By Donna Tunney

All Discovery Cruises, a unit of U.K.-based All Leisure Group, revealed plans to further develop its three small-ship brands: Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic and Hebridean Island Cruises.The 550-passenger Voyager, which All Leisure Group bought in 2009, will join the Voyages of Discovery brand. Formerly the Alexander von Humboldt, the ship has received technical upgrades and more balcony cabins.

The brand already operates the 698-passenger Discovery, and that ship also is slated for a renovation during winter 2012-13, with upgrades being made to the teak decking, public areas, cabins and dining areas.

Swan Hellenic this winter will refurbish its 350-passenger Minerva. Balconies will be added to 32 cabins, providing a total of 44 staterooms with balconies, and upgrades will be made to the ship’s efficiency and environmental performance. The ship will emerge from drydock in early March.

Hebridean Island Cruises in 2012 will launch a river cruise program. The brand’s 79-passenger Royal Crown, which was renovated in 2010, will be deployed for Rhine River sailings in the spring and Danube River sailings in the fall, operating seven-day cruises.

The brand also operates the 50-guest Hebridean Princess.