This was another good call to have the Church nearby the hotel, that the fallen had suffered enough. Benghazi also touched reference to their work in the passengers and members of the ship’s company. he charged to get the rings and just before Danielle’s arrival he arrived with the me in another way as present at the Service was a veteran Philippines). rings, holding them as a trophy up in the air so that everyone saw them. Brigadier who commanded a tank regiment in the desert Minerva’s A French Accent cruise (5 July 2012) includes an We’re sure we speak on campaign. He stood alone with a tear in his eye and when excursion to Ypres as well as an opportunity to pay your At the end of the ceremony, Danielle surprised me again. Outside the Church, behalf of all our clerical I enquired if some of his men were interred here his reply respects at the Menin Gate, hearing the buglers sound there was a 40 year old Fiat 500 decorated with a beautiful bow ribbon with Guest Speakers when we say still resonates within my soul. “No.” He paused. “There was the Last Post. There will also be a full-day excursion from the colours of the British and the Italian flags. A dear friend of mine, brought thank you to everyone for so nothing to bury.” Honfleur to visit some of theD-Day landing beaches. n November 12th 2011 at 2pm, after 11 from Trieste a Red Ensign and the corresponding Italian Merchant Marine flag many generous contributions For all who were there who can forget Gallipoli? Even now Omonths of engagement, Danielle (Swan’s and he has covered the little car before we exited the Church. On exiting we Changi Prison Museum – will be visited on Mysteries of over the years, which have the awful waste shocks. How do I describe my feelings at the Indian Ocean (19 December 2012). Future Sales Manager) and I got married in have been hit by rice and sugar almonds, the rice, I understand is also in the improved the lives of people Cape Helles Memorial where more than 20,000 names of English tradition, about the sugar almonds, I am not sure that is as enjoyable River Kwai – will be visited on Kingdoms of Southeast Asia Whitstable, Kent. The preparation of the wedding and organisations not just in the unknown are listed? I recognised the Royal Munsters as the rice, they come down like bullets and probably Health and Safety has (24 January 2013). had been made by my wife and as Danielle was this country but also around and Dublin Fusiliers and the Enniskillens; the town of my stopped it to prevent serious injuries to the wedded couple. El Alamein – will be visited on Holy Lands (27 March keeping me updated on what was planned for the the world. birth. As elsewhere, I check to see if there are McMahons The day continued with the photos, the cutting of the cake and the first dance, 2013). day, I felt we were planning one of our detailed and they were there at Gallipoli. Did we share a common things that were mostly dictated by the sunset that in November we all know ancestry? Down the road was the Lancashire Fusiliers’ excursions. comes a little too early. We then went into a grand room where dinner was “Part of my family, and some friends travelled from Italy a couple of days before served and the caterer, a former RN chef, has served to my personal opinion a so they had an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful coastal town and the nearby fabulous dinner consisting of courses with mainly products coming from the Canterbury with its magnificent Cathedral. We have enjoyed nice restaurants nearby farms and fished from Whitstable. The wine flowed through the whole and performed several beer tastings in some of the well stocked pubs. The night dinner where numerous toasts, in Italian style, were made, then at the end of before the wedding, as good custom, I slept in a well furnished Fisherman Hut, the meal, my Wife and I left the castle with some of the friends and family to by the beach. These huts were in the past used by the local fishermen for storing go and celebrate the end of this beautiful day at the Duke of Cumberland, all their gear and nowadays are owned and operated by the Oyster Company a local pub which is just seconds away from our house. Needless to say that as part of a local hotel. The first surprise on my wedding day, was to be told by we have closed the pub ending in this way an amazing day. I must say that it Danielle that there was a cup of tea just outside my hut, she surely wanted to was really nice to be able to celebrate our wedding in England, Italy would make sure that I was awake in good time to be ready. My preparation was fairly have been surely nice but I really wanted to share with my Family and Friends straight and simple, while for Danielle, surrounded by aunts, bridesmaids and the beauty of the country where we live and the homely town of Whitstable. friends, was probably more articulated and comprehensive... I got to the hotel Unfortunately, we will not be able to take Minerva in where the Italians were, had a good breakfast, got changed and while I was there as it is rather shallow even in high tide, if you haven’t awaiting for the time to start moving, I was given a couple of good whiskeys to been there, well, you should get there by road. help me at controlling my nerves. At 1pm I was ready outside of the Church Both Captain Giovanni and Danielle will be welcomed back getting the last bits sorted and receiving the last instruction by our special aboard Minerva in spring 2012. Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, El Alamein 14 ” 15 Your memories aboard Minerva

