CRUISE LINER 'MV MINERVA' SCHEDULED TO DOCK IN DUBAI ON DECEMBER 2ND

Prestigious cruise liner 'MV Minerva' is scheduled to dock at the Dubai Cruise Terminal on December 2nd with more than 157 passengers on board according to a press release issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

A passenger exchange is scheduled to take place in Dubai with all the 157 passengers on board disembarking and 131 passengers embarking.

The ship specializes in lecture rich cruises to interesting destinations for those wishing to learn while they cruise. The vessel offers a good selection of public rooms with restrained contemporary décor.

The ship built in 1996, can handle up to 474 passengers and provides a space ratio of 26.4 tons per passenger. There are 157-crew - one for every 3 passengers.

MV Minerva owned by the Swan Hellenic combines the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a small ship with the luxury and comfort of a wide range of amenities available on board.

P&O Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. have announced earlier this month that they will merge operations to form the world's largest cruise vacation group, comprising Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, Swan Hellenic, AIDA and A'ROSA with a total of 41 ships and about 75,000 berths. The combined group will be renamed with the merger expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2002.