Blue Sapphire

The 1981-built Saga Sapphire cruise ship (now Blue Sapphire) was one of Saga Cruises UK's two older vessels, alongside her fleetmate Saga Pearl 2. Sapphire was transferred to Saga Holidays/Saga Travel (part of SAGA Group UK) in 2011 and entered service in March 2012.

Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl 2 were both retired and left the fleet following the delivery of SAGA Group’s two newbuilds — 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) and begin operations for ANEX in mid-2020. The 39-year-old vessel was officially sold to ANEX Tours on June 18, 2020.

Renamed "Blue Sapphire", the ship began operating for ANEX Tours in 2021, offering inaugural cruise programs based on roundtrips from her new homeport Antalya, Turkey, with itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea.

In November 2019, following the acquisition of Thomas Cook Group’s subsidiaries in Germany (Oger Tours, Bucher Reisen, Neckermann) and Russia (Intourist — a USSR-founded travel brand privatized in the 1990s by Vladimir Yevtushenkov), ANEX Tours became the world’s second-largest tour operator, after TUI Group. The company’s Chairman, Neset Kockar, stated that he expected the annual passenger volume to increase to 8 million and revenue to reach approximately EUR 10 billion (~USD 11B).

Thomas Cook Group (founded in 2007 and defunct since 2019) was a British travel group formed through the merger of Thomas Cook AG (a British-German company founded in 2001) and MyTravel Group plc (UK-based, founded in 1972). Neset Kockar, through ANEX Tours, was the second-largest shareholder in the Thomas Cook Group, after China’s Fosun International.

In late February, ANEX Turkey announced its new cruise brand, "Selectum Blu Cruises", led by CEO Necdet Ucarlar. ANEX Tours plans to expand the Selectum Blu Cruises fleet to three ships (second-hand vessels), with deployment in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, and homeports in Turkey, China (or Vietnam), and the Dominican Republic. ANEX Tours has been offering holiday packages, including cruise vacations, since 1996.

Saga Sapphire’s last drydock refurbishment under SAGA UK was in 2015. Following the acquisition, ANEX Tours planned another drydock refurbishment for Blue Sapphire, scheduled for Q3 2020. As of December 1, 2020, the vessel was docked at Port Marmaris, Turkey.

While operated by SAGA UK, the vessel (IMO number 7822457) was Malta-flagged (MMSI 256208000) and registered in Valletta. Following the ANEX acquisition, Blue Sapphire is now Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000978) and registered in Nassau.

"Selectum Blu Cruises" is operated through the Malta-based subsidiary AnexSea Cruises Ltd (incorporated in February 2020, company number C94928), headquartered in Sliema, Malta. The company plans to acquire a second vessel.

History - construction and ownership

Saga Cruises (Saga Shipping) is a UK-based division of Saga Group. The company launched its cruise operations with the purchase of Saga Rose, which served as the fleet’s flagship until 2005, when Saga Ruby (acquired from Cunard Line) was added. In the summer of 2003, Saga Cruises chartered mv Minerva (built in 1989), which was renamed Saga Pearl. Saga Rose was retired after a final 37-night Mediterranean cruise and was subsequently scrapped in China. Saga Ruby departed Southampton for Gibraltar on her final voyage on January 10 and was handed over to her new owner on January 13, 2014.

Saga Sapphire was originally built for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises as MS Europa, the fifth ship in the Hapag-Lloyd fleet to bear that name. Over the years, the vessel was renamed several times—SuperStar Europe (1999–2000, operated by Star Cruises Asia), Superstar Aries (2000–2004, also with Star Cruises), MS Holiday Dream (2004–2008, operated by Club Vacaciones), and Bleu de France (2008–2011, owned by Pullmantur-CDF). In November 2010, the ship was purchased by Saga UK but remained on charter to CDF-France (a Pullmantur subsidiary) for one year. Following an extensive refit in 2012, she was renamed "MS Saga Sapphire."

The 752-passenger Saga Sapphire was introduced as Saga's flagship in March 2012. She was the largest vessel operated by Saga Group, a UK-based company specializing in financial services and cruise holidays for guests aged 50 and over.