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Andy & Pat Liney, Grand Antiquities, October 2011 Barbara Mackay, Castles in the Sand, November 2011 David Tawney, The Norwegian Fjords, August 2011

As a first timer to the cruise world I knew I must have made the right choice as The whole of our Empires of the Baltic was memorable – seeing the the person next to me on the flight to Istanbul proudly said ‘this is our 31st trip impressive Vasa for the first time, visiting the room from which Lenin made e have been asking for your memories from AND we have booked five more’. his famous speeches, watching a ballet in the Mariinsky Theatre, traversing Wyour Swan Hellenic cruises, and you have I soon discovered that once on a Swan Hellenic cruise you are completely spoilt. the amazing Kiel Canal – I could go on and on. certainly not disappointed! We have received some All the smallest details are taken care of, the standard of lectures excellent, For me the undoubted highlight was our second sailing through the wonderful words, drawings and photographs, arrangements second to none and the overwhelming atmosphere of complete Stockholm archipelago. Although the weather was gloriously warm and joie de vivre from staff and passengers or rather ‘Swans’ infectious. On the sunny, my partner and I seemed to have the Promenade Deck to ourselves which we have thoroughly enjoyed viewing and Mytilene Island Drive we stopped for a pre-arranged lunch. What a lunch! Plate (no doubt many other passengers were enjoying another fascinating talk from would now like to share with you. Here is just a after plate of delicious freshly cooked dishes kept coming with wine and Retsina. the good Rear Admiral). The scenery was wonderful and by then I already selection of what we have received so far. If you A feast AND we knew we had dinner to face that evening but we didn’t let that had several wonderful days on board Minerva to look back on, but this all would like to send us some of your memories from dampen our appetites. The stray cats circling the tables were a bit unlucky that took a back seat to what happened next – my partner Gary proposed! day as everything was consumed. This was on day five of our holiday and we Although many passengers are closer to their golden wedding than their a recent cruise with Swan Hellenic, simply email knew we were on to a winner. engagement, everyone on board Minerva seemed delighted for us. It was [email protected], and perhaps you will We’ll be back but probably will never match the total cruises by a fellow lovely to feel our happiness was shared by crew and passengers alike. Paul, the see them appear in one of our Journals or marketing passenger – 80! Cruise Director, asked our permission to announce the good news. When he Joe Thomas, A Spanish Summer, Christina Hodson, The Black Sea, material in the near future. All contributions will Anne Dauncey, Greek and Turkish Odyssey, September 2011 duly did that at the Captain’s cocktail party the collective ‘awww’ was very moving. From then on, we were congratulated repeatedly by people hoping August 2011 September 2011 be entered into a monthly draw to win a mixed half our marriage would be as happy as their own. We picked up many tips to case (six bottles) of Laithwaites wine, with three We had a truly memorable voyage, seeing fabulous sites, following in the help us achieve this – including the sound advice to return to Minerva for as footsteps, or wake, of Greek and Roman colonists as well as discovering more many anniversaries as possible. runners up each receiving a bottle of wine. secret parts of the Venetian empire. And at the end of each day, back to Minerva Patsy Collins, Empires of the Baltic, July 2011 for a sumptuous dinner and dancing on deck under the stars! What could be better? Jane Chubb, Hidden Treasures of the Adriatic, September 2011 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…Black Each port visited was a delight and all the excursions were well-planned and Sea Fleet coming on board singing, and playing for us, Georgian dancing executed; particular mention must be made of Captain Giovanni’s determination – whirling and clashing swords, the magical ballet in Odessa’s magnificent to land us on St Kilda and his Crew’s skill in achieving this tricky task. Wildlife Opera house, the surprise choir in Livadia palace. Best of all dear old sighting was prolific and made all the more enjoyable by Mr Tim Earl’s valuable Minerva...comfortable, lovely staff, delicious food!! At lots of places the band and knowledgeable contribution and constant presence on deck or on the Ship’s turned out to welcome us...here in Sevastopol the whole of the Navy was tannoy system and our close encounter with a Blue Whale and its Calf was there, complete with band!! memorable. Pat Wood, The Black Sea, September 2011 Ronald Edmonds, Call of the Arctic Tern, July 2011 Vivienne Fearn, Volcanoes of the Mediterranean, October 2011 Gavin R Bishop, Call of the Arctic Tern, July 2011

16 17 Hebridean Princess passes through Tower Bridge, London European River Cruises 2012

The month of May by Sheila Salmon, Cruise Director The month of May usually heralds the beginning of spring – all over Europe festivals are held to celebrate the lengthening days and the delights of the year ahead. So what better time to enjoy a river cruise along the Danube or the Rhône with fellow Swan Hellenic travellers in the company of eloquent Guest Speakers?

