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August 16, 2024

Saga Cruises, based in Folkestone, England, caters to travelers over 50 and offers both river and ocean cruises. Its fleet includes some of the most modern ships in the world, thanks to the recent introduction of two new vessels and the retirement of those in operation until 2019.

A significant moment for the company was the departure of Saga Pearl II and Saga Sapphire from the fleet, marking the beginning of a new era with the introduction of its first new-build ship, Spirit of Discovery, delivered in 2019. That same year, Saga ordered a new river vessel, Spirit of the Rhine, which would become Saga’s first boutique riverboat, marking the company’s investment in the river cruise sector after years of chartering riverboats for its program. This included the all-inclusive cruise experience typically offered on ocean cruises. In 2020, Saga announced the debut of its second new-build ship, Spirit of Adventure, which was delivered in September 2020 instead of June due to the pandemic and subsequently set sail on its maiden voyage in May 2021. Today, the company operates an ocean fleet of two ships and a river fleet of five, including one unit debuting in 2024 for cruises in Portugal and another launching in 2025 offering cruises in the heart of Europe.

So, what sets Saga Cruises apart? The company offers luxury cruises on elegant ships equipped with all comforts and an all-inclusive experience that includes high-quality spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. But it doesn’t stop there; the fare includes additional benefits. For ocean cruises, this encompasses travel insurance, including additional cancellation rights for all holidays abroad, including the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, the Scilly Isles, and both river and ocean cruises; round-trip transfers within the UK; free Wi-Fi in cabins and throughout the ship; onboard gratuities and service charges; 24-hour room service; a wide range of entertainment activities, including guest lectures, theatrical productions, and recitals; outdoor activities and games including fitness classes and use of the gym, pools, and hot tubs; access to the spa, hydrotherapy pool, infrared sauna, and steam room; port taxes and charges; excursions, fine dining, and first-class service with one staff member for every two guests onboard.

For river cruises, additional benefits include: travel insurance; round-trip transfers within the UK; choice of cabins, with French balconies available on select ships; excursions; round-trip flights or Eurostar travel; included airport parking if not using chauffeur service; round-trip transfer between overseas airport, train station, hotel, and port, where applicable; free onboard Wi-Fi; gratuities and service charges; airport taxes, fees, and charges, if applicable.

Regarding the onshore experience, every Saga cruise includes a selection of excursions designed to provide a taste of what the port and surrounding area have to offer, exploring natural wonders and historic cities. For those who prefer a deeper exploration of destinations, there is also a wider selection of optional tours at each port, designed by the destination experts and including guided walks, rib rides, wine tastings, and even helicopter flights. Additionally, a dedicated team is always available to help guests create a customized excursion or private tour based on their needs, or guests can take advantage of free bus transfers from the ship to the nearest city center for independent exploration or use the brand-new e-bikes available onboard.

When it comes to dining, the choice is truly extensive. Deciding when and where to dine is part of the Saga boutique cruise experience, and the ocean fleet ships offer a wide variety of options, all included in the cruise price, ranging from meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes to fine wines and a broad selection of desserts. Each ship has a main dining room serving the best of British and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also The Grill for a more informal dining experience. Adjacent to The Grill is The Veranda, a large outdoor space where guests can enjoy the same dining choices but al fresco with a beautiful ocean view.

On Spirit of Adventure, specialty dining includes Khukuri House, the first Nepalese restaurant at sea, and Amalfi, an Italian specialty restaurant offering high-level Italian cuisine. For a casual dinner, Supper Club provides cabaret-style evenings with delightful menu choices. On Spirit of Discovery, East to West offers the best of eastern cuisine, from classic favorites to contemporary twists, and Coast to Coast serves fresh fish dishes. For a more casual dining experience, The Club by Jools combines a steakhouse with top-class entertainment. Reminiscent of the famous 1950s musical lounges, it’s the perfect place to enjoy cocktails and dinner with live music: an ideal spot for a post-dinner drink and live performances by talented guest musicians.

In the river fleet, all ships feature a main restaurant, and some include a smaller alternative dining venue, also included in the offer, such as the Panorama Restaurant on Spirit of the Rhine and the Delta Restaurant on Spirit of the Danube.

Saga Cruises also offers a service for solo travelers, ensuring a fantastic experience with maximum privacy, including 12 dedicated solo cabins on each ship and a range of bespoke activities such as a party and a solo lunch, with opportunities to connect with other guests for shared excursions.

Saga Cruises therefore provides a first-class service, offering a complete experience with luxury service, all-inclusive offerings, refined cuisine, explorations, and the intimate size of the ships that allows the crew to assist guests comprehensively at every stage of the journey, ensuring excitement, adventure, relaxation, and intimacy.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of Saga Cruises on CruisingJournal, featuring photos, videos, and special offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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