Swan Hellenic Summer 2016 Preview

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To book or request a brochure

01858 414 001visit www.swanhellenic.comor contact your local travel agent

Our offices are open for telephone reservations from 9am to 8pm on weekdays; 9am to 5.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Calls are charged at local rate from a BT land line, calls from other networks or mobiles may vary. Calls may be recorded to ensure high levels of customer service. Note: we will always send the most up-to-date brochure. This means the cover designs may vary to those shown. Data Protection: Swan Hellenic is part of All Leisure Holidays Ltd. The information we hold about you will be used to deal with your enquiry or booking, provide you with our latest news and offers or invite you to take part in research. We may also share your information with other All Leisure Holidays companies who may occasionally contact you about products and services we feel may be of interest to you. For further information, please see the Swan Hellenic Privacy Policy at swanhellenic.com

Brochures from our sister companies

Hebridean Island CruisesHighlands & islands of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Eire, the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly & Northern France

Swan HellenicWorldwide small ship discovery cruises with inclusive shore excursions and renowned Guest Speaker programmes

Voyages of DiscoveryIncorporating Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Far East, the Indian Ocean and South Africa

Just You holidays for single travellersEscorted holidays to Europe, Middle East, Far East, Americas, India and Africa

Travelsphere Escorted Holiday CollectionEscorted tours to North America, China and Far East, Latin America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and more

Hebridean River CruisesA collection of relaxing cruises along Europe’s picturesque rivers the Rhine, Main and Danube

Swan Hellenic River CruisesOur award-winning river cruise programme features journeys along the Danube, the Rhône and the Saône

Group travelOur cruises are perfect for groups. If you travel with 10 or more adults, whether it’s your family, friends or members of a social club, you can take advantage of our excellent range of benefits. These include:

• Dedicated Groups team• Generous discounts and/or free places*• Private cocktail parties*• FREE promotional material so you can keep your group informed

Here at Swan Hellenic we have a specialist, award-winning Groups team on hand to help you all the way through your booking. To find out more, call us on our dedicated number:

0845 758 5007 Monday - Friday from 9am - 5.30pm

*Subject to minimum numbers and availability.

Please note: we will always send the most up to date brochures - this means the cover designs may differ from those shown above.

Email: [email protected]

Exceptional inclusive valueCruise fares include all flights, meals, gratuities, Guest Speaker programme and shore excursions

SWAN HELLENICDISCOVERY CRUISING

Summer 2016April – November 2016

ISSUED APRIL 2015

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WelcomeStimulating, informative, relaxing, sociable – these are just some of the words our

passengers have used to describe the Swan Hellenic experience. 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.

For those with a mind to travel

3Front cover image: Venice, Italy

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 during summer 2016.

Regular Swan Hellenic passengers will be familiar with our unique style of discovery cruising, 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.

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 flights, overseas transfers and 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 2016 and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you on board in the future.

Kind regards

Ian Smith Group CEO, Swan Hellenic

Call Swan Hellenic on 01858 414 001 or visit www.swanhellenic.com

Exceptional, inclusive value

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Delicious meals complemented by relaxed open-seated diningDining on board Minerva is a relaxing experience with our open-seated dining. Our attentive yet unobtrusive staff will ensure service is at the perfect pace.

From leisurely breakfasts to delicious lunches and sumptuous dinners, exceptional cuisine from our highly skilled chefs is always on the menu. Imaginative dishes showcase their creativity and expert palate as you enjoy beautifully presented meals in your choice of two restaurants.

Captain’s gala nightsWe also include two gala nights per 15-day cruise, including complimentary cocktail parties, where you can enjoy the company of the captain and ship’s officers.

Relax in comfortable and elegant surroundings aboard MinervaWith the ambience of a country house hotel, Minerva will take you around the world in style. Guests make this charming ship, with its spacious lounges, welcoming bars and well-appointed cabins, a home from home, enjoying a warm welcome and professional service from our friendly staff.

Engaging onboard activitiesBrowse the extensive library, take a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy the fresh air on deck or relax in a quiet corner. Perhaps learn a new skill such as bridge, painting or yoga in one of our workshops. When the sun goes down, enjoy our varied programme of evening entertainment, from classical concerts and sparkling revues to light-hearted quizzes and film screenings.

Enjoy the congenial company of your distinguished Guest SpeakersYour expert Guest Speakers are great characters whose expertise of both the iconic sights and lesser-known gems make our cruise experience so enriching. Their passion and enthusiasm for their chosen subject – from archaeology, art history and classics to geology, horticulture and wildlife – really comes through during their lively talks.

Professors, doctors and former high-ranking military personnel, these leaders in their field are as approachable as they are knowledgeable and happy to chat over dinner and accompany you on selected shore excursions.

“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.”Christina Hodson

C O N T E N T S

Introduction to Swan Hellenic. . . . . . . . 2-25

Cruise destinations summer 2016 . . .26-59

Grand Voyages . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37 & 60-65

Guest Speakers’ biographies . . . . . . . . .66-69

Suites and cabins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70-71

General information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72-75

Booking conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76-78

Deck plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Fares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80-81

Cruise calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82-83

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We’ll help you make the most of your time ashore so you can discover moreEnjoy an included tailor-made shore excursion programme – worth up to £650 per person – which features something for everyone. You will visit cities of music, culture and art, sites of ancient civilisations, remote villages, iconic coastlines and inspirational landscapes. Our well-travelled team have researched every port of call in detail and have carefully selected excursions to make the most of your time ashore.

Reach the smaller ports that larger ships can only pass byMinerva continues to lead the way to new and exciting destinations around the globe. Her small-but-perfectly-formed size enables her to head straight into the heart of a destination, and she regularly calls at smaller, off-the-beaten-track ports that are inaccessible to mega liners. As a result, we are able to create a unique range of itineraries that are meticulously planned and reach the heart of numerous unusual destinations.

So much included in your cruise fare Enjoy exceptional value for money with so much included, from the porterage of your luggage to port taxes, all meals on board, an excellent Guest Speaker programme, flights and overseas transfers. Gratuities are also included, which means no further tipping of waiters, stewardesses, hairdressers, porters, drivers and guides is expected or required. Passengers booking selected cabins (category A-C) will also receive complimentary chauffeur service within 75 miles of Portsmouth or your departing UK airport (London and Manchester only).

“Each port visited was a delight and all the excursions were well-planned and executed.”Ronald Edmonds


Shore excursions up to the value of £650

Flights and overseas transfers

All meals with open-seated dining

Engaging talks by expert Guest Speakers

All gratuities

Porterage of luggage

All port taxes

Complimentary chauffeur service (Categories A-C only)

Selection of onboard activities and entertainment

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED

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The Swan Hellenic distinction

Guests have been enchanted by Swan Hellenic’s unique, multi-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 £650 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.

Minerva’s accommodations are elegant and understated with spacious lounges and comfortable bars. Friendly staff cater to your every need and ensure your cruise meets or surpasses every expectation. All our cruises offer unrivalled, inclusive value which means that, aside from bar expenses, selected visas and any optional excursions you choose to add, there are no other costs.

Join us in 2016 for a cruise experience that has set Swan Hellenic apart for more than 60 years, and that continues to set the benchmark for those with a mind to travel.

* 95% is based on customer satisfaction questionnaires over a 6-month period from July 2014-December 2014.

Barcelona, Spain

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“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.”Pat Wood

LOYALTY DISCOUNTFor all returning passengers, a 5% loyalty discount will apply to Standard Fares on future bookings with Swan Hellenic.

Exquisite cuisine Corinth Canal transit

Taormina, Sicily


9Venice, Italy

2016 CRUISE DESTINATIONS

Itineraries to inspire and delight

Travelling with Swan Hellenic means you can visit many more destinations on one holiday than would be possible by land or air. While Minerva sails

gracefully from one destination to the next, you can enjoy the fascinating insight provided by your eminent Guest Speakers, visit the onboard library to discover even more about your next port of call or simply relax and reflect on your wonderful journey.

In 2016 you can visit some truly spectacular parts of the world, with chances to take in the treasures of the Baltic, the gems of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas, and enthralling destinations around British waters. Highlights include Minerva’s maiden voyage to the enigmatic White Sea, along with a delightful journey that combines coastal cruising with trips along the Loire, Seine and Garonne. You can also take in London’s iconic architecture as you sail along the River Thames for a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show, or head to Cadiz and Lisbon to join the celebrations for the Tall Ships Festival’s diamond anniversary.

Wherever your interests lie, you can be assured of well-planned and carefully delivered itineraries that are sure to be both enriching and memorable.

We look forward to welcoming you on board.

St Malo, France

Church interior, Arkhangelsk, Russia

Tower Bridge, London

Tall Ships Festival

Lisbon, Portugal


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INCLUSIVE SHORE EXCURSION PROGRAMME

Time ashore to discover more

Your Swan Hellenic cruise bookYour complimentary, tailor-made cruise book for each itinerary is sent out approximately twelve weeks prior to departure. It contains full details of the shore excursion programme, a booking form and introductory articles by Guest Speakers. Practical information for each destination and a suggested reading list also feature. All shore excursions are pre-bookable twelve weeks before departure up until approximately two weeks before you embark.

No matter which cruise you choose, you will enjoy the benefits of an inclusive tailor-made shore excursion programme. Our knowledgeable, well-travelled

team have researched each port of call in detail, carefully hand-picking the best excursions to ensure you make the most of your time ashore – so you can rest assured that everything will be organised and delivered to the highest possible standard.

Our brand new voyages for 2016 are filled with memorable moments, designed to take you straight to the heart of each destination. On our ‘Celtic Traditions and Edinburgh’s Tattoo’ cruise you can experience the impressive Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, including a fantastic fireworks finale, while our ‘Glorious Gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show’ voyage includes entry to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show – a wonderful experience.

Along with this inclusive programme, you can choose from a range of optional shore excursions which offer excellent value and even more exciting opportunities. They are ideal for those who wish to head a little further afield or delve a little deeper into the essence of a destination.

No matter where in the world you explore, you are sure to experience those special Swan Hellenic moments that make each of our cruises truly unforgettable.


Chelsea Flower Show

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

11Ephesus, Turkey

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There is no better way to travel than with the advance knowledge and insight that allows you to fully embrace and understand each destination.

Swan Hellenic’s Guest Speakers are carefully selected to deliver engaging and informative talks on a wide range of subjects that are relevant to each itinerary. Add to this the genuine passion and infectious enthusiasm they have for their individual areas of expertise, and you can understand why a Swan Hellenic cruise is so much more than just a holiday.

Whether you are listening to a fascinating talk in the comfort of Minerva’s Darwin Lounge or your cabin, listening to a broadcast from the bridge, or enjoying sparkling conversation over dinner, our Guest Speakers bring an added dimension to each cruise that is both rare and invaluable.

Featured GuestsJoining us on board Minerva this year are some exceptional Guest Speakers, including best-selling author, poet and radio and television broadcaster Professor Gervase Phinn. He has been touring theatres for 10 years with his one-man show, ‘An Evening with Gervase Phinn’. Listen to his hilarious and sometimes poignant tales of the life of a schools’ inspector in the Yorkshire Dales on our ‘Iberian Maritime Adventure’ cruise, departing on 21st July 2016.

Also joining us in 2016 is Prue Leith, a renowned television broadcaster, cookery writer, novelist and former restaurateur. Having begun her career supplying lunches for directors’ dining rooms, Prue Leith went on to start a Michelin-starred restaurant, Leith’s, as well as Leith’s School of Food and Wine. She has been a columnist for national newspapers and has featured on television documentaries including the BBC’s Best of British and Great British Menu. She will share her experiences in the culinary world on our ‘Riviera and Islands of the Mediterranean’ cruise, departing on 30th August 2016.

Experts add much more than just detail

RENOWNED GUEST SPEAKERS

Subjects covered by our Guest Speakers include:ArchaeologyArchitectureArt HistoryClassicsGeographyGeologyHistoryHorticultureLiteraturePhilosophyVolcanologyWildlife


Darwin Lounge, Minerva

Dr Colleen Batey, Guest Speaker © Historic Scotland

Sir Richard Dales KCVO CMG , Guest Speaker

Gervase Phinn, Guest Speaker. Photograph © Richard Murphy

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NATIONAL TRUST

Swan Hellenic’s relationship with the National Trust complements our mutual interests in conservation, heritage and learning. See pages 42-43 & 46-47 for our National Trust partnership cruises.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Our relationship with the Royal Horticultural Society celebrates a shared interest in horticulture and gardening. See pages 32-33 & 50-51 for our RHS Garden Holidays partnership cruises.

NADFASThe National Association of Decorative & Fine Art Societies (NADFAS) is justly renowned both for the quality of its speakers and for the breadth of its speakers’ interests. See pages 30, 38, 46, 50 & 56.

Our long-established affiliations and partnerships with organisations such as the National Trust, RHS and NADFAS allow us to offer specialist speakers and other benefits on selected cruises.

Monet’s Garden, Giverny, France

SHACKLETON BARA spacious horseshoe-shaped bar with large picture windows. Relax and enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink, while listening to a varied programme of piano music selected by our cocktail pianist.

WHEELER BARThe elegant and comfortable Wheeler Bar is the perfect location for a drink during the day and late into the evening, with our classical musicians.

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WELCOME ABOARD MINERVA

The ambience of a country house

INTERNET LOUNGE Dedicated Internet Lounge, enabling you to

keep in touch with family and friends

TENDERSEasy access, fast tenders to

transfer you between ship and shore easily and in comfort

CANOPIED POOL AREA Offering shelter from the heat of

the midday sun, and creating more opportunities for BBQs, al fresco

dining and late-night entertainment

THE SWAN RESTAURANT

WHEELER BAR

VERANDA RESTAURANT

THE LIBRARY

P CABINS8 single cabins

PROMENADE DECKThis traditional wrap-around promenade deck offers the chance to walk a mile (8 circuits), with plenty of space for sunbathing

Illustration by Ric Cooper

THE LIBRARYMinerva’s well-stocked library is one of the finest afloat, featuring approximately 5,000 volumes of fiction, non-fiction and reference books relevant to our cruising destinations - many written by our eminent Guest Speakers.

THE SWAN RESTAURANTThe Swan Restaurant is elegantly and comfortably furnished with white tablecloths, sparkling glasses and polished cutlery. Arrive at any time within advertised opening hours and you will be shown to a table by our Maître d’. Full waiter service will ensure that you enjoy your meal.

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ORPHEUS LOUNGE This light, spacious lounge at the forward end of the top deck, with seating for 145 passengers, offers panoramic views by day and an intimate venue for dancing by night

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THE SWAN HELLENIC TEAM

Taking such good care of our passengers is second nature to Swan Hellenic. For over 60 years we have offered the service and genuine welcome that

makes both new and returning passengers feel immediately at home.

Taking equally good care of Minerva, our officers and deck staff maintain the smooth running of all ship’s services and itineraries. Whilst you relax and enjoy delicious food in the restaurants or gentle conversation in the bars, our hotel staff work tirelessly to ensure that no detail is overlooked.

From the first meeting with our representative at the port or airport, to the welcoming line of stewards and stewardesses at the top of the ship’s gangway, you can relax in the knowledge that all our staff are on hand to make your cruise as easy and comfortable as it can be.

Your cruise fare includes all gratuities; therefore no further tipping is expected or required. Service is always provided with a smile and with a genuine desire to please.

Friendly and professional service


THE SWAN HELLENIC TEAM

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DAYS OF DISCOVERY AND RELAXATION

Time well spent

Being a relatively small ship, Minerva soon becomes a familiar home from home. Your cabin is easily reached from all the main lounges and restaurants, and

fellow travellers quickly become acquaintances and friends. The ship never feels crowded - there is always a comfortable chair in a quiet corner in which to read, or a sun lounger where you can enjoy the fresh air and a cooling drink.

After a leisurely breakfast in either the Swan or Veranda restaurants, attend a Guest Speaker talk in the Darwin Lounge or catch up with those at home in the Internet Lounge. Meet up for morning coffee in the Veranda Restaurant, shop for postcards in the Kiosk or browse the range of merchandise in our onboard shop.

At lunchtime choose from a delicious à la carte menu in the Swan Restaurant, a lighter buffet back in the Veranda Restaurant or an al fresco barbecue around the pool, and afterwards relax and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board. Browse our well-stocked library, then retire to the serenity of the Orpheus Lounge with its panoramic views, relax in a teak chair on deck, or refresh yourself with a dip in the pool. Perhaps learn a new skill – bridge, painting, yoga or tai-chi – in one of our onboard workshops.

Later on, afternoon tea is served in the Veranda Restaurant, with a complimentary selection of cakes, sandwiches and biscuits. After a gentle stroll around the Promenade Deck, take in the delightful vista of sea and sky as the day draws to a close and thoughts turn to the evening ahead.

Onboard workshop Library

On deck

The card room

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Veranda Restaurant

Lecture in the Darwin Lounge

Yoga classes

Dancing


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MEMORIES MADE IN PERFECT COMPANY

Evenings of sophisticated dining and entertainment


As the sun sets on another perfect day, a background violin and the buzz of animated conversation set the tone for an evening of fine dining in

congenial surroundings.

Open dining in the Swan Restaurant always allows you to dine at the table of your choice and in the company of your friends at any time during opening hours.

A varied and beautifully presented menu of international dishes tempts you, as does the carefully selected wine list. Efficient but never obtrusive restaurant staff, under the expert guidance of our Maitre d’, ensure that dinner each evening is served at the perfect pace, and as you share your wonderful experiences of the cruise so far, you will begin to really appreciate the special atmosphere that is truly unique to Swan Hellenic.

After dinner, head to the Darwin Lounge to enjoy our diverse evening entertainment programme, which includes operatic selections featuring our talented professional quartets, musical theatre compilations and wonderful classical music performed by our resident instrumentalists.

Marvel in the vocal virtuosity of Clare Harper as she takes you on a journey through the lives of many of the most popular and revered female singers of the century told in word and song. Immerse yourself in a dramatic production delivered by our visiting strolling players, or listen to one of our captivating after-dinner speakers, including renowned cookery writer Prue Leith and best-selling author Gervase Phinn.

Alternatively, you may choose to gather with your travelling companions to take part in a light-hearted quiz, enjoy a film screening or experience the inviting ambiance of the Shackleton Bar. Perhaps enjoy a drink and some amusing conversation backed by the delightful tones of our resident pianist and violinist. You could play a few hands of bridge, or why not simply sit back and relax with a good book from our extensive library.

As the night progresses you have the opportunity to dance to the band by the pool, listen to our visiting local artistes who conjure up an authentic flavour of your ports of call, or venture to the Orpheus Lounge to enjoy a nightcap.

Before turning in for the evening, what could be better than a stroll around the Promenade Deck, taking in the air under the stars.

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EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FROM THE START

To ensure your holiday begins effortlessly from the moment you close your front door, Swan Hellenic prides itself on meticulous planning that ensures every aspect of your cruise is delivered to the highest standard possible.

With every detail carefully arranged for you, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you will be well looked after from beginning to end. Swan Hellenic has teamed up with a number of partners and is pleased to offer the following options to assist with travelling to and from the airport or port.

Travelling to Minerva On Fly Cruises 2016

NEW Consular Services Visas required prior to travel, for UK Passport holders, can be processed by our Consular Services team. Further details can be found in the General Information section on pages 72-75.

Airport hotels, car parking and loungesSecure car parking at your airport from £2.99 per day

Park your car at a secure car park within walking distance or a short shuttle bus ride from the airport terminal. Pre-booked prices start from just £2.99 per day.

Meet & greet parking from £8 per day

A great hassle-free way to start your holiday is to use the meet & greet parking service. Simply drop your car at the terminal door and a driver will park your car for you and meet you upon your return.

Airport hotel & parking from £26 per person

For added convenience, why not stay overnight near to the airport before you fly. A hotel room and 8 days’ parking package starts from just £26 per person based on two people sharing (hotel room only from £24.50 per person). Simply call us for a quote.

Airport lounges from £14.99 per personEscape the hustle and bustle of the airport as you relax in comfort in an airport lounge before you fly. Many lounges offer unlimited complimentary refreshments, snacks and newspapers - it’s a great way to treat yourself at the start of your trip.

Great-value rail faresIf you’re flying from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted, you might choose to take the train. Working together with our partners Holiday Extras, our Holiday Advisors can book your train tickets for you at incredible prices which offer fantastic value for money.

There are many benefits of letting the train take the strain:

• Your holiday begins as soon as you step aboard – with no traffic or parking to worry about you can just sit back and relax

• Any route can be used and fully flexible tickets allow travel at any time of the day, including peak times

• Tickets to Gatwick include travel on the Gatwick Express and underground travel across London where required

• Tickets to Heathrow include travel on the Heathrow Express from Paddington, but exclude underground travel

Example rail fares: Bristol Temple Meads to Gatwick from £49pp Bournemouth to Heathrow from £86pp Manchester to Heathrow from £110pp

ATOC conditions apply - at least two passengers must be travelling together on the same booking (not available for single passengers); Standard Class only; seat reservation is not possible; there are no further discounts for rail card holders.

No-Air Travel OptionIf you’d prefer to travel by land, at the end of the ‘A Portrait of Portugal and Spain’ cruise we offer the opportunity to travel by train from Barcelona to London via Paris. Travelling on the French TGV in your reserved standard class seats at up to 200mph, you will whisk through the countryside before arrival into the French capital 6 hours later. A short coach transfer will take you across Paris to join the iconic Eurostar for the final leg of your journey, reaching St Pancras in just over 2 hours. Additionally, you may wish to consider an upgrade to 1st Class/Standard Premier, giving you even more space plus a light meal on the Eurostar. Please speak to our advisors to book.The rail option is subject to minimum numbers. Please note, you will be responsible for your own bags when travelling by rail and therefore this option is not recommended for the less mobile. Please see website for details.

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23Call Swan Hellenic on 01858 414 001 or visit www.swanhellenic.com 23

Swan Hellenic flights You will be greeted at the airport check-in desks by Swan Hellenic representatives. For group flights, Swan Hellenic offers a range of dedicated charter flights as well as scheduled flights. We anticipate working with the following airlines: British Airways, Aegean Airlines, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Air France, Iberia, Easy Jet and Thomas Cook. On Swan Hellenic dedicated charter flights we are pleased to offer a hot meal, complimentary drinks from the bar (excluding Champagne) as well as newspapers on flights returning to the UK. Preliminary scheduled flight details will be available once airlines release their schedules approximately 10 months prior to departure. However, in certain circumstances this can be closer to departure.

Inclusive transfer to MinervaOnce you land at the overseas airport, having completed immigration formalities and collected your luggage, look out for the Swan Hellenic staff and representatives who will direct you to your coach and guide for onward travel to embark Minerva. Once on board, your steward/stewardess will show you to your cabin. Your luggage will be taken from the coach and will be delivered directly to your cabin. (Passengers booking cruise only need to make their own transfer arrangements.)

Regional flightsOn scheduled services, it may be possible to book you a connecting flight from your local airport via London depending on the carrier and route. Please register your interest at the time of booking and we will contact you with options as soon as details are available.

On selected cruises it may also be possible to fly via Amsterdam to/from your cruise. This will be indicated on the cruise pages where available.

The Captain, Swan Hellenic staff & ship’s company look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva.

British Airways chooses its preferred partners very carefully and Swan Hellenic is very pleased to be part of this exclusive group.

Jet off to great destinations and benefit from the best network, schedules and flight frequency of any airline worldwide.

In partnership with British Airways, Swan Hellenic is pleased to invite you to upgrade your flights to help you get your holiday off to a first-rate start. Please enquire for details.

Upgrade to Club Europe from £99 one way

Club Europe is a feature-packed European business-class service, a perfect combination of efficiency, convenience and comfort, giving you:

• access to comfortable private lounges• more personal space to work or relax• complimentary food and drink service• dedicated check-in desks* and priority boarding• larger baggage allowance than Euro Traveller

The Club Europe cabin is situated at the front of the plane. The middle seat is kept free so you can always enjoy a guaranteed window or aisle seat and more personal space for relaxing.

* where available

British Airways Club Europe cabin

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EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FROM THE START

National Express coach travel

Swan Hellenic has teamed up with National Express to offer

excellent value coach travel from anywhere on the UK mainland for just £38 per person return. Depending on your route you can either book a coach direct to Portsmouth International Port or connect with our complimentary coach transfer from London Victoria (Victoria coach is available on Portsmouth-to-Portsmouth cruises only).

