14 July 2009

Swan Hellenic returns to Far East

Swan Hellenic is taking advantage of the small size of the ship Minerva with a series of India and the Far East cruises in winter 2010/11.

The ship is returning to the Far East after spending several years exploring the Antarctic in the winter months.

New itineraries includes visits to Oman, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Minerva will visit Dubai, Chennai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, as well as returning to Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Penang, Port Kelang, Manila and Phuket.

Maiden ports include Sur in Oman, Belawan in Indonesia and Lahad Datu in Borneo.

The vessel will sail up the Chao Praya River to the heart of Bangkok and berth in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City when visiting Vietnam.

Other highlights include sailing in the backwaters of Kerala, Cochin, cruising in Halong Bay, visiting the silk town of Hoi An in Vietnam and spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruising off the coast of India.

Managing director Colin Stone said: "We’ve listened to the requests of our passengers and what they have asked for is exotic destinations and winter sunshine - so what better way to provide this than by a voyage to the Far East.

"We are always striving to increase standards and it’s encouraging to see that our efforts are being so well received."

Fares start at £1,225 per person.

by Phil Davies