Showing posts with label Minerva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minerva. Show all posts

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Swan Hellenic Reveals 2013 Cruise Brochures and Discounts Through August 31st.

Swan Hellenic's Minerva 2013 Cruises and Brochure
Swan Hellenic's Minerva 2013 Cruises and Brochure
Swan Hellenic’s newly-refurbished Minerva has added 16 new port calls to her 2013-14 schedule, including maiden calls in Spitsbergen, Norway; Bangor, Northern Ireland; Dingle, Ireland; Cartagena, Colombia; and the San Blas Islands, bringing the total to 184 ports that the ship will be visiting.

Swan Hellenic’s new 2013 brochure, which can be pre-ordered and viewed online at www.swanhellenic.us, features 11-to-21 day Summer 2013 itineraries to The British Isles, Northern Europe, The Baltic, Mediterranean and the Black Sea; and select Winter 2013 cruises to the Caribbean, Central and South America.  The brochure also features a new collection of Grand Voyages ranging from 27-to-30 days.   

Guests who book by August 31, 2012 receive 15% off the early booking fares for cruises departing May 21 through December 19, 2013.

Minerva’s enrichment itineraries will take guests to five continents, visiting hubs of culture, sites of ancient civilizations and inspirational landscapes.  With the limited time launch offer, fares for most of the itineraries are less than $200 per person per day (starting from $115 per day) and include iconic destinations, hidden gems, distinguished guest speakers, unparalleled shore excursions, gratuities and port fees.  All fares cited are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and reflect the 15 percent launch offer discount.

With a focus on British country elegance, the 350-guest Minerva recently completed a multi-million-dollar refurbishment that features expansive new public areas and an increased number of suites with balconies, representing 23% of all stateroom accommodation.  In addition, all 181 staterooms have been upgraded with new en-suite bathrooms.  The ship also boasts the new Orpheus Lounge & Bar, a wrap-around forward observation lounge with expansive panoramic views; an expanded Shackleton Bar; a new Livingstone Lounge for relaxing or reading; dedicated internet lounge and Wi-Fi accessibility throughout the ship; and an impressive outdoor “walk around” Promenade Deck.

As Swan Hellenic approaches its 60th anniversary year in 2014, the company continues to offer its hallmark qualities of intriguing destinations, all-inclusive value (with shore excursions, gratuities and port fees included in fares) and a roster of renowned Guest Speakers who provide in-depth talks on the history and culture of each destination.

New itineraries featured in Swan Hellenic’s Summer 2013 brochure include the following:
  • The 15-day Empires of the Black Sea (Sept. 26, 2013) sails from Athens to Istanbul, enabling guests to explore Batumi and enjoy an exclusive performance by the Adjara Company of Song and Dance, discover Yalta and the White Palace of Livadia (former home of the Russian Royal Family) and site of the 1945 Yalta Conference, encounter the ancient Greek settlements of Sevastopol, attend a performance at the baroque-styled Opera House in Odessa and visit Byzantine churches in the UNESCO-listed town of Nessebur.  Fares begin at $3,229.

  • Savor the Baltic Splendor (May 21, 2013) on a 16-day cruise that sails roundtrip from London (Portsmouth), stopping at the resort of Warnemunde, viewing the medieval gems of Tallinn, spending 2½ days enjoying the many treasures of St. Petersburg, viewing the Art Deco buildings and majestic cathedrals of Helsinki, cruising through an archipelago of 24,000 tiny rock islands to Stockholm, and calling in Elsinore to view Kronberg Castle, site of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and a World Heritage site.  Fares start at $3,484.

  • Minerva sails a 15-day Realms of the British Isles (June 20, 2013) round-trip cruise from London (Portsmouth), taking guests from the Scottish Highlands to the islands and valleys of the Southern English coast.  Port calls include Port of Tyne, Scrabster, Ullapool, Tobermory, Holyhead and St. Peter Port and an inaugural call in Bangor.  Fares begin at $2,974.

  • Experience Sagas of Iceland and the Faroes (July 24, 2013) on a 16-day roundtrip cruise from London (Portsmouth) as Minerva calls at Portrush on the rugged Antrim Coast, St. Kilda, Heimaey, Reykjavik, Isafjordhur and Akureyri as well as the remote Torshavn in the Faroe Islands.  Fares start at $3,144.

