Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises (Saga Shipping Ltd, saga.co.uk/cruises) is a British luxury cruise brand and division of the Saga Group. The company began passenger shipping operations under the "Saga Cruises" brand in 1997, with the purchase of Saga Rose (formerly MS Sagafjord, an NCL ship). Saga Rose remained the flagship until 2004 when Saga Ruby was acquired from Cunard Line (previously named MS Caronia). Saga Travel's CEO is Nick Stace.

The shipowner Saga Group/Saga plc (founded in 1951 and headquartered in Folkestone, Kent, England, UK) is a London Stock Exchange-listed company specializing in travel and insurance. Currently, Saga plc is managed by Mike Hazell (CEO), who succeeded Euan Sutherland (CEO from 2020 to 2023).

Company History and Changes

While on its final cruise in the Caribbean, Saga Ruby experienced a generator failure that disabled the air-conditioning system. As a result, the voyage was canceled, and the ship was redirected to the Western Mediterranean. Saga Ruby returned to Southampton on January 9, 2014, due to bad weather. While in Funchal, Madeira, the ship met Saga Sapphire for a New Year's Eve fireworks display. Saga Ruby then departed Southampton for the last time on January 10 and was handed over to her new owners on January 13, 2014.

In 2005, Saga Cruises introduced the "Spirit of Adventure Cruises" brand. In March 2006, MV Spirit of Adventure (formerly Orange Melody) entered service. In 2013, Saga sold the brand.

For summer 2003, Saga Holidays chartered Minerva (built in 1989), which sailed as "Saga Pearl." Saga Rose was retired in 2009 after a final 37-night Mediterranean voyage. The ship was laid up in Gibraltar and scrapped in China in 2010. In 2014, Saga Ruby (formerly NCL's MS Vistafjord) was acquired, and her final voyage took place in January 2014.

Until 2020, Saga Holidays operated two chartered ships: Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl 2. The former fleetmate, Saga Ruby, was originally built as "MS Vistafjord" for NCL/Norwegian America Line. In 1983, the vessel was sold to Cunard and renamed "MS Caronia" in 1999. In 2004, Cunard sold it to Saga, where it operated as "Saga Ruby" until 2014, when it was sold to a Chinese company, renamed "Oasia," and operated as a hotel ship until 2017. The ship was ultimately scrapped at Alang, India.

In 2009, Saga UK acquired Astoria (Saga Pearl 2), followed by a £14 million refurbishment of the 1981-built vessel. The upgrades included the addition of the Veranda Restaurant, new balcony cabins, a redesigned Library Lounge, a revamped spa, and renovated swimming pools. The ship has 126 twin-bed cabins, 25 twin or king-bed cabins, and 42 double-bed cabins. Of all staterooms, 20 have balconies, and 9 have French balconies. Saga Pearl 2 also offers 60 single cabins (nearly a quarter of all staterooms). Among Saga's signature trademarks are the shipboard Afternoon Tea service and ballroom dancing. Saga ships depart from UK ports such as Southampton and Dover for cruises to the Canary Islands, Baltic, and the Mediterranean. Itineraries range from 7 to 24 days.

Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl 2 were withdrawn from service after the delivery of two new ships: Spirit of Discovery (2019) and Spirit of Adventure (2020). In August 2019, it was announced that Saga Sapphire would be acquired by ANEX Tours, Turkey's largest travel agency and tour operator, starting operations for ANEX in mid-2020. However, due to the global health crisis in 2020, the 39-year-old ship was officially sold to ANEX Tours in July 2020. Renamed "Blue Sapphire," it began operations in 2021, offering round trips from Antalya, Turkey to Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea ports.

• In November 2019, ANEX Tours became the world's second-largest tour operator after acquiring Thomas Cook Group's subsidiaries in Germany (Oger Tours, Bucher Reisen, and Neckermann) and Russia (Intourist). The company's Chairman, Neset Kockar, stated that he expects annual passenger volume to reach 8 million and turnover to rise to ~EUR 10 billion (~USD 11 B).
• Thomas Cook Group plc, founded in 2007 and defunct by 2019, was a British travel group formed by the merger of Thomas Cook AG (a British-German company) and MyTravel Group plc (a British company). Neset Kockar of ANEX Tours was the second-largest shareholder in Thomas Cook Group plc, after Fosun International of China.

