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Minerva%lt;br%gt;55 Night Grand Far East%lt;br%gt;Singapore to Sri Lanka

Minerva
55 Night Grand Far East
Singapore to Sri Lanka

Ship: Minerva
Cruise Line: Swan Hellenic Cruises
Departures:  03 January 2013
Duration: 55 Nights
Ports: Singapore, Semarang, Padang Bai, Bali, Lombok, Komodo Island, Ujung Pandang, Pare Pare, Sandakan, Manila, Hong Kong, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Da Nang, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Bangkok, Ko Samui, Port Klang, Penang, Langkawi, Port Blair, Chennai, Trincomalee, Galle, Colombo
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Singapore
Airport gateway (Departure) : Colombo

Itinerary

Date Port Arrive Depart
03 Jan Singapore, Singapore   Overnight
04 Jan Singapore, Singapore   2.00pm
05 Jan Cruising the Java Sea    
06 Jan Cirebon, Indonesia 12.00am 7.00pm
07 Jan Semarang, Indonesia 6.00am 8.00pm
08 Jan Cruising the Java Sea    
09 Jan Padang Bay (Bali), Singapore 8.00am 11.00pm
10 Jan Lembar Lombok, Indonesia 7.00am 2.00pm
11 Jan Komodo, Indonesia 12.00am 6.00pm
12 Jan Ujung Pandang, Indonesia 1.00pm 7.00pm
13 Jan Pare Pare, Indonesia 6.00am 10.00pm
14 Jan Cruise the Makasar Straits    
15 Jan Cruise the Celebes Sea    
16 Jan Sandakan, Borneo 8.00am 7.00pm
17 Jan Cruise the Sula Sea    
18 Jan Bohol, Philippines 8.00am 6.00pm
19 Jan Cruise the Philippine Archipelago, Philippines    
20 Jan Manila, Philippines 8.00am 11.00pm
21 Jan Cruising the South China Sea    
22 Jan Cruising the South China Sea    
23 Jan Hong Kong, China 7.00am Overnight
24 Jan Hong Kong, China   Overnight
25 Jan Hong Kong, China   7.00pm
26 Jan Cruising the South China Sea    
27 Jan Halong Bay, Vietnam 8.00am 9.00pm
28 Jan Hanoi, Haiphong, Vietnam 5.00am Midnight
29 Jan Cruising the South China Sea    
30 Jan Da Nang, Vietnam 7.00am 8.00pm
31 Jan Qui Nhon, Vietnam 1.00pm 7.00pm
01 Feb Nha Trang, Vietnam 8.00am 2.00pm
02 Feb Transit Saigon River    
  Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 1.00pm Overnight
03 Feb Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam   3.00pm
  Transit Saigon River    
04 Feb Cruising the South China Sea    
05 Feb Sihanoukville, Cambodia 6.00am 11.00pm
06 Feb Cruising the South China Sea    
07 Feb Bangkok, Thailand 8.00am Overnight
08 Feb Bangkok, Thailand   1.00pm
09 Feb Ko Samui, Thailand 11.00am 8.00pm
10 Feb Cruising the South China Sea    
11 Feb Cruising the South China Sea    
12 Feb Singapore, Singapore 8.00am Overnight
13 Feb Singapore, Singapore   Overnight
14 Feb Singapore, Singapore   2.00pm
15 Feb Port Klang, Malaysia 8.00am 7.00pm
16 Feb Penang, Malaysia 12.00am 11.00pm
17 Feb Langkawi, Malaysia 8.00am 3.00pm
18 Feb Cruise the Andaman Sea    
19 Feb Port Blair, Andaman Islands 7.00am 7.00pm
20 Feb Cruising the Indian Ocean    
21 Feb Cruising the Indian Ocean    
22 Feb Chennai, India 7.00am 7.00pm
23 Feb Cruising the Indian Ocean    
24 Feb Trincomalee, Sri Lanka 7.00am 2.00pm
25 Feb Galle, Sri Lanka 12.30am 6.00pm
26 Feb Colombo, Sri Lanka 7.00am  
27 Feb Colombo, Sri Lanka

* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected

 

Cabin Pricing

* All prices quoted are PER PERSON in Australian Dollars and include Port Charges and Fuel Charges (if applicable).
* All prices quoted are for the cruise departing on 03 January 2013. Prices for alternative departure dates may vary.

