Passengers on Swan Hellenic’s no-fly ‘Sagas of Ice and Fire’ cruise to Iceland will truly be travelling with distinguished company, with not only eminent volcanologist Dr Peter Cattermole onboard, but now renowned TV presenter and journalist Esther Rantzen has been invited to travel on Minerva as an after dinner speaker.

As a self confessed cruise-aholic, Esther has long been keen to experience one of Swan Hellenic’s distinguished discovery cruises and is extremely thrilled to be journeying to the Norse world on the intimate Minerva - uncovering the elemental forces of nature at play in Iceland during the cruise.

Esther comments, “I’m a bit of a cruise junkie in that I always need a cruise to look forward to. It’s a luxury to be able to unpack once, and then let the ship take you to far away places. There’s something so special about travelling by sea – especially on a small ship that can get into tiny ports – I adore the mix of days at sea and excursions on land and the constantly changing, beautiful seascapes. I’ve long wanted to travel with Swan Hellenic with its tradition of explaining the background and sharing the secrets of exotic destinations, so I look forward to joining Minerva’s Sagas of Ice and Fire cruise to Iceland at the end of July. From my previous cruises to Scandinavia, I know that the north has an atmosphere and beauty all of its own especially when it shimmers in high summer, but I’ve never visited Iceland before. I’m looking forward so much to discovering this unique country – particularly after recent events – and to hearing more about Iceland’s volcanic past and present from one of the guest speakers on board.  I shall be giving an after dinner talk during the cruise; my working title is ‘That’s Life after Luton!’”

To enjoy Esther’s thought provoking and entertaining after dinner talk along with Dr Cattermole’s stimulating lectures on volcanology - which include discussing the causes and long term effects of Eyjfjallajökull’s recent eruption - call Swan Hellenic’s Reservations Department on 0844 209 9000. For the latest cruise itineraries and special offers, visit the website: www.swanhellenic.com. With a great value fare of just £1,725pp and Dover’s convenient road and rail links, joining this ‘no-fly’ cruise couldn’t be easier.