Since the announcement in April 2007 that I had bought the Swan Hellenic brand, I have been further encouraged by your correspondence and enthusiastic support for this distinctive company that has operated its own unique brand of discovery cruising since 1954. In conversations with you, both on board and ashore, I have listened to your observations with keen interest.

During these past months we have actively investigated the options available in order to retain the ethos long associated with Swan Hellenic and I am pleased to announce that discovery cruising will resume from 23 May 2008 aboard our former 350-berth ship, Minerva.

Minerva combines the benefits of a small ship with the comfort of a country house style hotel, a combination that proved to be so popular when we previously operated the ship. An expansive refurbishment programme will be undertaken prior to the vessel re-entering service.

The 2008/9 programme of discovery cruises features established favourite destinations - world-class cities such as St Petersburg, Istanbul, Venice and Rome - as well as those less easily accessible destinations, where a smaller ship such as Minerva is often able to berth alongside. In addition we introduce you to a new frontier with our Antarctica expedition cruising season.

Many of the cruises in the 2008/9 season are already well subscribed. This website highlights cruises still available and introduces you to new itineraries for Spring, Summer and Autumn 2009 together with the Guest Speakers travelling with us in 2008/9; among the names of many Guest Speakers long associated with Swan Hellenic you will also discover some exciting new ones.

My colleagues at Swan Hellenic, our Guest Speakers and many of the ship's company - with whom you may well have travelled in the past - look forward to welcoming you back on board Minerva in 2008/9 or, if you are contemplating your first cruise with us, to introducing you to the original concept of discovery cruising aboard our much loved ship.

We look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva in 2008/9.

Lord Sterling
Chairman