History:

Ship first sailed on charter as Minerva for Swan Hellenic from 1996 to 2003. Swan Hellenic at that time owned by Carnival Corp.& Plc. aquired the former R-8 and renaimed in Minerva-II. Carnival Corp.& Plc. decided febr.22-2007 to stop with Swan Hellenic. Lord Sterling, former Chairman of the P&O Group and Chairman of Swan Hellenic bought the Swan Hellenic ‘brand', consists of database rights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights, together with related memorabilia and comprehensive library. Swan Hellenic has joined the All Leisure Group on july 2007 in order to return to cruising in 2008. The Swan Hellenic cruising operation will be re-established at least one year earlier than anticipated, as the 350 berth Explorer II, formerly Swan's ship Minerva, will be refurbished and reintroduced as a Swan Hellenic branded ship in May 2008.
Jan. 2007 the All Leisure Group Announces Long-Term Lease Of Explorer II. All Leisure Group subcharter the ship to  Swan Hellenic. She starts operation under the old name of MINERVA on may 2008

Swan Hellenic's Minerva will interrupt her planned itinerary on November 23-2011, in Sharm El Sheik and will sail in ballast to Germany where she will be drydocked for almost two months at Lloyd Werft shipyard to undergo an extensive upgrade. Ship will return to service march 2012.Investing in greater comfort and more advanced technology. To save fuel costs, the Minerva is getting a new double crankshaft plant including propellers during her stay.This change is required in order to allow the installation of a Promas integrated propeller and rudder system developed by Rolls Royce. It is installed between the double propeller and the rudder blades and is designed to optimize water flow patterns below the surface. In addition, the ship is getting a new Voith stern thruster to improve her maneuverability in confined waters. The yard is concentrating on changes above the surface but general maintenance and repair work is also being carried out on the hull below the water-line. On deck 9 is being made bigger and an aluminum superstructure is being added. Deck 8 is also being widened or modified to allow for 20 additional suites with balconies. A further 12 cabins are also being fitted with balconies. Also on Deck 8, Lloyd Werft  have work to do in the stern where the deck is being lengthened to offer more space for passengers. Additionally, the bathrooms in 150 standard cabins are being renovated and six cabins on Deck 5 are giving way to a new Beauty Center and Fitness Area. An on-board sauna is being reconstructed to create more space in the popular Shackleton Bar.
Swan Hellenic’s Minerva sailed into Portsmouth this morning  march 2-2012 following a multi-million pound refurbishment.