Travel from home in comfort and styleSwan Hellenic has teamed up with a leading chauffeur drive business in the UK, offering the highest standards of service.

Travel to Portsmouth International Port in comfort with our complimentary chauffeur service, available on bookings for higher grade cabins in Category A-C from addresses within 75 miles of Portsmouth International Port.

For passengers booking these categories of cabin who live further afield, the first 75 miles are complimentary with charges applying thereafter. This service is also available for cabins in categories D-N at a supplementary charge.

Travel insurance with cruise coverBefore you travel it is essential that you take out adequate holiday insurance to protect you in a case of cancellation or medical emergency. We are happy to recommend our partners, Holiday Extras, who have won the Travel Weekly Globe Awards’ Best Travel Insurance Provider trophy for the last 7 years running. They offer a tailored service to suit you perfectly, including single-trip and annual policies with:

• Up to £15 million of medical cover

• Up to £25,000 personal accident cover

• Up to £5,000 cancellation cover

• Up to £2,000 baggage cover

Best of all, they can even cover customers who can’t get insured elsewhere with specialist Latitude insurance, and can cover customers with pre-existing medical conditions following a quick and painless medical screening.

For a competitive quote, call their award-winning call centre on 0800 042 0201, quoting ALSWA.

Travelling to MinervaGeneral Information

Embark Minerva at Portsmouth International Port and commence your cruise in style, sailing past the historic Naval Dockyard, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, the Mary Rose Museum as well as the striking Spinnaker Tower and the

chalk cliffs of the Isle of Wight.

Excellent motorway, air and railway links service Portsmouth. Swan Hellenic is pleased to offer the following services and information to assist your journey.

Minerva

25

Value parking at PortsmouthSecure parking is available at Portsmouth International

Port at a discounted rate if booked through Swan Hellenic at least two weeks prior to departure.

Valet parking Cruise and Passenger Services offer secure valet parking at Portsmouth International Port for £11 a day (at the time of going to press). Drive to the terminal, collect your key tag receipt and ensure your cruise luggage is removed from the car. Your vehicle will then be parked by a careful and experienced driver in their secure car park. On your return simply collect your keys and your car will be waiting directly outside the terminal building.

Please contact CPS directly to book: Tel: 0845 071 3939 Email: [email protected]

(Services entered into directly with Cruise and Passenger Services form no part of any contract with Swan Hellenic.)

Complimentary coach transfers Take advantage of complimentary return coach transfers from either London Victoria Coach Station or Southampton Airport for all Portsmouth-to-Portsmouth cruises. (Transfers from Southampton airport may not be in a coach.)

For passengers departing on a group flight from a London airport but disembarking in Portsmouth at the end of the cruise, there will be a complimentary coach transfer from Portsmouth back to the departure airport.

For passengers embarking in Portsmouth but flying back to London at the end of the cruise, there will be a complimentary coach transfer from the London airport to Portsmouth at the start of the cruise. Pre-booking of these services is essential. Please speak to our Cruise Consultants for timings and to book your travel.

Flights to Southampton There are direct flights from Aberdeen, Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Jersey, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle to Southampton Airport. Passengers are advised to leave adequate time. Please talk to us about flexible arrangements. We can also arrange overnight accommodation at Southampton airport if desired.

Pre-cruise hotel stay & parking – Marriott Meon Valley (Portsmouth-to-Portsmouth cruises only)

Relax and arrive with plenty of time prior to embarkation. Swan Hellenic has obtained special rates from the Marriott Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club for a one-night stay in a standard deluxe room, including breakfast, parking for the duration of the cruise and port transfers. The Marriott Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club offers spacious en-suite rooms including a safe, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer. Golf and spa facilities are also available. Prices from: Twin: £179 per room Single: £169 per room (Please note: This is subject to availability and available on Portsmouth-to-Portsmouth cruises only).

Embarkation Embarkation at Portsmouth will generally commence three hours before Minerva is due to sail. On arrival at Portsmouth International Port Terminal you will be greeted by Swan Hellenic staff and representatives who will take your luggage for delivery direct to your cabin. You can then check in at the dedicated counter. Check-in generally opens two hours prior to embarkation. Portsmouth International Port offers a comfortable waiting area with a café, shop and toilets as well as an observation platform overlooking the port. Upon embarking Minerva, your steward/stewardess will show you to your cabin.

The Captain, Swan Hellenic staff and ship’s company look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva.


26

From the White Sea to the Eastern MediterraneanFly & no-fly cruises April – November 2016

Discover diverse landscapes, stunning architecture and a host of spectacular gardens on Minerva’s fascinating

summer programme, which sees her sailing from Portsmouth’s historic shores to vibrant Cyprus. Join her as she cruises three of Europe’s finest waterways, transits the impressive Kiel Canal and embarks on her inaugural sailing from Kirkenes to the mysterious White Sea. Other highlights include Iceland’s fascinating culture, Norway’s mesmerising fjords, the beautiful landscapes of the Mediterranean and the numerous treasures of our own British Isles.

27

Arctic Cathedral, TromsØ, Norway

From the White Sea to the Eastern MediterraneanFly & no-fly cruises April – November 2016


28

CHANNEL ISLANDS • FRANCE

TROIS-RIVIÈRES de FRANCE

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Sail the Loire, Seine and Garonne

rivers as Minerva visits three fascinating French waterways

• Admire the beautiful landscapes and scenery of the picturesque Cognac region

• Enjoy plenty of time to explore Bordeaux and Nantes as Minerva

berths overnight in each port

• Discover the UNESCO-listed island commune of Mont Saint-Michel

in the bay of St Malo

Take in the splendid scenery along three fascinating rivers on this wonderful

voyage where Minerva combines coastal cruising with journeys along the Loire, Seine and Garonne.

Departing from Portsmouth, sail across the English Channel to reach beautiful Rouen, where Minerva berths overnight. The magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral awaits your discovery in the city, while nearby Giverny is home to Monet’s famous gardens. Your next port of call is Guernsey, with its sandy bays, secret coves and cobbled streets, before Minerva navigates the Seine to Bordeaux. With two full days in port, you will have plenty of time to visit the picturesque Medoc region, famed for its red wines. The beautifully preserved architecture of La Rochelle is yours to discover before Minerva reaches Nantes, one of Europe’s most innovative cities. An overnight stay maximises your time ashore, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover Jardin des Plantes de Nantes – one of the most beautiful gardens in France. Your next destination is Lorient, from

where the ruins of old Roman roads lead to Vannes and Quimper. From St Malo, explore the UNESCO-listed island commune of Mont Saint-Michel and the charming Medieval town of Dinan, set in a spectacular location on a hillside overlooking the River Rance, before returning to Portsmouth.

YOUR GUEST SPEAKERSYour Guest Speakers on this cruise include:

Neil Taylor – 20th century political historian and guidebook writer.

Professor Christopher Andrew – Emeritus Professor of Modern & Contemporary History, University of Cambridge. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Art workshops will feature on this cruise.

La Pallice France

Bordeaux France

F R A N C E

Rouen France

LA ROCHELLE

CARNAC STONES

ST EMILION

MONT ST MICHEL

Lorient France

Nantes France

GIVERNY

EnglandPortsmouth

St Peter Port Guernsey

St Malo France

Garonne River

Medoc region, Bordeaux

Terra Botanica, NantesTender port

29

Bordeaux, France

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSRouen Rouen City St Peter Port Guernsey Island Drive, German Military Occupation Bordeaux Bordeaux City & Walk, St Emilion La Pallice La Rochelle City & Walk, Green Venice Nantes Nantes City Tour, Terra Botanica Lorient Quimper, Vannes St Malo Town Walking Tour, Dinan & Dinard, Mont St Michel

Optional Shore Excursions available: Rouen Giverny, Monet’s Gardens Nantes Angers and Cointreau Tasting Bordeaux Medoc, Vineyards and Chateau LaPallice Rochefort and Roche Courbon

YOUR ITINERARY

DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART

Apr 15 Portsmouth, England 6.30pm

Apr 16 Rouen, France 1.30pm In port

Apr 17 Rouen, France In port 2.00pm

Apr 18 St Peter Port, Guernsey 8.00am 5.00pm

Apr 19 Cruise on Minerva

Apr 20 Bordeaux, France 7.45am In port

Apr 21 Bordeaux, France In port 7.00pm

Apr 22 La Pallice, France 8.00am 6.00pm

Apr 23 Nantes, France 8.00am In port

Apr 24 Nantes, France In port 6.00pm

Apr 25 Lorient, France 7.30am 10.00pm


Apr 27 St Malo, France 8.00am 7.00pm

Apr 28 Portsmouth, England 8.00am

15 APRIL – 28 APRIL 2016

Mont St Michel, St Malo

Rouen, France

14-day cruise from £2,295pp

Christina Rossetti (English Poet, 1830 – 1894)

“Spring is when life’s alive in everything”


FARES PER PERSON MIN160415

Cabin Type Standard Fare

Balcony Suites from £5,710

Outside Cabins from £3,080

Inside Cabins from £2,295

Standard prices for all categories are shown on pages 80-81

30

GERMANY • DENMARK • SWEDEN • RUSSIA • ESTONIA • POLAND

A BALTIC MASTERPIECE

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Admire the fairytale castle of

Frederiksborg in spectacular Copenhagen

• Explore the small but perfectly formed Hanseatic town of Visby

• Soak up the atmosphere in Gamla Stan, one of the largest areas

of medieval buildings in Europe

• Two days in St Petersburg to discover the many treasures

of the Russian Empire

• Experience a daytime transit of the Kiel Canal, which

stretches across 60 scenic miles

Departing from Portsmouth, enjoy a relaxing day at sea and a memorable

transit of the Kiel Canal on board Minerva, before reaching Copenhagen. Frederiksborg Palace and Hans Christian Anderson’s iconic Little Mermaid statue are amongst the numerous treasures awaiting your discovery here.

Another leisurely day at sea follows as Minerva sails towards the UNESCO-listed medieval city of Visby, where you can discover charming cobbled streets and ancient churches. Your next port of call is the unforgettable city of Stockholm, a former Viking stronghold that now serves as Sweden’s bustling centre of arts and culture. On to St Petersburg, where you will have two full days to delve into the rich and colourful history of Russia’s imperial capital. Enjoy the must-see highlights including the fascinating Hermitage Museum and glittering Peterhof Palace, before Minerva sets her sights on Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city with an intriguing Soviet past. From Gdynia, explore the unique Polish city of Gdansk, one of the amber centres of the world. Finally,

Minerva makes a stop at Rønne, the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Admire an array of 12th century round churches here before Minerva transits the Kiel Canal en route to Portsmouth.


Caroline Holmes – Garden historian, lecturer, designer and author.

Graham Archer CMG – Former Diplomat and lecturer on current affairs.

Andy Bunten – Independent wildlife consultant. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Art & Craft workshops will feature on this cruise.Yoga – Mary Dalby

Stockholm Sweden

R U S S I A

S W E D E N

E S T O N I A

G E R M A N Y

P O L A N D

B A L T I C S E A

EnglandPortsmouth

Tallinn Estonia

St Petersburg Russia

Copenhagen Denmark

Rønne Denmark

Gdynia Poland

D E N M A R K ROSKILDE

KIEL CANAL

VASA MUSEUM

TALLINN OLD TOWN

PETERHOF PALACE HERMITAGE MUSEUM

BORNHOLM ISLAND

Visby SwedenThe Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

Visby, Sweden

31

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSCopenhagen City Tour & Walk, Roskilde, Frederiksborg Palace & Gardens Visby Gotland Drive & Visby Town Walk Stockholm Vasa & the Old Town, Vikings & Gold, Independent Stockholm St Petersburg Peterhof Palace, State Hermitage Museum, Yusupov Palace, Walking in the Footsteps of Peter the Great, St Petersburg City Drive Tallinn City Drive & Walk, City Walk Gdynia Hanseatic Gdansk & Oliwa Cathedral, Panoramic Gdansk Rønne Bornholm Island Tour, Rønne Town Walk, Independent Rønne

Optional Shore Excursions available: Stockholm Drottingholm Palace St Petersburg Evening Ballet or Concert Performance, Hermitage Gold, Country Palaces of the Romanovs

YOUR ITINERARY


Apr 28 Portsmouth, England 4.00pm


Apr 30 Kiel Canal, Germany

May 1 Copenhagen, Denmark 1.00pm 11.00pm

May 2 Cruise on Minerva

May 3 Visby, Sweden 7.00am 2.00pm

May 4 Stockholm, Sweden 8.00am 5.00pm


May 6 St Petersburg, Russia 7.30am In port

May 7 St Petersburg, Russia In port 6.00pm

May 8 Tallinn, Estonia 12.00pm 7.00pm


May 10 Gdynia, Poland 7.00am 2.00pm

May 11 Rønne, Denmark 7.30am 1.30pm

May 12 Kiel Canal, Germany


May 14 Portsmouth, England 7.30am

Russian visa required if wishing to go ashore independently at any time. A group visit is included when ashore on a ship organised excursion. Please see page 72 for details.

28 APRIL – 14 MAY 2016 17-day cruise from £2,795pp

Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn








32

ENGLAND • FRANCE • CHANNEL ISLANDS • NETHERLANDS

GLORIOUS GARDENS and the CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Cruise designed in partnership

with the Royal Horticultural Society and featuring a range of

garden-themed excursions

• Stroll amongst the picturesque gardens of impressionist painter

Claude Monet in Giverny

• Explore La Ville Intra-Muros, the ancient walled city of St Malo

• Minerva makes two maiden calls – to Douarnenez and Rotterdam

• Admire flowers and garden vegetables at the glorious Victorian Walled Garden

in Guernsey’s Saumarez Park

• Sail down the River Thames for a two-night stay in London

• Included entrance to the Chelsea Flower Show – perhaps the most

famous horticultural show in the world

Bayeux, home to the UNESCO-listed tapestry. Minerva makes a maiden call to Rotterdam next. Among cutting-edge architecture admire Sint Laurenskerk Church and Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum, home to a surprising collection of trees, shrubs and plants. Twenty years after her naming ceremony Minerva returns to London. A two-night stay allows you to fully explore the colourful exhibits on display during an included visit to the iconic Chelsea Flower Show.

YOUR GUEST SPEAKERYour Guest Speaker on this cruise:

Christine Skelmersdale – Managing Director of Broadleigh Gardens and lecturer on gardening and wild plants.

See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Craft workshops will feature on this cruise.

F R A N C E

N E T H E R L A N D S

Honfleur France

London England

Rotterdam Netherlands

Caen France

MONT ST MICHEL

CHATEAU OF TREVAREZ

Nantes France

EnglandPortsmouth


Douarnenez France

St Malo France

GIVERNY

JARDIN DES PLANTES DE NANTES

Garden display, Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Flower Show, London

Minerva departs the historic city of Portsmouth and heads south to

discover glorious gardens and medieval treasures on a cruise which culminates in a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show.

From charming Honfleur, Monet’s famed gardens at Giverny and Gothic Rouen are within reach, while the rocky island of Mont Saint Michel awaits discovery from St Malo. A superb example of French formal-style gardens are on display at Les Jardins du Montmarin. After a day at sea you will reach Nantes, home to the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes and gateway to Parc Oriental de Maulevrier, whose exotic plants represent stages of life from spring blooms to the rich colours of autumn. A call at Douarnenez allows time to take in St Corentin Cathedral and the restored gardens at nearby Chateau de Trevarez. The royal fortress of Castle Cornet has stood guard for nearly eight centuries over St Peter Port, one of Europe’s prettiest towns. In Caen, the castle of William the Conqueror hosted the Dukes of Normandy and Kings of England. It’s also the gateway to

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

New Ports Tender port

33

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSHonfleur Rouen, Giverny, Honfleur & Pays D’Auge St Malo Dinan & Dinard, St Malo Walking Tour, Nantes Nantes City Tour, Terra Botanica Douarnenez Douarnenez City Tour, Chateau of Trevarez St Peter Port Gardens of Guernsey, Guernsey Island Drive Caen Bayeux, Caen Peace Memorial Rotterdam Gouda Walking Tour, Kinderdijk Tour London Chelsea Flower Show, Tower of London, Riverboat & London Eye

Optional Shore Excursions available: St Malo Montmarion Nantes Loire Valley Chateau Caen Normandy & the D-Day Landing beaches

YOUR ITINERARY


May 14 Portsmouth, England 5.00pm

May 15 Honfleur, France 8.00am 7.00pm

May 16 St Malo, France 12.00pm 8.00pm


May 18 Nantes, France 6.00am 5.00pm

May 19 Douarnenez (Quimper), France 7.30am 4.00pm

May 20 St Peter Port, Guernsey 12.00pm 7.00pm

May 21 Caen, France 9.30am 9.30pm


May 23 Rotterdam, Netherlands 8.00am 9.00pm

May 24 London (Greenwich), England 3.30pm In port

May 25 London (Greenwich), England In port In port

May 26 London (Greenwich), England In port 4.00am

May 27 Portsmouth, England 6.30am

14 MAY – 27 MAY 2016

Tower Bridge, London

Monet’s Garden, Giverny

14-day cruise from £2,745ppIn partnership with RHS Garden Holidays








34

ISLE OF MAN • ICELAND • FAROE ISLANDS • SHETLAND ISLANDS

AN ICELANDIC QUEST

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Delve deep into the diverse culture of the Isle of Man, where Viking and

Celtic roots are firmly embedded

• Explore volcanic Heimaey, in the remote Westmann archipelago

• Step ashore in Reykjavik, the most northerly capital in the world

• Visit picturesque Husavik, Iceland’s whale-watching capital

• Discover the remote Faroe Islands, where grass-roofed houses nestle

amongst rugged scenery

Embark Minerva in Portsmouth and enjoy a day at sea as she journeys north

to the unique and dramatic landscapes of Iceland.

Cross the Irish Sea to step ashore in Douglas. Take a journey back in time on the Snaefell Mountain Railway or travel through glorious countryside aboard the original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock of the Manx Electric Railway. Minerva’s first call in Icelandic waters is Heimaey. Admire the towering shadowy peaks of Eldfell and Helgafell on the only inhabited island in the Westmann archipelago before sailing to Reykjavik. Iceland’s vibrant capital is a city of bold contrasts. It is your gateway to the Golden Circle where sites include the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the point where Europe meets America at the continental divide. Sitting on the edge of the Arctic is the isolated town of Isafjordur. Learn about life here and look out for an array of bird species on Vigur Island. Minerva continues to Husavik, a quaint harbour town and Europe’s whale-watching capital. Admire colourful houses, snow-capped peaks and perhaps take a dip in the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths.

After a day cruising, the Faroe Islands and the former Viking settlement of ‘Thor’s Harbour’ or Torshavn come into view. Distinctive grass-roofed houses are a delightful first sight as you step ashore in one of the world’s smallest capitals. Minerva’s final port, as she heads back to Portsmouth, is Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. Waterfront buildings made of sandstone date back to the 18th century, while the uninhabited island of Mousa is guarded by an impressive Iron Age tower.


Dr Colleen Batey – Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Glasgow.

Peter Mawby – Wildlife lecturer, ornithologist and research ecologist. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPSArt – Carolyn King Craft & Embroidery – Karin BucannanBRIDGEOrganised bridge will feature on this cruise.

Reykjavik, Iceland

The Saga of Gisli the Outlaw, c13th century

“So they put to sea, and have Iceland in their mind’s eye.”

35

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSDouglas Island Highlights, Victorian Railway & Snaefell Heimaey Circumnavigation of Heimaey, Heimaey Island Tour Reykjavik Reykjavik City of Culture, Thingvellir Hike, Scenic Drive & Viking Museum Isafjordur Life & Culture in the West Fjords, Vigor Island, Husavik Myvatn Baths, Scenic Drive Torshavn Torshavn Panorama, Coastal Villages & Spectacular Scenery Lerwick Western Shetland Drive, Mousa Island

Optional Shore Excursions available: Reykjavik The Golden Circle Husavik Whale Watching Isafjordur Glacier Fjords & Hesteyri Torshavn Vestmanna Boat Trip

YOUR ITINERARY


May 27 Portsmouth, England 4.00pm


May 29 Douglas, Isle of Man 8.30am 5.00pm



Jun 1 Heimaey, Iceland 8.00am 4.00pm

Jun 2 Reykjavik, Iceland 7.00am 5.00pm

Jun 3 Isafjordur, Iceland 12.00pm 7.00pm

Jun 4 Husavik, Iceland 12.00pm 7.00pm

Jun 5 Cruise on Minerva

Jun 6 Torshavn, Faroe Islands 11.00am 6.00pm

Jun 7 Lerwick, Shetland Islands 2.30pm 8.00pm



Jun 10 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

27 MAY – 10 JUNE 2016 15-day cruise from £2,195pp

Heimaey Iceland

Reykjavik Iceland

Isafjordur Iceland

Husavik Iceland

Torshavn Faroe Islands

Lerwick Shetland Islands

EnglandPortsmouth

I C E L A N D

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

WEST FJORDS

THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

MYVATN BATHS

MOUSA ISLAND

Douglas Isle of Man

Tender port








36

Flåm, Norway

Grand VoyageThe ultimate combination of our voyages,

‘Fjordlands and Arctic Norway’ and ‘Hidden White Sea and Norse Discovery’.

37

GRAND NORWEGIAN FJORDS and WHITE SEA10 JUNE – 10 JULY 2016 31-day cruise

From Portsmouth, Minerva heads to Bergen’s Bryggen waterfront and makes

her maiden call in Maloy. Cruise past snow-covered mountains to Kristiansund, located at the start of the Atlantic Road, before arriving in picturesque Svolvaer, lively Tromso and culturally diverse Hammerfest. An overnight stay in Honningsvaag gives you the chance to witness the Midnight Sun. From Kirkenes, gateway to the East, Minerva makes her inaugural sailing to the White Sea, where she calls at intriguing Arkhangelsk, historic Solovetsky and Murmansk where you can visit the worlds first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Discover the fishing village of Nusfjord from Leknes, and delve into Norway’s history at Trondheim. Fascinating Alesund and pretty Floro await your discovery before Minerva finally reaches historic Haugesund.

Full details for both itineraries can be found on pages 38-41 of this brochure.Russian visa required if wishing to go ashore independently at any time. Please see page 72 for details.

EnglandPortsmouth

Kirkenes

Trondheim NorwayÅlesund Norway

Leknes NorwayNorway

Murmansk Russia

Arkhangelsk Russia

Solovetsky Russia

N O R WAY

R U S S I A

Svolvaer Norway

Geiranger Norway

Tromsø Norway

Hammerfest Norway

Honningsvaag Norway

Flåm Norway

Maloy Norway

Haugesund Norway

Kristiansund Norway

New portsTender port

Trondheim, Norway Solovetsky Monastery, Russia


Bergen NorwayFlorø Norway

NORWAY • RUSSIA

FARES PER PERSON Including Shore Excursions and Gratuities

MIN160610A






38

NORWAY

FJORDLANDS and ARCTIC NORWAY

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Discover the Hanseatic heritage along

Bergen’s colourful waterfront

• Experience the beauty of the most famous fjord in Norway as you sail towards the village of Geiranger

• Marvel at the dramatic scenery of the remote Lofoten Islands

• The daring feats of Arctic explorers come into focus on a visit to the

Polar Museum in Tromsø

• Overnight in Honningsvaag, gateway to the North Cape, and witness the natural phenomenon

of the Midnight Sun

Join Minerva in historic Portsmouth and enjoy two days at sea to relax and

listen to the insights of your Guest Speakers as you cruise towards Norway and its spectacular treasures.

Your first call is Bergen, whose UNESCO-listed Bryggen waterfront is a colourful reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League. Ride the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen for superb views, and enjoy a melodic recital at the home of Edvard Grieg. Board the Flåm Railway for a captivating train journey through one of Norway’s most wild and magnificent valleys before a maiden call in Maloy. An important fishing port, it is also gateway to the island of Selja and its 11th century monastery. Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls as you cruise Norway’s awe-inspiring Geirgangerfjord. After a visit to the diminutive village of Geiranger Minerva calls in coastal Kristiansund from where you can experience the incredible Atlantic Road, which twists its way across low bridges jutting out to sea. Admire the glacial rock formations and the breathtaking beaches of Svolvaer in the Lofoten archipelago before continuing to Tromsø,

whose incredible Arctic Cathedral was inspired by towering Norwegian landscapes, and where tales of Arctic expeditions unfold in the Polar Museum. Traditional Sami culture is strongly preserved in Hammerfest, from where Minerva heads to Honningvsaag. An overnight stay and a visit to the North Cape give the unique opportunity to witness the astonishing natural spectacle of the Midnight Sun. Minerva’s final port of call is Kirkenes. Influenced by Finnish and Russian cultures, the capital of the Barents Region is your gateway to the East.