In July 2022, Saga UK marked the anniversaries of Spirit of Adventure (July 6) and Spirit of Discovery (July 10), sharing interesting facts about the ships and their guests. Over three full years, Spirit of Discovery navigated ~145,000 nautical miles, completed 48 voyages, visited 273 destinations, and offered 2,825 shore excursions. In one year, Spirit of Adventure traveled ~80,000 nautical miles, completed 23 voyages, visited 144 destinations, and provided 1,617 shore excursions. Both ships served ~36.9 million meals, ~5.7 million eggs, ~9.2 tons of lobster, ~13.5 tons of Dover sole, ~190 tons of smoked salmon, and ~668,000 bottles of wine. ~12,000 customers used the onboard spas for massages.

In January 2024, Saga Group announced that it is exploring a "partnership arrangement" for its ocean cruise business, including the potential sale of a stake in the division or selling the Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery ships to unlock capital. Between August 1, 2023, and January 29, 2024, Saga Group reported significant revenue growth (10-15%) over the same period in 2022-2023, with a ~30% year-on-year increase in revenue from its ocean division.

New Ships

In 2017, Saga UK ordered two new cruise ships with a capacity of fewer than 1,000 passengers. Each vessel has 540 cabins and suites. The ships are being built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Unlike previous Saga ships, these two are fully owned by the company.

The vessels were scheduled for delivery in July 2019 (Spirit of Discovery) and August 2020 (Spirit of Adventure). They are polar-class expedition ships with ice-strengthened hulls. Each ship costs USD 346 million (GBP 280 million / EUR 310 million) and has a total of 540 staterooms, 100 of which are single cabins (designed for solo travelers, with no single supplement required), making up approximately 20% of all cabins. The remaining staterooms are categorized as Standard Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Mid-Ship Suite, and larger suites.

Signature venues on board include the Britannia Lounge (a 2-level Atrium bar lounge), The Verandah (a specialty restaurant), and an outdoor alfresco dining restaurant. Each ship has two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor).

In March 2017, the first ship's name, "Spirit of Discovery," was announced, with delivery scheduled for June 2019. The second vessel, "Spirit of Adventure," was ordered in September 2017, with delivery scheduled for August 2020.

In mid-September 2018, Saga announced that from January 2020, all new ships would offer all-inclusive deals. Fares include unlimited house spirits, beers, wines (by the glass), and soft drinks. Saga's packages also include:

• UK travel package (to/from departure port), shuttle bus transfer (to the nearest downtown from the port)
• Onboard gratuities, porterage
• Onboard welcome cocktail party
• All onboard meals, afternoon tea, live entertainment
• Unlimited tea and coffee (in selected ship venues)
• Free Wi-Fi
• 24-hour room service
• Premium service (2 staff members per 3 passengers)

In early March 2019, Saga announced that both newbuilds (the sisterships Adventure and Discovery) would be all-inclusive. This means that Saga cruise fares include specialty restaurant dining, drinks (wine, beer, house spirits, and soft drinks), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and chauffeur service to/from homeport for cruise passengers within a 250-mile (402 km) radius. Shore excursions remain optional and at additional cost. The cruise company also offers complimentary shuttle bus services in all ports where the town/city is more than 0.5 km from the ship.

In early November 2019, Saga announced the order for Spirit of the Rhine (a 192-passenger riverboat, inaugurated in 2021). In February 2021, the construction of a second newbuild riverboat, Spirit of the Danube (2022-inaugurated, sistership), began. In 2024, Saga also began chartering Spirit of the Douro (built in 2017, owned by Mystic Invest via Douro Azul).

In late March 2022, Saga announced a 4-ship expansion for its riverboat fleet, ordering four vessels (Spirit of the Moselle, Spirit of the Main, Spirit of the Elbe, and Spirit of the Rhone), with the first entering service in 2023 and the rest following annually.

Saga Holidays Ocean- and River-Cruising Experience

Saga Cruises offers both ocean and river cruise vacations. All of the company's vessels are chartered. The cruising experience is classic, elegant, and comfortable. Passengers can enjoy contemporary amenities such as modern spas, Internet cafes, and intimate alternative dining venues. You won’t find shopping centers, casinos, or flashy shows aboard Saga ships—passengers prefer a relaxed and refined social atmosphere. Traditional English tea is served every afternoon, and ballroom dancing is featured nightly.

