neviboy

Has anyone travelled this line ? There is a new ship named Minerva II. The line is a division of P.&amp; O<BR>neviboy

Theresa

Minerva II is the former Renaissance 8 (R8).<BR><BR>Sounds like a great ship -would love to read a review from someone used to sailing Princess and see what they think of the Swan Hellenic line.

neviboy

I had booked to sail the Med. with R-1 in Sept. of the bankruptcy year. I sailed Radisson's Mariner, and from then on I was hooked. Last Oct. We sailed Mariner from Nice to Venice in Oct.last year and sailing her again on Apr.30th. from Brazil to Ft. Laud.<BR>They have a good Med. cruise on the new Voyager, this Oct.The Swan Hellenic Line seem to copying Radisson with the &quot;country Club&quot; feeling, only 700 passengers, no tipping, open restaurants, but not free wine and liquor. They have included shore excursions which could be a huge saving.<BR>We sailed Royal Princess around Cape Horn Xmas/New Yr. 2000. With a balcony suite it was excellent. I could not find fault with anything except that we were forced to disembark !!After Radisson I would rate Celebrity next, followed by Princess.<BR>

Athena39

I have sailed on the Minerva that this new ship is replacing. This is a GREAT cruise line! Have you visited their website? Their itineraries are amazing. They have 4 or 5 lecturers on each sailing, and all the shore excursions are included. You really learn so much about the places you visit! There is no casino, but there is a huge library, and it is well-used. The service is fantastic and there is no tipping. I cannot say enough good things about Swan Hellenic. Feel free to email me if you have more questions: [email protected].

judia1

I sailed Minerva about 3 years ago and while, yes, it is an outstanding product, it was--at least at that time--a highly intellectual cruise experience with a very strong emphasis on education. Lectures are, basically, the 'entertainment' and, in fact, they were even piped into the gym instead of music! Passengers on our sailing were largely upscale, highly-educated and primarily British. The inclusive shore excursions were run with military precision--and I don't mean that in a bad way. Lunches at local restaurants were often included. On board, food was outstanding, as was the option of having dinner from a buffet with outside tables set with china, linen and silver. I don't know if they've changed their highly-intellectual focus since I sailed them (I know they were hoping to attract a younger clientele at the time), but if they haven't, this is NOT a cruise that's interchangeable with your typical mass market cruise line. Find an itinerary or theme you're passionate about, and you'll LOVE it. If you're looking for a party atmosphere, go somewhere else.

neviboy

I just heard from Swan-Hellenic's agent that all suites are wait listed. Evidently a large travel agency has them blocked obviously to create a market. This agency has just offered me any suite at the printed prices !! I hope that they get stuck with them. This could only be done with a one ship line, thank goodness.