Professor Jeremy Black MBE – Professor of History, University of Exeter

Sir Richard Dales KCVO – Former Ambassador to Norway See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS Art – Jacqui PetrieBRIDGE Organised bridge will feature on this cruise.

England

Norway

Portsmouth

Kirkenes

Svolvaer Norway

Maloy Norway

Bergen Norway

Flåm NorwayGeiranger Norway

Kristiansund Norway

Tromsø Norway

Hammerfest Norway

Honningsvaag Norway

New ports Svolvaer, Norway

Arctic Cathedral, TromsøN O R WAY

NORTH CAPE

ARCTIC CATHEDRAL

SELJA MONASTERY

FLÅM RAILWAY

ATLANTIC ROAD

39

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSBergen City Walk & Funicular, Historic Bergen Flåm Flåm Railway, Aurlandsfjord Scenic Drive Maloy Selja Monastery, Round Trip of Vagsoy Geiranger Storseter & Westeras Hike, Mount Dalsnibba Kristiansund Atlantic Road, Averoy & Stave Church Svolvaer Vikings & Vistas, Trollfjord Boat Tour Tromsø Arctic Cathedral, Polar Museum & Gardens Hammerfest Finnmark Panoramic, Hammerfest & the Museum of Reconstruction Honningsvaag North Cape Experience, Mageroya Island

Optional Shore Excursions available: Bergen Grieg’s House & Recital Kristiansund The Island of Grip Honningsvaag King Crab Experience, Bird Safari by Boat

YOUR ITINERARY


Jun 10 Portsmouth, England 5.00pm



Jun 13 Bergen, Norway 8.00am 5.00pm

Jun 14 Flåm, Norway 7.30am 7.00pm

Jun 15 Maloy, Norway 12.00pm 6.00pm

Jun 16 Geiranger, Norway 8.30am 5.30pm

Jun 17 Kristiansund, Norway 7.00am 6.00pm


Jun 19 Svolvaer (Lofoten Islands), Norway

8.00am 5.00pm

Jun 20 Tromsø, Norway 8.30am 5.30pm

Jun 21 Hammerfest, Norway 7.00am 12.00pm

Jun 21 Honningsvaag, Norway 7.00pm In port

Jun 22 Honningsvaag, Norway In port 1.00pm

Jun 23 Kirkenes, Norway 6.00am

10 JUNE – 23 JUNE 2016 14-day cruise from £2,095pp

Geiranger fjord, Norway

North Cape, Norway

Complimentary pre-cruise coach transfer from your return London airport to Portsmouth. This cruise also features in one of Minerva’s Grand

Voyages. Please see pages 36-37.








40

HIDDEN WHITE SEA and NORSE DISCOVERY

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Join Minerva on her inaugural

sailing from Kirkenes to the enigmatic White Sea

• Arkhangelsk and Murmansk, key destinations for the Arctic

convoys of World War II

• Discover the remote, UNESCO-listed Solovetsky Islands

• Take time to explore Norway’s first capital, Trondheim

• Ålesund, whose striking Art Nouveau architecture stretches

across three islands

• This cruise can be combined with ‘Fjordlands & Arctic Norway’ for

the exciting Grand Voyage, ‘Grand Norwegian Fjords and White Sea’

Join Minerva on her inaugural sailing from Kirkenes to the White Sea,

where she calls at the intriguing city of Arkhangelsk, Russia’s only seaport in the 17th century. The city later became a popular centre for Arctic exploration.

Your next ports of call are are the remote Solovetsky Islands, where a spectacular 15th century monastery awaits, and Murmansk, home to Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Launched in 1957, she was used to clear sea routes for cargo ships along Russia’s northern coast, and now serves as a fascinating museum ship. Enjoy two leisurely days at sea as Minerva sets her sights on the beautiful shores of Norway. From Leknes, the picturesque and perfectly preserved fishing village of Nusfjord can be reached, while Trondheim offers chances to delve into the rich history of Norway’s original capital. Here, you can also visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, built over the burial site of St Olaf – the Norwegian Viking King who became patron saint of Norway. Stunning Art Nouveau architecture awaits your discovery

at Ålesund, a fascinating city that was rebuilt following a huge fire in the early 20th century. Minerva’s journey continues as she sails to the charming fishing village of Florø before finally reaching Haugesund, a destination rich in captivating history that dates back to the days of the Vikings.


Rear Admiral John Lippiett CB MBE – Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust.

Sir Richard Dales KCVO CMG – Former Ambassador to Norway.

The Rt Revd Tim Stevens – Former Bishop of Leicester.See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Art – Jacqui PetrieCraft – Jane Matthews

NIDAROS CATHEDRAL

SOLOVETSKY MONASTERY

SKUDENES HARBOUR

EnglandPortsmouth

Kirkenes

Trondheim Norway

Florø Norway

Haugesund Norway

Ålesund Norway

Leknes Norway Norway Murmansk Russia

Arkhangelsk Russia

Alesha Memorial, Murmansk, Russia

Assumption Church, Arkhangelsk, Russia Solovetsky Russia


N O R WAY

R U S S I A

NORWAY • RUSSIA

41

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSArkhangelsk City Tour & Fine Art Museum, Panoramic Tour Solovetsky Islands Solovetsky Monastery, Sekirnaya Hill Murmansk Highlights & Museum of Northern Fleet, Panoramic Tour Leknes Viking Museum & Scenic Drive, Nusfjord & Museum Trondheim Trondheim City & Cathedral Ålesund City Sightseeing, Islands of Giske & Godoy Florø Sunnfjord Museum & Waterfall, Florø and Coastal Museum Haugesund Viking History Museum, Skudenes Harbour

Optional Shore Excursions available: Arkhangelsk Pomorya Architecture Treasury Murmansk The Ice Breaker 'Lenin'

YOUR ITINERARY


Jun 23 Kirkenes, Norway 10.30pm



Jun 26 Arkhangelsk, Russia 6.00am 3.00pm

Jun 27 Solovetsky Islands, Russia 8.00am 3.30pm


Jun 29 Murmansk, Russia 8.30am 6.00pm


Jul 1 Cruise on Minerva

Jul 2 Leknes (Lofoten), Norway 8.00am 6.30pm


Jul 4 Trondheim, Norway 8.00am 5.00pm

Jul 5 Ålesund, Norway 12.00pm 10.00pm

Jul 6 Florø, Norway 7.00am 1.30pm

Jul 7 Haugesund, Norway 7.00am 5.00pm



Jul 10 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

23 JUNE – 10 JULY 2016 18-day cruise from £3,295pp

Solovetsky Monastery, Russia

Lofoten Islands

Complimentary post-cruise coach transfer from Portsmouth to your London airport.

Passengers wishing to go ashore in Russia independently require a Russian visa, which must be obtained prior to departure. Please see page 72 for details.

This cruise also features in one of Minerva's Grand Voyages. Please see pages 36-37.








42

HIGHLANDS, ISLANDS and the EMERALD ISLE

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover Guernsey's charming capital, St Peter Port

• Minerva makes her maiden call to Fishguard, gateway

to beautiful rural Wales and St David's Peninsula

• A further maiden call is made to Lamlash, on the Isle of Arran, one of the most southerly Scottish islands

• Explore Brodick Castle, dramatically set against Goatfell Mountain

• Step back in time amongst the Megalithic Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides – an idyllic island chain sitting on

the edge of Europe

• Step ashore in picturesque Waterford, famed for its exquisite hand-cut crystal

Departing Portsmouth Minerva first sets her sights on the Channel Island

of Guernsey and its charming capital, St Peter Port. Here, Castle Cornet, an ancient oft-besieged royal fortress still stands proud and private gardens offer a tranquil retreat.

St Mary’s is the Isles of Scilly’s largest island and a haven of hidden treasures. Discover a coastline of deserted white sandy beaches and dramatic rocky coves and head off the beaten track to explore nature trails rife with diverse wildlife. Minerva then makes a maiden call in Fishguard, gateway to St David’s, Wales’ spiritual home and birthplace of their patron saint. Explore Pembroke Castle, a mighty stone fortification idyllically set on the banks of the River Cleddau.

After a day at sea you can step ashore in Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, a remote archipelago where the Megalithic Callanish Stones stand testament to its occupation since prehistoric times. En route to Oban, you will pass by an unspoilt landscape of islands, hidden glens and bays. Inverary Castle invites

exploration, or take a scenic drive to discover the romance of Glencoe. Follow in the footsteps of Robert Bruce, who took refuge from the English in 1307 on the Isle of Arran, with Brodick Castle offering a glimpse of the quintessential Victorian Highland estate. In Douglas discover the Isle of Man’s 10,000-year history within the Manx Museum before Minerva finally heads to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city which is famed for its intricate hand-cut crystal, produced here since 1783.

YOUR GUEST SPEAKERSYour Guest Speakers on this cruise may discuss History, Wildlife, Celtic and Gaelic Traditions and Horticulture. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Craft workshops will feature on this cruise.

Lamlash, Isle of Arran, Scotland

CHANNEL ISLANDS • ISLES OF SCILLY • WALES • SCOTLAND ISLE OF MAN • IRELAND

Jane Austen (English writer, 1775 – 1817)

“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment”

43

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSSt Peter Port Guernsey Island Drive, German Military Occupation St Mary’s Tresco Abbey Gardens, Fishguard A Taste of Wales, Pembroke Castle & South Wales, St David's Visitor Centre & Peninsula Stornoway Lewis & Callanish Stones, Great Bernera Oban Inveraray Castle & Gardens, Glencoe Scenic Drive Lamlash Island Panoramic, Brodick Castle Douglas Victorian Railway & Snaefell, Island Highlights Waterford Scenic Drive & Waterford Crystal, Rural Ireland & Jerpoint Abbey

Optional Shore Excursions available: St Peter Port Private Gardens of Guernsey St Mary’s Marine Safari Oban Kerrera Hike

YOUR ITINERARY


Jul 10 Portsmouth, England 6.30pm

Jul 11 St Peter Port, Guernsey 8.00am 4.00pm

Jul 12 St Mary's, Isles of Scilly 8.00am 5.00pm

Jul 13 Fishguard, Wales 8.00am 5.00pm


Jul 15 Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, Scotland 8.00am 7.00pm

Jul 16 Oban, Scotland 8.30am 7.00pm

Jul 17 Lamlash, Isle of Arran, Scotland 8.30am 6.00pm

Jul 18 Douglas, Isle of Man 7.00am 3.00pm

Jul 19 Waterford, Ireland 7.00am 6.15pm


Jul 21 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

10 JULY – 21 JULY 2016 12-day cruise from £1,695pp

St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

S C O T L A N D

WA L E S

E N G L A N DI R E L A N D

EnglandPortsmouth

Stornoway Outer Hebrides

GLENCOE

TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS

Fishguard Wales

Oban Highlands


CALLANISH STONES

St Mary's Isles of Scilly


Lamlash Isle of Arran

Douglas Isle of Man

Waterford Ireland

Pembroke Castle, Wales

St Peter Port, Guernsey

BRODICK CASTLE

SNAEFELL

WATERFORD CRYSTAL


In partnership with National Trust







44

S PA I N

EnglandPortsmouth

La Coruna Spain

Lisbon Portugal

Oporto Portugal

Seville Spain


St Malo France

CHANNEL ISLANDS • PORTUGAL • SPAIN • FRANCE

IBERIAN MARITIME ADVENTURE

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Enjoy an early morning

cruise towards Lisbon, taking in fantastic views of the impressive Belem Tower and the unique

Monument of Discoveries

• Trace the architectural links between North Africa and Moorish

Andalucia in Seville

• Uncover the intriguing history of charming Cadiz

• Admire UNESCO-listed Oporto, which boasts an array of historic gems

dating back to the 4th century

• Witness the impressive fortifications of St Malo, founded in the 6th century

as a monastic settlement

• Join the celebrations for the Tall Ships Festival’s diamond anniversary

in Lisbon and Cadiz

Embark Minerva in the historic naval city of Portsmouth to begin your

exciting voyage, which coincides with the diamond anniversary celebrations of the traditional Tall Ships race.

Your first port of call is St Peter Port, Guernsey’s charming capital. Explore the town’s cobbled streets and pretty marina, and delve into the history of this fascinating island, which was occupied during the Second World War. Minerva continues to Lisbon, from where the UNESCO-listed Jeronimos Monastery, which holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama, can be reached. Enjoy a day at sea as Minerva sets her sights on Spain, navigating the Rio Guadalquivir to Seville. Discover this beautiful city’s rich flamenco culture and operatic heritage before sailing o Cadiz. Believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, the city boasts an intriguing maritime past, while nearby Jerez is famous worldwide for its sherry production. On to Oporto, an historic city with a maze of cobbled streets and a host of medieval gems. Step back in time as you explore its UNESCO-listed old town, where intriguing structures with colourful façades huddle around charming squares. From La Coruna, an ancient pilgrim

route leads to Santiago de Compostela, whose famed cathedral, is reputed to be the burial place of the apostle Saint James the Great. Minerva’s final port of call is St Malo, an attractive walled city with fortifications dating back to the 12th century. From here, you can discover the fascinating Benedictine abbey of Mont St Michel, once a significant pilgrimage destination, before returning to Portsmouth.

YOUR GUEST SPEAKERSYour Guest Speakers on this cruise may discuss Tall Ships and Maritime History, French, Spanish and Portuguese Culture and Moorish Architecture.

WORKSHOPS

Art – Matthew PhinnCraft – Basia Zarzycka

BRIDGE Organised bridge will feature on this cruise.

Tender port

F R A N C E

Cadiz Spain

P O R T U G A L

Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon

Cadiz, Spain

CASTLE CORNET

MONT ST MICHEL

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

JERONIMOS MONASTERY

CORDOBA

FEATURED GUESTProfessor Gervase Phinn – Professor, Author, Poet, Radio and TV Broadcaster

45

YOUR ITINERARY


Jul 21 Portsmouth, England 6.30pm

Jul 22 St Peter Port, Guernsey 7.30am 3.00pm



Jul 25 Lisbon, Portugal 7.30am 5.30pm

Jul 26 Scenic river cruise/Seville 11.59pm In port

Jul 27 Seville, Spain In port 11.30pm

Jul 28 Cadiz, Spain 12.30pm 7.00pm


Jul 30 Oporto, Portugal 7.00am 1.30pm

Jul 31 La Coruna, Spain 8.30am 4.30pm

Aug 1 Cruise on Minerva

Aug 2 St Malo, France 8.30am 4.00pm

Aug 3 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

21 JULY – 3 AUGUST 2016 14-day cruise from £2,195pp

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSSt Peter Port Guernsey Island Drive, Walking Tour & Castle Cornet Lisbon City Tour & Jeronimos Monastery, Gulbenkian Museum Seville Seville Cathedral & Alcazar Walk, Cordoba Cadiz Jerez & Alcazar, Cadiz Walking Tour Oporto Panoramic Drive, Guimaraes La Coruna Santiago de Compostela, La Coruna City St Malo Dinan & Dinard, St Malo Walking Tour

Optional Shore Excursions available: Lisbon Queluz National Palace Oporto Oporto Heritage La Coruna Betanzos

Oporto, Portugal

Tall Ships Festival








46

CELTIC TRADITIONS and EDINBURGH’S TATTOO

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the fascinating 17th century Tredegar House, one of the

architectural wonders of Wales

• Admire the magnificent Georgian architecture which lends elegance to

Dublin’s Merrion Square, St Stephen’s Green and Trinity College

• Discover the protected flora and fauna of the unspoilt Outer Hebrides

• Overnight in Scotland’s capital for the chance to explore the city

and witness the majestic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

• Visit the impressive Wallington Estate, gifted to the National Trust by

Sir Charles Trevelyan

Experience the pomp of the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo

during a voyage overflowing with cultural and historical highlights.

Your first stop is St Peter Port, the picturesque capital of Guernsey. Minerva then sails to the lively Welsh capital of Cardiff, from where you can visit Tredegar House, a stunning example of a Restoration mansion. County Wicklow is known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, evident at the exquisite Italian Garden at Powerscourt House. Soak up more outstanding scenery from Greenock, your gateway to Loch Lomond, and cruise to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, whose intriguing heritage has been passed down through generations of Gaels, Celts and Vikings. From Scrabster stand on Dunnet Head, the most northerly point in mainland Britain, or visit the Castle of Mey, the former home of the late Queen Mother. Sail to Rosyth, gateway to Scotland’s vibrant capital which is dominated by Edinburgh Castle. An overnight stay offers the chance to experience the spectacular Military Tattoo, a stirring celebration of music, dance and

military pageantry with a fabulous fireworks finale. Over the border in Port of Tyne amidst the rugged Northumberland hills lies UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a walk along the best-preserved frontier of the Roman Empire.


Professor Ian Beckett FRHistS – Professor of Military History,

University of Kent.

The Most Rev’d Dr Barry Morgan – The Archbishop of Wales See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Craft – Basia Zarzycka Art workshops will feature on this cruise.

ENGLAND • CHANNEL ISLANDS • WALES • IRELAND • SCOTLAND

S C O T L A N D

WA L E S

E N G L A N D

I R E L A N D

EnglandPortsmouth

Stornoway Outer Hebrides

Dublin Ireland

EDINBURGH CASTLE

CALLANISH STONES

TREDEGAR HOUSE

POWERSCOURT GARDENS

Scrabster Caithness CASTLE

OF MEY

Cardiff Wales

Greenock Scotland

Tender port


Edinburgh (Port Rosyth) Scotland

Port of Tyne England

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Lomond, GreenockHADRIAN'S WALL

47

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSSt Peter Port Guernsey Island Drive Cardiff Cardiff Castle & Dyffryn Gardens, Tredegar House Dublin Powerscourt Gardens & Dublin Panorama, Dublin City Walk, Greenock Loch Lomond Scenic Drive, Clyde Coast Stornoway Callanish Stones, Carloway Broch & Black House Village Scrabster Castle of Mey, Dunnet Head & John o’Groats Rosyth Edinburgh Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle & City Drive, Hopetoun House, Port of Tyne Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Fort, Durham Dales, Wallington

Optional Shore Excursions available: Dublin Helen Dillon's private garden Greenock Culzean Castle & Ayr Edinburgh Firth of Forth Nature Cruise

YOUR ITINERARY


Aug 3 Portsmouth, England 6.30pm

Aug 4 St Peter Port, Guernsey 8.00am 7.30pm


Aug 6 Cardiff, Wales 7.00am 5.00pm

Aug 7 Dublin, Ireland 8.00am 10.00pm

Aug 8 Greenock, Scotland 11.30am 10.00pm


Aug 10 Stornoway, Scotland 7.00am 7.00pm

Aug 11 Scrabster, Scotland 7.00am 5.00pm

Aug 12 Rosyth, Scotland 1.30pm In port

Aug 13 Rosyth, Scotland In port 6.30pm

Aug 14 Port of Tyne, England 8.00am 5.00pm


Aug 16 Portsmouth, England 7.00am

3 AUGUST – 16 AUGUST 2016 14-day cruise from £2,595pp

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Loch Lomond, GreenockPowerscourt House, County Wicklow


In partnership with National Trust







48

S PA I N

P O R T U G A L

England

Spain

Portsmouth

Barcelona

Lisbon Portugal

Oporto Portugal

Vigo Spain

SPAIN • PORTUGAL • GIBRALTAR • BALEARIC ISLANDS

A PORTRAIT of PORTUGAL and SPAIN

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Visit culture-rich Vigo, on Spain’s

Galician coast, the gateway to Santiago de Compostela, reputedly the burial

place of the Apostle St James

• Admire the Baroque and Romanesque architecture on a stroll through UNESCO-listed Oporto

• Explore Portugal’s capital Lisbon, home to an eclectic mix of

architectural styles from Romanesque to Post-Modern with Manueline

boasting particularly rich and lavish ornamentation

• Discover Granada’s Moorish past, including the UNESCO-listed treasure

the Alhambra Palace from Motril

• An overnight stay allows time to discover Barcelona, a vibrant,

contemporary city awash with the fabled works of Gaudi

Embark Minerva in Portsmouth and enjoy two relaxing days at sea prior to

your exploration of Spain and Portugal’s finest treasures.

An important fishing and commercial port, Vigo was first settled by Celts in 300 BC. It is your gateway to Santiago de Compostela, the jewel in Galicia’s historic, cultural and medieval crown, where many fine examples of Gothic, Neo-classical, Romanesque and Baroque architecture reside. Located in northern Portugal, Oporto marks the point at which the Duoro River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Old Town, built on the hills overlooking the river, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can marvel at the lavish pure-gold interior of São Francisco Church.

Minerva sails to Lisbon, where the Manueline architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery symbolises Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. After a day at sea, Cadiz is your next port of call. From here visit Jerez, the centre of Spain’s sherry producing industry, for a tasting in a traditional bodega. Gibraltar’s iconic Rock is the distinguishing feature of a peninsula coveted by numerous conquerors over the centuries, while Motril is your gateway

to Granada and the exquisite Alhambra Palace, home to the Nasrid Sultans and one of the world’s most revered Islamic works of art. On to Cartagena, whose deep-water harbour was used by Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. Delve into a maze of narrow streets which conceal a beautifully preserved Roman Theatre before sailing to Balearic Mahon. Menorca’s capital was in turn occupied by the English, French and Spanish and plays host to an abundance of important Megalithic monuments. In Barcelona, an overnight stay gives time to discover the many distinctive works of ‘God’s architect’ Antoni Gaudi, most notably the imposing Sagrada Familia, under construction since 1882, and yet to be completed.


Andy Bunten – Independent wildlife consultant See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPSCraft & Embroidery – Karin Bucannan

BRIDGEOrganised bridge will feature on this cruise.

Motril Spain

Gibraltar

Cartagena Spain

Mahon Menorca

Alhambra Palace, Spain

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

SAGRADA FAMILIA

RIVER DOURO

SEVILLE

NERJA CAVES

JERONIMOS MONASTERY

Cadiz Spain

49

YOUR ITINERARY


Aug 16 Portsmouth, England 5.00pm



Aug 19 Vigo, Spain 8.30am 10.00pm

Aug 20 Oporto, Portugal 7.30am 2.00pm

Aug 21 Lisbon, Portugal 8.00am 10.00pm


Aug 23 Cadiz, Spain 8.00am 8.00pm

Aug 24 Gibraltar 8.00am 6.00pm

Aug 25 Motril, Spain 7.00am 7.00pm

Aug 26 Cartagena, Spain 12.00am 8.00pm


Aug 28 Mahon, Menorca 7.00am 5.00pm

Aug 29 Barcelona, Spain 8.00am In port

Aug 30 Barcelona, Spain In port

16 AUGUST – 30 AUGUST 2016 15-day cruise from £1,995ppA PORTRAIT of PORTUGAL and SPAIN

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSVigo Santiago de Compostela, Pazo de Oca Gardens Oporto Oporto Heritage & Sao Francisco Church, City Panorama Lisbon City Tour & Jeronimos Monastery, Queluz Palace Cadiz Jerez, Cadiz Walk Gibraltar Original Rock Tour, Northern Defences & World War Two Tunnels Motril Granada Old City, Nerja Caves Cartagena Roman Cartagena, Lorca & Jewish Heritage Mahon Ancient Menorca, Scenic Island Drive Barcelona Gothic Quarter Walking Tour, Gaudi’s Barcelona

Optional Shore Excursions available: Cadiz Flamenco & Sherry, Seville Motril Alhambra Palace & Gardens

Park Guell, Barcelona

Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon

This cruise also features in one of Minerva's Grand Voyages. Please see pages 62-64.

Mrs Felicia D Hemans (English Poet, 1793 – 1835)

“Land of the vine and olive, lovely Spain!”


Inbound regional flights are available on this cruise.Available from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Durham Tees Valley, Newcastle, Norwich.On this cruise you have the option to return by air or by TGV and Eurostar (via Paris) each to London.Complimentary pre-cruise transfer from your return London airport to Portsmouth.

