CURRENCY AND PAYMENTS

On board MINERVA all prices are in Sterling, except for cruises visiting Antarctica when prices are in US Dollars.

As there are limited foreign exchange facilities on board, we would recommend that you purchase any currency requirements you expect to need before you travel. There is little opportunity to visit banks whilst on tour, although guides will normally help exchange small amounts if necessary. For purchases ashore, many shops accept most Travellers' Cheques and major Credit Cards. A cashless system operates on board with passengers settling accounts at the end of the cruise.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards, cash and Travellers' Cheques are accepted for payment of shipboard accounts. We also accept UK debit cards bearing the Visa or Mastercard logos. Personal cheques are not accepted.

MEDICAL ATTENTION

We hope you will find it unnecessary to use the ship's medical facilities during your voyage. If, however, the occasion does arise, it is comforting to know that we do carry a fully qualified doctor and nurses. The National Health Service does not cover treatment on the ship and the doctor or nurse will make a charge for their services and will require payment for any medicines or drugs needed. Such charges are normally reclaimable under your travel insurance, less any excess.
Minerva meets the UK and CDC Vessel Sanitation Programme standards and undergoes regular, unannounced inspections by these agencies and to date has not had an outbreak of Norovirus on board.

BARS & ALCOHOL

Please note that bars may have to be closed for the sale of alcohol and cigarettes in Libyan waters.
Only alcohol purchased in the ship's bars and restaurants may be consumed on MINERVA.

DINING ARRANGEMENTS

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged on an open sitting basis and may be taken in the Dining Room or the Veranda. Opening times will vary according to the daily programme.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Our on-board telecommunications systems mean that you are never more than a phone call away from home or office. All cabins feature direct-dial telephones, whilst fax facilities are available at the Purser's Desk. There are also facilities for sending and receiving e-mails.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Cabins and suites feature 220 volt current. The use of hair dryers, electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances should be checked with reception, but for safety reasons travel irons and any tea/coffee making equipment are definitely not allowed. Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer.

LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING

Valet service is available for laundry, dry cleaning and pressing. A laundry bag and order form are provided in your cabin wardrobe. Some passengers may wish to make use of the self service washing machines at no cost - washing powder is provided.

WHAT TO WEAR

As a general rule, for days on board and ashore, summer clothing/sports wear is the order of the day. It should be light, casual and easy to care for. A sweater and jacket for cooler evenings and a light raincoat are also advisable.
On cruises to northern latitudes warmer clothing will be necessary. On more southerly cruises the weather will usually be suitable for sunbathing, so don't forget your wrap, bathing suit, sunglasses and sunscreen. For trips ashore and for getting into and out of the ship's tenders, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. You may also want to bring with you a camera, binoculars, umbrella, sun hat and insect repellent.

In certain countries, shorts, short skirts, bare arms and shoulders will not be appreciated locally and you may be prohibited entry to certain sites. Advice will be given beforehand on board.
In the evening, there is a recommended dress code and some passengers may wish to dress traditionally in ‘black tie' and evening dresses for formal nights such as the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner. However, a lounge suit or blazer and tie would be fine - the choice is yours. On other evenings the dress code will be semi-formal or smart/casual. Details will be given in the daily programme on board.

In Antarctica, wearing several layers of lighter clothing is more effective than one or two heavy garments. We'll issue you with a complimentary expedition parka perfectly suited to the task and the environment. Before you travel, we'll send you tips and information on what to pack for your holiday, for those trips ashore as well as what to wear on board; from sun visors and woolly hats to UV sunglasses and sunscreens, windcheaters and waterproofs, right down to walking shoes and Wellington boots. A supply of boots is held on board and if you wish to avail yourself of this facility we suggest bringing spare heavy duty socks in case we cannot fit you perfectly.

SMOKING

Passengers are only permitted to smoke in the designated "smoking room" or designated areas on the open decks. Smoking is not permitted on excursion coaches.

EMERGENCY DRILL

Before the ship sails or early in the cruise, there will be a full muster stations drill. This exercise is to give all passengers precise information on the correct route from their cabins to the places where they should muster in an emergency, together with instructions about life jackets and emergency procedures. ALL passengers must attend.