Saga Cruises

[mufi]

 

Not to these ships... They'll be gone before I'm old enough!

 

It's a pity, as in addition to being lovely ships they seem to offer the sort of cruise experience that even many under-50s (like me) wish was still available. In fact, on paper they seem pretty close to ideal.

 

 

.

 

The rule is that one person in the party must be 50+. So all you need is an over 50 partner, though where you get one of those from I have no idea.

 

David.

[first cruise]

Dear David,

 

How do I make my 44.5 year old husband age to 50 in the next few weeks????? I want to go on the beautiful Saga Rose, she looks like a dream..........

 

Desperately, First Cruise!!

[bobby1119]

I took a wonderul 14 night Med cruise on SAGA RUBY when she was Cunard's CARONIA. The ship was a gem, lovely in all regards. I was saddened when I learned of Cunard's plans to dump her. As a solo traveler, the ship also has several nice single cabins, as well. I look forward to traveling on these fine SAGA ships again.

[Saga Ruby]

Gosh, what a pleasure to hear from such a diverse, sophisticated crowd! When I went on Saga Ruby last June, I could NOT find any information at all about Saga Cruises on the Web anywhere. I wound up wistfully reading about the Caronia, the drydock refurb, then I was off to Dover. I had no idea there were so many of you who appreciate a ship that is not a behemoth.

 

TxnAquarian (Michael) - I sailed on RVL from early 80s to when they pulled up the gangway on the Viking Queen. I wore a black armband when they closed down that cruise line. Which is why Saga is so exciting - everything you remember from RVL exists onboard the ships. The beautiful ships, the service, the small passenger counts, the intimacy, the civility, the fascinating stories of a mature crowd. Fingers crossed for my first Oceania cruise in January. How did you like Crystal and the other small ships you've been on?

 

I'm like Trubey - all the appurtenances trumpeted on mass market US cruise ships mean nothing to me. Saga fulfills all my wants and wishes in a cruise ship.

 

Y'all keep aging - I agree with David. Find somebody to escort on a Saga cruise or pretend you're 50. I like the idea of a once-a-year "under 50" Saga cruise for you poor kids!

[TxnAquarian]

I, too, loved Royal Viking. My first cruise ever was on the RV Sky when I was 7 years old. I fell in love with the ships then. My parents only took me on a 7-day segment of a 2 week voyage because they weren't sure if I was going to like it or not. Little did they know that one cruise would start my obsession(and end up costing them thousands upon thousands of dollars!). We were onboard the RV Queen in 1994 when it was announced that RV Line would cease operations. What a sad cruise that was. Since then, we basically only sail Crystal. We love that line. Many, many Royal Viking fans have converted to Crystal now. The only drawback to Crystal is that there are 2 dinner seatings. I don't mind, but a lot of people don't care for it. But for our money, nothing currently tops Crystal. We have also sailed Radisson which we don't like as much. I am sure that you will love Oceania. It has very much the same intimacy of Royal Viking with much more modern ammenities. And I'm sure you will find many ex-Royal Viking guests there. I am considering trying Oceania in the near future. But as far as unique itineraries go, I have not seen any other line with the unusual voyages that Saga offers. I would sell everything I own in an instant and go on the Ruby or Rose world cruise!

 

 

 

Michael

[dougnewmanatsea]

Unfortunately, I am over 20 years too young to sail either of these lovely ships.

I know the feeling ;) !

 

At least you did get to sail them once...

 

Maybe they could offer a one-time only cruise for those of us under-50!

I know someone (who is over 50 and a regular Saga passenger) who tried to get them to do a 40th Anniversary cruise for SAGA ROSE in 2005. Didn't happen :( .

[floridakeith]

I do have a question. I thought the prices, as posted on Saga´s website, were a bit steep. Since we are not allowed to discuss particular travel agents here, may I just ask if anyone has found any source of discounted prices. If the answer is yes, then I'll spend some quality time—just googling. Thanks, susana.

