UK-based Saga recently firmed the option for a second newbuild, Spirit of Adventure, for delivery in August 2020. It follows Spirit of Discovery, to set sail in July 2019.
Founded in 1951, Saga Holidays offers worldwide trips for more than 210,000 travelers annually. The Saga Cruises division, now in its 20th year, provides highly personalized service aboard a fleet of smaller ships.
Meyer Werft is building the 58,250gt all-balcony cabin newbuilds which will carry 999 passengers each.
Part of the newbuild team, hospitality consultant Marco Ciraulo has worked in some of the world’s top hotels, from Claridge’s to the Four Seasons. He said the aim is to give the ships a 'timeless, classic and elegant quality.' Particular care is going into designing the cabins. Each one will have a 'personality, bespoke artwork and high-end fabrics, furniture and fittings,' Ciraulo added.
Dining options will range from the traditional Grand Dining Room to alternative venues such as the Asian venue East to West and, a new concept for Saga, Coast to Coast, a seafood restaurant serving British and locally sourced fish, shellfish and other fruits de mer. Free-flowing red, white, rosé and sparkling wines are included with lunch and dinner.
David Morris International said the new ships will offer a distinctly British cruise experience with elements that North Americans look for when they travel to the UK.
Spirit of Discovery’s inaugural season itineraries include the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canary Islands, Britain/Ireland, Norway and Iceland. Pricing bundles in shipboard gratuities, wine with meals and all port taxes. Also included: round-trip chauffeur-driven car service from the UK arrival airport to the ship.
Fares start at $1,670 for a seven-night cruise.
'With our newbuild schedule, now is the perfect opportunity for us to market to North America. Our newbuilds allow for us to implement venues on board that North Americans are looking for from a traditional British company,' said Robin Shaw, CEO, Saga Cruises. 'We chose DMI as David Morris, president, and Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president, have successful track records in the industry with growing markets, having held executive positions with Cunard, Crystal and Silversea.'
For his part, Morris said the newbuild team, with a strong background in delivering a traditional British product, is 'impressive,' adding: 'Our research tells us there is a segment of the market that is still looking for this tradition without the ocean liner feel.'
DMI has partnered with Auto Europe to handle reservations to include air, pre-/post-cruise hotel packages, travel insurance and car rental.
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