Minerva Cabins

Accommodation is one area that received a lot of attention in the refit. Thirty-two new balconies have been added to the cabins and suites on the Sun Deck -- which, in addition to the existing 12 balcony suites on Bridge Deck, one deck below, bring the total to 44 cabins with balconies on the refurbished ship. The remainder of the outside cabins have windows or, on the lower decks, portholes. There are 46 inside cabins, and four cabins across all grades are equipped for wheelchairs. (The number of insides has decreased, as a couple have been sacrificed to make way for the relocated gym.) Certain cabins are designated for single use, depending on demand, as the line carries a lot of solo passengers.

Standard- and superior-grade cabins average 140 to 162 square feet (13 to 15 square metres), while the deluxe cabins and suites measure 226 square feet (21 square metres).

All cabins come with mirrored vanities and chairs, adequate drawer and hanging space, safes, mini-fridges, telephones, bathrobes, hair dryers and binoculars, as well as complimentary mineral water. In-cabin TV's show BBC, Sky News, in-house programming, replays of onboard lectures and films. Voltage is 220 with British-style, three-prong sockets. (Adapter plugs are available.) All bathrooms and soft furnishings were replaced in the refit, creating a more contemporary, luxurious feel.

The Balcony Suites on Sun Deck, formerly superior cabins, now have extremely spacious balconies with outside sitting areas. All cabins on the port side have baths with showers, while all those on starboard side have glass-enclosed showers.

Deluxe Suites on Sun Deck have now become Deluxe Balcony Suites, thanks to the new balconies. Complimentary Champagne on arrival and complimentary mini-bar are included. Again, cabins on the starboard side are fitted with en suite shower facilities, and cabins on the port side fitted with en suite bath facilities.

Cabins on Bridge Deck, the Superior Balcony Suites, are the original, pre-refit balcony accommodations. They have since had a complete overhaul with new bathrooms (baths on port side, showers on starboard), furnishings and balcony doors. Size is from 30.70 to 32 square metres, including the balconies.

Next: Minerva Dining

Print the entire ship review