Cologne Rhine Bonn Germany Koblenz Cochem Frankfurt Bernkastel-Kues Rüdesheim Moselle Trier (Mehring) Czech Rep

France Slovakia Passau Dürnstein Bratislava Chalôn- Melk Vienna Esztergom sur-Saône Austria Tournus Switzerland Budapest mv A-ROSA Riva, The Danube Mâcon Rhône Hungary Lyon Vienne Danube CROATIA Italy Viviers Hebridean Island

Avignon Arles Cruises 2012 Hebridean Island Cruises, a sister company of Swan Hellenic, In the depths of winter, whilst I sit huddled around the log burner gazing at the grey mist outside, I allow my thoughts to drift off towards the forthcoming spring and the prospect of returning once again to the European The Danube – 8 days has been setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. waterways on board A-Rosa Riva on the Danube or A-Rosa Stella on the Rhône. Depart UK 2012 Featuring fully inclusive shore tours, our small, five star luxury cruise April 29 One of the abiding memories which has always helped me get through the cold winter months is that of sitting Outside cabins from £1,525 per ship – Hebridean Princess – affords our guests the highest standards on the deck of a river cruiser sipping a glass of aromatic, chilled white wine watching as the river flows lazily past person of luxury cruise ship accommodation, together with a level of service charming villages, where the balconies of the local houses are heavy with brightly coloured window boxes, whilst from an almost forgotten era. a little way upstream along the Danube the maypole stands proudly at the centre of the village. Passengers who cruise with us on the Danube are intrigued by these symbols of spring. In Germany and THE RHÔNE – 8 DAYS Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully planned by Isles itineraries are set to be as popular as ever Austria the raising of the maypole or Maibaum is a tradition going back to the 16th century and was used as an Depart UK 2012 our own highly experienced researchers, whose during June and July. Shorter breaks may be opportunity of welcoming the spring and banishing the winter. In Bavaria the pole is usually painted in the state May 19, September 1 & 8 brief is to capture the cultural essence and enjoyed in the beautiful Argyll and Clyde regions colours of white and blue and decorated with emblems depicting local crafts and trades. Outside cabins from £1,725 per historical significance of each port of call. during the beginning and end of the season and the five-night Gastronomic Tour of Skye cruise France too has its own traditions of celebrating the return of spring, from the flower festivals of Nice and Menton person Outstanding service, with a passenger to crew will operate in June. to the festival of the Gypsies who every year in May, flock to the little town of Saintes Maries de la Mer in the ratio of almost one to one, fine cuisine, spacious Camargue area of the Rhône Delta to commemorate their patron saint Sara. Swan Hellenic’s Rhône cruise will cabins and some of the most elegant public rooms afloat, the Hebridean Experience offers a be visiting Saintes Maries de la Mer on the Camargue excursion in May this year. Whilst along the banks of the • Unparalleled luxury The Moselle & relaxing luxury holiday. Swan Hellenic passengers Rhône itself the perfume of the lavender, in full bloom at this time of year, invades our senses and reminds us of Rhine Valley – 8 days will enjoy the country-house style comfort and • High standard of cuisine Depart UK 2012 the warm, fragrant days of summer just around the corner. level of sophistication that a Hebridean cruise September 15 • All-inclusive prices provides, as well as the peace of mind that the So why not come and join us? Each year it is such a thrill to see who will be returning to cruise with us again Outside cabins from £1,750 per • Delightful on board ambience – it has been really gratifying to see passengers crossing over from one river to the other, having enjoyed the all-inclusive tariff brings. person • Stimulating destinations – on your Rhône, the Danube or the Rhine they are eager to experience what the other rivers have to offer. River cruising During 2012 Hebridean Princess introduces is a unique experience and, whilst there cannot be any comparison between rivers and deep sea cruising, we are many new itineraries including three superb doorstep delighted that so many of our Minerva passengers have made the transition and have thoroughly enjoyed the cruises to the Emerald Isle during August – • Personal service – Guest to crew ratio of experience. re-introduced after a break of several years and including one of the popular Footloose almost one to one Perhaps this year Jayne Yates and I will have the opportunity of welcoming you on board one of our itineraries. New and well-tried Footloose cruises • A British company established in 1989 Swan Hellenic river cruises. We look forward to meeting you. feature throughout the year, and the Northern

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