mv Minerva

The 1996-built MV Minerva cruise ship has a long and distinctive history, evolving from a planned Ukrainian (USSR) spy vessel into an upscale, small-sized liner designed for UK passengers seeking a country-house hotel atmosphere and enrichment-focused travel.

The Minerva (IMO 9144196) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 248503000) and registered in Valletta. When previously operating as a cruise ship, she was Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 309477000) and registered in Nassau.

As of 2024, the registered shipowner is EVANTE INTERNATIONAL TRADING. The 1992-founded company, headquartered in Athens, Greece, specializes in crude oil, petrochemicals and coal trading.

NEWS: In August 2024, it was announced that Hansa Touristik plans to restart cruise operations in 2025 by chartering MV Minerva. The company’s maiden voyage is a 9-night itinerary (Bremerhaven to Kiel) visiting English Channel ports and transiting the Kiel Canal.

In 2024, MV Minerva is scheduled for a major drydock refurbishment.

Before ceasing ocean cruise operations in 2023, Hansa Touristik had chartered the 1966-built cruiseferry Ocean Majesty.

History - construction and ownership

The original Minerva was launched as “Okean,” a USSR research vessel. After the initial deal collapsed, she was acquired in 1996 by Swan Hellenic (then a subsidiary of P&O). When her lease expired in 2003, she briefly operated as “Saga Pearl” for Saga Cruises and was later chartered to Abercrombie & Kent as “Explorer II,” sailing to South America and Antarctica.

For a short period, MV Minerva also sailed for Phoenix Reisen as “Alexander von Humboldt.” In July 2007, the re-launched Swan Hellenic repurchased the vessel.

The 350-passenger Minerva underwent a USD 17 million refurbishment in 2012. The refit added 32 step-out balconies, a forward-facing observation bar (Orpheus) on the top deck, an Internet lounge, an expanded Shackleton Bar, a walkaround Promenade Deck and upgraded cabin amenities.

In 2017, UK-based Swan Hellenic was acquired by G Adventures, adding small-ship cruising to the company’s adventure-travel portfolio. The acquisition followed Swan Hellenic entering administration (January 4, 2017). All future bookings (over 13,000) were canceled and refunded.

On September 20, 2017, Minerva was acquired by Peter Insull. There remains potential for her to be rebuilt or converted into a charter or private yacht.

Decks and Cabins

Accommodation received major upgrades during the vessel’s 2011 refit. Of the 197 staterooms, 32 were fitted with step-out balconies (all on Sundeck). Combined with the existing 12 Balcony Suites on Bridge Deck, Minerva now offers 44 balcony accommodations. The remaining outside cabins have windows or portholes. The ship also features 46 inside cabins and 4 wheelchair-accessible cabins across multiple categories.

Several staterooms are designated for solo travelers, as the line traditionally carries many single passengers.

The vessel has 6 passenger decks, including 4 cabin decks.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

All meals aboard Minerva are served either in the Swan Restaurant on Main Deck or in the Veranda, an informal buffet-style venue. MDR cuisine showcases classic English fare similar to that of a traditional restaurant. Signature dishes include soups and meat specialties. Many menus incorporate regional influences, and ingredients are often locally sourced.

Swan Hellenic is known for its enrichment programming, so traditional cruise entertainment is limited. In the Darwin Lounge on Main Deck, guests can enjoy performances by a young quartet playing various instruments. Evening solo concerts are also offered. The ship’s crew stages one show per voyage.

Itineraries

MV Minerva’s itinerary program features a World Cruise as well as seasonal deployments in Asia (with calls to Singapore and Hong Kong), the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, departing from Piraeus-Athens, Venice and Civitavecchia-Rome.