CURRENCY AND PAYMENTS

On board Minerva all prices are in £ Sterling.

As there are limited foreign exchange facilities on board, we would recommend that you purchase any currency requirements you expect to need before you travel. There is little opportunity to visit banks whilst on tour. For purchases ashore, many shops accept most Travellers’ Cheques and major Credit Cards. A cashless system operates on board with passengers settling accounts at the end of the cruise.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards (2% surcharge), and cash are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts only.

MEDICAL ATTENTION

We hope you will find it unnecessary to use the ship’s medical facilities during your cruise. If, however, the occasion does arise, it is comforting to know that we do carry a fully qualified doctor and nurse. The National Health Service does not cover treatment on the ship and the doctor or nurse will make a charge for their services and will require payment for any medicines or drugs needed. Such charges are normally reclaimable under your travel insurance, less any excess. Minerva meets the UK and CDC Vessel Sanitation Programme standards and undergoes regular, unannounced inspections by these agencies and to date has not had an outbreak of Norovirus on board. All passengers must complete a health declaration form prior to embarkation. Please see Section 10 of the Fair Trading Conditions.

BARS & ALCOHOL

Please note that bars may have to be closed for the sale of alcohol and cigarettes in certain waters. Currently this includes Libya and Saudi Arabia. Only alcohol purchased in the ship’s bars and restaurants may be consumed on Minerva.

DINING ARRANGEMENTS

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged on an open sitting basis and may be taken in the Dining Room or the Veranda. Opening times will vary according to the daily programme.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Our on-board telecommunications systems mean that you are never more than a telephone call away from home or office. All cabins feature direct-dial telephones, whilst fax facilities are available at Reception. There are internet facilities in the Library. Personal laptops can be used in certain areas. Internet cards are available for purchase on board. Satellite coverage cannot be guaranteed.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Cabins and suites feature 220 volt current. The use of hair dryers, electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances should be checked with Reception, but, for safety reasons, the use of travel irons and any tea/coffee making equipment is strictly prohibited. Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

LAUNDRY & PRESSING

Valet service is available for laundry and pressing. A laundry bag and order form are provided in your cabin wardrobe. Some passengers may wish to make use of the self-service launderette on Atlantic Deck – washing powder is provided. Dry cleaning is not available on board.

WHAT TO WEAR

As a general rule, for days on board and ashore, summer clothing/casual wear is the order of the day. It should be light, comfortable and easy to care for. A sweater and jacket for cooler evenings and a light raincoat are also advisable.

On cruises to northern latitudes, warmer, layered clothing will be necessary. On more southerly cruises the weather will usually be suitable for sunbathing, so don’t forget your wrap, bathing suit, sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen. For trips ashore and for getting into and out of the ship’s tenders, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. You may also want to bring with you a camera, extra binoculars, umbrella and insect repellent.

In certain countries, shorts, short skirts, bare arms and shoulders will not be appreciated locally and you may be prohibited entry to certain sites. Advice will be given beforehand on board. In the evening, there is a recommended dress code and passengers are invited to wear ‘black tie’ and evening dresses for formal nights such as the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner (normally two/three ‘black tie’ evenings per cruise). A lounge suit or blazer and tie is also acceptable – the choice is yours. On other evenings the dress code will be semiformal or smart/ casual. Details will be given in the daily programme on board. Gentlemen are required to wear jacket and tie in the Dining Room for evening meals.

SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the open decks. Smoking outside these areas, including in cabins and on excursion coaches, is strictly prohibited.

EMERGENCY MUSTER DRILL

Normally before the ship sails, or exceptionally within 24 hours of embarkation, there will be a full muster stations drill. This exercise is to give all passengers precise information on the correct route from their cabins to the places where they should muster in an emergency, together with instructions about life jackets and emergency procedures. This Muster Drill is a requirement of law and all passengers must attend.