In November 2011, Saga Holidays acquired Pullmantur CDF’s Bleu de France and immediately began a multimillion-pound drydock refurbishment of the 706-passenger vessel. The ship had changed hands multiple times since her 1981 debut as Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa. Saga Cruises successfully transformed her into a stylish yet contemporary ship with distinctive British touches. A highlight of the refurbishment was a striking 7-meter installation of 1,395 stainless steel fish as the Atrium Lobby’s centerpiece. On Deck 8, 46 step-out balconies were added, increasing the number of balcony cabins to 65. Cabin amenities included an electronic safe, lifejackets, DVD player, smart HDTV, direct-dial phone (intercom), hairdryer, mini-fridge, and individually controlled air-conditioning. Public spaces were redesigned and equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity—Saga UK's first ship to offer this feature.

Decks and Cabins

Saga Sapphire/Blue Sapphire staterooms total 382 across 25 categories, including 6 Royal Suites, 1 Owner Suite, 3 Grand Suites, Standard Outside (1 Suite, 2 Singles, 21 Doubles—all with obstructed views), Standard Inside Single, and 6 wheelchair-accessible cabins. Of all staterooms, 179 have bathtubs (including 20 with showers), and 58 are studio cabins for single occupancy (including 2 with balconies). The 65 balcony cabins feature relatively narrow step-out verandas, large enough for seating.

The ship has 12 decks, 9 of which are accessible to passengers and 8 with cabins. Being of an older design, the vessel has no identical, prefabricated cabins.

Shipboard Dining Options - Food and Drinks

All dining venues on Saga Sapphire are included in the fare. The main dining venue, Pole to Pole Restaurant, is located on Deck 7 and seats up to 620 guests. The restaurant is divided into themed areas representing the seven continents, creating an intimate atmosphere. Large windows line both sides, with regional decor provided by oversized photographs. Dinner is served open-seating style from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests may dine as couples or join tables of four or six. Those preferring traditional dining with the same table, companions, and time each evening can request it with the maitre d’ on the first day and are expected to use the same table throughout the cruise.

Each morning, a continental buffet is available, with waiter service for tea, coffee, toast, and hot dishes. Waiter-served lunch is also offered in Pole to Pole. The Grill on Deck 9 serves as the alternative dining venue, with full waiter service and a self-serve salad bar at lunch. Weather permitting, a BBQ grill is set up on the Verandah at lunchtime. The Grill also opens 30 minutes after Pole to Pole at breakfast, offering a continental buffet and cooked specialties. Saga Cruises has expanded self-serve buffet options across the ship. Guests can dine at the specialty restaurant East to West at no extra charge, which features an Asian fusion menu with Thai, Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Indian cuisine. The Beach Club serves poolside fare like burgers, hot dogs, and fish and chips, and also offers unlimited soft ice cream.

Here is the complete list of Saga Sapphire restaurants and food venues:

• Pole to Pole Restaurant (Main Dining Room)
• East to West Restaurant (Asian cuisine)
• The Grill (alternative dining area)
• The Verandah

Shipboard Entertainment Options - Fun and Sport

The Drawing Room on Deck 11 offers computers for internet access, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. The Academy on Deck 4 serves as an additional lecture venue alongside the Britannia Lounge. The onboard library provides books, DVDs, and iPads. Two shops on Deck 8 offer formalwear, resort attire, confectionery, souvenirs, travel essentials, and pharmaceuticals.

Daytime lectures and evening entertainment take place in the Britannia Lounge on Deck 8, which also hosts afternoon tea, cocktail parties, and serves as the meeting point for shore excursions. The lounge features comfortable seating and serves as the main venue for musicians, cabarets, lectures, and dance lessons. Across from it is the gold-accented Card Room, popular with card players. The Drawing Room, with panoramic views and eclectic decor, serves as an alternate entertainment space with the ship’s second dance floor and is ideal for daytime relaxation. Cooper’s Bar on Deck 8, themed around comedian Tommy Cooper, is a favorite pre-dinner bar with a flat-screen TV playing short comedy shows.