  • On the 15-day Adriatic Accolade (Sept. 12, 2013), Minerva sails from Rome to Athens.  In addition to cruising the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, along the Dalmatian Coast and through the Corinth Canal, the ship calls at Brindisi, Ravenna and Venice, Italy; Pula, Korcula and Dubrovnik; Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Sarande, Albania.  Fares begin at $2,889.
  • Celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year while discovering the Mysteries of the Maya (Dec. 19, 2013) on an 18-day cruise from Jamaica that calls in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Panama, Colombia and Barbados.  Among the many experiences are inaugural visit to Cartagena, Colombia and the cultural traditions of the San Blas Islands, the Mayan archaeological site in the Copan Valley, and Santa Marta, the first town founded by the Spanish in Colombia.  Fares start at $3,314, just under $185 per day!
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Swan Hellenic Offers Discounts On Select Minerva Cruises

To introduce travelers to the newly- refurbished Minerva, Swan Hellenic introduced special sale rates of as much as 60 percent off brochure fares for select cruises of discovery to exotic locales in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean from August through December 2012.

These special sale fares - which begin at just over $125 per person per day, double occupancy - include shore excursions, gratuities, port fees, meals, entertainment and the line’s renowned guest speaker program on the 350-guest Minerva, which recently completed a multi-million-dollar refit. Swan’s special sale fares must be booked by April 30 and are subject to availability.

Minerva’s new look features expansive new public areas and an increased number of suites with balconies, representing 23% of all stateroom accommodation. In addition, all 181 staterooms have been upgraded with new en-suite bathrooms. The ship also boasts a new Orpheus Lounge & Bar, a wrap-around forward observation lounge with expansive panoramic views; an expanded Shackleton Bar; a new Livingstone Lounge for relaxing or reading; dedicated internet lounge and Wi-Fi accessibility throughout the ship; and an impressive outdoor “walk around” Promenade Deck.

Among the itineraries included in Swan Hellenic’s Summer/Fall Sale are the following:

  • The 15-day Venice & the Adriatic (8/15/12) sails from Valletta to Athens, enabling guests to discover the walled cities of the Venetian Empire, the archaeological wonders of Burtrint, Albania and Delphi, Greece, and amazing scenery while cruising along the Dalmatian Coast. Fares begin at $2,599 with overnights in Kotor and Athens.
  • Minerva sails a 15-day Hellenic Highlights (8/29/12) journey from Athens to Istanbul, calling at the old and new Greek capitals of Nauplia and Athens, visiting Crete and the smaller islands of Delos, Paros, Chios and Symia, and sailing Turkey’s Lycian coast. Fares start from $2,499 with overnights in Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi and Istanbul.
  • Explore the Aegean & Levant (9/26/12) on a 15-day cruise that travels from Izmir in the Northern Aegean to Athens in the eastern Mediterranean, discovering cities of the Roman Empire and medieval times and Crusaders’ castles as well as Mount Athos, the Tombs at Vergina, and remote Greek islands and Turkish villages. Fares begin at $2,799 with overnights in Izmir and Athens.
  • Unearth Treasures of the Near East (11/7/12) on a 15-day cruise from Athens to Luxor/Safaga. En route, guests have the opportunity to explore Roman cities, Crusader castles and Egyptian treasures as they sail through the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea. Fares start from $2,499 with overnights in Athens and Luxor/Safaga.
  • On the 15-day Passage to Oman (11/21/12), Minerva sails from Luxor/Safaga to Dubai along ancient trade routes through the Red Sea. Discover Egyptian antiquities, archaeological sites, souks, palaces and mosques before arriving in the modern city of Dubai. Guests will enjoy overnights in Luxor/Safaga, Djibouti, Muscat and Dubai, with rates starting from $1,899 (only $127 per day).
  • Celebrate the holidays and toast the New Year while discovering the Mysteries of the Indian Ocean (12/19/12) on a 16-day cruise from Colombo to Singapore that features a rare sail up the Yangon River to Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar’s former capital, and the chance to explore the rarely visited Andaman Islands. Rates begin at $2,399 (just $150 per day) with overnights in Colombo, Yangon and Singapore.

On each Minerva sailing, guests will experience British country elegance with a focus on destination and enrichment cruising to iconic destinations and hidden gems with distinguished guest speakers and unparalleled shore excursions.

Swan Hellenic is an award-winning cruise line that has been defining the art of small ship discovery cruising for more than 50 years.