Gratuities included

Cabin Single Twin Triple Quad + Child + Infant
Category N - Baltic Deck Inside Aft---$14417------------Book or Enquire
Category I - Baltic Deck Outside Aft Portholes---$22313------------Book or Enquire
Category G - Aegean Deck Outside Aft Window---$25282------------Book or Enquire
Category D - Sun Deck Balcony Suite---$34942------------Book or Enquire
 

Ports

Singapore

This prosperous, ultra-modern city-state stills holds many surprises, sporting diverse cultures, world class hotels, street eateries and duty free. Explore cultural enclaves like Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. Visit such attractions as the Jurong Bird Park and Sentosa Island. Or Simply head to Orchard Road for world-class shopping.

Country - Singapore
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 5kms
Currency - Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Places of Interest
Sentosa Island, Little India, Thian Hock Kheng Temple, Orchard Road, Singapore Zoo

Semarang

The world's largest sacred Buddhist building lay hidden for hundreds of years.
But the monumental Borobudur was rediscovered in 1835. A magnificent view over the countryside is waiting for you on the highest terrace of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - as well as 72 stupas with Buddha figures. The nostalgic Loco steam train takes you right through the picturesque nature of the island. And the fragrance of Indonesian clove cigarettes hangs in the air as you learn about the history of the crackling kreteks.


Country - Indonesia
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency - Rupiah

Places of Interest

Bali

Bali is so picturesque that you could be fooled into thinking it was a painted backdrop: rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Country - Indonesia
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms
Currency - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Places of Interest
Kuta Beach, Bali Zoo, Komodo National Park

Lombok

 

Country - Indonesia
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport -

Currency - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Places of Interest

Komodo Island

They look like visitors from another age of our planet: the Komodo dragons*. These lizards, which roam freely in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can grow to a length of as much as 3 metres. Head out on an exciting tour of discovery.


Country -  Indonesia
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency -  Rupiah

Places of Interest

Ujung Pandang

Sulawesi is an island of the Indonesian archipelago east of Borneo, from which it is separated from it by the Makassar Strait. To the north is the Celebes Sea, to the east the Molucca Sea and the Banda Sea, and to the south the Flores Sea. It is the third largest island of the archipelago, after Borneo and New Guinea. Its coast is very indented and the island is formed of a central nucleus from which four peninsulas extend. It is extremely mountainous with peaks of over 3000 metres and several lakes. The climate is typically equatorial with heavy rains.

Country -  Indonesia
Distance from port to City -  1 km
Distance to Airport -  18 km
Currency - Rupiah (IDR)

Places of Interest

Pare Pare



Country -
Distance from port to City -

Distance to Airport -
Currency -

Places of Interest

Sandakan

 

Country - Malaysia

Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Places of Interest
 

Manila

Modern Manila is a teeming metropolis, with huge tower blocks crowding the few examples of colonial architecture that survived the bombing of the city during WWII. Many people use it only as a base for further travel, but the more adventurous will discover its friendliness and charm.

Country -  Phillipines
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 12kms
Currency - Phillipine Peso (PHP)

Places of Interest
Casa Manila, Intramuros Fort, Rizal Park, National Museum

Hong Kong

A city of great contrasts, Hong Kong presents a vivid and vibrant feast for the senses. You will find mirrored skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls and colourful markets vying for your attention. Take a cruise in a Chinese junk for a unique insight into this city’s lifeblood – its bustling harbour. Head to Victoria Peak for unforgettable views of the city. Visit Aberdeen Fishing Village to learn more about one of Hong Kong’s thriving communities, its boat people. Admire elaborate temples and stroll serene Chinese-style gardens. Or simply indulge in some serious retail therapy!

