Cruise Reviews

Reviewed By: Wood, Maidenhead on 31st Oct 2006
Cruise Line: Swan Hellenic Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: Minerva II Sailed: 2006
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 65+
Having done several cruises over the last 5-10 years we were particularly attracted to the Minerva II which was advertised as a floating country house hotel and offered inclusive tours and gratuities within the price paid.It also advertised open dining where free seating is available with four different restaurants to choose from.
There was an excellent choice of menus at all restaurants, there being two speciality ones (at no extra cost), the main Dining Room and a self service one. Our previous experience of free seating was that everyone seemed to want to eat at the same time (7.30 -8.30) and it was sometimes difficult to get a table during this time. On this ship however we had no trouble at all in securing a table in the restaurant of our choice every day.The service was excellent and the crew very friendly.
The cabin was spacious and comfortable ,the only downside was that we were allocated a cabin with an interconnecting door to the adjacent one with some loss of privacy due to slight lack of soundproofing in this respect (particularly TV noise at times).
The main activities were deck games available .However the itinerary was very extensive with a new port visited nearly every day and an outstanding list of tours either by coach or walking around the local town visiting places of interest ,leaving very little time for on board activities. There were on most days Guest Speakers giving lectures on future destinations.
The ship is really for older passengers and is not suitable for children being dedicated to the history of the destinations visited.
The entertainment was limited but what was available was of very high Quality with a musical theme.
This ship has over the years built up a loyal clientele, coming year after year ,some passengers having cruised with it many times.
Unfortunately this ship has now been bought by Carnival and I understand that Swan Hellenic will cease to offer Cruises after April next year.
For us it was an exceptional experience which we would recommend to older cruisers wanting a full an interesting experience.

Quality of Food5
We split our time fairly equally between all four options of restaurant
Entertainment2
Shore Excursions5
Venice Islands
Staff5
Head waiter in self service restaurant.Always greeted us on arrival.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Ship not really suitable for children
Onboard Activities2
There was not a great choice of activities. The main interes was in the guest speakers and tours available most days
Cabins4
Overall Rating5
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