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Swan Hellenic's Minerva Refit Complete More of Everything

Swan Hellenic’s Minerva sailed recently from Portsmouth, England on her first Spring cruise following an extensive multi-million dollar upgrade program. The 350-guest Minerva, now offering more balcony suites than ever before and a wider selection of expansive new public areas, is gearing up for an exciting new era of discovery cruising.

Minerva’s impressive enhancements include a number of new and improved features such as:
  • The addition of 32 new balconies added to existing staterooms, increasing the number of balcony suites to a total of 44 suites representing 23% of total accommodations. New Egyptian cotton bed linen is available in all balcony suites.
  • New Orpheus Lounge & Bar, a stunning wrap-around forward observation lounge with expansive panoramic views, serves as an exciting new evening venue offering dancing and entertainment.
  • The expansion of the popular Shackleton Bar - with its warm, inviting décor and intimate ambiance - includes new picture windows offering mesmerizing views
  • New Livingstone Lounge, ideal for relaxing or reading
  • New outdoor “walk around” Promenade Deck
  • New en-suite facilities in all 181 staterooms
  • New dedicated internet lounge and new Wi-Fi available throughout the ship
  • New shaded areas on both Bridge and Sun decks
  • Guests are now able to enjoy engaging talks from eminent Guest Speakers from three onboard venues
The ship also features a comprehensive library of approximately 5,000 volumes, many written by Guest Speakers past and present; two dining rooms offering open seating dining, which allows passengers to dine with their friends; plus the gym and spa services have also been relocated and upgraded.

A new video showcasing Minerva’s key enhancements, along with new cruise podcasts featuring Summer 2012 itineraries, can be accessed at www.youtube.com/swanhellenic. Minerva’s upgrade is the first major work on the ship since its original remodelling from a spy ship vessel called ‘Okean’ (named after the Ukrainian shipyard where it was being constructed).

“Minerva’s renovations mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underline All Leisure Group PLC’s commitment to the future of this popular ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising for years to come,” explains Colin Stone, Managing Director of Swan Hellenic. “We took on board feedback from our passengers to ensure the major refurbishments allow the ship to continue to appeal to our loyal customers but also hopefully appeal to those who are keen to try their first discovery cruise on an intimate ship.”

“We are delighted to be able to offer more balcony suites for our North American market and we look forward to welcoming our guests aboard to experience the new Minerva for an unforgettable journey to new lands,” adds Ivonne Brown, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, North America.

Many of Minerva’s inaugural spring cruises around the Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Black Sea are already “sold out.” Her new 2012 itineraries, ranging from 14-to-56 days include Summer/Fall cruises to the British Isles, Northern Europe, The Baltic, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Red Sea and the Middle East; and Winter 2012/13 cruises to majestic ports in the Far East and India.

Minerva, with her elegant British country elegance style, offers a combined focus on destination and enrichment cruising with signature elements of intriguing worldwide itineraries to iconic destinations and hidden gems, distinguished guest speakers and unparalleled shore excursions.

Fares on the exquisite new Minerva start from $1,899 per person (from $135 per day) including shore excursions, all gratuities and port charges based on the March 16, 2012 Vintage Iberia & Italy cruise. Fares are based on double occupancy and subject to availability.

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Sunday, January 22, 2012

Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery Offer World Politics Theme Cruises.

Following the motion picture launch of “The Iron Lady” – based on the true story of Margaret Thatcher – Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery are providing their passengers with the chance to join a political debate at sea. Both small ship lines, known for their enrichment cruises and signature Guest Speaker series, will showcase experts on board offering real insight into the world of politics.

Sail with Swan Hellenic aboard the 350-guest Minerva on the “Venice and the Adriatic” cruise and gain first-hand perspectives from former Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Lord Douglas Hurd, who served in many different roles within the UK and Northern Island Government. Lord Hurd is most famous for serving both Margaret Thatcher and John Major as Foreign Secretary between 1989-95. The 15-day cruise departs on August 15, 2012 from Valletta (Malta) to Dubrovnik (Croatia), overnight; Korcula (Croatia), overnight; Split (Croatia), Trieste (Italy), Venice (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro); Sarande (Albania), overnight; Itea, Delphi (Greece), a Corinth Canal transit, and Piraeus (Greece), 2 overnights. Fares start from $2,999 per person (cruise only) including shore excursions, gratuities, port taxes, and renowned guest speaker program.

