All About MV Minerva Ship and Its Operations

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Detailed view of rope rigging and wooden ship exterior with shadows.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of rope rigging and wooden ship exterior with shadows.

The MV Minerva is a cruise ship that offers unique itineraries and a relaxed atmosphere.

It has a gross tonnage of 5,221 tons and a length of 91 meters, making it a relatively small ship.

The MV Minerva has a capacity for 540 passengers and a crew of 210, ensuring a personalized experience for all on board.

Its small size allows for a more intimate and peaceful experience, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway.

History

The MV Minerva has had a long and varied history. She initially sailed with Swan Hellenic until her lease ran out in 2003.

She then briefly sailed with Saga Cruises as the Saga Pearl, and was later chartered to Abercrombie & Kent as the Explorer II, offering voyages to Antarctica and South America from December to April, carrying up to 198 passengers.

From May to November, she sailed for the German-owned travel company Phoenix Reisen as the Alexander von Humboldt. This was a significant period in her history, showcasing her adaptability and ability to cater to different markets.

Credit: youtube.com, Explore Minerva, Swan Hellenic | Planet Cruise

In July 2007, it was announced that the ship had been acquired by the relaunched Swan Hellenic line, and her name would revert back to Minerva. This marked a new chapter in her history, one that would see her restored to her original name.

In early 2012, Minerva received a multi-million-pound, 83-day refit, a significant investment that would help her continue to offer high-quality cruises to her passengers.

Ship Details

The MV Minerva is a ship with a rich history, having been built in 1996 by T. Mariotti in Genoa, Italy. It's 29 years young!

Its flag state is Malta, which means it's registered and operated under the laws of that country. The ship's builder, T. Mariotti, has a reputation for crafting high-quality vessels.

Here's a breakdown of the ship's dimensions:

The MV Minerva has a top speed of 13 knots, which is equivalent to 24 kilometers per hour or 15 miles per hour.

Specifications

Photo of Ships on Port
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of Ships on Port

The mv Minerva is a ship with a rich history, and its specifications are quite impressive. It was built in 1996 by T. Mariotti in Genoa, Italy.

The ship's flag state is Malta, and it has a gross tonnage of 12,900 gt. Its length is 133 meters (436 feet), and its beam is 20 meters (66 feet). The ship's speed is 13 knots (24 km/h or 15 mph).

Here are some key statistics about the ship's capacity:

The ship has six decks, with four of them having cabins. There are a total of 197 cabins on board.

Minerva

Minerva is a 5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship that offers an intimate setting for a comfortable and immersive voyage.

The ship has a PC5 ice-strengthened hull and extra-large stabilisers to ensure a smooth journey, even in rough seas.

Minerva has 76 cabins, including 6 suites, all equipped with amenities like dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes, and minibars.

Credit: youtube.com, Ship Focus! MINERVA ELPIDA

Each cabin has a desk, a dressing area, and comfy seating, making it a comfortable retreat after a long day of exploring.

Guests requiring wheelchairs must bring their own, as only a small number of wheelchairs are stored onboard for emergencies.

To ensure ease of movement on the ship, wheelchairs and mobility aids must be no wider than 65cm.

The Oceanview stateroom on Vega is specifically designed to be ADA compliant, making it an option for guests with mobility needs.

Boarding Zodiacs and navigating uneven terrain can be challenging for wheelchair users, but the crew is trained to provide advice and assistance to ensure a memorable experience.

Construction and Ownership

The Minerva ship has a rich history of construction and ownership. It was first launched as the research vessel "Okean" in the Soviet Union.

The deal for the ship fell through, but it was later bought by Swan Hellenic in 1996. This marked the beginning of a long association with the company.

British Flag on a Ship Mast
Credit: pexels.com, British Flag on a Ship Mast

The ship's lease with Swan Hellenic ended in 2003, and it was briefly operated as the "Saga Pearl" by Saga Cruises. This was a short-lived stint, lasting only until the ship was chartered to Abercrombie & Kent.

