Saga Pearl II

The 1981-built Saga Pearl 2 cruise ship was one of Saga UK’s former vessels (together with fleetmate Saga Sapphire) and had one sistership – CMV Astor (1987-built/2020-scrapped). Pearl 2 (auction-acquired in 2008) and Sapphire were both withdrawn from service (left SAGA’s fleet) after the two newbuilds, respectively Spirit of Discovery (2019) and Spirit of Adventure (2020), were commissioned.

In July 2020, Saga Sapphire was sold to (acquired by) ANEX Tours (Turkey’s largest travel agency/tour operator). The 39-year-old liner, renamed "Blue Sapphire," began operations for ANEX Tours in 2021.

In April 2019, Saga Pearl II was sold to Aqua Explorer Holdings Ltd (an offshore/BVI-registered company), renamed "Pearl II," and relocated to Greece (Port Perama, near Piraeus-Athens). On July 23, 2022, after being laid up for approximately three years in Greece (due to the Coronavirus crisis), the 41-year-old ship was towed to Turkey, sold for scrap metal, and on July 25 was beached for dismantling at Aliaga Turkey. The AIS signal was transmitted for the last time on July 23 at 08:24 UTC.

The vessel (IMO number 8000214) was last Malta-flagged (MMSI 256878000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Saga Cruises is a UK-based passenger shipping company and a division (subsidiary) of Saga Group/SAGA UK. By purchasing Saga Rose, Saga Group began its passenger shipping operations. The vessel operated as flagship until 2005, when Saga Ruby (acquired from Cunard Line) joined the fleet. For the 2003 summer season, SAGA chartered MV Minerva (1989-built), which was renamed "Saga Pearl." Saga Rose was retired after a final 37-night Mediterranean voyage and was subsequently scrapped in China. Saga Ruby departed Southampton for the last time on January 10, en route to Gibraltar, and was handed over to her new owner on January 13, 2014.

Saga Pearl 2 was named "MV Astoria" until November 2009, when she was acquired by Saga UK to replace MS Saga Rose (1965). The new owner invested over GBP 20 million in refits and renovations – the company’s most expensive refurbishment project at the time. In 2012, the vessel was renamed "Quest for Adventure," and in November 2013 she reverted to "Saga Pearl 2," receiving the company’s logo on the funnel.

Between 2005 and 2013, SAGA established a second travel brand – "Spirit of Adventure Cruises." Its fleet consisted of Spirit of Adventure (MS Berlin/now Dream Goddess) and Quest for Adventure (Saga Pearl 2).

The 600-passenger Saga Pearl II embarked on her maiden voyage for Saga Holidays in March 2010. In May 2012 she was renamed "Quest for Adventure," and in November 2013 reverted to "Saga Pearl II."

Under her new owner (Aqua Explorer Holdings), Pearl II was reportedly to be resold to a Greek company to serve as either a cruise ship or a floating hotel. It was later announced that the BVI-registered owner was controlled by Saudi Arabian interests (via Greek intermediaries) and planned to convert the vessel into a private superyacht. However, the project failed, as the ship was delivered during the height of the Saudi Arabian purge (2017-2019), during which prominent princes, ministers, and businessmen were arrested by the anti-corruption committee led by Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince since January 2015).

Decks and Cabins

Saga Pearl II had a total of 253 cabins (including 36 Suites, 20 Balcony cabins, and 60 Single cabins) across 26 grades. Nine staterooms featured French balconies. A key selling point for solo travelers was the large number of single staterooms, representing nearly 25% of the total cabin inventory.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The culinary concept reflected the flavors of Saga Holidays’ destinations, with chefs sourcing fresh ingredients locally while in port to create regionally inspired cuisine. The Dining Room featured ocean-view picture windows, restful decor, and dark wood paneling. Open seating was available at tables for 4, 6, or 8 guests. Two small wings, each with a 12-seat table, accommodated small groups. Buffet-style breakfast and lunch, as well as a casual dinner alternative to the Main Dining Room, were served in the Verandah Restaurant, overlooking the open deck and aft pool.