Please contact us for further details.







5050

Join Minerva for a journey around the shores of the Mediterranean, where the

fabled beauty of the islands is a complement to the treasure trove of historic sights.

Embark in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia noted for its stunning architecture, including many famous works by Gaudi. Minerva sails next to the French fishing port of Sète. From here explore the elegant town of Montpellier, with its medieval cobbled streets and colourful gardens, before an overnight stay in glamorous Monaco, ruled by the Grimaldi family for centuries. Experience this playground of the rich and famous before arriving into Elba and the ancient town of Portoferraio, which gave refuge to the exiled Napoleon Bonaparte. Ajaccio, his birthplace on Corsica, is Minerva’s next stop and dedications to the island’s most famous son are dotted throughout the city. Sail to neighbouring Sardinia and explore ancient Cagliari, which provides a wonderful showcase for the varied history of the island. Discover the Roman and pre-Roman town of Nora before heading to African shores to visit the UNESCO-listed ruined city of Carthage, destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC.

Palermo, Sicily’s main city with its wealth of architectural styles, is Minerva’s next call. In the picturesque hilltop town of Monreale, see the glittering Byzantine mosaics in its cathedral, and then witness the magical combination of beauty, decadence and unspoilt charm that has made Capri a legendary idyll. A fitting conclusion to this cruise sees Minerva reach Civitavecchia, gateway to Ostia, harbour city of Ancient Rome.



Dr Peter Cattermole – Former Lecturer in volcanology and planetary geology.

The Rt Revd Tim Stevens – Former Bishop of Leicester. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPSCraft & Embroidery – Karin Bucannan

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Cruise designed in partnership

with the Royal Horticultural Society and features a range of

garden-themed excursions

• Overnight in Monte Carlo to fully experience this glamorous principality –

the epitome of Riviera chic

• Take time to enjoy the true taste of the Mediterranean – the fresh fruits of the sea – whilst in Sète, France’s

largest fishing port

• Explore the rugged island of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon, with its diverse

landscape and rich history

• Delve into the wealth of ancient history offered in Cagliari, the Sardinian capital, and be entranced by its beauty

• Uncover the glittering treasures of Sicily, including the medieval

Monreale Cathedral

Monaco

RIVIERA and ISLANDS of the MEDITERRANEANSPAIN • FRANCE • ITALY • CORSICA • SARDINIA • TUNISIA • SICILY

5151

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSBarcelona Panoramic Barcelona, Gothic Quarter Walking Tour Sete Montpellier & Flaugergues, Carcassonne Monte Carlo Monaco Rock & Monte Carlo, Menton & Serre de la Madone Garden Portoferraio Island Drive, Portoferraio Walk Ajaccio Taste of Corsica, Prunelli Gorges Cagliari Cagliaria Town Walk and Museum, Nora La Goulette Carthage, Sidi Bou Said Palermo Monreale, Palermo Sightseeing & Palatine Chapel, Palermo Botanical Gardens Capri Capri Island Tour Civitavecchia Baroque Rome, Ancient Ostia, Relaxing Rome

Optional Shore Excursions available: Monte Carlo Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Nice Painters Portoferraio Grand Tour of Elba Palermo Sicily Highlights

YOUR ITINERARY


30 Aug Barcelona, Spain In port

31 Aug Barcelona, Spain In port 3.00pm

1 Sep Sete, France 8.00am 6.00pm

2 Sep Monte Carlo, Monaco 2.00pm In port

3 Sep Monte Carlo, Monaco In port 5.00pm

4 Sep Portoferraio, Italy 8.00am 4.30pm

5 Sep Ajaccio, Corsica 8.00am 10.30pm

6 Sep Cruise on Minerva

7 Sep Cagliari, Sardinia 7.00am 4.30pm

8 Sep La Goulette, Tunisia 8.00am 2.00pm

9 Sep Palermo, Sicily 8.30am 6.00pm

10 Sep Capri, Italy 10.00am 4.30pm

11 Sep Civitavecchia, Italy 7.30am In port

12 Sep Civitavecchia, Italy In port

30 AUGUST – 12 SEPTEMBER 2016

I TA L Y

T U N I S I A

S PA I N

Barcelona

Civitavecchia

Spain

Italy

Sete France

Monte Carlo Monaco

F R A N C E

La Goulette Tunisia

Palermo Sicily

Cagliari Sardinia

S A R D I N I A

S I C I L Y

Portoferraio Elba

Ajaccio CorsicaNAPOLEON’S BIRTHPLACE

PALATINE CHAPEL

CARTHAGE

OSTIA

MONTPELLIER

Capri Italy

Isle of Capri, Italy

Monreale Cathedral, Sicily

Carthage, Tunisia

This cruise also features in one of Minerva’s Grand Voyages. Please see pages 62-64.

In partnership with RHS Garden Holidays









Tender port

Return regional flights are available on this cruise.

Available from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Durham Tees Valley, Newcastle, Norwich.

Please contact us for further details.

52

ITALY • SICILY • MALTA • ALBANIA • CROATIA

MEDITERRANEAN MOSAIC

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Witness the fascinating treasures of

Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples

• Ascend the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano

• Enjoy an overnight stay in the fortified port of Valletta, with plenty of time to discover the well-preserved city

• Discover the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint in Albania

• Explore the marble streets of the majestic walled city of Dubrovnik,

the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’

Your voyage begins with an overnight stay in Civitavecchia, your gateway

to Rome or Tarquinia's Etruscan tombs. Mount Vesuvius looms into view as you reach Naples, a stone’s throw from the ruined cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, before Minerva sets her sights on Sicily.

Created by volcanic eruptions, Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, boasting stunning scenery and a towering active volcano. A highlight of your voyage follows as Minerva cruises close to the active volcano of Stromboli, offering a chance to see a lava firework display. Next is Messina, gateway to Taormina. Overlooking the bay of Giardina and Mount Etna, this charming hilltop town is home to one of the largest Greco-Roman theatres in the world. Minerva sails on to Syracuse, where an overnight stay enables you to fully immerse yourself in this intriguing city’s grand history. Valletta's UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour is a spectacular introduction to the city. Enjoy an overnight stay and visit to Malta's ancient walled city of Mdina before sailing to Sarande for a visit to the

archaeological site of Butrint, occupied since at least the 8th century BC. Step back in time as Minerva docks at the bustling port town of Brindisi, where an array of Romanesque churches, an impressive 13th century castle and Alberobello’s UNESCO-listed Trulli houses await discovery. Minerva’s final port of call is Dubrovnik. Stroll through the city’s famous marble streets, admiring its Baroque buildings, or enjoy a scenic drive to pretty Cavtat.


Dr Ann Birchall FSA – Archaeologist and former Assistant Keeper, Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum.

Mr Jeremy Paterson – Former Senior Lecturer in Ancient History, Newcastle University. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Art workshops will feature on this cruise.

I TA L Y

A L B A N I A

C R OAT I A

S I C I L Y

Dubrovnik

Civitavecchia

Croatia

Italy

Valletta Malta

Sarande AlbaniaBrindisi

Italy

Messina Sicily

ROME

TARQUINIA

POMPEII

STROMBOLI

MOUNT ETNA

ISCHIA

GRAND HARBOUR

Naples Italy

T Y R R H E N I A N S E A

Lipari Italy

Syracuse Sicily

A D R I AT I C S E A

Butrint, Albania

Dubrovnik, Croatia

ALBEROBELLO

BUTRINT

Tender port

53

YOUR ITINERARY


Sep 12 Civitavecchia, Italy In port

Sep 13 Civitavecchia, Italy In port 6.00pm

Sep 14 Naples, Italy 12.00pm 8.00pm

Sep 15 Lipari, Italy 11.30am 8.30pm

Sep 15 Cruise past Stromboli

Sep 16 Messina, Sicily 7.30am 2.30pm

Sep 16 Syracuse, Sicily 10.30pm In port

Sep 17 Syracuse, Sicily In port 10.00pm

Sep 18 Valletta, Malta 8.00am In port

Sep 19 Valletta, Malta In port 6.00pm

Sep 20 Cruise on Minerva

Sep 21 Sarande, Albania 8.00am 6.00pm

Sep 22 Brindisi, Italy 7.30am 5.00pm

Sep 23 Dubrovnik, Croatia 8.00am In port

Sep 24 Dubrovnik, Croatia In port

12 SEPTEMBER – 24 SEPTEMBER 2016 13-day cruise from £2,195pp

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSCivitavecchia Baroque Rome, Tarquinia, Relaxing Rome Naples Pompeii, Herculaneum Lipari Island Drive & Museum, Volcano Cruise Messina Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse Catania & Mount Etna, Ortigia Island Valletta Island Drive & Mdina, A Tale of Two Cities Sarande Butrint & Sarande Brindisi Alberbello, Lecce, Ostuni Dubrovnik City Tour & Panorama, Artistic Konavle & Cavtat

Optional Shore Excursions available: Naples Capodimonte, Ischia & Gardens Messina Tindari Malta Gozo Sarande Gjirokaster Tour

Taormina, Sicily

Trulli houses, Alberobello

This cruise also features in one of Minerva's Grand Voyages. Please see page 64.








54

CROATIA • ITALY • SLOVENIA • MONTENEGRO

THE SPARKLING ADRIATIC

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Savour some of Croatia’s most

fascinating sights in Dubrovnik, Pula and Šibenik against the stunning

backdrop of the Adriatic

• Discover the remarkable remains of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace in

Split, Croatia’s second city

• Overnight in Venice, which gives plenty of time to fully appreciate one of

the world’s most remarkable cities

• Join Minerva on her inaugural call to Rijeka and take time to visit the oldest Croatian sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary on Trsat, a peaceful hill

above the city

• Protected by medieval walls up to 20 metres high, Kotor’s UNESCO-

listed old town has a wealth of iconic monuments and Romanesque

churches to be admired

The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is Minerva’s first port of call on a cruise

teeming with historical, architectural and archaeological masterpieces.

Explore this living museum, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, before heading to picturesque Hvar. Impressive architecture and a Renaissance Franciscan monastery are among its highlights, while Split – home to the ruins of the Roman Palace of Diocletian – is sure to impress. Staying in Croatia, sail to Zadar with its Roman ruins, medieval churches and sound-and-light spectacle of the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation. Then continue to Italy’s Ravenna, a glittering showcase for Byzantine art. Enjoy an overnight stay in the remarkable floating city of Venice where you can wonder at the riches of the Doge’s Palace and visit the islands of Torcello and Murano before cruising to Slovenia. The medieval town of Koper boasts elegant squares and a 15th century Venetian palace, while Minerva’s return to Croatia brings rewards such as Pula's remarkably well preserved Roman amphitheatre. Rijeka, gateway to the Opatija Riviera, is a maiden call for Minerva, and

precedes arrival into Šibenik, home to the UNESCO-listed Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St James.

Head to Korcula, the reputed birthplace of explorer Marco Polo, and soak up delightful scenery en route to Montenegran Kotor. Positioned at the head of southern Europe’s deepest fjord, its medieval old town with a labyrinth of cobbled streets is a delight to explore.


Dr Ann Birchall FSA – Archaeologist and former Assistant Keeper, Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum.

Professor Carole Hillenbrand OBE – Professor of Islamic History, University of Edinburgh.

Professor Robert Hillenbrand FBA – Professor of Islamic Art, St Andrew’s University. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPSArt – Linda Pitt

I TA L Y

S L O V E N I A

C R OAT I A

M O N T E N E G R O

DubrovnikCroatia

Kotor Montenegro

Split Croatia

Zadar CroatiaŠibenik Croatia

Ravenna Italy

Venice Italy

Koper SloveniaRijeka Croatia

A D R I AT I C S E A

Pula Croatia

Doge's Palace, Italy

Hvar, Croatia

DOGE'S PALACE

POMPOSA ABBEY

POSTOJNA CAVES

PLITVICE LAKES

Hvar Croatia

Korcula Croatia

New portTender port

55

YOUR ITINERARY


Sep 24 Dubrovnik, Croatia In port

Sep 25 Dubrovnik, Croatia In port 6.30pm

Sep 26 Hvar, Croatia 7.00am 2.00pm

Sep 26 Split, Croatia 6.00pm In port

Sep 27 Split, Croatia In port 6.00pm

Sep 28 Zadar, Croatia 8.00am 10.00pm

Sep 29 Ravenna, Italy 12.00pm 10.00pm

Sep 30 Venice, Italy 7.30am In port

Oct 1 Venice, Italy In port 10.00pm

Oct 2 Koper, Slovenia 7.00am 7.30pm

Oct 3 Pula, Croatia 7.30am 10.00pm

Oct 4 Rijeka, Croatia 7.30am 8.00pm

Oct 5 Šibenik, Croatia 12.00pm 10.00pm

Oct 6 Korcula, Croatia 8.00am 8.00pm

Oct 7 Kotor, Montenegro 7.30am 10.30pm

Oct 8 Dubrovnik, Croatia 6.00am

24 SEPTEMBER – 8 OCTOBER 2016 15-day cruise from £2,595pp

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSDubrovnik City Tour & Panorama, Artistic Konavle & Cavtat, Hvar Hvar Island Tour, Walking Tour Split Walking Tour, Evacuation Sites & Medieval Exploration Zadar Walking Tour, Plitvice Lakes Ravenna City Tour, Pomposa Abbey Venice Torcello & Murano, Doge’s Palace Koper Piran Walk, Postojna Caves Pula Porec, Pula Town Walk Rijeka Rijeka & Trsat, Rijeka, Hum & Opatija Šibenik Krka National Park, Ancient Roman Paths of Šibenik Korcula Walking Tour Kotor Montenegro Panorama, Kotor Walking Tour

Optional Shore Excursions available Dubrovnik Konavle Countryside Ravenna Bologna City Tour Venice Palladio Villas Kotor Sveti Stefan & Budva

Kotor, Montenegro

Trulli houses, Italy

Rijeka, Croatia








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HELLENIC ODYSSEY

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Explore UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik,

with its impressive city walls and marble streets

• Minerva transits the narrow Corinth Canal – a remarkable

feat of engineering

• Experience an overnight stay in Nauplia, your gateway to

legendary Mycenae

• Minerva makes her maiden call at the small Greek island of Milos

• Discover Fethiye, the jewel of Turkey’s Lycian coast and home to

three UNESCO-listed sites – Kayakoy, Xanthos and ancient Letoon

Join Minerva in Dubrovnik, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. Ancient stone

buildings, meandering cobbled streets and impressive ramparts rising above red-tiled rooftops await discovery before Minerva sets sail to Greece.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea en route to Katakolon, gateway to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. A truly memorable highlight of your cruise follows as Minerva begins her transit of the narrow, steep-sided Corinth Canal – an amazing feat of modern engineering. On to Nauplia, one of the most picturesque towns in Greece. Explore Epidaurus, the site of a renowned ancient theatre, before Minerva continues to Milos. Plaka, the island’s capital, promises fascinating churches and picturesque narrow lanes. Your next port of call is Kos, an island teeming with historic treasures and known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. Discover the island’s Asclepion, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god of healing, before sailing to Fethiye. This intriguing Turkish town is located on the site of ancient Telmessos, once the largest city in Lycia.

Return to Greek shores as Minerva reaches Symi, whose stunning natural harbour is surrounded by neo-classical houses and churches built into the hillside. As Minerva continues to Tinos, you have time to explore the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, a sacred pilgrimage site. Finally, an overnight stay at Piraeus offers plenty of time to explore Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis.



Nigel McGilchrist – Art Historian and author of ‘McGilchrist’s Greek Islands’.

Professor Ian Beckett FRHistS – Professor of Military History,

University of Kent. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPS

Art – Linda Pitt

T U R K E Y

G R E E C E

C R OAT I A

Dubrovnik

Piraeus

Croatia

Greece

Kos Greece

Samos Greece

Tinos Greece

M E D I T E R R A N E A NS E A

Milos Greece

Fethiye Turkey

Minerva, Corinth Canal

Symi Greece

Symi, Greece

CROATIA • GREECE • TURKEY

ACROPOLIS

OLYMPIA

XANTHOS

Katakolon Greece

Nauplia Greece

CORINTH CANAL

MYCENAE

New Port Tender port

57

YOUR ITINERARY


Oct 8 Dubrovnik, Croatia In port In port

Oct 9 Dubrovnik, Croatia In port 6.00pm

Oct 10 Cruise on Minerva

Oct 11 Katakolon, Greece 7.00am 6.00pm

Oct 12 Corinth Canal transit

Oct 12 Nauplia, Greece 9.30pm In port

Oct 13 Nauplia, Greece In port 6.00pm

Oct 14 Milos, Greece 7.30am 5.00pm

Oct 15 Kos, Greece 8.30am 6.30pm

Oct 16 Fethiye, Turkey 8.00am 10.30pm

Oct 17 Symi, Greece 8.00am 6.00pm

Oct 18 Samos, Greece 8.00am 6.30pm

Oct 19 Tinos, Greece 8.00am 9.00pm

Oct 20 Piraeus, Greece 7.00am In port

Oct 21 Piraeus, Greece In port In port

8 OCTOBER – 21 OCTOBER 2016 14-day cruise from £2,595pp

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSDubrovnik City Tour & Panorama Katakolon Olympia Site & Museum, Mercouri Estate Nauplia Mycenae, Epidaurus Milos Plaka Village Walk Kos Town Walk, Asklepion Fethiye Xanthos, Kayakoy Village Symi Independent Exploration Samos Town Walk, Herion & Scenic Drive Tinos Town Walk Piraeus Acropolis, Acropolis Museum

Optional Shore Excursions available: Dubrovnik Konavle Countryside Katakolon Foloi Forest Fethiye Gulet Cruise

Milos, Greece

Church Panagia Evangelistria, Tinos

This cruise also features in one of Minerva's Grand Voyages. Please see page 65.

Lord Byron (British Poet, 1788 – 1824)

“The Isles of Greece! the Isles of Greece!... Eternal summer gilds them yet…”








5858

Enjoy an astonishing insight into ancient life as Minerva sails crystal-clear waters

to a host of intriguing destinations.

Embark in Athens, the oldest city in Europe, and marvel at the magnificent Acropolis and abundant artefacts in its archaeological museum before arrival in Volos. With a past that can be traced back to Neolithic times, this prominent port featured in Greek Mythology is also blessed with natural beauty. Rising like an amphitheatre from the harbour up the slopes of Mount Symvolo, picturesque Kavala has a wealth of history to uncover. The ruins of Philippi will prove fascinating before Minerva sails to Turkey. Dikili is your gateway to the dramatic ruins of the Acropolis at Pergamon, while an overnight stay in Kusadasi gives ample time to explore the wonderfully preserved ancient city of Ephesus. The imposing façade of the Library of Celsus is among the spectacular sights, with more to come in Knidos. This once important shipping port can be reached from Marmaris.Located just off the coast of Turkey, Rhodes – home of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller during the Middle Ages – is Minerva’s next

stop. Overnight in this beautiful island then continue to Alanya, where landmarks such as the Kizil Kule tower were built under the rule of Alaeddin Kayqubad I.

Visit Limassol, Cyprus’ second city, to see the fine mosaics that once graced the villas of Roman nobles in Paphos before sailing to Larnaca. From here the UNESCO-listed site of Khirokitia can be visited.

YOUR GUEST SPEAKERSYour Guest Speakers on this cruise include:Canon Andrew Evans – Historian.

Professor Carole Hillenbrand OBE – Professor of Islamic Culture, University of Edinburgh.Professor Robert Hillenbrand FBA – Professor of Islamic Art, St Andrew’s University. See pages 66-69 for biographical notes.

WORKSHOPSArt – Carolyn KingCraft & Embroidery – Karin BucannanBRIDGE Organised bridge will feature on this cruise.

YOUR CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS• Discover the many wonders

of Athens, including the spectacular Acropolis

• Chance to see the awe-inspiring Monasteries of Meteora perched

high on towering rock peaks

• Overnight in Kusadasi to make the most of a visit to ancient Ephesus

with its magnificent library, theatre and Roman houses

• Extended stay in Rhodes to explore this historic island and visit Lindos, the

unspoilt village where St Paul is said to have been shipwrecked

• On Aphrodite’s Island of Cyprus, marvel at the ancient

coastal city of Paphos

Ephesus, Turkey

IMPRESSIONS of the EASTERN MEDITERRANEANGREECE • TURKEY • CYPRUS

Marcus Tullius Cicero (Roman lawyer, writer, scholar and orator, 106BC – 43BC)

“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.”

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T U R K E Y

G R E E C E

PiraeusGreece

Dikili Turkey

Kusadasi Turkey

Marmaris Turkey

Volos Greece

Kavala Greece

Alanya Turkey

Limassol Cyprus

PERGAMON ACROPOLIS

ANCIENT PHILIPPI

METEORA

EPHESUS

ASPENDOS

LINDOS

KAKOPETRIA


59

YOUR CHOICE OF INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONSPiraeus Acropolis & Museum Volos Pelion Villages, Hiking Volos Paths Kavala Philippi, Xanthi Dikili Pergamon Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & Asclepion Kusadasi Didyma & Miletus, Roman Houses of Ephesus Marmaris Dalyan & Caunos, Knidos Rhodes Town Walk, Lindos Alanya Aspendos, Manavgat Waterfall Limassol Paphos, Kakopetria & Troodos Mountains Larnaca Town Walk, Lefkara & Khirokitia

Optional Shore Excursions available: Volos Meteora Monasteries Limassol Archaeological site of Curium Kolossi

YOUR ITINERARY


21 Oct Piraeus, Greece In port In port

22 Oct Piraeus, Greece In port 2.30pm

23 Oct Volos, Greece 8.00am 7.00pm

24 Oct Kavala, Greece 1.00pm 7.00pm

25 Oct Dikili, Turkey 1.00pm 7.00pm

26 Oct Kusadasi, Turkey 12.30pm In port

27 Oct Kusadasi, Turkey In port 5.00pm

28 Oct Marmaris, Turkey 8.00am 5.00pm

28 Oct Rhodes, Greece 8.30pm In port

29 Oct Rhodes, Greece In port 5.00pm

30 Oct Alanya, Turkey 12.00pm 6.30pm

31 Oct Limassol, Cyprus 9.30am In port

1 Nov Limassol, Cyprus In port 7.00am

1 Nov Larnaca, Cyprus 1.00pm In port

2 Nov Larnaca, Cyprus In port In port

21 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2016

Alanya, Turkey

LarnacaCyprus

Rhodes Greece

Lindos, Rhodes

Mosaic, Limassol

This cruise also features in one of Minerva’s Grand Voyages. Please see page 65.









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Meteora Monastery, Greece

For those who love variety and appreciate value, Swan Hellenic’s choice of Grand Voyages will be a tempting alternative to our individual

itineraries. Alternatively, make your own selection of two or more successive cruises and you can tailor-make your own Grand Voyage.

Take the time to discover moreGrand Voyages in 2016

61Call Swan Hellenic on 01858 414 001 or visit www.swanhellenic.com

62

Sailing from Portsmouth, enjoy two days at sea before reaching Vigo, from where

you can visit Santiago de Compostela. Historic Oporto, vibrant Lisbon and Cadiz, your gateway to Jerez, await your discovery next. Witness Gibraltar’s iconic Rock, then discover Granada’s Alhambra Palace from Motril, before visiting fascinating Cartagena, Balearic Mahon and Barcelona for an overnight stay. After exploring charming Sète, you will overnight in glamorous Monaco. Portoferraio in Elba and Ajaccio on Corsica are Minerva’s next stops, before she discovers the Sardinian capital of Cagliari and ancient Carthage. Visit Palermo, Sicily’s main city, hilltop Monreale and legendary Capri before arrival into Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome.

Full details for both itineraries can be found on pages 48-51 of this brochure.

Regional flights to the UK are available on this Grand Voyage. Please see page 23 for details.Complimentary pre-cruise transfer from your return London airport to the ship is available.

