Saga Ocean Cruises

Saga is committed to providing the highest standards of service from the moment you book direct with us, right through every aspect of your holiday. We take care of all the details leaving you free to relax and enjoy yourself on your well earned holiday. Saga has more than 50 years experience of organising holidays for discerning travellers aged 50 and over. We believe our success is based on our personal service, attention to detail and our continual response to the suggestions of our holiday makers.

Welcome to the Sage Rose and Saga Ruby Worldwide Cruising brochure, which I am proud to introduce as Chief Executive of Saga under its new ownership. I believe the management by-out of Saga, together with the investment company, Charterhouse, is in the best interests of customers, shareholders and employees. This means it’s very much business as usual and I wanted to assure you that we will continue in our great tradition of offering outstanding value and service to our customers.

We have a very experienced team of people who have been working hard to develop all of these cruises. From the imaginative itineraries and shore excursions to the daily programme of activities, sparking nights of entertained and meticulously prepared menus – every aspect of each cruise has been carefully planned. Just some of the staff who look forward to welcoming you abroad are introduced, and those of you who have cruised with Saga before will recognize many familiar faces.

Cruising aboard one of our own ships is a unique experience and offers a certain style of cruising that has proved very popular with our guests. In 2005, with the introduction of our new ship, Saga Ruby, there is an even greater choice of itineraries, including perhaps the ultimate holiday, a round the world cruise, the opportunity to escape the British winter on an adventure of discovery. We also share with your our refurbishment plants for Saga Ruby, who will uphold the strong tradition of service and quality set by here sister ship, Saga Rose.

Saga’s high standards of service await wherever in the world you cruise to and I am confident you will return with fond memories of a great cruising experience.

Attentive service from our friendly staff

In 2003, a creditable 98.8% of Saga Rose cruise goers who answered the question ‘How did you rate the level of service provided by dining room staff?’ rated the dining room service either ‘excellent ‘ or ‘good’, thanks to an experienced team of courteous waiters and knowledgeable sommeliers.

The menu opposite gives you an idea of what you can expect on board. If you have a special diet, our chefs will make every effort to cater for your needs.
Please advise us of this when you book.

+Leisurely days and sparkling nights
Aboard both ships, the daily activities and entertainment cater for a wide spectrum of tastes. During the day perhaps indulge in a massage or sauna, or attend or an interesting lecture given by one of our expert speakers. Each evening the public rooms take on their own special atmosphere, and you can savour gentle piano music, classical recitals or lively jazz bands and cabaret shows. Your days and evenings at sea can be as relaxing or as exciting as you wish.

+RELAXING DAYS
Aboard Saga Rose and Saga Ruby you will find an extensive range of facilities to ensure that your days at sea are as busy or relaxed as you wish. Both ships have wide open decks where you can soak up to sun or sit and watch the world go by. If you are feeling more active, perhaps take a dip in the pool or enjoy a workout in the gym. For those seeking pampering and indulgence, there is a beauty salon offering a wide range of treatments, as well as a health spa with sauna, Jacuzzi and massage rooms. Alternatively perhaps make use of the Computer Learning Centre, take a quiet moment in the well-stocked library or attend one of the many lectures given by our guest speakers.


+EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
Our cruises feature a diverse selection of entertainers. The ships have a resident theatre company that performs lively variety and West End-style shows on several evenings during your cruise in the Grand Ballroom. This is also the venue for the Captain’s Cocktail Party, when the Master of the ship invites all passengers to toast the start of their cruise.

Meanwhile, the Polaris Club aboard Saga Rose or the Preview clubs aboard Saga Ruby aboard Saga Ruby are great venues for dancing to live music performed by the resident band and DJ. However, if you would prefer a quieter evening, you can enjoy late-night cocktails in the Britannia Lounge or you may wish to adjourn to the cinema to watch the latest Hollywood releases.

Also in the Britannia Lounge, you can enjoy a series of classical recitals, from Beethoven, Bartok, Schumann and Shostakovich to the waltzes of Austria and the tangos of Argentina.

Sometimes you will be serenaded by a solo instrumentalist and at other times by full string ensembles.

Classic cruising from breakfast to bedtime

Cruising is as much about the voyage itself as the many fascination destinations you sail to. From the moment you step aboard Saga Rose or Saga Ruby you will be made to feel welcome by our friendly staff, each of whom is committed to providing outstanding standards of service. During your days at sea you can be as active or relaxed as you wish – perhaps start your day with early morning jog around the deck or enjoy breakfast in bed; spend the afternoon being pampered in the beauty salon or attend an interesting lecture after lunch alfresco on the Lido Deck; and in the evening, following a sumptuous meal in the Dining Room, you can savour a West End-style show or relax to the soothing tones of a classical string quarter. A cruise aboard Saga Rose or Saga Ruby promises all this and more.

+Sumptuous Cuisine
You can look forward to dining of the highest quality as our teams of accomplished chefs work tirelessly to prepare and devise imaginative menus and delicious using only the finest fresh ingredients. From morning until night, each meal is an occasion to savour, and a wide variety of dishes is complemented by the elegant surroundings of the Dining Room. Both Saga and Saga Ruby will offer single sitting dinging, allowing you to enjoy leisurely meals at a time that suits you, and on Saga Ruby you can also dine in View, our alternative restaurant.

