I am pleased to announce that Swan Hellenic has re-established its former, valued, relationship with NADFAS.

As many of you will know, Swan Hellenic is a British cruise company with a long and distinguished history dating back to 1954. Ever since the days of R K Swan and our first chairman, Sir Mortimer Wheeler, Swan Hellenic has been offering discovery cruises to fascinating destinations throughout the world, combined with the ease of comfortable travel.

In 2007 we became part of the All Leisure group PLC that now includes Voyages of Discovery and Hebridean Island Cruises. Right from the very first cruise we operated, Swan Hellenic’s world renowned guest speakers have intrigued and enthralled our passengers with their knowledge and expertise, providing insights into each destination visited – whether that be a talk on the history or archaeology of ancient cities, a consideration of politics past and present, or a talk on the decorative and fine arts of a particular culture.

NADFAS is well known to us, both from when we enjoyed a successful working relationship with the organisation in the past, and as a long established and highly regarded arts organisation in its own right. It is justly renowned both for the quality of its speakers and the breadth of its speakers’ interests, which marry so well with ours.

I hope you will be tempted by the inspiring itineraries featured in this brochure which, together with the guest speakers travelling on each cruise, offer a stimulating holiday experience. You may also enjoy our latest River cruising programme, which we have recently launched with A-Rosa. Their modern, elegant river boats feature all outside cabins, many with Juliette balconies, and allow you to sail in comfort through the heart of Europe while enjoying the castles of the Rhine, the Gallic beauty of the Rhône and the history, culture and arts of the Danube.

Minerva’s country-house ambience of comfortable cabins, elegant public rooms, fine food and wine will be well known to some of you, as will the pleasures of fine dining and good conversation with just 320 like-minded companions. Our open seating dining policy allows you to dine at your leisure and ensures each course can be savoured and enjoyed at your own pace. All these continue our tradition of refined comfort and warm sociability. Our renewed relationship with NADFAS can only enhance this.

We hope you will choose to travel with us, and look forward to welcoming you on board Minerva soon.

Lord Sterling
Chairman