Join Voyages of Discovery aboard the 650-guest Discovery on the “Nordic & White Sea Adventure” cruise to hear Sir Anthony Brenton’s interesting political views. Sir Anthony worked for over 30 years for the British Foreign Office dealing with energy issues and taking charge of preparation for the ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992. This 19-night voyage on July 25, 2012, round-trip from London (Harwich), calls at Bergen and Bødo (Norway); Murmansk, Solovetsky Islands (overnight) and Archangel (Russia); Kirkenes, Hammerfest, Trondheim, Orsta, and Floro (Norway). This unique itinerary, featuring the spectacular and rarely-visited Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea, is selling quickly with remaining availability starting from $4,999 per person (cruise only) in ocean view stateroom accommodations, including distinguished guest lecture program, and all meals and entertainment.

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Friday, November 25, 2011

Swan Hellenic Releases Information on Minervia Refit.

Educational cruise operator - Swan Hellenic Cruises has announced a major refit to their cruise vessel Minerva. The improvements are taking place from November to March 2012. Just recently I have received a brochure covering the proposed changes.

Please click on the images below to see what cruise passengers on the Minerva have available in the Spring.

The Two images below are courtesy of Swan Hellenic - Click to see an enlarged version.




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Monday, September 12, 2011

Swan Hellenic's Minerva to Undergo a Significant Refit

Swan Hellenic unveiled a multi-million dollar upgrade for mv Minerva. The improvements mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underlines All Leisure Group plc’s commitment to the future of its much loved ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising in the years ahead.

Swan Hellenic has been consulting with maritime specialists to improve and extend the facilities onboard mv Minerva, with equal importance paid to the ship’s efficiency, maneuverability, comfort and environmental performance. As a ship that has attracted many loyal guests both in North America and in the UK – and in response to passenger feedback – mv Minerva will undergo major enhancements to update, but not change, her unique British country elegance style. The ship’s passenger capacity will remain at 350 per cruise.

Highlights include extensions of the internal and external public areas as well as plans for a new wrap-around forward observation lounge. The new Orpheus Lounge will provide comfort and panoramic views at the forward end of the ship, while innovative design will extend the size of Shackleton’s Bar and create a new Internet Lounge. Swan Hellenic has increased the size of a number of cabins and added balconies to others, increasing the number of balcony suites to 23% of all cabin accommodation. All 181 passenger cabins will be upgraded with new en-suite bathrooms.

This visionary upgrade is scheduled to take place during winter 2011 with mv Minerva embarking on her next exciting era of discovery cruising on March 2, 2012. Swan Hellenic will continue to offer its unique all inclusive discovery cruises, which include a signature shore excursion program, all gratuities, port charges, and a program of engaging talks from eminent Guest Speakers.

Colin Stone, Managing Director, Swan Hellenic, commented: We continually review our customer feedback, and through this we understand that passengers who loyally return to the ship enjoy the ambience that mv Minerva provides. In order to secure mv Minerva’s place at the forefront of discovery cruising, we are investing for the future through the extensive refurbishments. With 97% of our passengers promising to return to mv Minerva, we are sure that this new upgrade will be appreciated by these loyal passengers, while also appealing to those about to book their first discovery cruise.”

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Monday, August 22, 2011

All Discovery Cruising Brands Offer Discounts on 2 Holiday Sailings

Two of All Discovery Cruising’s brands feature extraordinary holiday itineraries, now at a savings of up to 65% off brochure fares, to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea that enable guests to celebrate the Winter holidays and ring in 2012 in exotic destinations while enjoying magnificent coastal scenery and exploring fascinating aspects of culture and history.

Swan Hellenic’s 320-guest Minerva departs Dec. 21 on a 16-day “Mysteries of the Indian Ocean” journey from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Singapore, while Voyage of Discovery’s 650-guest Discovery departs Dec. 19 on a 16-night “Treasures of the Orient & Vietnam” cruise from Bangkok, Thailand to Hong Kong.

“Early bookings for our holiday itineraries have been excellent, with travelers eager to spend their holidays enjoying small ship cruising experiences that feature unique destinations, luxury and enrichment at a superior value,” said Steve Novello, President of All Discovery Cruising, North America. “Guests are always welcomed like family on our holiday cruises, and we encourage anyone interested to book while there is still availability.”