 

Susana I haven't studied the Saga website as they send me a constant stream of brochures, mailings and offers. The way they price in the UK is that when the brochure first comes out there is a 25% discount on the brochure prices (30% for the World cruise) until the initial allocation of cabins has been sold. Then the discount reduces in 5% steps as each subsequent allocation is sold. They have also introduced late availability guaranteed prices which are also based on a 25% discount. As a guide the brochure for 2007 cruises and the 2008 world cruises will be out in about July this year. So it is critical to jump in fast. Past passengers are allowed to express wishes in advance and are given first option on specific cruises and specific cabins.

 

I hope this helps, though I don't know if the same system applies to bookings from the US though I would have thought it did.

 

If the same inclusions apply don't forget that Saga prices include a private car transfer to the ship for a maximum of 75 miles apart from world cruises which are 250 miles. So you would not have to pay for a transfer from the airport or an hotel to the ship within these mileage limits. The prices also include gratuities.

[Saga Ruby]

For your entertainment - When we threw off our lines in Dover and left our berth, I enjoyed watching the pilot basically spin the Ruby in place a full 180 degrees. It was a question of geometry, stabilisers, and available space. As you know from her photos, she is a sharp-prowed ship. There was the usual floating raft of old tires strung together at that berth and we were all making bets about whether the bow would nudge the tires.

 

The pilot neatly missed the tires by no more than 8', we turned majestically toward the open sea, sailed out of the breakwater, and on to Svalbard.

 

I heartily agree about "jumping in fast" to get a discount. I was so excited about the itinerary that I signed up as soon as the Ruby's calendar appeared on the Web (she was still the Caronia at the time). As everyone reading this thread can tell, once you've sailed Saga, you're a lifetime fan.

[trubey]

Thanks for the answers. I have requested their brochures and I'll see if there is a particular cruise that "Calls My Name" and then see how I go from there. I also don't know if my living in Portugal would be a plus or a minus in terms of taking advantage of any discounts. For instance, some cruise lines will assist you with airfare for their American customers cruising in Europe. susana.

[patwell]

Here's a little treat you might not have found. I stumbled on it by accident and for those of you who have sailed either of these jewels it will bring back memories. For those of you yet to go....something to look forward to. For me it was pure nostalgia.

 

Go to this website, scroll down the list of ships and at the bottom you will find Saga Rose and Vistafjord and be able to listen to those wonderful horns of theirs. Kind of silly maybe but it sure gives me shivers and sends the memory meter right off the charts! Don"t know if this will link you direct or if you have to cut and paste into your browser. This is for you Saga Ruby...

 

http://www.schiffsphoto.de/schiffshoerner.htm

 

To Floridakeith...sorry I missed your post. I'd have been glad to post that blog site. Thanks Saga Ruby for covering for me.

 

Host Doug.....I share your disappointment over not being able to sail on either of these ships...not because I'm underage...no such luck there. But I just can't fly anymore to get to them. So suffer we all will! What a treat for the passengers to have Prinsendam aboard and see his wonderful artwork.

 

OK, folks, I'm back to the Cunard board...but I'll be checking in and enjoying, vicariously, your travels on my favorites. Cheers, Penny

[Saga Ruby]

I, too, loved Royal Viking.

 

Hey, Michael, I was listening to ship's horns that Patwell gave us on this thread (thanks Patwell) and it reminded me of that silly song RVL used to play at sailaway from every port. I could sing that jingle for many years. It was such a goofy song for such an elegant cruise line but that touch of silliness never got old!

 

Thanks for the info on Crystal - I'm looking forward to my first Oceania jaunt and perhaps I'll give Crystal a try. But I dunno - 50,000grt sounds awfully large and I suspect for that kind of money I could go back to Saga!

 

Do y'all really believe there will be no small ships in the future? I know they ain't makin' 'em anymore but I'm 61 - I have high hopes of making it thru my cruising life with a small ship and a star to sail her by.

