Christmas in Paradise
Tour & Cruise 605(RF)
17 Dec 2024-5 Jan 2024, 19 days
Fares from �4230
Cruise 605
21 Dec 2024 - 5 Jan 2024, 15 days
Fares from �3785
| Fares | |||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | ||
| 605(RF) | 605< | ||
 |
Owner's Suite | 8015 | 7570 |
 |
Suite | 7660 | 7215 |
 |
Deluxe | 6600 | 6155 |
 |
Superior | 5845 | 5400 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | |||
 |
A Deck outside | 5490 | 5045 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 5135 | 4690 |
 |
B Deck outside | 5035 | 4590 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 4735 | 4290 |
 |
A Deck inside | 4330 | 3885 |
 |
B Deck inside | 4230 | 3785 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | |||
|
A Deck outside | 7583 | 7063 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 7086 | 6566 |
|
B Deck outside | 6946 | 6426 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 6526 | 6006 |
|
A Deck inside | 5571 | 5051 |
|
B Deck inside | 5441 | 4921 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | |||
Canon John Hester
Canon Residentiary of Chichester Cathedral and formerly Chaplain to the Queen. His talks will look at the history and growth of Eastern religions and cultures.
Professor AG Hopkins
Smuts Professor of Commonwealth History in the University of Cambridge. His talks will provide the historical context for understanding the peoples and states of the Indian Ocean, from pre-colonial independence to colonial subordination and then regained independence in the new circumstances of the late twentieth century.
Edward Saunders
A researcher and international speaker in the history of art and architecture. He will cover the history and buildings of Mogul and British India as well as the discovery of the trade routes to the East and the establishment of trading centres such as Malacca and Singapore.
Lord Wright of Richmond
Former Head of the British Diplomatic Service and Chairman of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) 1995-1999. He will talk about the history and politics of the places to be visited on this cruise with particular reference to the process of decolonisation from the British Empire.
Please note Guest Speakers travel on the cruise portion of the holiday only.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year in tropical seas and experience the essence of the Far East. You'll cruise from Sri Lanka on Christmas Eve to Chennai, Phuket, colourful Penang for New Year's Day, Kuala Lumpur and finally fabulous Singapore for excellent shopping and one of the best orchid gardens in the world.
| 605(RF) Tour & Cruise Pre-Cruise Tour: Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka |
| Mon 17 Dec- Tue 18 Dec London - Colombo - Kandalama |
| "Tour & Cruise" passengers fly from London to Colombo and transfer to the Kandalama Hotel for four nights. |
| Wed 19 Dec Dambulla |
| Dambulla, the impressive cave temple, and the 5th century Aukana Buddha, the most striking ancient image in the country, are visited this morning. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the hotel, or take a trek through the surrounding jungle to observe the local wildlife. |
| Thu 20 Dec Anuradhapura |
| Today we visit the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura to view the giant dagobas, Brazen Palace and sacred Bo Tree. Afternoon visit to Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. |
| Fri 21 Dec Polonnaruwa |
| Our excursion today is to Polonnaruwa, the 11th-13th century capital after Anuradhapura and an impressive sight with its great water tanks still in use. |
| Sat 22 Dec Sigiriya - Colombo |
| An early morning visit to Sigiriya, a towering monolithic fortress. Continue to Colombo, visiting a spice garden and batik workshop en route, and embark Minerva this evening. |
| 605 Cruise Itinerary |
| Fri 21 Dec-Sat 22 Dec London - Colombo |
| "Cruise Only" passengers fly from London to Colombo to join Minerva. |
| Sun 23 Dec Colombo |
| Our full-day excursion takes us inland through verdant, paddy field covered scenery to Kandy, home of the famous Temple of the Tooth. Also included is a visit to the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela and the serene botanic gardens, home to many interesting species. Alternatively, enjoy a more relaxing start to the cruise on one of Sri Lanka's splendid beaches. |
| Mon 24 Dec Colombo - Galle |
| Wander around the ancient trading town of Galle this afternoon, with its delightful mix of British, Dutch and Portuguese influences. A chance perhaps to pick up some last minute presents. Alternatively spend Christmas Eve unwinding on beautiful Unawatuna Beach, with its glorious sweep of white sand and inviting blue waters. |
| Tue 25 Dec At Sea (Christmas Day) |
| A day of traditional celebrations amidst tropical surroundings on Christmas Day, as Minerva heads towards India. Enjoy carols, mince pies and turkey with all the trimmings, or try a different Christmas experience on deck in the sunshine. |
| Wed 26 Dec Chennai (Madras) |
| Boxing Day is spent in the bustling city of Chennai, capital of India's fascinating south. Enjoy a tour of the old city this morning, then in the afternoon we visit the intriguing temples of Mahabalipuram. We see the famous Shore Temple, built in the late 7th century, as well as Krishna Mandapam, one of the earliest rock-cut temples. |
| Thu 27 Dec-Fri 28 Dec At Sea |
| A chance to recover from Christmas festivities and enjoy life on board as Minerva crosses the Bay of Bengal. Take a stroll around the promenade deck or listen to our Guest Speakers' talks. |
| Sat 29 Dec Port Blair |
| We arrive at the remote Andaman Islands. Explore the charming capital with its Cellular Jail, where India's freedom fighters were imprisoned by the British. Today is also an excellent opportunity to swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters, home to a variety of underwater life. |
| Sun 30 Dec At Sea - Phuket |
| A day to relax by the pool and enjoy the sunshine. Perhaps take in a cookery demonstration or enjoy a game of bridge with fellow passengers in the Card Room. |
| Mon 31 Dec Phuket (New Year's Eve) |
| An insight into Thailand this morning as we tour the famous island of Phuket, renowned for its glorious beaches and spectacular scenery. Enjoy a swim in the warm, tropical waters or venture into the rainforest for a unique experience of the jungle. New Year's Eve is celebrated on board tonight as we sail towards Malaysia. |
| Tue 1 Jan Penang (New Year's Day) (for Georgetown) |
| A leisurely start to the New Year with a morning at sea before arriving in Penang. One of the region's oldest colonial settlements, it has strong Chinese, Indian and British elements. You can also head up the coast to Batu Ferringhi, to laze away the afternoon on one of the island's famous beaches. |
| Wed 2 Jan Port Kelang (for Kuala Lumpur) |
| A full-day excursion to Malaysia's pulsating capital, Kuala Lumpur, a unique blend of East and West. One of Asia's most exciting and modern cities, there is also much evidence of its colonial past. Alternatively head down the coast to Malacca, the country's first colonial settlement, where a mixture of Dutch and Portuguese influence remains. |
| Thu 3 Jan At Sea - Singapore |
| At Sea - Singapore A final day at sea to reflect on the sights seen and new experiences gained. Perhaps visit the gymnasium or swim a few lengths of the pool. A chance to dine ashore in Singapore this evening. |
| Fri 4 Jan Singapore |
| A full day in the "Lion City" of Singapore, founded by Stamford Raffles in 1819. Highlights include the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the National Museum and, of course, the shopping opportunities on Orchard Road. There will also be time to enjoy a stroll around the harbour, or a Singapore sling in the luxurious surroundings of Raffles Hotel. |
| Sat 5 Jan |
| Arrive in London after an overnight flight |