Saga passengers tend to be more adventurous than expected. They seek comfort and high-quality service, but are mindful of their pensions and avoid spending on gambling (which is why there are no casinos on Saga ships). They also appreciate fine, well-prepared food with varied menus. While some mainstream cruise lines offer repetitive menus, Saga's passengers enjoy a broader selection, especially on back-to-back cruises.

On lazy days at sea or during quiet moments, you’ll find a wide range of onboard activities. Passengers can take part in painting or computer classes, stay fit with Pilates or yoga, enjoy swimming, or attend talks from guest speakers. For those seeking relaxation, the ship's cozy areas offer a peaceful retreat. Other activities include beauty salon and spa treatments, gym sessions, or a rejuvenating yoga class. The well-stocked library has thousands of books, or passengers can use the ship's computers to stay connected with family and friends.

In the evening, enjoy an aperitif in the onboard bars before dining, or participate in pre-dinner dance classes. On formal nights (one for a week-long cruise, two for a 14-night cruise), enjoy the sense of occasion. After dinner, you can enjoy a show, go dancing, watch a movie, or socialize with friends. You may even indulge in a nightcap with live music in the lounges and bars.

On select itineraries, celebrities may provide entertainment, but the real appeal is the adult-only atmosphere—no children, kids’ arcades, or clubs taking up space, ensuring that everything onboard is designed for your enjoyment.

No matter which Saga ship you choose (ocean or river), every mealtime is an exciting dining experience. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, with plenty of options to suit your needs. Enjoy a waiter-served meal, a buffet on Saga Ruby, or outdoor dining on deck. Full English breakfast can even be brought to your cabin. For lunch, you can opt for the buffet or a cooked-to-order meal in the main restaurant.

Afternoon Tea is a daily cruise tradition, featuring tempting cakes, pastries, and finger sandwiches. Dinner, the highlight of the day, is always waiter-served in a single seating, sometimes with up to six courses. A talented team, led by the Executive Chef, prepares the meals using the finest, freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

Delicious wines from well-stocked cellars are recommended by sommeliers, who are also on hand to assist. Main courses, including game, fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes, are followed by a selection of desserts such as soufflés, tarts, pavlovas, and petits fours. The best part is that you'll never feel rushed to finish your meal or have to wait for others, as flexible dining arrangements allow you to eat anytime between 7-9 pm.

Saga Cruises Customers

Saga Cruises targets customers aged 50 and older and is an adults-only line. The company sells directly to the public, bypassing travel agents. Allowing traveling companions aged 40 and older benefits couples who want to cruise with grown-up families or in-laws, as well as those who need assistance or personal care. Saga's customers are predominantly elderly and almost exclusively British, with occasional passengers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and rarely Japan.

Saga UK offers a free chauffeur service (door-to-door) for passengers living within 75 miles (120 km) of cruise departure ports, with shared chauffeur service available for up to 250 miles (400 km). Alternatives include coach and rail transportation or domestic flights (from the UK), which may be included in the fare. Saga also offers free parking to all its cruise passengers.

Saga Cruises enjoys a high repeat booking rate of about 75%.

To attract first-time cruisers, Saga introduced "Love it First Time" in 2016. This initiative guarantees a full refund for anyone who doesn't enjoy their cruising experience. If passengers find that the experience is not for them, they can leave the ship at the next available port. The "Love it First Time" offer applies only to new bookings and first-time customers.

Saga Holidays Fly-Cruise Deals

For the end of 2017 (November and December), Saga Cruises offered 3 fly-cruise itineraries. The 8-, 11-, and 12-night cruises were available for booking with all-inclusive prices starting from around GBP 114 per person. Saga's "flight and cruise" deals include airport and seaport transfers, all onboard meals, alcohol (wine by the glass at lunch and dinner, house-brand spirits, cocktails, draught beers, lager), soft drinks, afternoon tea, free Wi-Fi, and all onboard gratuities.

The Saga Sapphire's 8-night "Canary Island Medley" cruise (prices from GBP 897) departed from Southampton on December 8, 2017.

The Saga Pearl 2's 11-night "Jewels of the Canary Islands" cruise (prices from GBP 1516) departed from Southampton on November 20, 2017.