 

Ruby

[mufi]

Saga are an unusual company in that although they started life selling land based holidays for the "mature", later expanding into cruises, they make the largest part of their income from insurance sales. This is why the data base of Swan Hellenic would be of such interest to them if they could buy it.

 

David.

[dougnewmanatsea]

But I just can't fly anymore to get to them.

The obvious answer... Go by sea :) !

[patwell]

And don't think that thought hasn't crossed my mind! But there's this goofy dog we never leave for long. Hmmm, a crossing on the QM2 with a big golden retriever ensconsed in the kennel....a lovely boarding facility in England for a week while we indulge me on one of the Sagas...a crossing back on the QM2 with said dog.....need I tell you how insane my husband would think I've become?? But I can dream.....Cheers, Penny

[TxnAquarian]

You are the only person I have talked to, including those in my family, who remember the RVL sailaway music! How funny! Thank you for confirming the fact that I am not crazy.

 

I can remember the tune, but the only lyrics I remember are:

 

"....and we're all aboard having fun, on the Royal Viking Sun" or

 

"....and we're all aboard being seen, on the Royal Viking Queen"

 

Haha. Thanks for sharing the memories!

 

 

 

 

Michael

[Saga Ruby]

Michael - all day I've been sitting here trying to get that RVL song to come up. I fear for being sleepless tonight. We all used to stand on Promenade Deck and sing with that rinky-tink little tune. Thanks for the partial lyrics; maybe it'll kick my brain into gear in some eureka moment!

[dougnewmanatsea]

Just "FYI", Peter Knego has now posted a very nice photo tour of SAGA RUBY here, as an addition to the article I previously posted a link to.

 

She really does look wonderful - I can't think of any other current ship that looks this beautiful, not even SAGA ROSE.

 

The only criticism I can think of is that I am not fond of the marble (?) flooring in the lobby... I think it looked better carpeted.

 

Aside from that, she looks just gorgeous. And astonishingly stylish and modern for a ship that caters exclusively to a "mature" clientele!

 

If I can't sail in this ship, I do so wish I could at least get Cunard to redecorate QE2 in a similar style... As much as I love her, her current decor, much like that which SAGA RUBY had as CARONIA, leaves much to be desired...

[Saga Ruby]

Thanks, Doug, for that link to the most beautiful photos of a ship you could ask for. The photog has a lyrical viewpoint - spiral staircases that I walked for 15 days look like a chambered nautilus - wish I had paid more attention to the architectural beauty. As the photos show, the Saga ships are built to a musical perfect pitch.

 

Doug, would you like for me to develop a limp and tell Saga that I have to have a healthcare worker with me so you can sail on the Ruby?!!!

 

That Summit photo in the middle of the set really yanked my head around until I read the caption about "We interrupt this program . . ." ugh! I cannot imagine being onshore and looking back at the Summit and thinking, gosh what a lovely ship. You do that exact thing every time with Saga Ruby or Saga Rose.

 

Thanks so much for the photos.

[trubey]

Thanks for the link. I could really see imagine myself on her.

 

I mentioned somewhere above, that I came to this thread after reading speculation that the Prinsendam might being sold to Saga. After seeing these photos, I thought it would actually be perfect. susana.

 

Maybe I just like comiing to a board called "other". Today I watched two tugs pulling a ship out of the port here in Ponta Delgada and it got me thinking about chosing the next cruise. susana.

[carlmm]

I am happy to read here that my beloved Vistafjord / Caronia is well cared for by Saga Cruise.

From the photos I have seen they did a good job refurbishing her even if I preferred the old style of the alternative restaurant (much to cold now) and some other places.

Question for those who have sailed her in both states: How well done is the new aft area including enlarged Lido, pool, and less (?) deck space?

 

Well, while I had the privilege to sail her a couple of times, I am, like some others here, to young to be allowed on now. What a pity, she is just what a ship should be.

