So today is a sea day - a day where the ship heads towards the next port, and the passengers fill their time while we sail.
And that is why Peter, and the Lecturers, and the after dinner speakers and acts are on board - to help the passengers fill their time.
The Minerva is a delightful ship and one of our favourites. It has such a relaxed, unhurried air about it. During our two cruises so far, we have never had to look for somewhere to sit, be it in the lounges or on the deck. I will admit the Veranda Restaurant has looked a little full sometimes, but still, there has always been a table or too free. They had to bring an extra chair into the Darwin Lounge once, but that was because of the very excellent after dinner speaker of the night, so that would be the exception to prove the rule I think.
Perhaps it's because it's a small ship, and therefore not many passengers, but the Minerva doesn't really do queues either - I think the longest I've seen was for the BBQ on the rear deck once. Little things like this lessen any chance of stress while you are you are supposed to be having a relaxing holiday. The staff are very attentive, so much so that you are rarely given the opportunity to carry your own plate from the buffet to the table. The food is very good, we've always been given a good cabin with a relatively modern bathroom and everything is kept very clean. You can't really go wrong, can you?
But it doesn't suit everyone. If you were looking for loud music and the chance to dance into the wee hours of the morning whilst supping copious amounts of alcohol - then this is not the ship for you. Dancing show girls, climbing walls, wave machines, casino's and fast food are not the thing here. Everything is very low key and discreet and if you are up after 10.30 at night, it's pretty quiet in the bars. I think of my friends and family, and I think many of them would be bored.
But not Peter and I. We really like this ship. We really like how well looked after we are, the quiet of the library, and the under stated comfort around us.
Swan Hellenic prides itself on providing cruises to expand the passenger's knowledge and awareness of the world around us, and as a small ship, it can get to places others can't reach. It appeals to our middle aged sense of adventure.
So what else can I tell you about the Minerva?
Well, as I said, the food is good, and like all ships, you get to eat far more than you need. For Peter, one of the highlights of this ship is that he can help himself to the vanilla ice cream twice a day - after lunch and after dinner.
And help himself he does! He's been eating, as one passenger described it, "Half a bucket of ice cream", after each of these meals. He's been having me in hysterics when I've watched him fill his bowl with almost guilty glee, carrying mountains of the stuff back to the table. He's like a child, absolutely made up that no one's stopped him from taking so much.
Another reason why we really like the Minerva.
So what do we do on a sea day? Well, Peter does have to work, that includes his online work as well as his afternoon class. But at least he gets to do it looking out to calm seas and blue skies. And when he's finished, we get to relax on deck and watch the sun go down. Very nice!
Tomorrow we will be in Albania. This is a first for most people on board, and we have no idea what to expect. I remember my sister visiting Yugoslavia before it broke up, and telling me what a wonderful place it was. So, roll on Sarande.
And that is why Peter, and the Lecturers, and the after dinner speakers and acts are on board - to help the passengers fill their time.
The Minerva is a delightful ship and one of our favourites. It has such a relaxed, unhurried air about it. During our two cruises so far, we have never had to look for somewhere to sit, be it in the lounges or on the deck. I will admit the Veranda Restaurant has looked a little full sometimes, but still, there has always been a table or too free. They had to bring an extra chair into the Darwin Lounge once, but that was because of the very excellent after dinner speaker of the night, so that would be the exception to prove the rule I think.
Perhaps it's because it's a small ship, and therefore not many passengers, but the Minerva doesn't really do queues either - I think the longest I've seen was for the BBQ on the rear deck once. Little things like this lessen any chance of stress while you are you are supposed to be having a relaxing holiday. The staff are very attentive, so much so that you are rarely given the opportunity to carry your own plate from the buffet to the table. The food is very good, we've always been given a good cabin with a relatively modern bathroom and everything is kept very clean. You can't really go wrong, can you?
But it doesn't suit everyone. If you were looking for loud music and the chance to dance into the wee hours of the morning whilst supping copious amounts of alcohol - then this is not the ship for you. Dancing show girls, climbing walls, wave machines, casino's and fast food are not the thing here. Everything is very low key and discreet and if you are up after 10.30 at night, it's pretty quiet in the bars. I think of my friends and family, and I think many of them would be bored.
But not Peter and I. We really like this ship. We really like how well looked after we are, the quiet of the library, and the under stated comfort around us.
Swan Hellenic prides itself on providing cruises to expand the passenger's knowledge and awareness of the world around us, and as a small ship, it can get to places others can't reach. It appeals to our middle aged sense of adventure.
So what else can I tell you about the Minerva?
Well, as I said, the food is good, and like all ships, you get to eat far more than you need. For Peter, one of the highlights of this ship is that he can help himself to the vanilla ice cream twice a day - after lunch and after dinner.
And help himself he does! He's been eating, as one passenger described it, "Half a bucket of ice cream", after each of these meals. He's been having me in hysterics when I've watched him fill his bowl with almost guilty glee, carrying mountains of the stuff back to the table. He's like a child, absolutely made up that no one's stopped him from taking so much.
Another reason why we really like the Minerva.
So what do we do on a sea day? Well, Peter does have to work, that includes his online work as well as his afternoon class. But at least he gets to do it looking out to calm seas and blue skies. And when he's finished, we get to relax on deck and watch the sun go down. Very nice!
Tomorrow we will be in Albania. This is a first for most people on board, and we have no idea what to expect. I remember my sister visiting Yugoslavia before it broke up, and telling me what a wonderful place it was. So, roll on Sarande.
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