Saga Pearl II’s dining venues included the Main Dining Room (MDR), the Verandah Restaurant (alfresco venue open for buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and waiter-served dinner), and two private dining rooms (Chart Room and Ward Room, each seating 14 guests), where dinners were occasionally hosted by the Captain and senior officers.

SAGA’s shore excursions included scuba diving and snorkeling (along coral reefs), exploration of archaeological sites and ancient ruins, desert safari adventures, and culture-themed tours. Selected land tours were included on each voyage, in addition to optional excursions and independently arranged shore travel. Mountain bikes were provided complimentary while the ship was berthed in port. Onboard entertainment featured guest speakers and expert lecturers.

SAGA’s travelers were primarily in the 50+ age group and predominantly British. This typical "UK ship" operated as adults-only, providing a child-free environment.

Below is the complete list of Saga Pearl II lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues.

• Discovery Lounge (afternoon tea with sugar sculptures and crafted cakes; dance classes; presentations)
• Sundown Bar; Shackleton's Bar (live music)
• Discovery Lounge; Shop; Library; Card Room; Chart Room; Ward Room; Cinema
• SPA and Treatment Rooms; Hair & Beauty Salon; Sauna; Indoor Pool; Outdoor Pool; Gym
• The aft-positioned Sun Deck spans two levels (Decks 6-7) and features outdoor games (shuffleboard, deck quoits, short tennis court) and a BBQ/Barbecue Area (for alfresco dining)
• On the Sports Deck (top deck) is a midship-positioned short tennis court.

The Gym (open between 7 am and 7 pm) featured floor-to-ceiling mirrors and was equipped with three treadmills, two static bicycles, a rowing machine, cross-trainer, exercise balls, a ballet-style barre (along two walls), stretching mats, and free weights. A large TV was mounted on the wall. Bottled water and towels were provided complimentary.

The 20-seat Cinema was free of charge (first-come, first-served) and also used for quizzes and exercise classes. It typically screened two films per day.

On Lobby Deck (A-Deck) was the midship Lobby Hall housing the Tours Office (Saga Cruises’ excursions booking and information) and the Reception Desk (24-hour guest assistance, including currency exchange services).

The Briefing Room contained a large selection of DVDs. The Card Room was stocked with board games, cards, and jigsaw puzzles. The Library (divided into several areas) featured panoramic windows and more than 3,000 books.

The Duty-Free Shop sold brand perfumes, jewelry, watches, fashion accessories, clothing, and everyday travel essentials.

The Discovery Lounge also served as the ship’s Theatre (main show lounge) and was the focal point of nightly entertainment, with live shows starting at 9:30 pm. After the show, live music performances for dancing were provided by the Saga Orchestra. The Lounge accommodated all passengers, with rows of cream and blue chairs. Banquette seating lined both sides of the room, complemented by small tables for drinks. Large TV screens around the walls provided close-up views of the stage. Waiter-served drinks were available between 8:30 pm and 11:30 pm.

Shackleton’s Bar (opening from 10:15 pm) was a lively lounge ideal for after-dinner cocktails, featuring live music by a resident pianist and recorded pop hits from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.

The Sundowner Bar (open from 10:30 am to 1 am) was an intimate venue, ideal for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. It was accessible via indoor stairs (from Bridge Deck) and outdoor stairs (from Sun Deck). The bar featured floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic stern views.

Itineraries

Saga Pearl II’s itinerary program was based on roundtrips from UK homeports (Dover and Southampton), visiting ports across Europe (Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Norway’s Fjords), as well as Africa and South America via relocation Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com).

The ship’s final cruise for Saga was a 54-night voyage to Africa, departing from Portsmouth UK on February 16, 2019. Among the African ports visited were Banjul, Luanda, Luderitz, Maputo, and Walvis Bay.