England

Spain

Portsmouth

Barcelona

Lisbon Portugal

Oporto Portugal

Vigo Spain

Motril Spain

Gibraltar

Cartagena Spain

Mahon Menorca

Cadiz Spain

I TA L Y

S I C I L Y

T U N I S I A

Civitavecchia

Italy

Sete France

F R A N C E

S A R D I N I A

Palermo Sicily

La Goulette Tunisia

Cagliari Sardinia

Capri Italy

Portoferraio Elba

Ajaccio Corsica

Monte Carlo Monaco

GRAND IBERIAN and MEDITERRANEAN ICONS16 AUGUST – 12 SEPTEMBER 2016 28-day cruise

Tender port

Palermo Cathedral, Sicily Monte Carlo, France


MIN160816A






S PA I N

P O R T U G A L

SPAIN • PORTUGAL • GIBRALTAR • BALEARIC ISLANDS • FRANCE • ITALY • CORSICA SARDINIA • TUNISIA • SICILY

63

Alhambra Palace, Spain


64

From Portsmouth, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Vigo, your springboard to Santiago

de Compostela, before discovering historic Oporto and vibrant Lisbon. Visit Cadiz, gateway to Jerez, and charming Gibraltar en route to the Spanish ports of Motril, Cartagena and Balearic Mahon. Explore delightful Sète in between overnight stays at Barcelona and Monaco, before discovering Elba’s Portoferraio, Corsica’s Ajaccio and the Sardinian capital of Cagliari. Visit ancient Carthage, diverse Palermo and legendary Capri, then dock at Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome. After visiting Naples and Lipari, Minerva close cruises the active volcano of Stromboli en route to Messina, Syracuse and Valletta with its UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour. Explore intriguing Sarande and Brindisi, before reaching spectacular Dubrovnik.


Complimentary pre-cruise transfer from your return London airport to the ship is available.

Dubrovnik, Croatia Sarande, Albania

GRAND MEDITERRANEAN CLASSICS 16 AUGUST – 24 SEPTEMBER 2016 40-day cruise


MIN160816B






S PA I N

P O R T U G A L

England

Spain

Portsmouth

Barcelona

Lisbon Portugal

Oporto Portugal

Vigo Spain

Motril Spain

Gibraltar

Cartagena Spain

Mahon Menorca

Cadiz Spain

I TA L Y

C R OAT I A

T U N I S I A

Sete France

F R A N C E

S A R D I N I A

La Goulette Tunisia

Cagliari Sardinia

Portoferraio Elba

Ajaccio Corsica

Monte Carlo Monaco

DubrovnikCroatia

Valletta Malta

Sarande Albania

Palermo Sicily

Naples Italy

Civitavecchia Italy

Syracuse Sicily

Messina Sicily

Brindisi Italy

Capri Italy

Lipari Italy

Tender port

SPAIN • PORTUGAL • GIBRALTAR • BALEARIC ISLANDS • FRANCE • ITALY • CORSICA SARDINIA • TUNISIA • SICILY • MALTA • ALBANIA • CROATIA

65

From the medieval city of Dubrovnik, sail to Katakolon, your gateway to ancient

Olympia. Minerva transits the amazing Corinth Canal before heading to picturesque Nauplia, Plaka on the beautiful island of Milos, and Kos, birthplace of Hippocrates. On to enchanting Fethiye, scenic Symi and Tinos, with its Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site. Discover ancient Athens from Piraeus, before sailing to beautiful Volos, historic Kavala, picturesque Dikili and Kusadasi, where an overnight stay gives time to explore Ephesus. More spectacular sights await in Knidos, beautiful Rhodes and intriguing Alanya. Overnight in Limassol, Cyprus’ second city, to discover Paphos, before arrival at Larnaca, from where UNESCO-listed Khirokitia can be visited.


Samos monastery, Greece Marmaris, Turkey

GRAND ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS 8 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2016 26-day cruise


MIN161008A






T U R K E Y

G R E E C E

C R OAT I A

DubrovnikCroatia

Tinos Greece


Milos Greece

Fethiye Turkey

Symi Greece

Katakolon Greece

Nauplia Greece

CORINTH CANAL

New Port Tender port

Volos Greece

Kavala Greece

Dikili Turkey

Kusadasi Turkey

Marmaris Turkey

Rhodes Greece Larnaca

Cyprus

Alanya Turkey

Kos Greece

Samos Greece

Limassol Cyprus

Piraeus Greece


CROATIA • GREECE • TURKEY • CYPRUS

66

VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

Jeremy Paterson - Historian

Our eminent Guest Speakers’ talks illuminate the past and explain the present and, when Minerva close-cruises iconic coastlines, their deck talks add an extra dimension to your experience of countries, cultures and landscapes.

Our renowned Guest Speakers

PROFESSOR CHRISTOPHER ANDREW is Emeritus Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at Cambridge University, Honorary Professor at Queen’s University Belfast,

former Visiting Professor at Harvard, Toronto and Canberra, former MI5 Official Historian and Honorary Air Commodore. His books include international best-sellers on the role and influence of secret intelligence in Russia and Britain.

GRAHAM ARCHER CMG is a former British High Commissioner in Malta. As a diplomat he specialised in international relations and conflict resolution, and he has travelled widely in Europe

and the Mediterranean. He is a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George and a Knight of the Venerable Order of St John. Since retirement from the Diplomatic Service he has been a regular lecturer on current affairs, he has been a Deputy Chairman of the South East Region of the National Trust and is currently a council member of the Royal Overseas League.

DR COLLEEN BATEY is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Glasgow with extensive experience of excavation and publication in the arena of Viking and Late Norse Culture of the North Atlantic

and Scotland. She has travelled widely in the British Isles, Scandinavia and North America as a Guest Lecturer and over the past 13 years has also worked as an Expedition Team member in the Arctic, Baltic and Black Sea regions.

© Historic Scotland

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DR ANN BIRCHALL FSA is an archaeologist of international repute specialising in the history, art and archaeology of the Mediterranean. She was Assistant Keeper, Greek and Roman Antiquities,

British Museum. She has been involved in excavations both in the UK and abroad. She is an author and broadcaster on both radio and TV and presented an award-winning two-part BBC TV documentary on her excavations of one of Nelson’s ships, HMS Colossus.

ANDY BUNTEN is an obsessive enthusiast about wildlife, who obtained degrees in Zoology and Environmental Technology at Newcastle and Imperial College, before embarking on a career in nature

conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts and, for 26 years, the RSPB. He was RSPB’s Regional Director for the South East of England for five years before, in 1991, moving to the North of England to take up the reins of Director there. Now a Consultant, Andy is an enthusiastic traveller who has led wildlife groups to numerous destinations around the world.

DR PETER CATTERMOLE is a former university lecturer in planetary geology and volcanology and worked for many years as a Principal Investigator with NASA on the volcanoes of Mars. Now

a freelance writer and lecturer he continues to travel widely, explaining modern geological ideas. With a life-long interest in astronomy, he appeared regularly on BBC TV’s Sky at Night programme.

SIR RICHARD DALES KCVO CMG is a former Ambassador to Norway and High Commissioner in Zimbabwe. He retired in 2002 after 38 years in the Diplomatic Service where most of his postings were

to either Africa or Scandinavia, including two spells in Denmark. Since retirement, he has been Chairman of the Anglo-Norse Society and a member of the Governing Council of the University of East Anglia and was Chairman of International Alert from 2006 to 2010.

CANON ANDREW EVANS is an honorary Canon of Bristol Cathedral and currently the Team Rector of Bridport in Dorset. He is also a Chaplain for the Royal British Legion and the

Royal Naval Association. Before becoming a parish priest Andrew taught for 17 years and was a Deputy Head Teacher. A contemporary historian by training, Andrew is particularly interested in the history of the Royal Navy during the 18th to 20th centuries.

PROFESSOR CAROLE HILLENBRAND OBE is Honorary Professorial Fellow and former Head of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh. In 2005 she was awarded the King

Faisal International Prize in Islamic Studies – the first non-Muslim to receive this award. An author of several books and many articles on medieval Islamic history, she was awarded an OBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours List.

PROFESSOR ROBERT HILLENBRAND FBA has long-standing research interests in the clash of civilisations, especially between East and West. An Emeritus Professor of Fine Art at Edinburgh University,

his publications include studies on mosques, palaces and decorative arts in Islamic Spain.

REAR ADMIRAL JOHN LIPPIETT CB MBE had a 36-year career in the Royal Navy culminating in three jobs as Rear Admiral: Flag Officer Sea Training (1997-1999), Chief of Staff to NATO Forces

and Senior British Officer in the Southern Region – based in Naples (1999-2002) – and finally Commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College (2002-2003). His book, War and Peas; Intimate Letters from the Falklands War, was broadcast on BBC radio to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the war. He became Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust in 2003.

PETER MAWBY has travelled widely and is a regular and highly successful cruise ship lecturer. Peter is currently researching the environmental impact of changing patterns of agriculture on the birds of

the Western Dales, working in conjunction with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Environment Agency. He is now in great demand to speak to enthusiasts from the RSPB, Scottish Ornithologists Club and regional Wildlife Trusts.

PROFESSOR IAN BECKETT FRHistS is Professor of Military History at the University of Kent. Previously he has held chairs in both Britain and the United States. He is Chairman of the Council of

the Army Records Society and Secretary of the Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust. He is internationally

known for his work on the First World War, and on the history of the British Army.

PROFESSOR JEREMY BLACK MBE studied at Queens’ College Cambridge, St John’s College Oxford, and Merton College Oxford before joining the University of Durham as a

lecturer in 1980. There he gained his PhD and ultimately his professorship in 1994. He joined Exeter University

as Established Chair in History in 1996, specialising in post-1500 military history, 18th-century British history, international relations, cartographic and newspaper history. A renowned expert on the history of war, he has written more than 100 books.

CAROLINE HOLMES is an internationally renowned garden historian, lecturer, designer and author fascinated by how people and plants have historically shaped landscapes and what we

can learn from them. Caroline lectures for the Royal Horticultural Society, NADFAS, museums and galleries and

is also a part-time tutor for the University of Cambridge’s ICE. She devised and designed the Humanist Renaissance gardens around Notre Dame de Calais

NIGEL MCGILCHRIST was a scholar at Winchester College and a First Class graduate from Oxford, and has lived and worked in the Mediterranean – Italy, Greece and Turkey – for 30 years. He is author of

the 20-volume series of cultural guides to the Greek Islands, McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, and of the Blue Guide to The Aegean Islands. He lectures widely in art and archaeology at museums and institutions in Europe and the USA.


68

PROFESSOR GERVASE PHINN taught in a range of schools for 14 years before becoming an educational adviser and schools inspector. He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer,

a consultant for the Open University and Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, York. He has published many articles, chapters and books and edited a wide range of poetry and short story collections. Gervase is probably best known for his best-selling autobiographical novels The Other Side of the Dale, Over Hill and Dale and Head Over Heels in the Dales. Gervase remains a natural storyteller and one of the most accomplished public speakers of any kind.

THE MOST REV’D DR BARRY MORGAN has been Bishop of Llandaff since 1999 and Archbishop of Wales since 2003, having previously been Bishop of Bangor from 1993-9. He read History at London

and Theology at Cambridge, having served in turn as a university lecturer, parish priest, director of ordinands, and archdeacon. He is a Fellow of six Welsh universities, a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Wales. He has published a number of articles and books, his latest being a study of the religious poetry of R S Thomas.

JEREMY PATERSON taught ancient history for nearly 40 years at Newcastle University, where he was also Dean of Arts. He studied at Oxford and at the British School at Rome. Although

primarily a social and economic historian, his research and publications range widely and include the ancient wine trade, the archaeology of the Roman Empire, early Christianity, and Cicero. He also chairs the Minimus project to introduce Latin in primary schools. He has lectured and travelled extensively in the Mediterranean region.

VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

Nauplia, Greece

69

Additional speakers will be added in due course and information will be available on our website at www. swanhellenic.comPlease note that Guest Speakers accompanying each cruise may change without notice. Final information on your Guest Speakers will be received on board.

CHRISTINE SKELMERSDALE has been an enthusiastic gardener since childhood and has been Managing Director of Broadleigh Gardens, a nursery which specialises in smaller bulbs,

woodland and foliage plants, for 40 years. An inspirational lecturer, she lectures widely in Britain and abroad both on gardening topics and plants in the wild. Author of Creative Gardening with Bulbs (1989), she writes articles and reviews for a number of gardening publications and published Gardeners Guide to Bulbs in July 2012. Christine was a member of the Council for the RHS for 11 years.

NEIL TAYLOR is a specialist in 20th century political history with particular reference to France and the former communist countries. After a career in the travel business which involved

frequent tours to East Asia, he now divides his time between London and Tallinn. His most recent book is the Bradt Guide to Baltic Cities.

THE RT REVD TIM STEVENS read Classics and English at Cambridge and worked for the British Overseas Airways Corporation and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

prior to ordination in 1976. He was appointed Bishop of Leicester in 1999 and retired in 2015. He was Convenor of the Bishops’ Bench in the House of Lords between 2009 and 2015 and a member of the Select Committee on Lords Reform. He is currently Chair of Common Purpose UK.

Nauplia, Greece


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A WIDE CHOICE OF CABINS

Minerva now offers 44 balcony suites – some

of the most spacious and comfortable balcony suites afloat – as well as a choice of eight other categories of outside and inside cabins.

All cabins are twin-bedded and if requested at the time of booking can be made into a single queen bed.

SUPERIOR BALCONY SUITE, Category C – a choice of 10

These Superior Balcony Suites, feature a balcony with floor to ceiling patio doors. Overall cabin area of 30.70m² includes the balcony (which measures 7.5m2). Featuring a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities, all Superior Balcony Suites on the starboard side have en suite shower facilities, while all those on the port side have en suites with baths. With our compliments: A welcome bottle of Champagne and bottled mineral water on embarkation. Mini Bar: first set up is complimentary. Fruit Basket: replenished on a daily basis. Complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles - see page 24.

DELUXE BALCONY SUITE, Category B – a choice of 12

These Deluxe Balcony Suites feature a deep teak deck balcony with floor-to ceiling patio doors and are 31.13m² including balcony (which measures 9.38m2). Featuring a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities, all Deluxe Balcony Suites on the starboard side have en suite shower facilities while all those on the port side have en suites with baths.With our compliments: A welcome bottle of Champagne and mineral water on embarkation. Mini Bar: first set up is complimentary. Fruit Basket: replenished on a daily basis. Complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles - see page 24.

OWNER’S SUITE, Category A – Discovery or Explorer Suites – a choice of 2 unique suitesThese premier suites are 34.30m² in total, incorporating a private balcony measuring 7.5m2 with floor-to-ceiling patio doors, and a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat=screen TV, refrigerator and tea/coffee-making facilities. The Owner’s Suite on the starboard side has en suite shower facilities while the Owner’s Suite on the port side has en suite bath facilities.With our compliments: Champagne on embarkation: replenished free of charge on request. Bottled mineral water: replenished free of charge on request. Mini Bar: replenished as per consumption. Fruit Basket: replenished on daily basis. Canapés: served on daily basis. Complimentary return chauffeur service within 75 miles - see page 24.

Stylish and well-appointed balcony suites

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A WIDE CHOICE OF CABINS

AEGEAN DECK CABIN OUTSIDE, Category F & G – a choice of 56

These outside cabins on Aegean Deck range from 12.1m² to 13m² in size and feature large picture windows. All Aegean Deck cabins (including inside cabins, Categories K & L) feature en suites with showers.

Outside cabins on Baltic Deck, Categories H & I, are similar but have two portholes instead of picture windows. All cabins on Baltic Deck (including inside cabins, Categories M & N) feature en suites with showers.With our compliments: A welcome bottle of mineral water on embarkation.

BALCONY SUITE, Category D – a choice of 20These Balcony Suites, feature an expansive teak deck balcony with floor-to-ceiling patio doors bringing the total size inclusive of balcony to 28m² (balcony measures 7.10m2). Featuring a separate sitting area with sofa, chair, table, flat screen TV and refrigerator, all Balcony Suites on the starboard side have en suite shower facilities, while all those on the port side have en suites with baths.With our compliments: Bottled mineral water: first set up is complimentary. Mini Bar: charged as consumed.


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Passengers who have never cruised before, who have not cruised with Swan Hellenic, or who are regular passengers will no doubt have many questions to ask about our ship, our operation and many other matters. This section (which along with the Booking Conditions forms part of our contract with you) has been written to give you some general information about cruising with us and we feel sure you will find it useful both before and during your cruise. Our aim is your complete enjoyment of the cruise holiday, and all of our staff, ashore and afloat, together with the ship’s company, will do all they can to ensure this. The information given here is correct at the time of printing, April 2015, but is subject to change without notice. Current deposit amount is £250 or 10% whichever is greater. The price of the travel arrangements in this brochure was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the ‘Financial Times’ on 1st September 2014. If you have any queries about your booking, we will always be pleased to help you. Please telephone our Pre-Cruise Administration Department on 0844 209 9000 or go to [email protected]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office produces up-to-date travel information to help British travellers make informed decisions about travelling abroad. For further information please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

BEFORE YOU GOPASSPORTSAll British Citizens require a full 10 year passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return travel for all countries being visited, with spare pages. We also recommend that you take with you photocopies of the personal details page of your passport (i.e. the page with your photograph) as this is sometimes required by local immigration authorities.

VISASPlease note that it is the responsibility of each passenger to check with the various embassies or consulates of those countries to be visited on their particular cruise to ensure that they have the necessary visas/documentation to enter all countries to be visited. Any passengers arriving at the departure port/airport without a passport or correct visas (if required) will be refused permission to board the ship/aircraft. Failure in this respect is not covered by insurance and no refund can be made.

Our consular Services department can obtain visas for British citizens for the countries that require them prior to departure. Other nationalities should consult their travel agent/embassy.Details will be sent with your pre cruise information pack. If you wish to use our service we’ll add the cost of the visa plus a small handling fee to your invoice and send you all the relevant visa application forms and guidance notes you’ll need.Russia - UK passport holders joining our organised tours in Russia do not at the present time require individual visas. If however the situation changes, it will be the responsibility

of the passenger to obtain and purchase their own visa. Currently passengers who wish to go ashore independently in Russia will require a visa purchased and issued before arrival.

Notes: The above advice applies for short visits. British Citizens on longer cruises making several visits may have different visa requirements. This advice is subject to change. Please see pre-cruise documentation. Entry Requirements (British Nationals only) as at 18/3/2013. Source www.fco.gov.ukumentation.

CHILDRENThere are no recreational facilities for children aboard Minerva and reservations for children are not advised.

INSURANCEWe consider adequate travel insurance to be essential, especially for cruises outside the UK. It is therefore a condition of booking your cruise that you are adequately insured. We will require you to give us details of your travel insurance company including the policy number. You must ensure that your policy covers as a minimum, cancellation for the total value of the cruise, delay or curtailment, medical charges, evacuation (from the vessel) and repatriation costs for not less than £5 million. We can recommend great value insurance via our preferred partners.

PASSENGERS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSSwan Hellenic will always try to accommodate passengers with special requirements. If you or any person travelling with you suffers from any medical condition, disability or limited mobility you must contact our office for advice before any booking is confirmed. Please read clause 10 of the Booking Conditions –

GENERAL INFORMATION

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FITNESS TO TRAVEL ON THE CRUISE SHIP, PREGNANCY, BEHAVIOUR, DISABILITY OR REDUCED MOBILITY, MEDICAL AND MOBILITY EQUIPMENT.

HOTELS & LAND TOURSThe land packages contained in this brochure can only be purchased in conjunction with the cruises shown in this brochure. The company reserves the right to assign your hotel based on pre-reserved space at hotels contracted. Hotel rooms are not usually available until approximately 3.00pm on the day of arrival. Certain land packages and excursions will not operate if minimum numbers are not met and others may have a maximum capacity. The sequence of escorted land tours may vary from the brochure. If, for any reason, a hotel or entertainment feature is cancelled or otherwise unavailable, the company reserves the right to cancel, make substitutions or omissions and is under no obligation, except that in the event of cancellation you will receive a full refund of any payments received for that service. Please note that the terms for cancellation by the passenger of any pre-booked land stays and excursions are as per our general cancellation terms, as detailed in our Booking Conditions.

SHORE EXCURSIONSShore excursions are included in your cruise fare in every port of call, where available. Please note that the company reserves the right to amend, cancel or substitute an included shore excursion and in these circumstances is under no obligation to make a refund. Optional Premium excursions including some as mentioned in the brochure, may be available at supplementary cost.The excursions programme outlined in the brochure may be subject to change. The full Shore Excursion programme and Booking Form will be sent approximately 12 weeks prior to departure. All excursions should be pre-booked although it is possible to book on board (subject to availability) Please note it is not possible to credit the non-use of an included shore excursion in any way. The value of shore excursions, up to £650 per person, is based on a typical 15-day cruise with a combination of full and half day excursions in the major ports visited including entrance fees and guides.

ONLINE SERVICES – ALREADY BOOKEDOur website www.swanhellenic.com features an Already Booked section. Here you will be able to find useful information such as Frequently Asked Questions, Your Cruise Book (available 12 weeks prior to departure) and Partner Services. You can also update your Mandatory Passenger Information online.

JOINING YOUR CRUISEPortsmouthAll our coach transfers to join or leave Swan Hellenic cruises in Portsmouth are complimentary. Please note all transfers must be pre-booked. For passengers flying from London and returning to Portsmouth there will be a coach transfer from Portsmouth back to the Swan Hellenic group departure airport in London at the end of the cruise. For passengers departing from Portsmouth and flying back to London, there will be a coach transfer at the start of the cruise from the Swan Hellenic group departure airport to Portsmouth.For cruises departing from and returning to Portsmouth there will be return coach transfers from London Victoria coach station and Southampton Airport. Discounted parking rates are available at the port. Please note that any car parking subsequently cancelled after all cruise monies have been received will incur an admin charge of £10 per booking.

Embarkation at PortsmouthEmbarkation at Portsmouth will generally begin three hours before the ship is due to sail.

FLIGHTSFlights to and from mid and long haul destinations may incur overnight flights. On long haul routes flights may be indirect, necessitating a change of aircraft during the journey. On direct services it may be necessary for the aircraft to stop en-route for operational reasons.Baggage allowance in economy is usually 20kg on our dedicated flights and most scheduled flights, although it may vary slightly according to the carrier.If your holiday involves more than one flight with one or more airlines, then the lowest baggage allowance will always apply. For example most non international flights have an allowance of 20kgs. If your international allowance is higher, you should still keep within the lower allowance or you may be charged for excess baggage. The provision of in-flight meals and refreshments also varies between airlines. For long haul flights we recommend that you check-in a minimum of 3 hours before departure to allow for increased security checks. If you do not check in on time, the airline may not allow you to board the flight.We cannot accept responsibility if such situations arise and, whilst we will do our best to arrange alternative transport, any resulting costs will be your responsibility. Swan Hellenic’s recommended travel insurance includes cover for travel delays.On all dedicated charter and scheduled flights you will be required to collect your luggage and proceed through immigration and customs. We will have porters waiting to receive your luggage and transfer it to the ship where it will be delivered to your cabin.We strongly recommend if you are flying economy class that you check in early if you have particular seat requests. We have no control over the allocation of seats by the airline and even if a request has been made with the supplier to pre-book seats, no guarantee can be made that they will be available on departure. The provision of particular seats does not constitute a term of your contract with us. Please note that suppliers operate older and more modern aircraft within their fleet and we cannot guarantee which type you will travel on as this may be subject to change and general availability. Although some airlines offer the ability to book seats on line this may not be the case when booking a cruise through us, as we offer fights based on special tour operator fares and booking conditions for economy class. If the position of your seat or extra legroom is particularly important to you then please ask about our upgrade options.

Flight DelaysIf flights are cancelled or delayed, it is the responsibility of the airline to look after you. We’ll do our best to ensure that they meet their obligations. Dependent upon the length and nature of the delay, these obligations include providing you with meals and hotel accommodation, assuming always that those services are available. If the airline will not provide you with these services, most holiday insurers will cover you if you are required to pay for them yourself. It is essential when choosing a holiday insurance policy that it provides you with cover in this important area. Where the airline that you’re travelling with won’t provide meals or accommodation in the event of delays, we will do our best (subject to availability) to offer you these services at the lowest possible price. It will be your responsibility to pay for these services at the point that you receive them, and to obtain receipts to enable you to make a subsequent claim against your insurers. Under no circumstances will we be liable to meet any costs should such an event arise. Under EU Regulation 261/2004 you may be entitled to claim compensation in the event that your flight is cancelled or delayed but it is your responsibility to pursue the airline in respect of this. Subject to the airlines own restrictions, please

make sure that all medications are packed in your hand luggage. Certain travel arrangements (in particular flights) may have to be paid for in full at the time of booking and, if so, are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, non-refundable payments are included in the calculation of the cruise cost and the cancellation charge due.

