The largest British owned cruise company which specialises in offering small ship discovery cruising has been evaluating their fleet deployment in view of an increased number of "no fly" cruises they plan to operate in Summer 2011.

All of Swan Hellenic - Minerva's season of "no fly" cruises will be operating from the heart of our maritime nation - the historic naval city of Portsmouth in Hampshire, which is supported by excellent transportation links via road, rail, air and sea networks. The port is currently in the process of building a modern new passenger terminal which is planned to open in Spring 2011 in time for the cruising season.

In addition, the group are extending the number of ex UK "no fly" cruises operated by Voyages of Discovery vessel mv Discovery whose Summer 2011 season will commence with a short series of cruises from Portsmouth, therefore benefiting a wider number of their dedicated passengers who live locally and who will be able to join the vessel and enjoy the easy access that this south coast port offers. mv Discovery will re-position back later in the year to her home port of Harwich where she will operate a longer programme of "no fly" cruises and continue her association with the port.

The company's third ship Hebridean Island Cruises - Hebridean Princess will be joining her fleet colleagues in 2011 by offering a small dedicated programme from Portsmouth too - Hebridean Princess is no stranger to this location as she has visited this historical port in earlier years.

Lord Sterling, Chairman of Swan Hellenic and Hebridean Island Cruises

"We have spent this winter considering the most convenient departure port for our 2011 season of "no fly" cruises from the UK for Minerva and have concluded that the historic city of Portsmouth, centrally situated on the south coast with well developed transport infrastructure, provides the easiest access for the ship which we know will benefit our passengers greatly. We are delighted at the support we have received from the port and their investment into their new passenger terminal which will be completed early in 2011.

Minerva will be joined by Hebridean Princess and by the group's largest vessel mv Discovery which will also offer a short series of dedicated cruises from this historic maritime port".

Martin Putman, Port Manager - Portsmouth Commercial Port

"We are delighted that the largest British owned cruise company, All Leisure group plc, has decided to place three of their ships at Portsmouth for a series of cruises in 2011.The work we have undertaken in developing the port infrastructure, and the investment we are making in our new passenger terminal, demonstrates our commitment to offering quality service to those travelling through the Port. We look forward to welcoming these three ships, which each have a long renowned history, and anticipate great interest from passengers looking for a quality holiday in 2011."

The three All Leisure group ships Minerva, Discovery & Hebridean Princess will cruise past famous ships of navies from earlier years as they sail alongside HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the home of the Mary Rose also providing passengers with a spectacular view of the Spinnaker Tower as they enter and leave the port.