Persian Gulf Discovery
Cruise 610
1-16 Mar 2024, 16 days
Fares from �3375
Cruise & Beach 610 (MB)
1-19 Mar 2024, 19 days
Fares from �3820
| Fares | |||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | ||
| 610 | 610MB | ||
 |
Owner's Suite | 6665 | 7110 |
 |
Suite | 6310 | 6755 |
 |
Deluxe | 5420 | 5865 |
 |
Superior | 4885 | 5330 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | |||
 |
A Deck outside | 4445 | 4890 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 4265 | 4710 |
 |
B Deck outside | 4085 | 4530 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 3820 | 4265 |
 |
A Deck inside | 3465 | 3910 |
 |
B Deck inside | 3375 | 3820 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | |||
|
A Deck outside | 6223 | 6853 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 5971 | 6601 |
|
B Deck outside | 5719 | 6349 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 5348 | 5978 |
|
A Deck inside | 4505 | 5135 |
|
B Deck inside | 4388 | 5018 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | |||
MILITARY HISTORY & ANTIQUES
In an area steeped in military history our experts, Sandy Gall and Sir John Ure, will provide an insight into ancient and modern military campaigns.
Maritime trade between the Near East, Africa, India and China from the classical period onwards and life in Safavid Persia in the 17th century will be discussed by Professor John Carswell who will also run workshops on antiques from this period.
Professor Martin Biddle OBE
Professor of Medieval Archaeology, University of Oxford. His talks will give an insight to the origin of India's language and civilisation, the spice routes across the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea as well as Arabia in ancient time.
Sandy Gall CBE
Since reporting so memorably on the Gulf War for ITN in 1991, he has worked in the Gulf on a number of occasions with the BBC. First hand experiences will form the basis of his discussion.
Shirley Kay
Having lived in the Middle East for some 18 years, writer and photographer Shirley Kay is also well qualified to expound on its traditional and contemporary culture, art and architecture and connections with the spice trade. Author of 15 books on the region including "Emirates Archaeological Heritage" and "Architectural Heritage of the Gulf".
The Very Revd Stephen Platten
Having worked with two Archbishops of Canterbury, he has travelled extensively and, as a writer and teacher of theology, he will highlight the diverse religions of the area from the early backgrounds of Hinduism to Christianity and Judaism.
Sir John Ure KCMG CMG LVO
Former member of HM Diplomatic Service and has written various books on travel, historical biography and diplomacy. His talks will reflect his experience of aspects of Gulf War diplomacy as well as his experiences of travelling with the Qashqai nomads.
| 610 Cruise Itinerary | |
| Fri 1 Mar-Sat 2 Mar London - Mumbai (Bombay) | |
| Fly from London to Mumbai and transfer to a hotel before joining Minerva. | |
| Sun 3 Mar Mumbai (Bombay) | |
| Explore this colourful city on our sightseeing excursion including the eclectic Prince of Wales Museum or cross by boat to Elephanta Island to see the rock-cut caves. | |
| Mon 4 Mar Porbandar | |
| A full day at remote Porbandar in Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Explore the city or take a full-day excursion to Junagadh, at the foot of Girnar Hill, to see the fort dating from 250BC and its interesting museum. | |
| Tue 5 Mar-Wed 6 Mar At Sea | |
| Let our Guest Speakers introduce you to the sights to come as Minerva cruises towards the Persian Gulf. Enjoy our Captain's Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening. | |
| Thu 7 Mar Bandar Abbas | |
| Bandar Abbas, the 'Gateway of the Persian Gulf', awaits you this morning. Your city tour includes the Shiite and Sunni Mosques and the Bath Museum or take a boat trip to Hormuz Island. | |
| Fri 8 Mar At Sea | |
| Take a dip in the pool or pamper yourself in Minerva's hair and beauty salon. | |
| Sat 9 Mar Bandar Bushire | |
| Explore the old city of Bushire with its traditional regional architecture this morning. Alternatively take our full-day excursion to Shiraz, renowned for its beautiful gardens, and Persepolis, the legendary ceremonial capital of Darius I. | |
| Sun 10 Mar Kuwait City | |
| Discover this recently rebuilt city taking in the magnificent Seif Palace and pearl diving boats of the dhow village. Enjoy stunning views at the top of the famous Kuwait Towers. | |
| Mon 11 Mar Manama (Bahrain) | |
| Minerva arrives after lunch at the prosperous island of Bahrain, an important centre of trade in ancient times and now a major financial centre. Explore the capital, Manama, including Bahrain Fort. You may like to dine ashore in this most liberal of Gulf states this evening. | |
| Tue 12 Mar Manama - At Sea | |
| A chance to enjoy the sun on deck or perhaps listen to our Guest Speakers sum up the diversity of experiences shared on the cruise. | |
| Wed 13 Mar Dubai | |
| Spend the day in the Emirate of Dubai, a blend of modern city and timeless desert, of East and West, of old and new. Your city tour explores the waterfront on a traditional 'abra' (water taxi). Join our alternative excursion to two more of the seven Emirates, Sharjah and Ajman, or simply laze on one of Dubai's stunning beaches. A late evening sailing gives the chance to enjoy the Gold Souk. | |
| Thu 14 Mar Khasab (Musandam Peninsula) * | |
| Separated from the rest of Oman this isolated rugged peninsula, with its soaring cliffs and desolate interior, has only recently opened up to the outside world. Cruise the area by local boat, viewing the spectacular fjords. | |
| Fri 15 Mar Muscat | |
| Arrive early in the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, set in an impressive natural amphitheatre of volcanic hills. View the Sultan's opulent palace and the twin forts, or visit Nakhl Fort, overlooking date plantations. Our full-day supplementary excursion travels through the mountains to Nizwa and Jabrin. | |
| Sat 16 Mar Muscat - London | |
| 'Cruise Only' passengers transfer to the airport for the return flight to London. | |
| 610(MB) Cruise & Beach Post-Cruise Beach Muscat | |
| Sat 16 Mar-Sun 18 Mar Muscat | |
| 'Cruise & Beach' passengers transfer to the luxurious five-star Al Bustan Palace Hotel idyllically situated on the beach front. Relax by the pool or beach, make use of the hotel's leisure facilities or explore the bustling city centre nearby. | |
| Mon 19 Mar Muscat - London | |
| Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. | |
| * Land by ship's boat or local tender | |
ISFAHAN & SHIRAZ EXCURSION
Join a 3-day supplementary excursion to Isfahan, and Shiraz. Explore
Isfahan's stunning Islamic Architecture, Shiraz, the 'City of Poets', the legendary ceremonial
capital of Persepolis and Pasargadae, capital of Cyrus the Great. Disembark in Bandar Abbas on
Thursday and rejoin Minerva in Bandar Bushire on Saturday.
Twin Price �595 � Single Price �650
Please book this excursion when you book your cruise - as places are limited.
