Minerva II (formerly R Eight) was a cruise ship operated by Swan Hellenic. In April 2007 she began a new career with Princess Cruises as Royal Princess.
History
The vessel was constructed as the eighth and final vessel in Renaissance Cruises's R-series of cruise ships. The vessel began operation in 2000, under the name R Eight. After Renaissance ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in late 2001, the vessel was seized by creditors. In 2003, the vessel re-entered operation, this time as the sole cruise ship in Swan Hellenic's fleet. The vessel was named Minerva II, after both the Roman goddess and the company's previous vessel, Minerva. On 7 April 2007 Minerva II completed her final voyage with Swan Hellenic and was transferred by the parent company, Carnival, to Princess Cruises, which will operate her as Royal Princess. Swan Hellenic is left without a ship, but the Swan Hellenic brand has been bought by Lord Sterling of Plaistow, former Chairman of P&O, who has announced that he is actively seeking a ship.
Statistics
Minerva II had a gross tonnage of 30,277 tons. The vessel carried 600 passengers (double that of its predecessor, Minerva), and 200 crew. Included amongst the crew were a series of guest lecturers dealing in a wide expanse of subjects. The vessel has eleven public-access decks, and four onboard restaurants, all with an open-seat policy to encourage mingling between passengers.
