Tour Dates

Minerva

(198 Passengers)

Introduction.

The Minerva (formerly the Explorer II) brings a rare touch of comfortable, informal refinement to Antarctic travel. Launched in 1996, she has been likened to a country-house hotel, a comparison confirmed by her fresh flowers, gleaming brass, polished wood and works of original art.

Strength and Style

There's strong steel beneath the graceful exterior. The Minerva is well equipped to handle the open-water cruising and icy channels of Antarctic seas. Her speed, ice-strengthened hull, stabilizers and bow thrusters give her the power, stability and agility necessary to ensure a safe, smooth passage for all on board. Without sacrificing an iota of strength, the Minerva sets new standards of style in expeditionary cruising.

Designed For Your Comfort.

The Minerva is a ship in a class of its own: elegant, yet unpretentious; stylish, yet stalwart. The delightful Lounge is a passenger favorite, a place to compare notes before the day's Zodiac excursion, listen to a lively talk by an on-board naturalist, or join friends for after-dinner coffee. Two open bars-provide additional corners in which to relax.

An exceptional Library offers a wide range of titles, fact or fiction, as well as newspapers, games and puzzles. There's an Exercise Room for the dedicated fitness enthusiast, and a Gift Shop for remembrances of your expedition.

Adventuring in Comfort

The Minerva boasts uncommonly elegant guest quarters, among the most spacious and comfortable available on any Antarctic cruise. Many have walk-out balconies, and all have outside views, private bathrooms (with bath or shower and hairdryers), satellite television service, telephone and individual climate controls. Beds can be arranged in twin or queen configurations, and full laundry service (as well as a self-service launderette) is available.

Space to Meet and Mingle

The Minerva sets high standards of comfort in her public quarters as well. Her Promenade Deck offers glorious views of Antarctic seascapes. A state-of-the-art lecture lounge is a popular center for daily discussions and updates (though if you prefer you can watch the proceedings on closed-circuit television in your cabin). An exceptional library offers a wide range of fact and fiction titles, as well as facilities for passenger e-mail access.

For the fitness enthusiast, there's a health club and spa with sauna and whirlpool. Visit the beauty salon for a quick trim, and the boutique for remembrances of your expedition.

Two elevators service all passenger decks.

International Cuisine.

Dining on board is a sophisticated pleasure. The Minerva offers two dining rooms, both with simultaneous open seatings. In the main Dining Room or the casual Bridge Café, you'll be seated where and with whom you please, ready to enjoy a leisurely meal selected from imaginative, international menus with a gourmet touch. There is always a selection of light fare and vegetarian dishes, and special diets can be accommodated with sufficient advance notice.

Cheers! On board, all bar drinks -excepting premium liquors and premium wines such as champagne - are included in your fare cost. Relax and swap adventurer's tales in two cocktail lounges on board.

Warm, Personal Service

To ensure the highest quality of service, 'Minerva' carries a crew of 146 to accommodate just 199 passengers.

Scheduled Bridge Visits.

If you've ever wondered what gets entered into a ship's log, or whether mariners still use a sextant, just visit the Bridge and ask the officer on duty. Scheduled visits to the bridge are offered on each cruise, for a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of blue-water navigation.

Amenities.

There is a TV/DVD in every cabin and a smoking room for those who choose. Gratuities for the trip are included in the fare.

A day at sea can be as busy, or as relaxing, as you wish. Enjoy a guide's presentation in the lounge or auditorium. View the awe-inspiring scenery from the ship's Promenade deck, where you can circumnavigate the ship on an easy walk or jog. Undertake an invigorating workout in the gymnasium. Unwind in the sauna. Enjoy a massage in the ship's full-service beauty salon. Or browse the onboard shops and take in a movie in the cinema. With so many options, you can set your own pace aboard the Minerva.

Included.

Cruise and hotel accommodations; accommodation onboard; meals, coffee, tea and juice throughout duration of cruise; onboard lectures and activities; port charges and all shore excursions unless specifically stated.

Not Included.

Air transportation and transfers to and from Minerva except as noted in the itinerary; visa, passport, vaccination charges and airport departure taxes; pre and post cruise activities; meals not included in the ship cruise itinerary; emergency evacuation charges; onboard gratuities; personal expenses including laundry, postage, personal clothing requirements; medical expenses; personal travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as bar charges (alcohol, bottled water, sodas); communication costs (phone, fax, email) and shop purchases.

Itineraries may be subject to change.

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