Minerva’s “Mysteries of the Indian Ocean” itinerary features cruising up the Yangon River to Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar’s former capital and a visit to the Andaman Islands, the remote and impressive archipelago of about 184 islands in the Indian Ocean. Also on the itinerary are Penang and Malacca, Malaysia, which fuse East and West, and guests will enjoy four shipboard overnights (Colombo, Yangon for two nights, and Singapore) – all amidst the British country elegance that is Minerva – before arriving in the vibrant city of Singapore.

Rates begin at $2,599 per person – from $160 per day – and include shore excursions, all gratuities and port charges.

With fares beginning at about $80 per person per day ($1,399 per person, cruise only; $2,499 per person with air), Discovery’s “Treasures of the Orient & Vietnam” cruise takes guests from Bangkok to Vietnam, with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon and now the heart of Vietnam), Nha Trang, Da Nang (a center of Vietnamese history and culture) and the picturesque Ha Long Bay. The ship then heads to China where Discovery will make her maiden calls at the “Garden City” of Beihai and Haikou, known as China’s “Hawaii” with its beautiful beaches, before arriving at the exciting, cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.

The itinerary includes six shipboard overnights – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City for two nights, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay and Hong Kong.

Both holiday cruises include All Discovery Cruising’s highly acclaimed distinguished guest speaker program and enrichment workshops designed to help guests better understand the region’s culture, history and wildlife, as well as gala dinners and holiday-themed cocktail parties.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Swan Hellenic Publishes Cruise Atlas


(Feb 8, 2010)—Small ship cruising specialist Swan Hellenic has published a North American cruise atlas with pricing in US dollars, air programs from 21 North American gateways and exclusive promotions for the US and Canadian market.

The venerable British cruise operator also has launched an updated website, www.swanhellenic.us, featuring complete details on the line’s worldwide ocean and river programs.

“We’re very excited to reintroduce Swan Hellenic to the US and Canadian market,” said Mark Flager, vice president, North America. “Swan Hellenic has been defining the art of discovery cruising for more than 50 years. Our new programs and promotions will make it easier for past guests and new clients to enjoy Swan’s cultural travel experiences and exceptional value.”

Swan Hellenic offers culturally enriching cruise programs aboard the 350-guest Minerva and aboard the river vessels A-Rosa Stella, A-Rosa Riva and A-Rosa Aqua. Fares include shipboard gratuities, all port charges and government taxes and shore excursions in each port of call. Swan Hellenic’s Guest Speakers include noted academics, diplomats and writers, and onboard workshops often feature writing courses, art workshops and yoga classes.

Each cruise itinerary is a unique cultural travel experience, blending world class sites with smaller, off the beaten track destinations. A program of tailor-made shore excursions is included in the cruise fare, with excursions accompanied by experienced Swan Hellenic staff. Swan’s vessels feature open-seating dining.

The new cruise atlas offers Early Booking Savings up to 30%, with an additional $250 per person launch discount available on selected summer cruises for bookings made and deposited by March 1.

In 2010/11 the Minerva navigates the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, returning to the Mediterranean en route to Arabia and the Far East. Cruises range from 13 to 17 days, with Grand Voyage combination cruises available from 29 to 45 days.

Cruises commence April 7 with A Mediterranean Spring (Cadiz to Piraeus); followed by Lure of the Levant (Piraeus to Aqaba, Apr. 19); Classical Civilisations (Aqaba to Istanbul, May 1); Gods and Tsars (Istanbul to Valletta, May 15); and Romans and Moors (Valletta to Dover, May 30).

Round-trip Dover cruises include The North Cape (June 14), A French Vintage (June 29), Treasures of the Baltic (July 13); Sagas of Ice and Fire (July 28) and Highland & Islands (Aug. 12). The $250 per-person additional discount is available on these dates and on the 15-day “All Roads Lead to Rome” cruise sailing Aug. 26 from Dover to Naples. Cruise fares for the Aug. 26 cruise begin at $1,880 per person, double occupancy.

Fall 2010 cruises include The Venetian Republic (Naples to Piraeus, Sept. 9); The ‘Hospitable’ Sea (Piraeus to Istanbul, Sept. 23); Suleiman the Magnificent (Istanbul to Pireaus, Oct. 7); A Byzantine Mosaic (Piraeus to Valletta, Oct. 21); Roman Africa (Valletta to Limassol, Nov. 5) and Crusaders and Pharaohs (Limassol to Aqaba, Nov. 20).

