Swan Hellenic was delighted last night to be presented with the prestigious Condé Nast ‘Favourite Cruise Line: Small Ships’, a notable award for this historic company, which is now part of the All Leisure group plc. Swan Hellenic dates back to 1954, when the Swan family had the vision to create a unique cruise operation. The principles and foundation stones established in those early years remain a significant part of the company’s ethos today.

Colin Stone, Managing Director, comments:

“This award is a tremendous achievement and accolade for this company and is testament to the level of commitment from the officers and crew of mv Minerva and our shore side staff.  In the past two years, since being reunited with mv Minerva, our former 350 berth country house-style ship, we have strived to deliver quality destination cruises to our loyal passengers, many of whom return to cruise with us year after year. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and the kind voters of Condé Nast who have made all the hard work of earlier years so rewarding.”

mv Minerva is currently sailing in the Mediterranean after enjoying a very successful season in the Northern Waters. In November the ship sails south to Antarctica, where for the last few years the vessel has operated exhilarating expedition cruises to the White Continent. Winter 2010/11 sees mv Minerva deployed to the warmer waters of India and the Far East, therefore providing an extensive array of special interest cruises to a wide range of destinations across the globe.  

Notes to editor

Swan Hellenic has been defining the art of discovery cruising for more than 50 years; offering knowledgeable travellers the opportunity to cruise the world in intimate country house style on Minerva. Each cruise itinerary is a cultural travel experience; combining the world’s most treasured must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten track destinations which are every bit as beautiful and inspiring. Uniquely, Swan Hellenic includes sight-seeing excursions at every port visited and all gratuities to staff on board and ashore, within the price of the holidays.