Shores of the Orient
Cruise 608(NT)
28 Jan-16 Feb 2024, 20 days
Fares from �3740
Cruise 608
1-16 Feb 2024, 16 days
Fares from �3345
| Fares | |||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | ||
| 608NT | 608 | ||
 |
Owner's Suite | 6995 | 6600 |
 |
Suite | 6640 | 6245 |
 |
Deluxe | 5760 | 5365 |
 |
Superior | 5235 | 4840 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | |||
 |
A Deck outside | 4795 | 4400 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 4620 | 4225 |
 |
B Deck outside | 4440 | 4045 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 4180 | 3785 |
 |
A Deck inside | 3825 | 3430 |
 |
B Deck inside | 3740 | 3345 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | |||
|
A Deck outside | 6640 | 6160 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 6395 | 5915 |
|
B Deck outside | 6143 | 5663 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 5779 | 5299 |
|
A Deck inside | 4939 | 4459 |
|
B Deck inside | 4829 | 4349 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | |||
UNDERWATER WORLD & ART
Discover the underwater world on snorkelling sessions with marine biologist Dr Peter Mumby and explore the astonishing diversity and beauty of Indian Ocean coral reefs.
Capture the scenery of the area with artist Peter Welton who will run art workshops in sketching and watercolour painting. Enjoy classical concerts given by our on board musicians.
The Revd Rupert Bursell
Canon of St Albans Cathedral and Chancellor of the Dioceses of Durham and St Albans. He will explore the religions of the area as well as the history of India through the ages.
Sir David Goodall GCMG
Served as British High Commissioner to India 1987-91 and Chairman of the Leonard Cheshire Foundation. His talks will reflect current affairs as well as his deep understanding of the Indian sub-continent.
Rose Kerr
Chief Curator of the Far Eastern Department, Victoria & Albert Museum. She will be discussing art, architectural and cultural influences in the area as well as her particular interest in ceramics and patterns of trade.
Dr Peter Mumby
A marine biologist working on tropical and subtropical ecosystems. He will talk about the diversity of coral reefs as well as coastal threats and conservation of the area. He is a Royal Society research fellow at the University of Newcastle.
| 608(NT) Tour & Cruise Pre-Cruise Tour Northern Thailand | |
| Mon 28 Jan-Tue 29 Jan London - Chiang Mai | |
| 'Tour & Cruise' passengers fly from London to Chiang Mai via Bangkok. | |
| Wed 30 Jan-Thu 31 Jan Chiang Mai | |
| Sightseeing of Chiang Mai City includes the magnificent hilltop Wat Doi Suthep with its golden spires and bronze buddhas. You also visit an elephant working site and traditional handicraft villages. | |
| Fri 1 Feb Chiang Rai | |
| A scenic coach journey to Chiang Rai via a hot spring is followed by a visit to two traditional hill tribe villages. | |
| Sat 2 Feb Chiang Rai - Bangkok | |
| Discover the famous Golden Triangle today, where the borders of Burma, Laos and Cambodia convene. Return to Bangkok to join Minerva. | |
| 608 Cruise Itinerary | |
| Fri 1 Feb-Sat 2 Feb London - Bangkok | |
| 'Cruise Only' passengers fly from London to Bangkok to join Minerva. | |
| Sun 3 Feb Bangkok | |
| Your exploration of the 'City of Angels' includes the Grand Palace with its gold-spired pagodas. In the afternoon visit the remarkable Reclining Buddha, a statue of colossal proportions, or take our supplementary full-day excursion to Ayuthaya. | |
| Mon 4 Feb-Tue 5 Feb At Sea | |
| Settle in to life on board and take some time to explore Minerva's facilities or learn to snorkel in the pool with our marine biologist. Welcome Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner Monday evening. | |
| Wed 6 Feb Singapore | |
| A full day to explore Sir Stamford Raffles' 'Lion City'. Explore the highlights including the National Museum and the Botanical Gardens with its exquisite array of orchids. Alternatively, discover Jurong Bird Park, or trace the sobering events of the Allied Campaign during World War II. | |
| Thu 7 Feb Malacca * | |
| Arrive before lunch to anchor off the historic town of Malacca. Explore this old trading port including the Porta de Santiago, St Paul's Church, the original burial place of St Francis Xavier, and the antique shops along Jonkers Street. | |
| Fri 8 Feb Port Kelang (for Kuala Lumpur) | |
| A fascinating mix of East and West, KL's spectacular new city sits beside the remains of British Colonial architecture. Highlights will include the Royal Palace, the National Monument and a chance to shop for local handicrafts in the market. | |
| Sat 9 Feb Penang (for Georgetown) | |
| An afternoon call to the island of Penang, which with its popular beach resorts and multi-ethnic culture makes it one of South East Asia's most appealing destinations. Sample the capital seeing Fort Cornwallis and the old Chinese waterside settlement. There is also the chance to swim with our marine biologist. | |
| Sun 10 Feb At Sea | |
| Lounge by the pool with a cocktail, pamper yourself in the hair and beauty salon or listen to a Guest Speaker's talk as we cruise towards India. | |
| Mon 11 Feb Port Blair | |
| Explore the capital of the remote Andaman Islands where you can see the Cellular Gaol that held many of the most famous Indian campaigners for independence, or wander the streets of Aberdeen Bazaar. There is also the opportunity to swim off this tropical paradise. | |
| Tue 12 Feb-Wed 13 Feb At Sea | |
| Relax on deck with a book from Minerva's well-stocked Library or get hints and tips from our artist as we cruise across the Bay of Bengal. | |
| Thu 14 Feb Pondicherry * | |
| Minerva's maiden call in this charming former capital of French India. Experience the French colonial influence on our city tour including the handsome churches and public buildings. | |
| Fri 15 Feb Chennai (Madras) | |
| Visit the intricately sculpted shore temple at Mahabalipuram this morning. This afternoon you can explore Fort St George with its excellent Raj memorabilia on a city tour. You may prefer to swim or take our full-day supplementary excursion to the holy city of Kanchipuram. | |
| Sat 16 Feb Chennai (Madras) - London | |
| Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. | |
| * Land by ship's boat or local tender | |