Country - Hong Kong (China)
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 20kms
Currency - Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)

Places of Interest
Tsim Sha Tsui, The Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Harbour, Lantau Island, Po Lin Monastery

Halong Bay

Often referred to as the ‘Bay of the Descending Dragons’, Halong Bay is your gateway to Hanoi, capital of Vietnam.

Country - Vietnam
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Places of Interest

Hanoi

Hanoi has shaken off its hostile attitude to travellers to become one of the most beguiling cities in Southeast Asia. It's slow-paced and pleasant, with a lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and French-colonial architecture. Hanoi personifies the spirit of historic Vietnam in the temples, monuments and pockets of ancient culture along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, yet perfectly reflects the rapid changes sweeping the country as Hanoian yuppies sip cappucinos in roadside cafés and compare mobile phones.


Country - Vietnam
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 35kms
Currency - Dong (VND)

Places of Interest
Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, B-52 Lake, Fine Arts Museum

Da Nang

Today this lovely town on the South China Sea reflects the peaceful era of pre-war Indochina. And up the coast, the grand Thien Mu Pagoda and stately Tu Duc Tomb welcome you to Hue, Vietnam's ancient royal capital, on the banks of the Perfume River.

Country - Vietnam
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 8kms
Currency - Dong (VND)

Places of Interest
China Beach, Marble Mountain, An nasiriyah, Cham Museum

Qui Nhon



Country - Vietnam
Distance from port to City -
Distance to Airport -
Currency - Vietnam Dong (VND)

Places of Interest

Nha Trang

Primarily known for its pristine beaches, Nha trang serves as a wonderfully serene prelude to the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. The almost transparent waters are warm year-round. The humidity is the lowest in all of Vietnam. And the lush, mountainous backdrop only adds to this picture of tropical paradise. It's tempting to do nothing more enterprising in Nha Trang than snorkeling and lying about the beach in the shade of a casuarina tree.

Country - Vietnam
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port Airport - 20kms
Currency - Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Places of Interest
Cau da Port and Village, Long Son Pagoda, Ponagar Cham Tower

Ho Chi Minh City

Over a quarter of a century has passed since the Vietnam War ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The port city of Vung Tau is a seaside beach resort located about two hours east of Ho Chi Minh City, with shopping, discos and a range of eateries. As the closest beach in the vicinity, Vung Tau is a daytrip from Ho Chi Minh City offering a retreat from the city heat.
Country - Vietnam
Distance from port to City - 60 kms
Distance from port to Airport - 80kms
Currency - Vietnam Dong (VND)

Places of Interest
Cu Chi Tunnels, City Hall, Renufication Hall, War Remnants Museum

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Sihanoukville, Cambodia – Dry landing
Latitude: 10°37' N
Longitude: 103°31' E

The ship will berth at Sihanoukville to allow access to the World Heritage Listed temples of Angkor Wat. 

Source: www.orionexpeditions.com 

Bangkok

The port of Laem Chabang is the gateway to the many exotic destinations in the Gulf of Siam including its Bangkok. Visit ancient Buddhist temples and palaces, the colourful floating market, great shopping, fabulous cuisine and cultural shows.

Country - Thailand
Distance from port to City - 150kms
Distance from port to Airport - 150kms
Currency - Thai Baht (THB)

Places of Interest
Grand Palace, The Golden Buddha, Floating Markets

Ko Samui

Ko Samui, Thailand – Wet landing
Latitude: 9°28' N
Longitude: 99°60' E

Surrounded by sixty other islands in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui is Thailand's third largest island. Appearing on maps since the time of the Ming Dynasty the island was probably first settled by Malay fisherman and people from Southern China. Historically Ko Samui and its people survived in a subsistence style but that has steadily changed since the 1980's as tourism took over as the predominate industry on the island. Despite the dominance of tourism Ko Samui has not lost its charm, there are still undeveloped quiet beaches (as well as the more well known busier ones) the people are friendly and the villages welcoming. 

Source: www.orionexpeditions.com.au

 

Penang

Dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient", Penang has so much to offer its visitors: charming colonial architecture, ancient places of worship, tropical fauna and flora, hillside retreats and fantastic beaches. Of course, Penang's mouth-watering delights, in particular, the hawker fare, is a culinary experience not to be missed.