The Saga Pearl II's 12-night "Contrasts of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde" cruise (prices from GBP 1980) departed from Southampton on November 1, 2017.

The Nov 1st voyage included a flight from the UK to Funchal (Madeira), with boarding there on Saga Pearl 2, and the return flight from Lisbon to the UK.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Saga Ocean Cruises suspended its fleet's passenger shipping operations, canceling all voyages scheduled between March 15, 2020, and early July 2021.

Operations resumed in 2021 with Spirit of Discovery (June 27) and Spirit of Adventure (July 26, Maiden Voyage). Saga UK requires all passengers to have received both doses of the COVID vaccine before boarding the ships.

All affected bookings received a full monetary refund (100% of the fare paid) or a 125% refund in FCC (Future Cruise Credit), provided rebooking was made within 24 months.

Saga UK's "Cruise Price Promise" allows penalty-free cancellation up to 14 days prior to departure. All shipboard employees (fleetwide) remained on the docked vessels. Both Saga ships were berthed at London-Tilbury Port during the no-sail period.

(formerly "Saga Holidays") SAGA UK's cruise itineraries and shore excursions are primarily designed for adults. The company boasts over 60 years of holiday travel experience in Europe. Previously, the company chartered two older boats, but since 2021, it has operated a small (SAGA Group-owned) fleet of two new ships - Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery.

Saga UK also operates (under time charter) the following riverboats: Filia Rheni 2, Amadeus Royal, Amadeus Symphony, Johannes Brahms, Rex Rheni, Dutch Melody (formerly River Melody, since 2020).

Saga Group also owns a fleet of six newbuild riverboats/sister ships - Spirit of the Rhine (2021), Spirit of the Danube (2022), Spirit of the Moselle (2023), Spirit of the Main (2024), Spirit of the Elbe (2025), and Spirit of the Rhone (2026).

Since 2024, Saga has also chartered Spirit of the Douro (formerly Douro Serenity, built in 2017) for Douro River voyages in Portugal and Spain.

SAGA's free shuttle bus service is available for those who wish to explore independently. The shuttle will take you to the nearest city center or town, available when the distance between the Saga ship and the city exceeds 500 yards. At ports of call, you will have the option to participate in exciting optional excursions. Saga representatives accompany cruisers on the coach. The company sends out a detailed booklet a few weeks prior to the cruise, providing the opportunity for pre-booking. If preferred, you can also visit the Tours and Travel Office onboard, where Saga staff will book your preferred tours, subject to availability.

The organized tours are an excellent way to see the sights. Saga excursions include transportation, entrance fees, and the services of English-speaking guides. Lunch and refreshments are sometimes included, allowing you to enjoy without worrying about additional costs. All excursions are optional, with an additional charge added to your account. They are subject to change and availability. Among the highlights featured on Saga cruises, there are those best experienced by exploring independently or participating in optional excursions.

Douro River Cruise Itineraries

Starting in 2024, Saga offers two itineraries for Spirit of the Douro - "Lisbon & the Heart of the Douro" and "Douro Explorer".

Saga Douro River cruise fares include travel insurance, onboard beverages (from 11 am to 11 pm, both non-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks), Cruise Director services, return flights and land transfers, Captain's events (dinner and cocktail reception), onboard Wi-Fi, gratuities, and land tours/excursions (Lamego, Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo, Salamanca sightseeing, a quinta dinner, a wine estate tour, Casa de Mateus Palace, Oporto City tour with a wine cellar visit).

The company provides interactive maps and audio headsets for independent shore exploration.

"Lisbon and the Heart of the Douro" Itinerary

"Lisbon and the Heart of the Douro" is a 10-night/11-day cruisetour itinerary that begins in Lisbon. Prices start from GBP 2520 per person (EUR 2945/USD 3180) and include a flight from the UK to Portugal (Lisbon), a 3-day/2-night hotel stay in Lisbon, and a domestic flight from Lisbon to Oporto.

