SOUTHAMPTON based cruise brand Swan Hellenic is to be reunited with a great ship from its past and steam back into action a year earlier than forecast.

The historic name was saved from extinction by shipping magnate Lord Sterling, pictured above, in April, after it was deemed surplus to requirements by cruise giant Carnival and sold for an undisclosed sum.

Now he has joined the All Leisure Group - an operator that also owns Voyages of Discovery - which earlier this year chartered the former 350-berth Minerva, previously used by Swan Hellenic.

Lord Sterling said: "We will now re-establish our cruising operation at least one year earlier than anticipated, as the former 350-berth Minerva will once again become a Swan Hellenic ship, following an extensive refurbishment prior to re-introduction in May 2008.

"Swan passengers will again be able to enjoy discovering new destinations with the Swan Hellenic team, in the company of our distinguished guest speakers and former ship's officers and crew. This will include a further exploration product for expedition cruising in Antarctica.

"At one stage everybody thought that Swan Hellenic was going belly up but now we've put the deal together with the All Leisure Group we have got the back-up we need on shore and Minerva, a ship that's loved. The old team are keen to join up and they're excited.

"I can't tell you the number of hand-written letters I have had saying it's great that you've saved it, now when can I go on it'. It's a very special product."

A slight oddity in the world of vast modern cruise ships, Minerva began life as the hull of a Soviet spy vessel and was known for its academic lectures and for being decorated with paintings by passengers.

The former P&O chairman is now looking to expand Swan Hellenic's operations.

"Looking to the future, we are actively examining further opportunities to return to river cruising and acquiring a further appropriate vessel," he said.

All Leisure Group chairman Roger Allard, who is planning to float the company on the stock exchange, said: "I am pleased Lord Sterling has decided to entrust Swan Hellenic to our group and he will continue as their chairman.

"This offers us an ideal opportunity to re-unite Swan Hellenic with Minerva, a combination that has an excellent past history in the UK cruising market and for which both the company and ship are well suited."