Experienced Captain and Crew
On board Minerva you will travel with a distinguished team headed by a professional expedition leader and cruise director, and supported by a Captain and officers who know every inch – and every strength – of their hardy vessel.
Exceptional Expedition Leaders
The exceptional calibre of expedition staff and lecturers who accompany each Minerva voyage (including: naturalists, geologists, zoologists, polar explorers, historians, ecologists, oceanographers and mountaineers) is a point of real pride. Their expertise makes a very special contribution to the unique on-board mood of relaxed conviviality blended with the real sense of adventure and discovery. They provide on-board briefings as well as escorting all shore excursions, bringing into focus the unique environment you are visiting.
Smooth Sailing
Minerva is equipped with retractable stabilizers, designed to minimize side-to-side motion in potentially rough seas. Bow thrusters add precise manoeuvrability and an ice-strengthened hull takes the capable Minerva with confidence into southern harbours from Paradise Bay to the Falklands.
Safe
A&K and Minerva puts safety first and foremost. Minerva is a double hulled Ice Class vessel with an ice rating (Italian RINA Class 1-D) which exceeds that required for operating safely in Antarctica. She is equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions. In the event of an emergency, lifeboats aboard Minerva' are enclosed and equipped with survival gear, blankets, food and water.
Ecologically Sound
A key concern of Minerva is the safeguarding of the fragile ecosystems through which we sail. Crew and expedition staff observe the highest standards of environmental awareness ensuring that we leave nothing behind but our footprints – and take nothing with us except memories.
Just the Right Size
On other cruises, in different destinations, Minerva can carry up to 360 passengers. However here in Antarctica, A&K has chosen to limit her complement to a maximum of 198 guests. Great crowds of passengers not only dilute the Antarctic experience, but also reduce the number of Zodiac and shore excursions possible each day. This allows A&K to offer only outside cabins and suites, so everyone has a private window (or porthole!) on to the amazing landscapes. Whilst on board, the smaller passenger list gives everyone extra room to stretch out and enjoy public areas like the gymnasium, library and beauty salon.
Just the Right Atmosphere
Although Minerva rivals many traditional cruise ships in terms of comfort and on-board amenities, the atmosphere is fundamentally different. She’s an extremely comfortable, travelling ‘base camp’ for a unique maritime adventure.
Staff and crew will surprise you with ad hoc lectures, endearing entertainment, wonderful meals and you will be rubbing shoulders with some of the leaders in Antarctic study and exploration. It all adds up to create a unique ‘non cruise ship’ atmosphere on board: informal, unregimented and with a warm sense of camaraderie.
For details of the itineraries offered by the Minerva, please refer to ‘Journeys’.
Accommodation
Cabins range from Standard (140 sq. ft) and Superior (162 sq. ft) to Deluxe (226 sq. ft) and Suites (290 sq. ft). All are outside cabins with a window or porthole and all have private bathrooms, writing desk, wardrobe, television and radio, hairdryer, binoculars, direct dial telephone and air-conditioning. Superior Cabins enjoy a fridge, bath and walk-in wardrobe, whilst the Deluxe Cabin adds a separate sitting area with sofa and double wardrobe. Finally the Suites have floor to ceiling patio doors leading to a private balcony.
Facilities
The Dining Room with panoramic windows and full service - The Verandah Restaurant in an informal buffet style - On deck BBqs - The Lounge and social hub of the ship - Shakleton’s Bar complete with pianist - South Cape Bar - Comprehensive schedule of lectures - Library - Card room - Shop - Medical Centre - Gym - Sauna - Massage and full beauty service - Cinema - Laundrette and laundry service.
For details of the itineraries offered by the Minerva, please refer to ‘Journeys’.
from £4,995 per person per night