The Aviators Bar, located one deck below and adjacent to the Reception Desk, offers another venue for drinks. The Beach Club on Deck 11 serves beverages poolside. Next to the pool is the Clubhouse, an indoor games room with table football and tennis. A small onboard troupe performs musical productions. Afternoon tea is accompanied by a classical trio or string quartet, with pre-dinner dancing. Entertainment also includes comedians, guest singers, and instrumentalists, although the ship is not geared toward late-night clubbing.

Saga Sapphire’s outdoor cinema, "View from the Top", is located above the Beach Club and was the first of its kind for Saga UK. A mini-golf course named St Andrews is on Deck 12 at the bow. Shore excursions are guided by local experts and are well-regarded for their value.

The ship’s beauty and spa salon is located on Deck 2, alongside the hair salon, treatment rooms, steam room, and sauna. A small gym, whirlpool, and heated indoor pool are also available. The main pool is on Deck 11, surrounded by sun loungers and deck chairs. The St Andrews mini-golf course and "View from the Top" cinema are also on Deck 11.

Saga Cruises guests typically prefer more formal attire. The ship does not follow the “resort casual” dress code popular on many modern ships. Most men wear jackets and ties on casual evenings, with suits for informal nights. Cravats and blazers are common, especially among Britannia Club members. Women tend to wear blouses with skirts, dresses, or elegant cocktail outfits. Seven-night cruises usually include two formal nights, while two-week voyages have three.

Tips for cabin stewards and waitstaff are included in the fare. Gratuities are not automatically added to bar bills or spa services. The onboard currency is the British pound sterling.

Follows the complete list of Saga Sapphire lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• The Academy (hosts lectures)
• Aviator's Bar; Cooper's Bar
• Photo Gallery & Shop
• View from the Top (outdoor cinema)
• Britannia Lounge; The Drawing Room; Library; Card Room
• The Beach Club; The Clubhouse
• Aqua Spa; Treatment Rooms; Hair & Beauty Salon; Sauna; Steam Room; Indoor Pool; Outdoor Pool; 2 Hot Tubs; Gym
• Sun Deck with outdoor games (shuffleboard, deck quoits)
• St Andrews (mini-golf course)

Itineraries

The Selectum Blue Sapphire itinerary program was originally scheduled to begin with a Maiden Voyage in May 2021. However, the Inaugural Cruise was eventually rescheduled for August 28. The 7-night itinerary (Aug 28 – Sept 4, roundtrip from Antalya) included calls at Alexandria (Egypt), Kusadasi-Ephesus, and Marmaris.

In 2021-2022, the ship was homeported in Antalya, Turkey, offering roundtrips to ports and islands in the Eastern Mediterranean. From September to November 2021, ANEX Tours scheduled Blue Sapphire for homeporting in Marmaris, Turkey, with roundtrips to Greek islands and Turkish ports.

For the 2021-2022 winter season, the ship was deployed in the Persian Gulf, homeported in Dubai, UAE.

The Selectum Blu Cruises 2023 program (May–October) featured roundtrips from homeport Bodrum, Turkey. The 3-4-night / 4-5-day Eastern Mediterranean itineraries included visits to Greek island ports such as Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Kos. Some cruises also visited Piraeus-Athens and Heraklion (Crete Island). The season began on May 2.

The Selectum Blu Cruises 2024 program (July–October) is based on homeporting in Cesme, offering 3-4-night Greek Isles itineraries to Rhodes, Kos, Leros, and Samos. The program also included music-themed cruises with live performances onboard by Turkish artists (Umit Sayin, Nihan Akin, Reyhan Karaca). Wellness-themed voyages featured scheduled activities such as group yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and sound therapy sessions.

ANEX's Selectum Blu Cruises brand primarily targets customers from Eastern Europe and the Russia–Ukraine–Kazakhstan region. Turkish passengers represent an estimated 15–20% of the source market. All onboard announcements are made in multiple languages.

Note: The Saga Sapphire itinerary program (under Saga Cruises UK) featured roundtrips from UK ports Dover and Southampton to destinations such as the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Canada/New England, and the Caribbean, including round-trip Transatlantic crossings.