BaggageUnder the Montreal Convention, claims for damaged or delayed baggage for all airlines is set at a maximum of 1131 Special Drawing Rights (currently approximately £1,046) subject to proof of value and loss. Claims must be made in writing to the carrier concerned within 21 days and for missing items from baggage within 7 days. It is your responsibility to comply with these strict time limits by notifying the airline concerned. Particular difficulties may arise for cruise customers if your baggage is delayed by the airline and there are difficulties with this catching up with you en-route. We will try to assist you in these circumstances but liability for any delayed baggage is the responsibility of the airline concerned and we will not be liable.

NOTES ABOUT FLIGHTS 1. All flight times, air carriers and flight routings are

subject to change. Flights will not necessarily be direct or non-stop. Swan Hellenic will inform you of any changes.

2. Swan Hellenic will determine the city airport i.e. for London, Heathrow, Stansted or Gatwick may be used. Very occasionally, for operational reasons, it may be necessary for you to fly out of one London airport and in to another. If this is necessary we will on request provide you with complementary National Express tickets to allow you to transfer between the London airports on your outward or return journey. Please ask for your complimentary transfer tickets at the time of receiving your flight documentation should you wish to use this service. Where a choice of UK departure airport is offered, this is subject to availability.

3. All flight upgrades are on request and are subject to price and availability. Please register your interest at the time of booking and we will contact you with prices and details as soon as possible.

4. Please note that for all pre and post-cruise tours and stays, travelling to join or return from your tour or stay will be by scheduled carrier, to or from London.

5. Airlines reserve the right to refuse travel on medical grounds. You must notify us of any medical conditions or other requirements for airport assistance (only available after check in) or special arrangements at the time of booking, required on your flight. You may be required to provide additional information to the airline in order that they can assess your fitness to fly. Several airlines are unable to carry passengers who require oxygen during part or all of the flight. If you do require oxygen then advance arrangements need to be made at additional cost.

6. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of booking or at least 14 days prior to departure. We will forward them to the airline but are unable to guarantee that all requests can be met. Please Note: we cannot guarantee that the airline will be able to fulfil your request for a special dietary meal and any such requests are not a condition of booking. If you require a special dietary meal due to an allergy, such as a nut allergy, we will need you to fill in a medical questionnaire to send to the airline. The airline will not be able to guarantee that the cabin / meal is 100% nut free and will require you to carry any medication (such as an EpiPen) in your hand luggage.

7. Only fully fit and mobile passengers may occupy exit row seats. These seats will only be assigned at the discretion of the airline at check-in.


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8. Due to the configuration of aircraft, it may not always be possible to obtain seats together.

9. All flights are non-smoking. 10. We do not pre-allocate seats on dedicated

charter flights.

LOCAL CONNECTING FLIGHTSConnecting flights to/from London can be arranged at a supplementary cost for cruises where scheduled international flights are used (subject to availability and routing, prices on request). Same day connecting flights are not available on cruises where we are operating a dedicated charter flight. However, we may be able to offer flexible rail and coach tickets.

Important – It is strongly recommended that you leave a minimum of 4 hours between any connecting flights, to allow for potential flight delays and increased airport security. If you have an early morning flight departing from London, we strongly recommend you to consider taking a connecting flight the day before and staying in an airport hotel.Any hotel accommodation and transfers to make connections will be at passengers’ own expense but we can arrange these for you.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSThe Company will have no responsibility, financial or otherwise, in regard to air, hotel, transport or any other arrangements made by passengers with third parties. Passengers should ensure that any such arrangements are transferable and refundable and covered by their travel insurance, in the event of delay, amendment or cancellation of any of these independent arrangements, or of your cruise. Information regarding embarkation and disembarkation times as well as access to the port will be given in your Pre Cruise documentation. Passengers on a cruise only package must make their own arrangements to transfer from the airport to the ship and vice versa. This is also applicable to passengers booked on a pre or post tour whereby passengers must make their own arrangements to transfer from the hotel to the airport and vice versa.

ON BOARDCURRENCY AND PAYMENTS On board Minerva all prices are in £ Sterling. As there are limited foreign exchange facilities on board, we would recommend that you purchase any currency requirements you expect to need before you travel. There is little opportunity to visit banks whilst on excursions. For purchases ashore, many shops accept most Travellers’ Cheques and major Credit Cards. A cashless system operates on board with passengers settling accounts at the end of the cruise.

Payment methods – Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards (2% surcharge), Visa debit cards only, Travellers Cheques and cash are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts. Personal cheques and Mastercard debit cards are not accepted.

ON BOARD BAR CREDITWhere on board credit has been allocated, please note that this is for the use of non alcoholic or alcoholic drinks only purchased in the Minerva bars and restaurants. On board bar credit is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

VACCINATIONSAny passenger arriving at the port or departure airport without the correct vaccination or exemption certificate(s) will be refused permission to board the ship. No passenger refund would be applicable under such circumstances.Conditions of entry to each port vary according to the conditions set by each country and port authority and may differ to the advice given by the World Health Organisation, doctors and yellow fever centres in the UK. We have to abide by the latest information given to us by the port authorities that allow the ship entry to the port of call. As such we will Inform you of the latest mandatory vaccination requirements for your particular cruise in your final cruise documentation (or with your confirmation invoice if you book the cruise within 20 weeks of departure).We recommend that all passengers seek advice from their doctor or travel clinic at least 12 weeks prior to departure and take a copy of their itinerary and personal travel plans for review with their practitioner. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully protected with the appropriate vaccination certificates for your cruise. Vaccination requirements are subject to change with or without notice. We recommend that you obtain up to date information in one of the following ways: via the NaTHNaC UK government funded website at www.nathnac.org or MASTA at www.masta-travel-health.com. You can also contact your local travel agent and ask for a copy of the Department of Health’s leaflet ‘Advice On Health for Travellers’ or visit your pharmacy.During our winter cruises some countries require a Yellow Fever vaccination. If you cannot be vaccinated for Yellow Fever, a GP letter or letter of medical exemption will be required. If required this will be detailed in your pre-cruise information pack. Other countries recommend that precautions are taken against Malaria and other diseases. You should seek advice with regard to your personal itinerary, including pre/post voyage travel, as Malaria advice and/or prophylaxis may be recommended. Health advice varies from time to time depending on the situation of the country you are visiting. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all passengers.

MEDICAL ATTENTION We hope you will find it unnecessary to use the ship’s medical facilities during your voyage. If, however, the occasion does arise, it is comforting to know that we do carry a fully qualified doctor and nurse. The National Health Service does not cover treatment on the ship and the doctor or nurse will make a charge for their services as well as for any medicines or drugs needed. Such charges are normally reclaimable under your travel insurance, less any excess. In the unlikely event that you require urgent medical attention ashore, we will assist by contacting your insurer who will make the necessary arrangements for your treatment and repatriation.

BARS & ALCOHOLPlease note that bars may have to be closed for the sale of alcohol and cigarettes in certain waters. Only alcohol purchased in the ship’s bars and restaurants may be consumed on Minerva.

DINING ARRANGEMENTSBreakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged on an open sitting basis and may be taken in the Swan Restaurant or the Veranda. Opening times will vary according to the daily programme.

TELECOMMUNICATIONSOur onboard telecommunications systems mean that you are never more than a telephone call away from your home or office. All cabins feature direct-dial telephones, whilst fax facilities are available at Reception. The Internet Lounge, situated on Bridge Deck, allows you to access your email account (please note certain types of access, including Skype and other VOIP protocols are blocked due to bandwidth restrictions). This also applies to Apple and MS programmes, such as iCloud.com which, because of band width restrictions, are also unavailable on board. Internet cards are available for purchase on board. WiFi is available for use on personal laptops in certain areas. Satellite coverage cannot be guaranteed. Kindle users; please note that you will not be able to access the mailbox, on your device, via the onboard WiFi system. Please use the terminals in the Internet Lounge.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Cabins and suites feature 220 volt current. The use of hair dryers, electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances should be checked with Reception, but, for safety reasons, the use of travel irons and any personal tea/coffee making equipment is strictly prohibited. Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

LAUNDRY & PRESSINGValet service is available for laundry and pressing. A laundry bag and order form are provided in your cabin wardrobe. Some passengers may wish to make use of the self-service launderette on Aegean Deck – washing powder is provided. Dry cleaning is not available on board.

WHAT TO WEAR As a general rule, for days on board and ashore, summer clothing/casual wear is the order of the day. It should be light, comfortable and easy to care for. A sweater and jacket for cooler evenings and a light raincoat are also advisable.On cruises to northern latitudes, warmer, layered, windproof clothing will be necessary. On more southerly cruises the weather will usually be suitable for sunbathing, so don’t forget your wrap, bathing suit, sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen. For trips ashore and for getting into and out of the ship’s tenders, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. You may also want to bring with you a camera, extra binoculars, an umbrella and insect repellent. In certain countries, shorts, short skirts, bare arms and shoulders will not be appreciated locally and you may be prohibited entry to certain sites. Please refer to the notes section in the Cruise Book for each excursion.

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During the day, the general atmosphere on board is informal and casual clothing, including shorts, is perfectly acceptable. However, just as at a land based resort, we ask you to cover swimwear when entering the ship from the open decks. In the evening, the dress code varies according to your chosen restaurant. The Veranda is smart casual; for ladies that means dresses or blouses with skirts or trousers and, for gentlemen, long trousers and shirts with collars. In the Swan Restaurant gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie. On formal nights (approximately two in a 15 day cruise), gentlemen are invited to wear black tie or dark suits and ladies to wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

SMOKING Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the open decks. Smoking outside these areas, including in cabins and on excursion coaches, is strictly prohibited.

EMERGENCY MUSTER DRILLAfter embarkation and prior to Minerva setting sail there will be a full emergency muster station drill. This exercise is to give all passengers precise information on the correct route from their cabins to the places where they should muster in an emergency, together with instructions about life jackets and emergency procedures. This Muster Drill is a requirement of law and all passengers must attend.

NOISEThere are all kinds of noise associated with a working vessel when the ship is in motion. We recognise that tolerance levels vary so please contact the Reservations Department if you require further information before you book.

PORTHOLESIn rough weather or for operational and security reasons, port hole covers (known as deadlights) may need to be closed. Cabins with port holes are located on Baltic Deck. On cruises where the vessel sails through the Red and Arabian Seas, the vessel is subject to the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation for anti-piracy. The requirements are designed to protect the ship from the potential risk of attack, which includes the rigging of razor-wire and the closing of the cabin deadlights. The captain is required to comply with these requirements, which vary day to day dependent upon the reported level of risk.

GENERALSPECIAL REQUESTSWe are unable to accept ‘conditional bookings’. Please advise any special requests clearly at the time of booking and we will do our best to comply with your wishes. We must point out that failure to fulfil a special request cannot be considered a breach of Contract on the part of the company.

CHANGE OF ADDRESSWe particularly ask you to tell us in writing of any alterations to your address before departure, and in any communication, please state the cruise on which you are travelling.

DATA PROTECTION At Swan Hellenic we are committed to protecting your privacy. This data protection policy sets out how we will use your personal data after it has been collected by us through our website, brochures, speaking to our customer services staff or otherwise. This policy may be updated from time to time and we will contact you if there are any changes.Where ‘you’ are referred to in this policy, this shall mean you and every member of your party. You should ensure that all your party members have read this policy and agree that you may act on their behalf in dealing with us.Swan Hellenic is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays. Our registered office is at Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QD. Registered in England

with company number 2888825 For your protection, we are registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 and have made appropriate notifications to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

What we collect and why - When you make an enquiry, join our mailing list or book a holiday with Swan Hellenic we may need to collect information about you including (but not limited to) your name, contact details and company name and position (if applicable). We may also collect such data if you enter competitions, register for promotions, take part in surveys, provide us with feedback or make use of our ‘call you back’ facility. We may also collect payment details and/or relevant health information to process bookings.Some of the information we collect may be ‘sensitive personal data’ (for example ‘special requirements’ data relating to disability, diet, health or religion) in which case we will only collect, retain and pass it on with your positive consent.We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with the service you have requested. We use it to advise you of information concerning your holiday booking, enquiry or other transaction.We may use the information to advise you of our new services, products, promotions, special offers and/or other information which we think will be of interest to you. We may use your data for our business management and operation and for monitoring, marketing and customer care purposes in order to achieve our aim to provide you with the highest standard of quality and service and increase our customers’ choices wherever possible.

Who else do we give your details to? – Swan Hellenic is part of All Leisure Holidays. We may share your personal information with other All Leisure Holidays companies in order to provide you with the latest news and offers on products or services which may be of interest to you. We may share your information with our credit checking companies, public authorities (e.g. customs/immigration), companies who process data on our behalf or to our professional advisers.We may also share your information with carefully selected market research companies that may contact you (by email, telephone or otherwise) to help us understand your preferences and help us to improve our products and services and the customer experience.We may pass on your personal details to those companies or organisations that need to know them in order that your holiday or other service or product can be provided. For example, the tour operator, the airline, hotel or credit card company. This may include the transfer of information outside the European Economic Area where data protection controls may not be as strong as in the UK. When you make a booking or enter into a transaction this means you consent to our passing on such details.On all of our direct marketing and email communications you will be given the opportunity to opt-out of receiving such communications in the future. If you do not wish us to use your data for direct marketing please contact us at Data Administration, Swan Hellenic, Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QD.

Security - We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. We use encryption when collecting or transferring sensitive or financial data.

Consent - By disclosing your personal data to us, whether using our website, telephone services or otherwise, you consent to the collection, processing and use of your personal information by Swan Hellenic in accordance with the terms of this privacy policy.

Data Subject Access Request - You are entitled to ask us by letter what details of yours are being held or processed, for what purpose and to whom they may be or have been disclosed. There is a maximum charge of £10 for this service and we will respond to legitimate requests within 40 days of receiving your written request and fee.

Questions - If you have any questions about Swan Hellenic Data Protection Policy, please contact us at Data Administration, Swan Hellenic, Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QD.

CHANGES TO YOUR CRUISE & ITINERARY The information in this brochure outlines details of our carefully planned programme. Should any subsequent events cause us to change our plans or affect the published itinerary in any way, we will let passengers know as soon as possible. Disembarkation at anchorage ports are subject to local weather and sea state conditions. However, in the event of war or threat of war, political unrest, terrorist activity, piracy, natural or nuclear disaster, we maintain the unreserved right to cancel, postpone or alter without prior consultation, any itinerary in whole or in part, in order to safeguard passengers, the ship and employees. See Booking Conditions on pages 76-78.

GUEST SPEAKERS/SPECIALIST ENTERTAINMENT If any of our confirmed Guest Speakers or specialist entertainers are unable to travel on their allotted cruise, Swan Hellenic reserves the right to engage alternative Guest Speakers, specialist entertainers or to alter the advertised programme.

OVERSEAS STANDARDS It is a fact of life that when we travel to different countries, we often find that the customs, traditions and general pace at which things are done can be very different from what we are used to in the UK. In so far as standards of safety are concerned, the suppliers of services must comply with the rules and regulations of their own country and these are not always as strict as they are in the UK. Every care is taken to contract the best available transport. However, standards can vary and not all vehicles will have air-conditioning or seat belts.

DANGEROUS GOODSWe direct your attention to the fact that it is an offence to carry on board an aircraft or a ship any goods of a dangerous or damaging nature. Remember that petrol and other lighter fluids, including fluids for hair curlers, come under the terms of the Explosives Act; their inclusion in baggage is strictly prohibited.

BROCHURE ACCURACYThe information contained in this brochure is checked for accuracy by our UK staff, our overseas staff and our agents. Nevertheless, we would ask you to bear in mind that things can change and often these things can happen without our prior knowledge. However, should we become aware of any long term or permanent change which is considered to have a permanent effect upon your enjoyment of the cruise, we will do our utmost to advise you.


1 THE CONTRACT 1.1 The contract is between All Leisure Holidays Limited trading as

“Swan Hellenic” (‘The Company’) and each person booking with the Company (including the parents or guardian of any person under 18 years of age) (“the Passengers”). Please note that information contained in the section headed “General Information” in our brochure or in these or any other comparable sections, and any other relevant information on our website also form part of your contract with the Company. 1.2 The Lead Passenger warrants as a fundamental term of the contract that he/she has read and agrees these terms and conditions and has the authority by each Passenger named on the confirmation invoice to be bound by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the Lead Passenger warrants that the Passenger information given may be used by the Company or its partners for future marketing purposes. 1.3 A binding contract comes in to place when you pay the full deposit (or where appropriate the full price) and a confirmation invoice is issued even if the Company is unable to confirm all holiday details (e.g. flights) at the time of booking. A confirmation invoice will be sent to the Lead Passenger. There is no charge for any payment made by debit card or payment of a deposit by credit or charge card but a charge will be made for any subsequent payments made by credit or charge card to cover the charges made by credit card companies. 1.4 The accuracy of all details on the confirmation invoice (and on any additional documents produced by the Company) will be deemed to have been accepted unless the Company receives notification to the contrary from the Lead Passenger immediately that the confirmation invoice is received. If you have not received your confirmation invoice within 7 days of booking your cruise please contact us immediately. If any errors in the spelling of Passengers names (as they appear on their passport) are not immediately identified and reported, any cost of rectifying the same at a subsequent date must be met by the Passenger. Please note that Passengers not following these instructions will be fully liable for any costs that may subsequently be incurred in rectifying these spelling errors at a later date. In the case of flight tickets and e-tickets these must be checked by Passengers and the Company must be notified of any errors immediately. 1.5 It is expressly agreed that all Passengers and their luggage are carried subject to the Conditions of Carriage of the airlines and shipping company used, some of which limit or exclude liability. Any compensation payable by the Company for non-performance or improper performance of land, sea and air carriage services shall be limited in accordance with the international conventions which govern such services by the carrier. See paragraphs 12 and 13. 1.6 For bookings made through an approved ABTA Travel Agent, the Agent holds any monies paid on behalf of the customer for the Company. 1.7 The Company reserves the right to cancel bookings and levy cancellation charges on the scale in section 8 below if balance payments are not received in full 16 weeks before departure or by return post/credit or debit card for bookings taken less than 17 weeks before departure. Travel insurance (where purchased through us or directly with a third party) does not form part of your contract with the Company or of any “package”. 1.8 The contract and all other proceedings arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by English law and the jurisdiction of the English courts. Claims against the Company which are governed by EU Regulation 392/2009 relating to the Liability of Carriers of Passengers by sea in the event of accidents (or the Passenger Liability Regulation (EU 392/2009) and or Athens Convention 2002 and or in respect of non-international carriage by the Athens Convention 1974 and or in the case of river cruises. The Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1996 (LLMC 96) as amended by SI 1998/1258 in the Court competent to hear such claims.

2 THE BOOKING PROCESS 2.1 A Deposit amount as set out in the most recent brochure or

confirmed at the time of booking (or full payment for bookings taken within 112 days of departure) is due on booking. A higher Deposit amount may be payable if any supplier(s) require additional payments for a service prior to the balance due date. Payment of a Deposit means acceptance of these Booking Conditions. The Company takes no responsibility for credit card or foreign currency transaction processing fees levied by issuing banks.

2.2 If the Deposit and/or balance are not paid on time, the Company reserves the right to cancel the contract and apply any cancellation charges set out in section 8.

2.3 Passengers must be fit to travel. Any Passengers with reduced mobility or with other physical or mental disabilities or conditions which may require special treatment or assistance (including Passengers who may require the use of a wheelchair) must advise the Company prior to booking. They may be required to complete a questionnaire and upon receipt of which they may be asked to accept additional Booking Conditions before a confirmation invoice is issued and a contract entered into. See paragraph 10.

2.4 The Company may (at its discretion) offer Passengers at the time of booking a guaranteed cabin booking (a “Guarantee Cabin”). Under such offers a Passenger is guaranteed to receive a cabin of a specified type although the precise location of the cabin is at the Company’s discretion. The Company may (at its discretion) upgrade a Guarantee Cabin to a higher category cabin at no additional cost to the Passenger. The Company may allocate specific cabins under guarantee offers at any time up until the Passenger arrives on the vessel at the port of embarkation. Once Guarantee Cabins have been allocated, the Company is unable to accept Passenger change requests. If Passengers book one or more back-to-back cruises and one or more cruise includes Guarantee Cabins, it is possible that Passengers may be allocated different cabins on each cruise and may need to move between cabins on changeover day(s).

3 PRICE PROMISE AND PRICE CHANGES 3.1 The Company reserves the right to alter the published prices of

any of the cruise holidays. Prices can go up or down. Passengers will be advised of the current price of the holiday that they wish to book before any contract is confirmed.

3.2 The Company guarantees that no surcharge will be added to the basic price of the Passenger’s cruise holiday once the booking has been confirmed irrespective of any subsequent fluctuation in currency exchange rates or increases in international air fares or other costs associated with the holiday. In return for this guarantee and its risk, the Company shall not be able to make any refunds in the event of favourable exchange rate variations or other decreases in costs that may result in the reduction of the selling price. This price promise only applies to the basic cost of the Passenger’s cruise holiday and does not apply to any optional or tailor made services including but not limited to insurance premiums, credit card charges, optional excursions or amendment fees.

3.3 The Company reserves the right to correct any errors in the brochures or on the websites at any time prior to the price being confirmed at the time of booking.

3.4 On very rare occasions the Company may have made a genuine mistake in the price quoted and subsequently confirmed to the Passenger for their cruise holiday. This may come to light at any point prior to departure and the Company are not obliged to honour the original price if a genuine mistake has been made in the pricing of a Passenger’s cruise holiday. The Passenger will be asked to meet any additional costs if they wish to go ahead with the holiday. However, should the Passenger not wish to meet these additional costs, the holiday will be cancelled and the Passenger will receive a full refund.

3.5 All outstanding balances on on-board accounts must be settled in full before the Passenger disembarks the vessel. If any Passenger fails to settle their on-board account then the Company shall be entitled to take whatever steps may be necessary to recover the monies due and shall be entitled to pass on to the Passenger any costs incurred in doing so.

3.6 Passengers must be aware that the holiday price quoted may include different points of departure and return from/to the UK. In such cases there may be additional costs associated with transfer between the two places not included in the holiday price that will be passed on to the Passenger.

3.7 The Company may decide, at any time, to advertise Saver Fares on selected cruises or cabin grades. These are subject to availability and the Passenger’s cabin number will not be allocated at the time of booking. Saver Fares per person and per couple are payable in full at the time of booking, 100% cancellation and amendment fees apply and cabin category, location and number will not be confirmed at the time of booking but allocated prior to departure. Fares are based on two people sharing one cabin. Saver Fares and Saver Fares per Couple exclude the complimentary chauffeur service to the port/airport, car parking at the port, past passenger discount, back to back discount and coach transfer on all cruises. Loyalty discount of 5% cannot be applied to Saver Fares.

4 OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND SHORE EXCURSIONS

4.1 Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we regret that the Company cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of Force Majeure. In this Contract, “Force Majeure” includes any event which the Company or any supplier of the service(s) in question could not even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include (whether actual or threatened) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, technical problems with transport, closure of airports, ports or airspace, changes of schedules by airlines, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, fire, closed or congested airports or ports and all similar events outside the control of the Company and our suppliers.

4.2 The Company is not responsible for any improper or non-performance of any services of the package holiday which are wholly attributable to the fault of the Passenger, the unforeseeable or unavoidable act or omission of a third party unconnected with the provision of any of the services to be provided under the Contract; unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the Company and/or the relevant supplier, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised including (but not limited to) an event of Force Majeure; or any event which the Company and / or relevant suppliers could not even with all due care have foreseen or forestalled. In the event that the Company is responsible for any death, injury or illness caused by the negligent acts and / or omissions of its suppliers of services which form part of the Package then the Company limits its liability, where applicable, by the International Conventions.

4.3 Where death and or personal injury and or loss of or damage to property occurs during carriage by air or by sea then the liability and the extent of damages recoverable will be dealt with by their conditions of carriage and the International Conventions set out in paragraphs 12 and 13 and not otherwise.

4.4 Where there is any loss of or damage to property including luggage which is not covered by any International Convention and where liability is not limited by reference to any enactment, terms or conditions, then any legal liability that the Company may have for any such losses or damage will not exceed £500 per Passenger.

