Britain’s Swan Hellenic have just taken delivery of their newest vessel, SH Minerva. Lets take a look at her and see what sets her apart.
Swan Hellenic started back in the 1950’s as a travel agency specializing in tour packages to the Greek islands. Over the years they grew the brand and among other ventures, started chartering ships for sailing around Turkey and the Greek Isles. They prided themselves, and still do to this day, for their unique itineraries. As the line describes themselves:
A key difference to other commercial cruises was that Swan Hellenic cruises endeavoured never to repeat the same itineraries twice.
The complete history of this brand is absolutely fascinating and deserves a separate article on it. The latest stage of the line saw the new owners, headed by industry veteran Andrea Zito saw them place a three ship order with Helsinki Shipyard Oy. The ship is owned by GTLK and operated by Swan Hellenic Cruises. She measures 10,700gt and is 337ft LOA (115m). She carries only 152 guests. She’s built to polar code Cat A and polar class PC5.
Passenger areas start on deck 03. It is here that you board the zodiacs for expeditions ashore. There are also staging on port and starboard with lockers to use before you head off on them. The ship’s library and onboard laboratory are found in this area also.
Deck 04 has oceanview staterooms forward, and the reception amidships. The restaurant is at the aft area.
Off to the side is a special private dining room that can be reserved.
Deck 05 contains all balcony cabins. At the aft end is the stairway you take to get down to the aft marina area on deck 03.
Deck 06 is all cabins with the very neat Swans Nest outdoor observation area at the very front.
Deck 07 is the observation lounge up front.
The smaller, more intimate, Club Lounge is amidships.
The swimming pool is aft. There’s also an outdoor bar and grill here too.
Deck 08 has the bridge up front. There’s the gym and spa amidships.
There’s also an outdoor jacuzzi and a sauna.
Deck 09 is the topmost part of the ship and it contains a large, open deck used for stargazing. The ship has three main cabin types. All with luxury appointments, an oceanview, a balcony, and two sizes of suites.