• (Day 1) Flight from the UK to Lisbon
• (Days 2-3) Lisbon hotel stay
• (Day 4) Flight from Lisbon to Oporto, boarding the Spirit of the Douro ship (overnight port stay)
• (Day 5) Cruising from Oporto to Regua and Pinhao
• (Day 6) Cruising from Pinhao to Vega de Terron/Salamanca (Spain)
• (Day 7) Cruising from Vega de Terron to Barca d'Alva
• (Day 8) Cruising from Barca d'Alva to Cais de Espinho and Pinhao
• (Day 9) Cruising from Pinhao to Regua and Bitetos
• (Day 10) Cruising from Bitetos to Entre-os-Rios and Oporto
• (Day 11) Oporto (debarkation and return flight to the UK)

"Douro Explorer" Itinerary

"Douro Explorer" is a 7-night/8-day cruise itinerary that begins in Oporto. Prices start from GBP 2180 per person (EUR 2550/USD 2750) and include a flight from the UK to Portugal (Oporto).

• (Day 1) Flight from the UK to Oporto, boarding the Spirit of the Douro ship (overnight port stay)
• (Day 2) Cruising from Oporto to Regua and Pinhao
• (Day 3) Cruising from Pinhao to Vega de Terron/Salamanca
• (Day 4) Cruising from Vega de Terron to Barca d'Alva
• (Day 5) Cruising from Barca d'Alva to Cais de Espinho and Pinhao
• (Day 6) Cruising from Pinhao to Regua and Bitetos
• (Day 7) Cruising from Bitetos to Oporto (overnight)
• (Day 8) Oporto (debarkation and return flight to the UK)

"Discovering St James' Way" Itinerary

One of Saga's highlights is the discovery of the ancient pilgrims' route, running from southern France over the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. Discover the St James (Camino de Santiago) way with Saga. Along the way, visit ancient cities and villages, without the physical strain of walking in the pilgrims' footsteps. Look out for highlights such as Gaudi's fairytale Episcopal Palace, stay in Pamplona (immortalized by Hemingway in "The Sun Also Rises"), taste wine in La Rioja's bodegas, and explore the cathedral cities of Logrono, Burgos, and Leon. For 12 nights, prices start at GBP 899. Included are cancellation cover, travel insurance, all breakfasts, and ten dinners. You will be accompanied throughout by an experienced Saga manager.

Naples to Apulia Itinerary

Saga Cruises offers the "Colors of the South" 90-night tour. Travel from Naples to the olive groves of Puglia, stay on Ischia island with its subtropical foliage, and discover the stunning scenery of towns along the way. Gain insight into the Italian way of life as you stay in four luxurious, five-star hotels on a half-board basis. Enjoy glorious views of the bay while in Naples, visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed dwellings in the Apulia region, and experience naturally heated spa thermal waters at the Ischia hotel. Prices start at GBP 949, and single staterooms are available on selected dates at no additional cost. Join Saga Cruises' team for tours of Romania, Portugal, the Baltic, shopping in Greece, a tour of Croatia, and discovery of the Italian Lakes. Included are cancellation cover and travel insurance as part of the money-saving offerings on Saga holidays.

Saga's Tours in the USA, Mozambique, and Japan

Embark on one of the most memorable journeys with Saga Cruises' experts. Whatever your travel dreams may be, Saga Cruises offers the perfect trip. Unlock the mysteries of Japan, stay in Mozambique's authentic bush camps, and dare to peer over the edge of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Saga Holidays continues to seek new destinations and experiences for the over-50s audience, as seen in these exciting new tours.

Trans-frontier Trail - Mozambique to Kruger

This 12-night tour will take you through the Greater Limpopo Trans-frontier Park, showcasing the rich Portuguese influence. The three national parks in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are protected, forming a 36,000-square-mile territory. Mozambique's stunning beaches on the Indian Ocean offer opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Stay in comfortable bush camps and enjoy bush walks and safaris with unrivaled wildlife spotting opportunities. The group size is limited to 20 people. Seven lunches, all breakfasts, and dinners are included in the price.

South West Iconic Parks of America

Experience wide-open spaces, fresh air, and relaxation. Each of the national parks is more spectacular than the last, with breathtaking rock formations in vivid colors. Follow the historic Mother Road and remnants of Las Vegas' Route 66 - The Strip is the place to stay if traveling through Nevada. For the best Grand Canyon experience, stay in the park near the South Rim. Explore the badlands of Painted Desert, see the red rock formations of Sedona, cruise the scenic Antelope Canyon, and visit the limestone spires in Monument Valley.