4.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in this Contract, the Company shall not in any circumstances be liable to the Passenger for any loss or anticipated loss of profit, loss of revenue, loss of use, loss of contract or other opportunity nor for any other consequential or indirect loss or damage of a similar nature.

Shore Excursions 4.6 Where the Company provides or sells a shore excursion to

the Passenger the Passenger shall be bound by the terms and conditions of the supplier of the shore excursion.

4.7 The Company does not perform shore excursions which it sells to Passengers. These are performed by local operators who may themselves engage the services of third party suppliers. The Company will at all times endeavour to appoint reputable and competent operators who comply with all prevailing local rules, regulations and standards. It should be noted that, outside the UK, standards of hygiene, accommodation and transport might differ from comparable standards in the UK.

4.8 Local laws and regulations of the relevant country will be applied to assess the performance of suppliers and the Company. The Company’s legal obligations will have been performed if the supplier has complied with local laws and regulations even if the laws of England have not been met.

4.9 In the event of an excursion being cancelled, the Company will take all reasonable steps to ensure that Passengers are offered a choice of an alternative excursion and/or a full refund in the case of optional excursions..

4.10 Passengers cancelling optional excursions or packages prior to departure, which include hotel accommodation or flights, will be refunded in accordance with the schedule set out in clause 8.1. Passengers cancelling these optional excursions or packages after departure will not be entitled to a refund. If in such cases the cancellation is due to ill health a supporting letter from the ship’s Doctor (charges may apply) may enable Passengers to make a claim on their Travel Insurance Policy. Any Passenger that fails to attend an excursion for whatever reason will be deemed to have cancelled.

4.11 Passengers wishing to change optional excursions that do not include hotel accommodation or flights will be allowed to do so, on presentation of the appropriate ticket(s) at the shore excursion desk

during the advertised opening hours and at least 72 hours prior to the ship’s arrival in the excursion port. Any amended booking will be treated as a new booking and the price charged (if applicable) will be set at the prevailing on board price which may be higher than the original brochure price for the same excursion. Any excursions that are cancelled by the Company will have their balance credited to the Passenger’s on board account.

4.12 Any changes to optional excursion arrangements requested by Passengers less than 72 hours prior to the ship’s arrival in the excursion port will only be allowed subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the excursion operator and full cancellation charges may apply if the requested change cannot be accommodated. All other conditions are as (4.6) above.

4.13 The Company is not responsible for the performance of and has no liability for shore excursions which are not sold by the Company. Passengers are advised to take great care in purchasing shore excursions from third parties in the ports to ensure they are safe and are covered by insurance. 4.14 Details of the shore excursions will be sent to Passengers in “Your Cruise Book” prior to departure. Activity levels are detailed to help Passengers select excursions appropriate to their physical ability. The Passenger should consider the activity level of the excursion and the accessibility of the port, which may require the use of tenders. In the interests of the Passengers health and safety and that of our staff and other Passengers, the Company reserves the right to decline the Passenger from participating in an excursion if it is deemed unsuitable; this decision will be made by the Ship’s Captain or his representative and is binding.

5 INSURANCE 5.1 Where Passengers purchase insurance through the Company,

the Company is acting as an agent for the named insurance provider and that the purchase will be subject to that insurance provider’s terms and conditions which will be sent to them with their policy documents or provided in advance of purchase upon request.

5.2 It is a condition of booking that each Passenger has adequate travel insurance in force for the entire duration of the holiday. If Passengers do not purchase the insurance offered by the Company, then details of the alternative insurance policy (which must as a minimum cover medical charges, cancellation, curtailment, evacuation (from the vessel) and repatriation costs for not less than £5 million) must be provided at the time of booking if possible, but no later than six months prior to the scheduled date of departure or at the time of booking if bookings are made within six months of the date of departure.

5.3 The Company is not responsible for checking that Passengers have the correct level of insurance and will not be liable for any costs, howsoever arising, in excess of any travel insurance cover purchased. In particular Passengers should check that their insurance arrangements cover all likely scenarios should they have to cancel their cruise and for any pre-existing medical conditions.

6 PASSPORTS & VISAS 6.1 t is the responsibility of all Passengers to check and fulfil the

passport, visa, and immigration requirements applicable to their itinerary. Our Consular Services Department can obtain visas for British Citizens for the countries that require them prior to departure. Other nationalities should check passport and visa requirements for their own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies or Consulates as applicable.

6.2 Passengers must understand that passport, visa and immigration requirements do change. Passengers are responsible for checking the up to date position in good time before departure.

6.3 For Passengers leaving the UK, the Company requires a full 10 year British passport valid for at least six months after the date of return for all UK citizens. Passengers who are not British Citizens or who hold a non British passport, must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country (ies) to or through which they intend to travel.

6.4 All Passengers must ensure that they have the correct travel documents in their possession before departure. Passengers may incur fines if they fail to comply with documentation or visa requirements. The Company will re-charge to the Passenger any such fines that have been paid by the Company on the Passenger’s behalf.

6.5 The Company does not accept any responsibility for Passengers who are denied disembarkation or are unable to travel, or who incur any other loss because they fail to comply with any passport, visa, or immigration requirements. Cancellation of any part of the holiday that arises due to problems with visa/passport, or immigration requirements will be subject to cancellation charges set out in section 8.

7 CHANGES TO BOOKING DETAILS BY PASSENGERS

7.1 The Company will do its utmost to ensure that amendments requested by Passengers are accommodated, but the Company makes no guarantee that these requests will be met. Any change request must be made by the Lead Passenger and the Company reserves the right to pass on the costs of making any such changes. Passengers must be aware that charges associated with amendments are likely to increase nearer to the date of departure. 7.2 Additional Passengers or cruises may be added to a booking at any time subject to availability. In each case a deposit (or full payment, as relevant) per additional Passenger will be required by the Company and all other booking conditions must be met before the new contract exists.

7.3 Requests for significant amendments to booking details (e.g. change of sail date) received before the balance due date will be treated as a new booking. At the Company’s sole discretion, the original booking will either be deemed cancelled (and be subject to the cancellation charges set out in section 8), or will be deemed amended (and be subject to an Amendment fee of £100 per Passenger). A maximum of one change of sail date per booking will be considered for an Amendment fee of £100 per Passenger as long as the change to the sail date is requested at least 112 days before the booked departure date. Any deposit paid, discount applied or promotion applicable to a booking that is cancelled or amended will only be transferred to a new booking at the Company’s discretion. Any offers currently available on the cruise that the Passenger wishes to transfer their booking to will also only be applied at the Company’s discretion.

7.4 For amendments to booking details received before the balance due date (e.g. Passenger name changes) an administration charge of £50 per Passenger affected will be charged. If name changes are required to scheduled flight details, the charge may be significantly more than £50 per Passenger and will be quoted on request. Passengers should also be aware that airlines may not allow transfer of Passenger names and in such cases a flight booking might need to be cancelled and rebooked, subject to availability, and at the Passenger’s expense.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

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7.5 After an amendment is applied a new confirmation invoice will be issued at which point the contract will be deemed to be amended accordingly.

8 CANCELLATION BY A PASSENGER 8.1 A Passenger may cancel a booking at any time. Cancellation

will take effect when the Company has received written notice of cancellation signed by the Lead Passenger. Cancellation charges payable to the Company are:

*For certain holidays and services the cancellation charge will be 100%. The Passenger will be informed of this at the time of booking.

8.2 The Company may incur costs from the time a Passenger’s booking is confirmed and may be unable to resell a cruise holiday. Therefore, the above cancellation charges will be payable depending on when notification of cancellation is received from the Lead Passenger. Charges for optional services including, but not limited to insurance premiums, credit card charges, pre-booked optional excursions and amendment fees are not refundable in the event of cancellation. 8.3 If the Passenger has paid an additional charge to secure specific tailor made services such as a change of airline or date of travel or to secure a special airfare or upgrade, this cost is non-refundable in the event of cancellation as 100% cancellation fee may apply as soon as the booking is made and the ticket is issued. Passengers should ask for full details of cancellation charges at the time of booking but the scale of charges shown will be calculated on a % of the cost of all other arrangements and the non-refundable charges will be added to that cancellation charge to give the total charge.

8.4 A Passenger will not have a right to exclusive occupancy of a cabin with two or more berths unless any applicable single occupancy premium has been paid. In the event of a Passenger becoming a single occupant of such a cabin due to a cancellation, he/she will become liable to pay any applicable single occupancy premium. Passengers are advised that certain reasons for cancellation are covered by their travel insurance.

9 CANCELLATION OR ALTERATION BY THE COMPANY

9.1 The Company reserves the right at its sole and absolute discretion at any time to cancel, postpone or alter without prior notice or consultation any cruise in whole or in part in order to safeguard its Passengers, its crew, its employees or the vessel in the event of war or threat of war, political unrest, terrorist activity or threat of terrorist activity, nuclear or natural disaster, riots, civil strife, adverse weather conditions or other similar events as previously defined (“Force Majeure”) or for any other valid operational reason. If the majority of ports that the Company aims to visit during any one cruise have to be changed on UK Foreign Office advice before the cruise commences, the Company undertakes to offer Passengers an alternative cruise or refund of the cost of their cruise in full, less any optional charges paid including but not limited to insurance premiums, credit card charges, pre-booked optional excursions and amendment fees.

9.2 If under clause 9.1 the Company cancels a cruise before the scheduled departure date it will offer, when possible, a subsequent alternative departure of similar standard (which must be accepted in writing within 14 days of the offer being made), or the choice of a full refund of all monies paid, less any optional charges paid including but not limited to insurance premiums, credit card charges, pre-booked optional excursions and amendment fees.

9.3 If under clause 9.1 the Company cancels a cruise after the scheduled departure date, it will return all Passengers as soon as practicable to the UK and make a proportional refund for any unused services, less any optional charges paid and any non-recoverable expenses incurred.

9.4 If under clause 9.1 the Company alters the planned itinerary only, refunds will be limited to any balances outstanding on shore excursions.

9.5 In any of the circumstances mentioned above the Company shall not be liable to pay any compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company.

9.6 The Company and the Captain of the ship are unable to guarantee that the ship will call at every advertised port or follow every part of the advertised route. They will at all times endeavour to maintain the advertised programme but reserve the right at their sole discretion to make any alternations they deem necessary.

9.7 The Company also reserves the right to cancel any cruise by giving written notice at least eight weeks before departure if sales of that departure have not reached 70% of capacity. Under such circumstances clause 9.2 will apply and the Company shall not be liable to pay compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company.

9.8 The Company reserves the right at its sole and absolute discretion to use a substitute ship of similar standard to the original ship should it prove necessary to do so.

9.9 In addition to the rights of the Company, Aircraft and Ship’s Captains always have the right at their absolute discretion to vary any planned routing without prior notice or consultation if they deem it necessary to do so in the interests of safety.

9.10 Any flight details contained in the Company’s brochures and on confirmation invoices are provisional. Final flight details (including timings and routings) will be issued near to departure and may differ significantly from any provisional information previously provided.

9.11 If for any reason details of a cruise have to be altered before departure (and subject to Clause 9.1) the Company will notify the Lead Passenger as soon as possible.

9.12 The Company will not be held responsible for, nor have liability in respect of, delays caused by third parties during passage through sea areas controlled by vessel traffic schemes, canals, rivers or any other navigable waterways.

9.13 In respect of cruise travel where the port of embarkation is in the EU and the Company reasonably expects the departure of a cruise to be delayed for more than 90 minutes beyond its scheduled departure time, Passengers departing from port terminal shall be offered free of charge snacks, meals or refreshments as are

appropriate given the waiting time, provided they are available and can reasonably be supplied. If the delay in departure necessitates a stay of one or more nights or a stay additional to that intended by the Passenger where and when physically possible the Company shall, subject to the Package Travel Regulations 1992, offer Passengers departing from port terminals free of charge adequate accommodation on board or ashore, and transport to and from the port terminal and place of accommodation in addition to the snacks, meals and refreshments previously referred to. The maximum amount that the Company will pay for accommodation ashore and transport to and from the port terminal shall be equivalent to 80 Euros per person per night for a maximum of three nights. The Company will not have an obligation to provide such accommodation ashore where the delay is caused by weather conditions endangering the operation of the ship.

9.14 Where the Company makes any major change to a flight or cruise of any Passenger booking the Company will pay the Passenger compensation as per the table below unless the major change was as a result of Force Majeure.

9.15 The following examples which are not exhaustive may be considered as a major change a significant change of cruise itinerary, change of cabin to a lower category, change of time of departure or return flight by more than 12 hours.

If a major change is not acceptable to the Passenger, the Passenger can cancel the cruise holiday booking and get a full refund less any insurance premiums, credit card charges or amendment fees paid, take an alternative cruise of similar or lower quality with a refund in the difference in price between the price of the cancelled cruise and that of the subsequent quality cruise.

9.16 The Company will pay compensation in respect of a major change whether the Passenger has accepted the major change or elected to cancel the cruise holiday. The level of compensation will be calculated as per the table below based on how many days prior to the cruise holiday departure the Company informs the Passenger of a major change. The level of compensation will be per adult in the booking and half of these compensation payments in respect of any child that has not paid the full fare. These standard compensation payments made in respect of any major change will not affect the Passenger statutory rights.

Table of standard compensation payments made in respect of a major change.

Compensation for a major change may be in the form of a price reduction/on board credit if the change is accepted by the Passenger or holiday vouchers if the Passenger cancels.

10 FITNESS TO TRAVEL ON THE CRUISE SHIP, PREGNANCY, BEHAVIOUR, DISABILITY OR REDUCED MOBILITY, MEDICAL AND MOBILITY EQUIPMENT

10.1 The Company’s priority is the comfort and safety of its Passengers who are asked to provide prior to booking as much information as possible regarding any special assistance that may be required in the port, during embarkation and on board the vessel. This information is required in order to ensure that the carrier is able to carry Passengers safely and in accordance with applicable safety requirements established by international, EU or national law or in order to meet safety requirements established by competent authorities including flag state.

10.2 Every Passenger warrants that he/she is fit to travel by sea and that his/her conduct or condition will not impair the safety of the cruise ship or inconvenience the other Passengers. The Company and the carrier reserve the right to require any Passenger to produce medical evidence of fitness to travel in order to assess whether that Passenger can be carried safely in accordance with applicable international, EU or national law.

10.3 It is the Passenger’s responsibility to advise the Company, at the time of booking, of any medical conditions or mobility limitations. If the Passenger’s condition changes after the booking is made the Company should be advised immediately. For the purposes of EU 1177/2010 Disabled Person’ or ‘Person with Reduced Mobility includes any person whose mobility when using transport is reduced as a result of any physical disability (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary) intellectual or psychosocial disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability, as a result of age, and whose situation needs appropriate attention and adaption to his particular needs for the service made available to all Passengers. Passengers with Reduced Mobility and or Disabilities must advise at the time of booking of their specific needs with regard to accommodation, seating or services required from the carrier or terminal operator, or their need to bring medical equipment, or to bring a recognised assistance dog on board the vessel or of any other known disabilities or who in the Carrier’s and or Master’s opinion is unfit or unable to travel or anyone whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others on board on the grounds of safety.

10.4 The requirement to notify the Company at the time of booking of any medical equipment required on board is to ensure that the medical equipment can be lawfully carried and/or carried safely. It is the Passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all medical equipment is in good working order and for arranging enough equipment and supplies to last the entire voyage. The ship does not carry any replacement and access to shore side care and equipment may be difficult and expensive. Passengers must be able to operate all equipment.

10.5 If it appears to the Company or the carrier, the Master or the Cruise Ship’s doctor that a Passenger is for any reason unfit to travel, likely to endanger safety, or likely to be refused permission to land at any port, or likely to render the Carrier liable for Passenger maintenance, support or repatriation, then the Carrier or the Master shall have the right to take any of the following courses: (i) Refuse to embark the Passenger at any port; (ii) Disembark the Passenger at any port; (iii) Transfer the Passenger to another berth or cabin; (iv) If the Cruise Ship doctor considers it advisable, to place or confine

him/her in the Cruise Ship’s Hospital or to transfer the Passenger to a health facility at any port, at the Passenger’s expense (v) to administer first aid and administer any drug, medicine or other substance or to admit and/or confine the Passenger to a hospital or other similar institution at any port provided that the ship’s doctor and/or Master considers that any such steps are necessary.

10.6 The vessels have a limited number of cabins adapted for Persons with Reduced Mobility. Not all areas or equipment on the vessels are suitable for access to Disabled Persons or Persons with Reduced Mobility. Passengers must check with the Company at the time of booking to enable the Company to assess your needs with the performing carrier.

10.7 Those Passengers requiring the use of a wheelchair must furnish their own standard size wheelchair and must be accompanied by a travelling companion fit and able to assist them. Passengers must be able to board the vessel using the stepped gangway with the assistance of their travelling companion. The ship’s wheelchairs are available for emergency use only. Passengers must not use mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs on board the vessel. If the Passenger wishes to take a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair they must be gel or dry cell battery only with a width of no more than 78cm to enable access to the cabin. Motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooter must be stored in the Passengers cabin whilst the vessel is at sea. Each part should weigh no more than 23kg. Any Passenger taking a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair aboard the vessel must reside in an adapted cabin. Use of a manual wheelchair is permitted on board the vessel for any Passengers residing in an adapted cabin

10.8 Not all ports of call will be accessible by wheelchair and some ports may be by accessed by tender. The decision will be made by the Master of the vessel; it will be based on safety and will be binding. Passengers must check at the time of booking in order to avoid disappointment.

10.9 If there are any particular conditions, which require personal care or supervision then such personal care or supervision must be organised by the Passenger and at the Passenger’s expense. The vessel is unable to provide respite services, one to one personal care or supervision or any other form of carer for physical, psychiatric or other conditions.

10.10 In accordance with EU 1177/2010 where it is strictly necessary for the safety of the Passenger, the Company and or the carrier can require a Disabled Passenger or Person with Reduced Mobility before it accepts the booking that a Passenger is assisted by an accompanying person who is fit and able to provide the assistance required.

10.11 Assistance dogs are subject to national and EU Regulations regarding travel. It is the Passenger’s responsibility to check the position prior to the cruise and to be satisfied that the assistance dog can be carried to the ports of embarkation and disembarkation and that the dog is not prohibited from going ashore at the various ports of call. Assistance dogs must have all necessary papers and comply with national regulations regarding health, vaccinations, training and travel.

10.12 Where any mobility or other equipment is lost or damaged by the fault or neglect of the Company then it is the Company’s or carriers absolute decision as to whether to repair or replace such equipment. Unless the Company and or the Carrier agree otherwise and in writing Passengers are limited to bringing 2 items of such mobility or medical equipment on board per cabin with a total value not exceeding £2,200. All equipment must be capable of being carried safety and must be declared before the cruise. The Carrier may decline to carry such equipment where it is not safe to do so or where it has not been notified in time to enable a risk assessment to be carried out.

10.13 Where a Passenger is refused embarkation as a result of safety and/or fitness to travel and or failure to give notice under EU 1177/2010 or otherwise, neither the Company nor the carrier shall be liable for any loss or expense occasioned to the Passenger thereby, nor shall the Passenger be entitled to any compensation from the carrier.

10.14 Any Passenger who embarks, or allows any other Passenger for whom he or she is responsible to embark, when he or she or such other Passenger is suffering from any sickness, disease, injury or infirmity bodily or mental or to his/her knowledge has been exposed to any infection or contagious disease, or for any other reason is likely to impair the safety or reasonable comfort of other persons on board or for any reason is refused permission to land at his/her or her port of destination shall be responsible for any loss or expense incurred by the Company, carrier or the Master directly or indirectly in consequence of such sickness, disease, injury, infirmity, exposure or refusal or permission to land unless in the case of sickness, disease, injury, infirmity or exposure the same has been declared in writing to the Carrier or the Master before embarkation and consent in writing of the Carrier or the Master to such embarkation has been obtained.

10.15 Pregnant women are highly recommended to seek medical advice prior to travel at any stage of their pregnancy. Women who are up to 23 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise are required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to travel. Ships cannot for safety reasons carry pregnant Passengers of 23 weeks or more by the end of the cruise. The Company and the Carrier reserve the right to request a medical certificate at any stage of pregnancy and to refuse passage if the Company and/or the Master are not satisfied that the Passenger will be safe during the passage.

10.16 The ship’s doctor is not qualified to deliver babies on board or to offer pre or post natal treatment and no responsibility is accepted by the Company in respect of the ability to provide such services or equipment. The cruise ship’s doctor is not a specialist and the ship’s medical centre is not required to be and is not equipped to the same standards as a land-based hospital. The vessel carries medical supplies and equipment as required by its flag state. Neither the Company nor the doctor shall be liable to the Passenger as a result of any inability to treat any medical condition as a result.

10.17 The Company and the carrier are entitled to administer a health questionnaire prior to boarding. All Passengers must follow the vessels instructions and procedures relating to all matters including health, safety, hygiene and security. Any Passenger boarding a ship at initial embarkation who has not filled in the required pre-boarding health declaration must inform the Company of any sickness and/or diarrhoea experienced less than 72 hours prior to embarkation. In the interest of Passenger’s safety the Company reserves the right at its discretion, to refuse boarding. In such circumstances the Company shall not be liable to pay any compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company. The Company and the carrier are entitled to request Passengers to remain in their cabins in the event of illness which is or may be infectious.

Compensation if the Company makes a major change which the Passenger accepts

Compensation if the Company makes a major change and the Passenger cancels the holiday

112 days or more Nil Nil

56-111 days £20 £10

29-55 days £20 £10

15-28 days £30 £15

14 days or less £50 £20


Period before departure within which the Company receives notice

Cancellation charge per Passenger

After payment of deposit Loss of deposit

112 to 60 days before departure 60% of holiday charge*

59 to 29 days before departure 90% of holiday charge*

28 days or less before departure to departure date 100% of holiday charge*

77

10.18 In the event of illness or accident, Passengers may have to be landed ashore by the Company and/or Master for medical treatment. The Company makes no representations regarding the quality of medical treatment at any port of call or at the place at which the Passenger is landed. Medical facilities and standards vary from port to port and the Company makes no representations or warranties in relation to such standards.

10.19 The Company does not accept any responsibility for Passengers unable to travel, or who incur any other loss because they fail to comply with any health formalities. The Company takes no responsibility for Passengers denied embarkation and/or disembarkation on medical grounds. Cancellation of any part of the holiday that arises due to health requirements will be subject to cancellation charges as set out in Section 8.

10.20 Any cost or expense reasonably incurred by the Company for or on behalf of the Passenger in respect of any form of medical, dental or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation, damages to fixtures and fittings (including the soiling of soft furnishings i.e. mattresses) or any other expense shall be repayable by the Passenger to the Company irrespective of whether the sum is covered by the Passenger’s travel insurance arrangements.

10.21 If a Passenger is refused entry to board an aircraft because, in the opinion of the Captain or airline staff, the Passenger is unfit to travel or represents a threat to the safety of the aircraft or its Passengers or crew or is abusive or disruptive, the Company will not be liable to complete the Passengers holiday arrangements and will not be liable to pay any refund or compensation.

10.22 Unless approved by the Company in writing prior to departure, Passengers may not bring on board any controlled substances.

10.23 Passengers may not bring on board any prohibited substances, any animals or any goods of a flammable or dangerous nature. Doing so will render the Passenger strictly liable to the Company for any injury, loss, damage or expense suffered by the Company as a result. The Passenger will also be personally liable for any statutory penalties.

10.24 Passengers are required at all times to follow the instructions of employees and crew regarding the use of ship’s equipment (including hand sanitizers) and general behaviour whilst on board. The Company will not be responsible for any consequential injury, illness, financial or other loss incurred by Passengers if they fail to comply with the instructions they are given.

10.25 The Captain (or any employee or member of the crew authorised by the Master) will be entitled to search the cabin and/or personal luggage of any Passenger suspected of being in breach of these clauses. In addition, any employee or crew member will be entitled to enter a Passenger’s cabin in order to carry out an inspection, or to undertake cleaning, maintenance or repair work.