[Saga Ruby]

Carl, I thought the aft deck was fine and was surprised to see how much space for deck chairs there were. I sailed on Sagafjord as a child and don't remember the deck space differences between then and now. However, I was at polar North and there was little demand for the outdoor pool which was always empty! I didn't get down to the plunge pool so this may not be of help to you. I can assure you that Vistafjord/Ruby is still a magnificent sailing ship and I'm looking forward to being on Rose also.

[PRINSENDAM]

 

Stephen Card is onboard Saga now? Ohhh, I'm so envious!!!!!!!!! Keep on aging in a good way, Doug, you have a lot to look forward to! ;)

 

Ruby

 

 

 

Dear RUBY,

 

Just read your post. I WAS on board back on 30th March.... sailing from San Francisco to Bermuda.

 

This was my first time in the RUBY.... but did sail in her as CARONIA and VISTAFJORD. The ship is MUCH better than she was as CARONIA. No doubt about it all.

 

My own preference is for the ROSE though. I prefer the more original interiors on the older ship.

 

Stephen

[Saga Ruby]

Thanks for the note on Ruby. I'm in the process of trying to find a cruise on Rose as I haven't sailed her yet. I'm off on Oceania a repo from Istanbul to Singapore this November, so gotta figure out a cruise on Rose as soon as I get back.

 

Do you consider the hotel staff service to be equivalent on both ships? I was bowled over by the Ruby staff - incredible, spot-on service. Although Oceania has newer ships, they have a lot to live up to after Ruby.

 

I didn't know Ruby sailed from SFO to Bermuda, one of my favorite islands. That must have been a l-o-n-g sail.

 

I'm hoping to catch Rose for an Antarctica cruise. Most of the mass market lines don't set foot on the continent like Saga. O' course, weather at the end of the globe is so atrocious, I doubt I'll be able to claim that last continent for my collection! One can always hope.

 

Come join us on the repo Istanbul run - it'll be fun! I'm keen on the old wooden dhows and hope to see one or two in Muscat or Dubai.

 

Happy sails, Stephen,

 

Ruby

[dougnewmanatsea]

Sunday-Monday (28-29 May) will be SAGA RUBY's maiden call in Brooklyn. It will also be the first time I've seen her since her Saga conversion.

 

Stay tuned for photos!

[PRINSENDAM]

Thanks for the note on Ruby. I'm in the process of trying to find a cruise on Rose as I haven't sailed her yet. I'm off on Oceania a repo from Istanbul to Singapore this November, so gotta figure out a cruise on Rose as soon as I get back.

 

Do you consider the hotel staff service to be equivalent on both ships? I was bowled over by the Ruby staff - incredible, spot-on service. Although Oceania has newer ships, they have a lot to live up to after Ruby.

 

I didn't know Ruby sailed from SFO to Bermuda, one of my favorite islands. That must have been a l-o-n-g sail.

 

I'm hoping to catch Rose for an Antarctica cruise. Most of the mass market lines don't set foot on the continent like Saga. O' course, weather at the end of the globe is so atrocious, I doubt I'll be able to claim that last continent for my collection! One can always hope.

 

Come join us on the repo Istanbul run - it'll be fun! I'm keen on the old wooden dhows and hope to see one or two in Muscat or Dubai.

 

Happy sails, Stephen,

 

Ruby

 

 

Ruby,

 

I guess I should say that the crew on the RUBY are 'identical' to the staff on the ROSE. SF to Bermuda (21 days) was my first time in the ship as the RUBY. My dining room steward was the same steward I've had on the ROSE for the past five years! Several of my old cabin stewards from the ROSE are now on the RUBY. Several bar staff from ROSe are now on RUBY... Hotel Manager is ex ROSE... indeed, the first time I sailed with Horst Pint he was Bar Tender in Sagafjord's North Cape Bar.... back in 1990!!!!! Not all the crew came over from the ROSE.. just enough to ensure a smooth handover.

 

BTW... Saga's crew are very loyal to the company. Most of them have been with Saga for several years. They are a great lot.

 

My next Saga cruise will be in March next year. SAGA ROSE... Sydney to Piraeus.. about 40 days.

 

Stephen