As "Explorer II", the Minerva sailed to South America and Antarctica under the charter. The ship also sailed for Phoenix Reisen as "Alexander von Humboldt" for a brief period.

In July 2007, the ship was acquired by the re-launched company Swan Hellenic. This marked a return to its original owners.

The Minerva underwent a significant refurbishment in 2012, which cost around $17 million. The refit added 32 cabin balconies, among other amenities.

The ship's ownership changed again in 2017, when the UK-based company Swan Hellenic was acquired by G Adventures. This acquisition added small-ship cruises to G Adventures' adventure travel itineraries.

However, the acquisition was short-lived, as the vessel was acquired by Peter Insull on September 20, 2017.

Reviews and Feedback

Vibrant container ship docked at Hamburg harbor, reflecting on calm water under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Vibrant container ship docked at Hamburg harbor, reflecting on calm water under a clear blue sky.

The MV Minerva has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from passengers and crew alike. Many have praised its unique and intimate atmosphere, which allows for a truly immersive experience.

One of the standout features of the MV Minerva is its exceptional service. With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:1.5, every need is catered to with precision and care.

Passengers have raved about the ship's elegant and refined ambiance, which is perfectly suited for a sophisticated traveler.

Operations and Schedules

The MV Minerva's operations and schedules are quite impressive. The ship has a total of 7 decks, with a gross tonnage of 5,730 and a length of 143 meters.

The MV Minerva is a cruise ship that offers a range of itineraries, from 7 to 14 nights, visiting various ports in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Europe. It has a capacity for 540 passengers and a crew of 350.

The ship's daily schedule is carefully planned to ensure that passengers have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Itineraries

Credit: youtube.com, Dos and Don’ts of Itinerary Preparation

The MV Minerva's itinerary program is quite extensive, with a World Cruise being a major part of it.

The ship also offers sailings in Asia, making stops in Singapore and Hong Kong, which I'm sure are exciting destinations for many travelers.

Suez Canal and Mediterranean cruises are also on the menu, departing from various ports including Piraeus-Athens, Venice, and Civitavecchia-Rome.

Cruises Cancelled

Cruises on the Minerva and Voyager were cancelled in December 2016, affecting around 300 passengers.

The cancellations were due to operational reasons, according to the company.

The Minerva was scheduled for a 15-day trip from Marseille to Tenerife, while the Voyager was set to embark on a cruise to Borneo, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore.

Both cruise lines are owned by the All Leisure Group, which has been hit hard by the fall in the value of the pound following the EU referendum.

The company's revenue is predominantly in sterling, but its costs are mainly in foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar and euro.

Ship Information

Credit: youtube.com, Swan Hellenic Minerva Cruise Ship Video Tour

The MV Minerva is a cruise ship that's perfect for those who want to explore the world in style. It has a gross tonnage of 11,522.

This ship has a length of 173.99 meters and a beam of 22.64 meters.

The MV Minerva is designed to accommodate 550 passengers, making it an intimate and exclusive experience.

It has a total of 12 decks to explore, each with its own unique features and amenities.

The ship's speed is 18.5 knots, which is impressive for its size.

Incidents and Emergencies

The MV Minerva has had its fair share of incidents and emergencies.

In 2003, the ship ran aground off the coast of South Africa, resulting in significant damage to the hull.

The crew's quick response and repair efforts allowed the ship to continue on its journey.

A fire broke out in the engine room in 2006, but it was quickly extinguished by the crew.

The MV Minerva has also experienced periods of rough weather, including high winds and heavy seas.

Despite these challenges, the ship has continued to operate safely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the cruise ship Minerva?

The cruise ship Minerva was laid up in South America in mid-2022 due to sanctions against its parent company. It remains in Montevideo, awaiting resolution of its ownership issues.

Who is the owner of Minerva shipping?

Andreas Martinos is the owner of Minerva Marine, a Greek shipping firm with a diverse fleet. He oversees operations for 71 tankers, dry cargo, and container vessels.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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