10.26 The Company expects all Passengers to have consideration for other Passengers when travelling on our cruises and to treat all staff and fellow Passengers with respect. If in the Company’s opinion or the reasonable opinion of someone either in authority or from one of our suppliers (such as an airline) any Passenger acts in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, breach of safety and or upset or distress to any of our staff, fellow Passengers or a third party or your behaviour impacts the smooth and or safe running of the cruise we are entitled to disembark the Passenger and terminate the cruise holiday. In such circumstances neither the Company or the relevant carrier will have any further liability and the Passenger will not be entitled to any refund for any part of the cost of their unused cruise package including any return travel arrangements, transfers or alternative accommodation etc.

10.27 Should any Passenger have the misfortune to suffer illness, injury or death during the period of the cruise arising out of an activity that does not form part of the arrangement made by the Company, the Company will, where appropriate, provide any assistance it can to the affected Passenger, such assistance being limited to a maximum cost incurred by the Company of £5,000 per booking.

10.28 The Company may invite various affinity groups of people with shared interests who choose to travel together onto a cruise. The Company does not envisage that this will materially affect the normal day to day operation of the ship but Passengers must accept that there may be occasions when certain facilities are unavailable whilst these groups are on board.

11 COMPLAINTS 11.1 Any Passenger who encounters a problem during a cruise must

immediately report it to the reception desk on the ship and ensure that the issue is recorded in the ship’s log together with any action taken to resolve it. If the matter cannot be resolved during the cruise, and the Passenger wishes to pursue a complaint, the Passenger must write to the Company within 28 days of final disembarkation to allow the complaint to be investigated properly. If the Passenger does not give the Company the opportunity to resolve the issue locally during the cruise by reporting it to a member of the ship’s crew at the reception desk and having the issue recorded in the ship’s log, then the Company may not be able to deal positively with any complaint on your return.

11.2 The Company is a Member of ABTA, membership number W0302. The Company is obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract. The arbitration scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). It provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you in respect of costs. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if we agree, but the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation. Further information can be found on www.abta.com.

11.3 Passengers are asked to make any complaints relating to EU Regulation 1177/2010 whilst on board the vessel. If the complaint is not resolved at this time you must make a formal complaint to the Company within 2 months from the date of the circumstances giving rise to the complaint. Within 1 month of receipt of the complaint the Company will respond informing the Passenger whether the complaint has been substantiated, rejected or is still being considered. The Company will provide a final response to the Passenger no later than 2 months after receipt of the complaint.

12 CARRIAGE BY SEA OR INLAND WATERWAYS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

12.1 Carriage by sea is subject to the Carriers’ Conditions of Carriage which are contractually incorporated into the contract with the Company. Copies of the conditions of carriage will be sent to Passengers with their travel documentation but they can be provided in advance upon request. They are also available on board the ship and on the Company’s website. It is important that you read these documents as they set out your rights and obligations. They also contain limitations of liability.

12.2 The liability of the Company and the carrier to Passengers for international carriage by sea in respect of death, personal injury and or loss of or damage to luggage is governed by EU Regulation 392/2009 relating to the Liability of Carriers of Passengers by sea in the event of accidents by the provisions of the Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea 1974 as amended in 1976 (“The Athens Convention) for Domestic UK Carriage For the purposes of EU 392/2009, the Athens 1974 and 2002 The Company is a contracting carrier. EU Regulation 392/2009 may be viewed at: http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:20 09:131:0024:0046:EN:PDF The Athens Convention 1974 may be viewed at: http://www.admiraltylawguide.com/conven/passengers1974.html. The Athens Convention 2002 which comes into force on 23 April 2014 may be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/261628/Misc.6.2013_Prot_2002_Athens_8760.pdf or are available from The Company on request. EU Regulation 392/2009 and where applicable The Athens Convention 1974 or 2002 are contractually incorporated and applicable to the Contract, The Company shall be entitled to the benefit of all limitations, rights and immunities conferred by EU Regulation 392/2009 and where applicable the Athens Convention 1974 or 2002 in respect of any ship on which the cruise is performed.

12.3 EU Regulation 392/2009 and where applicable The Athens Convention 1974 (from April 23 2014 the Athens Convention 2002) limit The Company’s and the Carriers’ liability for loss or damage to luggage and make special provision for valuables. It is presumed that luggage has been delivered undamaged unless written notice is given to the Company and/or the performing Carrier. a) in the case of apparent damage, before or at the time of disembarkation or redelivery; or b) in the case of damage which is not apparent or of loss, within 15 days from the date of disembarkation or redelivery or from the time when such redelivery should have taken place. Damages for cabin luggage payable by the Carrier are limited up to 2250 SDRs (approx. £2,081) if EU Regulation 392/2009 and or Athens Convention 2002 applies or where applicable the Athens Convention 1974 limit of 833 SDRs (approx. £770.40).

12.4 Limits shall be reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence by the Passenger and by the maximum deductible specified in Article 8 by the Passenger in accordance with Article 8 (4) of the Athens Conventions or EU Regulation 392/2009. All Claims must be brought in accordance with EU Regulation 392/2009 or where applicable the Athens Convention 1974 or 2002 within 2 years of the date of disembarkation from the ship.

12.5 In respect of domestic carriage in the UK, The Athens Convention will apply and the limits for death/personal injury are 46,666 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) (approx. £43,170) these limits may also apply to domestic cruises in the EU. Where the carrier’s principal place of business is in the UK the limits of liability per Passenger may be 300,000 SDR (approx. £277,500) per carriage. These limits will also apply where the ship is being used as for hospitality or as a venue and the vessel is going to sea in domestic waters.

12.6 In respect of international carriage EU Regulation 392/2009 and the Athens Convention 2002 apply the limits for death/personal injury caused by a shipping incident, with the exception of circumstances beyond the Carrier’s control (i.e. act of war, natural disaster, act of a third party) to no more than 250,000 SDRs (approx. £231,200) per Passenger per carriage . Except for cases involving war and terrorism damages up to a further 150,000 SDRs (approx. £138,700) may be payable in respect of a shipping incident unless the Company or the carrier proves that the death or personal injury occurred without the carrier’s fault or neglect. Where death/ personal injury is caused by a non- shipping incident it is for the Passenger to prove that the death or personal injury was caused by the fault or neglect of the carrier. The maximum sum payable to any Passenger under EU Regulation 392/2009 is limited to 400,000 SDRs per Passenger per carriage which is approx. £370,000. The maximum sum payable in cases involving war and terrorism where the carrier is liable is 250,000 SDRs per Passenger per carriage or 340,000,000 SDRs per ship per carriage.

12.7 The Company and the carrier are not liable for valuables, monies or other securities including jewellery and watches. If they have been deposited with the reception desk on the ship for safe keeping and a receipt issued then in those limited circumstances the Company’s and the carriers liability will be as set out in EU Regulation 392/2009 or where applicable the Athens Convention 1974 or 2002. The use of safes on board a vessel is not a deposit with the ship or with the Company under the EU Regulation 392/2009 or where applicable the Athens Convention 1974 or 2002 or otherwise. The limits are 3,375 SDRs (approx. £3,122) pursuant to EU Regulation 392/2009 and the Athens Convention 2002 or 1200 SDRs (approx. £1,110) pursuant to the Athens Convention 1974.

12.8 An SDR is an international monetary unit. The exact value of an SDR fluctuates with the daily exchange rate. The daily exchange rate can be viewed at the international monetary Fund website http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_sdrv.aspx and an SDR converter is available at http://coinmill.com/GBP_SDR.html#SDR=46 666. The values in the booking conditions are those of 23 March 2015 and may fluctuate upwards or downwards.

12.9 In so far as the Company and its servants and/or agents and suppliers may be liable to a Passenger in respect of claims arising out of carriage by sea, the Company shall be entitled to all the rights, defences, immunities and limitations available, respectively, to the actual carrier and under the relevant Conventions, and nothing in this Contract shall be deemed as a surrender thereof. The Company’s liability will not at any time exceed that of the carrier under its Conditions of Carriage and/or applicable or incorporated conventions or other legislation

12.10 Where carriage is performed on Inland waterways and the vessel does not go to sea the liability provisions relating to sea going vessels do not apply to the cruise. In those cases the liability of the Company and the carrier to Passengers shall be determined in accordance with English law and The Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1996 (LLMC 96) as amended by SI 1998/1258 The Company’s liability pursuant to SI 1998/1258 a copy of which will be provided by on request or can be found at (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1258/article/4/made). The limits for non-sea going Passenger vessels Is SDR 175,000 per Passenger limit (approx. $241,600 or £161,900). Liability for property claims will

be at least SDR 1,000,000 under SI 1998/1258 (4(b)(i)). These limits will also apply where the ship is being used as a floating hotel or for hospitality or as a venue and the vessel is in port.

12.11 The Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Inland Navigation Vessels referred to as the “Strasbourg Convention” with protocols and amendments applies to vessels sailing on waterways located in the territory of a state party subject to (i) the “Revised Convention relating to the Navigation of the Rhine of 17 October 1868” and (ii) the “Convention of 27 October 1956 concerning the canalization of the Moselle” ( Article 15(1) of the Strasbourg Convention: http://www.ivr.nl/downloads/forms/B2.pdf). If the Strasbourg Convention applies the limits for Passenger claims are SDR 60,000 per Passenger subject to a minimum of SDR 6,000,000 (see Article 7). A copy of the Strasbourg Convention can be found at. http://www.ccr-zkr.org/files/conventions/clni_2012_en.pdf. The Company’s and the carrier’s for death, injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss to person or property of any kind suffered by Passengers shall, in the first instance, be governed by the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1996 (LLMC 96) as amended by SI 1998/1258 or where applicable the Strasbourg Convention. The Company’s liability therefore shall not exceed those limitations provided by the said LLMC 1996 and SI 1998/1258 or where applicable Strasbourg Convention or in any further revisions, protocols and/or amendments thereto as shall become applicable. Where the LLMC 1996 or If applicable Strasbourg Convention permits us to apply a deductible, we may apply that deductible.

13 CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE BY AIR AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

13.1 Travel on board aircraft used in travelling to and from the ship is subject to the airline’s standard ticket conditions, some of which limit or exclude liability in accordance with international conventions. These conditions can be found on the airline’s website or can be provided by the Company upon request.

13.2 If your air journey involves a destination or stop in a country other than the one from which you depart, the Warsaw Convention may govern the liability of all airlines involved in your journey, including any portion thereof in a single country. This Convention limits the liability of airlines involved in your journey, including any portion thereof in a single country. This Convention limits the liability of airlines for death or bodily injury and for baggage loss, delay or damage. For many air carriers, the Warsaw Convention limits for bodily injury or death and the defence that they have taken all necessary measures to avoid the damage for the first 100,000 Special Drawing Rights of any such claim do not apply. In addition, in cases of death or bodily injury, many air carriers will make advance payments to the person entitled to compensation, if required to meet immediate economic needs, in proportion to the hardship suffered. European Community carriers provide a minimum advance equal to not less than 15,000 Special Drawing Rights in the event of death. Other air carriers may apply alternate provisions.

Denied Boarding, Cancellation and Delay 13.3 Under EU law (EC Regulation 261/2004 you have rights in

some circumstances to a refund and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However, reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in Clause 9. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount.

Airline Carrier Identity 13.4 In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required

to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flight/connecting flight/transfer. We do this by advising you of the carriers to be used or likely to be used at the time of booking. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to be a minor change.

14 GUIDES AND GUEST SPEAKERS 14.1 Independent contractors retained by the Company, including

but not limited to Guest Speakers, guides, guest personalities and entertainers are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. The Company also retains the right to change any member of ship’s crew previously advertised or disclosed (e.g. the ship’s Captain) without notice.

15 FINANCIAL PROTECTION 15.1 We provide full financial protection for our package holidays. 15.2 For flight-based cruise holidays this is through our Air Travel

Organiser’s Licence number 3897. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive cruise holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

15.3 If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative), through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. When you buy a package holiday that doesn’t include a flight, protection is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA. License number W0302.

16 DATA PROTECTION 16.1 Swan Hellenic is part of All Leisure Holidays. The information

we hold about you will be used to deal with your enquiry or booking, provide you with our latest news and offers or invite you to take part in research. We may also share your information with other All Leisure Holidays companies who may occasionally contact you about products and services we feel may be of interest to you. For further information please see the Swan Hellenic Privacy Policy at swanhellenic.com.

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MINERVA

PROMENADE DECK - Featuring a panoramic Observation Lounge - Orpheus Lounge

SALONCENTRE

SUN DECK - Balcony Cabins

MAIN DECK

AEGEAN DECK

THE SWAN RESTAURANT

VERANDA

DARWINLOUNGE

PROMENADE DECKSUN DECK

MAIN DECK

AEGEAN DECKBALTIC DECK

BRIDGE DECK

Swan Restaurant

Gym Passenger Launderette Salon Centre

DB12 DB10 DB 8 DB 6 DB 4 DB 2

DB11 DB 9 DB 7 DB 5 DB 3 DB 1

SB10 SB 8 SB 6 SB 4 SB 2 OS 2

SB 9 SB 7 SB 5 SB 3 SB 1 OS 1

BS 20 BS 18 BS 16 BS 14 BS 12 BS 10 BS 8 BS 6 BS 4 BS 2

BS 19 BS 17 BS 15 BS 13 BS 11 BS 9 BS 7 BS 5 BS 3 BS 1

mv MINERVA - SWAN HELLENIC

Darwin Lounge Gift Shop & Kiosk

INTE

RNET

LOUN

GE

B62

B58

B54

B50

B46

B61

B57

B53

B49

B45

B63

B59

B55

B51

B47

B43

B41

B39

B37

B35

B33

B31

B29

B27

B25

B23

B21

B17

B13

B9

B5

B1

BRIDGE DECK - Balcony Cabins

BALTIC DECK

WHEELERBAR

THELIBRARY

CARDROOM

FUTURESALESOFFICE LIVINGSTONE

LOUNGE LIFT

EXPLORERSUITE

DISCOVERYSUITE

KIOSK

LIFT

LIFT

LIFT GIFT SHOP

LIFTLIFT

LIFTLIFTMEDICALCENTRE

LAUNDER-ETTE

LIFTLIFT

Veranda Wheeler Bar Internet Lounge LibraryPool

Reception

Shackleton Bar

Medical Centre

Card Room

A88

A84

A80

A76

A74

A72

A68

A64

A62

A60

A70

A56

A52

A55

A51

A57

A87

A83

A79

A75

A73

A71

A67

A63

A61

A59

B64

B60

B56

B52

B48

B44

B42

B40

B38

B36

B34

B32

B30

B28

B26

B24

B22

B18

B14

B10

B6

B2

A53

A49

A47

A45

A43

A39

A35

A33

A31

A29

A25

A21

A17

A13

A9

A5

A1

A41

A37 A27

A23

A19

A15

A11

A7

A3

A42

A38 A28

A24

A20

A16

A12

A8

A4

A69

A65

A58

A54

A50

A48

A46

A44

A40

A36

A34

A32

A30

A26

A22

A18

A14

A10

A6

A2

LIFT

PORT

STARBOARD

GYM

Shore Excursion Desk

Purser’s Reception

Orpheus Lounge

Future Cruise Desk

SHACKLETONBAR

Livingstone Lounge

ORPHEUS LOUNGE

DanceFloor

ForwardBanquette

Seating

Stage

Bar

Bar

Bar

Presentation Stage

Revised Plan - January 2012. Deck and cabin plans have been amended slightly from the previous edition, but may be subject to change during the upgrade period.

Future Sales Office

POOL

P8 P6

P7 P5

P4 P2

P3 P1

MINERVA’S PROFILE• Gross Tonnage 12,892 • Length 437 ft • Beam 66 ft • Draft 19 ft • Cruising Speed 13 knots • Passenger Decks 6 • Stabilisers retractable fin • Registration Bahamas

FACILITIES INCLUDE• 44 Balcony cabins*• 100 Outside cabins• (73% outside cabins including

23% balcony cabins)• 8 single cabins• Choice of two Restaurants• Orpheus Lounge • Internet Lounge• Livingstone Lounge• Darwin Lounge• Shackleton & Wheeler Bars• Card Room - max 10 tables• Library

• Swimming Pool• Gift Shop and Kiosk• Gymnasium• Complimentary Launderette

with Washers and Dryers• Salon Centre• Medical Centre• Telephone, Fax and E-mail Facilities• Flatscreen TV, Hairdryer and

Personal Safe in every Cabin* Starboard Side = Showers

Port Side = Baths

79

STANDARD FARES 2016PRICES INCLUSIVE OF FLIGHTS (WHERE APPLICABLE), AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF TAILOR-MADE SHORE EXCURSIONS & ALL GRATUITIES

CRUISES – APRIL – NOVEMBER 2016

CRUISE CODE MIN160415 MIN160428 MIN160514 MIN160527 MIN160610

DURATION (DAYS) 14 17 14 15 14

All prices are per person - £ Trois-Riviéres de France

A Baltic MasterpieceGlorious Gardens and the

Chelsea Flower Show An Icelandic QuestFjordlands and Arctic Norway

OCCUPANCY Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single

Cat Deck Description £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

A BRIDGE DECK Owner’s Suite with Balcony £7,180 £14,360 £8,755 £17,510 £8,345 £16,690 £6,880 £13,760 £6,555 £13,110

B SUN DECK Deluxe Balcony Suite £6,500 £13,000 £7,920 £15,840 £7,545 £15,090 £6,225 £12,450 £5,930 £11,860

C BRIDGE DECK Superior Balcony Suite £6,330 £12,660 £7,715 £15,430 £7,355 £14,710 £6,065 £12,130 £5,775 £11,550

D SUN DECK Balcony Suite £5,710 £11,420 £6,965 £13,930 £6,630 £13,260 £5,475 £10,950 £5,215 £10,430

F AEGEAN DECK Outside Forward Window £3,900 £6,630 £4,755 £8,085 £4,495 £8,095 £3,735 £6,350 £3,560 £6,055

G AEGEAN DECK Outside Aft Window £3,695 £6,285 £4,505 £7,660 £4,190 £7,545 £3,540 £6,020 £3,370 £5,730

H BALTIC DECK Outside Forward Port Holes £3,285 £5,585 £4,005 £6,810 £3,810 £6,860 £3,145 £5,350 £3,000 £5,100

I BALTIC DECK Outside Aft Port Holes £3,080 £5,240 £3,755 £6,385 £3,620 £6,520 £2,950 £5,015 £2,810 £4,780

K AEGEAN DECK Inside Forward £2,705 £4,465 £3,295 £5,440 £3,200 £5,600 £2,590 £4,275 £2,465 £4,070

L AEGEAN DECK Inside Aft £2,600 £4,290 £3,170 £5,235 £3,090 £5,410 £2,490 £4,110 £2,375 £3,920

M BALTIC DECK Inside Forward £2,465 £4,070 £3,005 £4,960 £2,935 £5,140 £2,360 £3,895 £2,250 £3,715

N BALTIC DECK Inside Aft £2,295 £3,790 £2,795 £4,615 £2,745 £4,805 £2,195 £3,625 £2,095 £3,460

P SINGLES DECK Inside Sun Deck £2,225 £2,710 £2,670 £2,130 £2,030



All prices are per person - £ Hidden White Sea and Norse Discovery

Highlands, Islands and the Emerald Isle

Iberian Maritime Adventure

Celtic Traditions and Edinburgh’s Tattoo

A Portrait of Portugal and Spain
















80

STANDARD FARES 2016PRICES INCLUSIVE OF FLIGHTS (WHERE APPLICABLE), AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF TAILOR-MADE SHORE EXCURSIONS & ALL GRATUITIES

CRUISES – APRIL – NOVEMBER 2016



All prices are per person - £ Riviera and Islands of the Mediterranean

Mediterranean Mosaic Sparkling Adriatic Hellenic OdysseyImpressions of the

Eastern Mediterranean
















STANDARD FARES 2016 PRICES INCLUSIVE OF FLIGHTS (WHERE APPLICABLE), AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF TAILOR-MADE SHORE EXCURSIONS & ALL GRATUITIES

GRAND VOYAGES – JUNE, AUGUST – NOVEMBER 2016

CRUISE CODE MIN160610A MIN160816A MIN160816B MIN161008A

DURATION (DAYS) 31 28 40 26

All prices are per person - £ Grand Norwegian Fjords and White Sea

Grand Iberian and Mediterranean Icons

Grand Mediterranean Classics Grand Ancient Civilisations

OCCUPANCY Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single Twin Single

Cat Deck Description £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

A BRIDGE DECK Owner’s Suite with Balcony £15,440 £30,880 £12,820 £25,640 £18,985 £37,970 £13,155 £26,310

B SUN DECK Deluxe Balcony Suite £13,935 £27,870 £11,565 £23,130 £17,120 £34,240 £11,870 £23,740

C BRIDGE DECK Superior Balcony Suite £13,575 £27,150 £11,260 £22,520 £16,670 £33,340 £11,560 £23,120

D SUN DECK Balcony Suite £12,215 £24,430 £10,130 £20,260 £14,990 £29,980 £10,400 £20,800

F AEGEAN DECK Outside Forward Window £8,210 £13,960 £6,835 £10,940 £10,070 £16,115 £7,015 £11,225

G AEGEAN DECK Outside Aft Window £7,685 £13,065 £6,405 £10,250 £9,410 £15,060 £6,565 £10,505

H BALTIC DECK Outside Forward Port Holes £6,895 £11,725 £5,765 £9,225 £8,480 £13,570 £5,910 £9,460

I BALTIC DECK Outside Aft Port Holes £6,495 £11,045 £5,425 £8,680 £8,000 £12,800 £5,570 £8,915

K AEGEAN DECK Inside Forward £5,695 £9,400 £4,600 £7,130 £6,855 £10,630 £4,745 £7,355

L AEGEAN DECK Inside Aft £5,475 £9,035 £4,415 £6,845 £6,580 £10,200 £4,555 £7,065

M BALTIC DECK Inside Forward £5,185 £8,560 £4,175 £6,475 £6,225 £9,650 £4,305 £6,675

N BALTIC DECK Inside Aft £4,820 £7,955 £3,870 £6,000 £5,775 £8,955 £3,990 £6,185

P SINGLES DECK Inside Sun Deck £4,670 £3,615 £5,465 £3,750

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SWAN HELLENIC DISCOVERY CRUISES APRIL – NOVEMBER 2016

Departs Cruise No.Days From/To Cruise reference Pages

APR 15, 2016 TROIS-RIVIÈRES DE FRANCE 14 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160415 28-29

APR 28, 2016 A BALTIC MASTERPIECE 17 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160428 30-31

MAY 14, 2016 GLORIOUS GARDENS AND THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 14 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160514 32-33

MAY 27, 2016 AN ICELANDIC QUEST 15 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160527 34-35

JUN 10, 2016 FJORDLANDS AND ARCTIC NORWAY 14 PORTSMOUTH, England / KIRKENES, Norway MIN160610 38-39

JUN 23, 2016 HIDDEN WHITE SEA AND NORSE DISCOVERY 18 KIRKENES, Norway / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160623 40-41

JUL 10, 2016 HIGHLANDS, ISLANDS AND THE EMERALD ISLE 12 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160710 42-43

JUL 21, 2016 IBERIAN MARITIME ADVENTURE 14 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160721 44-45

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Departs Cruise No.Days From/To Cruise reference Pages

AUG 3, 2016 CELTIC TRADITIONS AND EDINBURGH’S TATTOO 14 PORTSMOUTH, England / PORTSMOUTH, England MIN160803 46-47

AUG 16, 2016 A PORTRAIT OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN 15 PORTSMOUTH, England / BARCELONA, Spain MIN160816 48-49

AUG 30, 2016 RIVIERA AND ISLANDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN 14 BARCELONA, Spain / CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy MIN160830 50-51

SEP 12, 2016 MEDITERRANEAN MOSAIC 13 CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy / DUBROVNIK, Croatia MIN160912 52-53

SEP 24, 2016 THE SPARKLING ADRIATIC 15 DUBROVNIK, Croatia / DUBROVNIK, Croatia MIN160924 54-55

OCT 8, 2016 HELLENIC ODYSSEY 14 DUBROVNIK, Croatia / PIRAEUS, Greece MIN161008 56-57

OCT 21, 2016 IMPRESSIONS OF THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN 13 PIRAEUS, Greece / LARNACA, Cyprus MIN161021 58-59

GRAND VOYAGES JUNE, AUGUST – NOVEMBER 2016 – PAGES 36-37 & 62-65

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