Swan Hellenic's itineraries are a good combination of world class destinations and new ports of call never before visited by Minerva. So while she will visit Dubai, Chennai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, Minerva will also return to Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Penang, Port Kelang, Manila and Phuket. Maiden ports include Sur in Oman, Belawan in Indonesia and Lahad Datu in Borneo. Swan Hellenic has researched the best places to visit in each destination, such as Ghandi's birthplace in India, the tropical beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the bustling streets of Hanoi and the nature trails in some the best preserved forest in Borneo – including a visit to the orangutan orphanage in Sepilok.
These new itineraries take advantage of Minerva's small size visiting "off the beaten track" destinations and ports beyond the reach of larger ships. For example, she will sail up the Chao Praya River to the heart of Bangkok and berth in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City when visiting Vietnam. Other highlights include sailing in the backwaters of Kerala, Cochin, cruising in Halong Bay, visiting the silk town of Hoi An in Vietnam and spending Christmas and New Year's Eve cruising off the coast of India.
Swan Hellenic's newly launched winter 2010 Far East brochure can also be viewed online: www.swanhellenic.com/fareastbrochure.
To book a cruise or obtain a brochure, call a Swan Hellenic Sales Representative on 0845 017 0017 or visit your local travel agent. For the latest cruise itineraries and special offers, visit the website: www.swanhellenic.com.
Vietnam (c) Linda Garrison