Minerva’s winter 2010/11 cruises include Arabian Nights (Aqaba to Dubai, Dec. 4); Muscat to Malabar (Dubai to Colombo, Dec. 19); Treasures of the East (Colombo to Singapore, Jan 3); Islands of the South China Sea (Singapore to Hong Kong, Jan. 17); Palaces and Pagados (Hong Kong to Bangkok, Feb.1); Bangkok & Beyond (Bangkok to Chennai, Feb 16); Jewels of India (Chennai to Muscat, Mar. 2); and Ancient Cities in the Sand (Muscat to Aqaba, Mar. 16.).

Round-trip air fare and transfers are available from 21 US and Canadian gateway cities and are detailed online at www.swanhellenic.us.

The North American website also features Swan’s River Cruises aboard A-Rosa Stella (Rhône), A-Rosa Riva (Danube) and A-Rosa Aqua (Rhine). Swan’s River program mirrors Minerva’s all inclusive features.

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NOTE:

For Information on Cruises From New York Check out www.NYCruiseInfo.com.

For Information on Cruises From Baltimore, Norfolk, Philadelphia, Boston, Quebec, Montreal and the Great Lakes - Check out www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Swan Hellenic Introduces US Website

(Apr. 9, 2009)—Small-ship cruising specialist Swan Hellenic has launched a North American website, http://www.swanhellenic.us/, featuring exclusive promotions for the U.S. and Canadian market, complete details on the line’s ocean and river programs and pricing in US dollars.

Swan Hellenic, reborn in May 2008, features culturally enriching cruise programs aboard the 394-guest Minerva and the 199-guest A-Rosa Riva. Fares include shipboard gratuities and shore excursions in each port of call.

Savings up to 70% are available on selected departures and categories. Rates start at $1,995 per person, double occupancy, on the 14-night Eastern Mediterranean & Black Sea, May 12-26 itinerary. Air departure from North America on May 11, 2009.

Sailing from Piraeus (Athens) to Istanbul, the Minerva calls at Reythymno, Crete; Delos and Tinos, Greece; Dikili and Canakkale, Turkey; Nessebur, Bulgaria; Odessa (overnight), Sevastopol and Yalta, Ukraine, and includes an overnight on board in Piraeus and Istanbul. Oceanview cabins are priced at $3,195 per person.

The May 26-June 10 Grecian Odyssey cruise features an overnight in Istanbul and includes Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Santorini, Nauplia, Katakolon and Gythion, Greece; and Catania, Lipari, Sorrento, and Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy. Guests disembark after an overnight in Livorno on June 10. Fares for the 15-night cruise start at $1,995 per person; oceanview, $3,195. North American air departure is May 25.

The 16-night June 9, 2009, Journey from the Mediterranean begins in Livorno after an overnight on board and departs for Elba, Italy; Ajaccio, France; Mahón, and Mortil, Spain; Gibraltar; Seville (overnight); Leixóes, Portugal; La Coruna, Spain; Alderney, Channel Islands; and ends in Dover, England. Fares for minimum inside accommodations are $1,795 per person; oceanview, $2,795.

Air add-ons and transfers are available from 21 US and Canadian gateway cities from $1,107 to $1,627 per person.

Substantial savings also are available on selected voyages of Swan Hellenic’s Danube river cruises. Fares for the 10-night cruises aboard the A-Rosa Riva are priced at $2,195 per-person (river view) and $2,595 (balcony).

The cruises sail round-trip from Vienna May 10 and 30, 2009, with calls at Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Duernstein, Melk, Linz (Salzburg) and Passau (Munich). Air add-ons are available from $205 to $655 depending on cruise and gateway. North American air departure – May 9 and May 29. Cruise-only guests may deduct $400 from the cruise fare.

Swan Hellenic successfully relaunched in May 2008. Each cruise itinerary is a unique cultural travel experience, blending world-class sites with smaller, off the beaten track destinations. A program of tailor-made shore excursions is included in the cruise fare, with excursions accompanied by experienced Swan Hellenic staff. Both vessels feature open-seating dining.
To book or to request a brochure, contact your travel professional or Swan Hellenic at (866) 923 9182 or visit http://www.swanhellenic.us/

Swan Hellenic is a trading division of UK-based All Leisure Group, which also operates Voyages of Discovery cruise line and tour operator Discover Egypt.