Country - Malaysia
Distance from port to City - 30kms
Distance to Airport - 40kms
Currency - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Places of Interest
Penang Bridge, Snake Temple, Reclining Buddha

Langkawi

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks – the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret".

Country - Malaysia
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from port to Airport - 10kms
Currency - Malaysian Rinngit (MYR)

Places of Interest
Pulau Dayang Bunting, Mangroves, Caving

Port Blair



Country -
Distance from port to City
Distance to Airport
Currency

Places of Interest

Chennai

Chennai is India's fourth largest city and the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. As a commercial center, it is the automobile capital of India. Culturally speaking, Chennai is famous for its amazing temples, historic landmarks and architecture. Chennai is the gateway to the ancient city of Mahabalipuram. Marvel at the Five Rathas, the magnificent Shore Temple, Parthasarathy temple and the San Thome Basilica.

Country - India
Distance from port to City -20kms
Distance to Airport - 271kms
Currency - Indian Rupees (INR)

Places of Interest
Mahabalipuram, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Tamil Traditions

Colombo

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is a land of primeval jungles inhabited by leopards and elephants, wondrous ruins of the great civilizations of ages past, and a modern city. Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is where western technology meets the frenzy of a traditional Asian metropolis.

Country - Sri Lanka
Distance from port to City - 2kms
Distance from port to Airport - 2kms
Currency - Sri Lanka Rupees (LKR)

Places of Interest
National Museum, Pettah Bazaar

 

Map

Minerva Cabin Info

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Cruise line info

Swan Hellenic Cruises

Swan Hellenic Cruises

With over 50 years experience in discovery cruising, Swan Hellenic know all the ingredients for the perfect cruise. From the onboard environment to inspiring itineraries, and from our knowledgeable reservations team to our European ship's officers and attentive crew, we are committed to providing you with the ultimate discovery cruise experience.

 

Ship info

Minerva

PLEASE NOTE:

From November 2011 to March 2012, Minerva will be embarking on a visionary multi-million pound upgrade to take Swan Hellenic and Minerva forward into the next era.
New specifications will feature an increase in balcony cabins, taking the total number to 44 balcony cabins, or 23% of passenger accommodation. There will also be an upgrade for all cabin ensuites and added space and comfort in public areas.
Please visit
here for more information on this exciting new development.


 
No matter which corner of the globe you choose to discover, after exploring ashore, you will always appreciate Minerva’s stately comforts: a relaxed lounge with entertainment, well-stocked library, restaurants, gym, Wheeler bar and Shackleton's bar. An elegant environment in which polished wood and gleaming brass are complemented by works of art and fresh flowers.



Dining

This ship has 2 restaurants

  • Main Dining Restaurant
  • Veranda Dining Room

Entertainment

  • Darwin Lounge / Lecture Hall
  • Wheeler Bar
  • Shackleton's Bar
  • Cinema

Onboard Activities

  • Swimming Pool
  • Gymnasium
  • Sauna & Spa Services 
  • Beauty Salon
  • Library / Card Room 
  • Smoking Room
  • Boutique and Gift Shop
  • Photography Services 

Ship facts

Ship Details
Gross Tonnage 12,500 Tonnes
Star Rating TBA
Size/Style of Ship Mid-Size
Entered Service 29/04/1996
Registry The Bahamas
Former Name N/A
Length 132.9 metres
Beam 20.1 metres
Draft 5.8 Metres
Propulsion/Propellers NA
Maximum Cruising Speed (knots) 15
Passenger Capacity (twin) 350
Crew 160
Nationality of Officers British/European
Nationality of Crew International
Total Cabins TBA
Total Inside cabins  
Total Outside cabins  
Cabin/Suites with Balcony  
Wheelchair Accessible Cabins  
Passenger Decks 6
Cabin Electricity 110v
Elevators 2
Self-Service Laundry Yes
Onboard Currency (subject to change)  

Minerva Deck plans

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