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Swan Hellenic

MV Minerva

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: John Robinson
# previous cruises: 8
Date of Trip: March 3, 2008
Itinerary: World Cruise Segment

Extremely over crowed, food was very average.

Have to say have been on the big liners - so just this time something different we are going on the Minerva - ex Explorer 2 - Swan Hellenic for the cruise Antarctica- South Africa - back to Athens - then to the UK 71 days - maybe something new to try - we think a comfortable ship with a walk around teak deck - old style - we have see how it goes - if not we go back to the big ships! - trip 3/3/09 - 12/5/09

Food in dinning room quite good, no delays, pity the noise spoiled the enjoyment and was glad to get out when finished. Staff worked their butts off, always happy. pity their paid peanuts, give them an extra tip they deserve it. Buffet bar as I said a zoo environment. Don't expect a gastronomical treat. Hamburgers served out at pool but usually stale/ lukewarm. You can pay extra fee to dine in special area with separate menu.

Cabins pretty good and spacious with good sized window. we on c deck so fair walk upstairs but needed the exercise. Bathroom ok and I'm six foot 2. Thought closet space a bit mean. In cabin TV. Again cabin crew very good, gave them extra tip as well. Only complaint was a continual banging noise as ship rolled, obviously something loose. Also engines a bit noisy.

Tip, Get in early for good seat. Shows reasonable, Typical syndicated shows that do the rounds ship to ship. Comedian told old english jokes I heard years ago on sitcom English shows but worth a giggle. Daytime usual quiz type contests. Lets not forget those stupid art auctions [Id rather forget them] Ships compare tended to lay praise on the performers a bit thick, make a good politician. Some young guys/girls employed to go round entertaining adults and kids during the day. They did a pretty good job.

Just about all Aussies, a wide variety of ages but not too many teens or kiddies as we went out of school holidays. a generally well behaved bunch, One german couple we met, talk about complain. Shared dinning table with Potato farmer and his missus. At least I learned a lot about potatoes[in between the shouting]. I wouldn't invite that turkey who wore baseball cap to dinner everyday but the rest were ok.

Fellow passengers were very nice.