An exciting new chapter
Swan Hellenic, a British company founded in 1954, pioneered the concept of discovery cruising in the company of eminent Guest Speakers, while travelling the world in comfort and country-house style. It has now been four years since we became part of the All Leisure Group and were reunited with our much loved cruise ship Minerva. As ever we have listened to you, our loyal and growing number of passengers who remain as passionate about the Swan Hellenic lifestyle as our staff and ship’s company, and are now able to act on those comments and announce a visionary multi-million pound upgrade which will take Swan Hellenic and Minerva forward into the next era. Without increasing the number of berths or the number of passengers on board, innovative design will give added space and comfort. The new specification will feature an increased number of balcony cabins raising the number from 12 to 44, and an upgrade of all 181 ensuite passenger cabin facilities.
Changing for the better
Imaginative design will transform the public areas on board providing increased passenger space for our 350 passengers. A new wrap-around Orpheus Lounge and Bar will be created at the forward end of the top deck providing expansive panoramic views. Shackleton’s Bar will be extended into a horseshoe shape allowing passengers additional space in which to relax and enjoy the intimate on board ambience prior to dining in the newly named signature Swan Restaurant, named after our founders W F and R K Swan. A new walk round teak Promenade Deck, which preserves the classic days of cruising, will be laid at the top of the ship. This, with the Orpheus Lounge and Bar, will offer the perfect vantage points, both inside and out, for those memorable arrivals and departures, early morning walks and pre and post dinner cocktails.
A reconfiguration of the public areas on Bridge Deck will see the former cinema upgraded to an additional lounge, to be known as the Livingstone Lounge. The internet area, currently located in the Library, will move to the port side of the ship and be renamed the Internet Lounge. This larger facility will meet our passengers’ expectations, allowing them to remain in close touch with family and friends.The renowned and popular Swan Hellenic library, which boasts some 5,000 volumes, an integral part of the Swan Hellenic heritage, will remain unchanged. A new Salon Centre and Gymnasium will be created at the aft end of Aegean Deck. The aft end of the new Sun Deck will be extended with teak decking to create an additional, sheltered outside space for relaxation, while the teak deck surrounding the pool area on Bridge Deck will now benefit from a canopy arrangement to provide protection from the sun. This will create an enhanced space for dining alfresco and also create a late evening entertainment venue.
For a quick peek at our new deckplan take a look here
Details of improvements and images are correct as of 01 September 2011, but subject to change