+ANTICIPATE EXQUISITE CUISINE AND FINE WINES
On both Saga Rose and Saga Ruby you will be spoilt for choice with an extensive selection of dishes. Our chefs work hard to create a varied menu featuring both traditional and contemporary cuisine, and they use only the finest ingredients, much of which are home-grown. They will also purchase produce overseas when the ship is in port so that they can prepare speciality dishes to provide a taste of the place you visit. In addition, you can choose from a wide choice of wines to complement your lunch or evening meal. We take time to source the latest vintages and find new, more unusual wines to accompany classic varieties form around the world, always ensuring that they meet our high standard.

+DINING IN THE CLASSIC CRUISING TRADITION
Your day could start with tea or coffee brought to your cabin before you enjoy a leisurely breakfast which you can choose from an extensive buffet or have served at your table. Alternatively, if you prefer, take advantage of our 24-hour room service and have breakfast whilst relaxing in your cabin.

Lunch can be taken in the Dining Room, or you can help yourself form the buffet in the Lido. On fine days you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air or the Lido Deck by eating alfresco.

Afternoon tea is another great cruising tradition and you can look forward to sampling delicious cakes and fresh scones with your tea in the Ballroom.

Your evening meal is the gastronomic event of the day, served at one leisurely sitting in the elegant Dining room and sometimes stretching to six courses. Many passengers like to dress up for the evening, which may begin with drinks in the stylish Britannia Lounge. In addition, on board Saga Ruby, View restaurant offers a more intimate alternative to the main Dining Room.

Finally, at some point during your cruise, you are sure to succumb to the midnight buffet in the Lido, where you can help yourself to a tempting spread of sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes.

On formal nights, of which there are usually one or two a week, a formal dress code applies on board. On embarkation you are allocated a table for dinner for the duration of your cruise. Details of table reservations will be in your cabin on arrival. If you already have preference, please tell our Travel Consultants when you call to make your booking.

Experienced crew

+CAPTIAN DAVID WARDEN-OWEN
Captain David Warden-Owen comes from a long line of seafarers, and after attending HMS Conway Naval College he began his cadetship with Shaw Savill Line and went on to work with Cunard. In 1997 his extensive experience and friendly personality made Captain Warden-Owen the natural choice to become Master of Saga Rose, a ship that he believes to be “a legend in her time.” He enthuses: “I just love Saga Rose. Not only does she have classic lines, but she is also one of the best seagoing ships I have ever been on.” During his seven years with Saga, Captain Warden-Owen has so many happy memories that he finds it difficult to single out one specific highlight, although he says the most enjoyable aspects of his job is the many friendships that he and his wife have made with the passengers.

During his time off, the open seas continue to beckon as Captain Warden-Owen spends much of his time yachting: “ I enjoy racing my 107-year-old Seabird half rater with my 87-year-young father who keeps the boat and trophies looking good throughout the off-season!”

+CAPTAIN ALISTAIR MCLUNDIE
Captain McLundie also hails from seafaring background, his father and grandfather both having been seafarers. On leaving school he studied for a diploma in mechanical and electrical engineering and was then offered a cadetship with Harrisons (Clyde) of Glasgow. He spent 12 years with them, rising to the rank of Relief Master or their fleet of Platform Supply vessels.

He then joined Seacontainers on their high-speed ferries where he sailed briefly as Master joining Saga in 1997. He was quickly promoted and took command of Saga Rose in 2000 at the age of 34.

Captain McLundie cites the constant new experiences and the fact that every day is different as two of the most enjoyable aspects of is job. “I also get a real buzz from seeing the passengers enjoying their cruise, and working with such an excellent and efficient team makes my job immensely enjoyable.” He says that the highlight of his career was taking Saga Rose to the Antarctic for her first visit there under the Saga Flag.

During his time ashore, in between renovating his Victorian house and going for walks with his dog. Captain McLundie continues to be drawn to the open seas:
“My wife and I have a small yacht, which we love to sail around the west coast of Scotland,” he says.

+CAPTAIN JOHN BROCKLEHURST
Born in Warwick, Captain John Brocklehurst studied at HMS Worcester before joining Port Line, a subsidiary of Cunard Line. In 1973 he transferred to the Atlantic Container Line Fleet, spending 19 years on the North Atlantic during which time he gained his Master’s certificate. Captain Brocklehurst worked first for Stena before joining Sun Cruises where he worked as Master or Carousel, Sundream and Sunbird, before joining Saga earlier this year. When on leave, Captain Brocklehurst enjoys keeping fit by hill walking and cycling.

+ROY PARKINSON, CRUISE DIRECTOR
Roy is responsible for organizing the entertainment and activities on board, and he has enjoyed a varied career in show business and hospitality which included working aboard Cunard’s QE2. “The beauty of my job is that it encompasses both the behind-the-scenes organisation and the ’front work’ of introduction shows and acts stage.” Roy will be sailing with both Saga Rose and Saga Ruby next year, and he is especially looking forward to joining Saga Ruby on her Inaugural Cruise.

And Roy is equally busy when he is not at work. After discovering he had already visited 20 of the 50 wonders of the world published in a newspaper last year, he has since embarked on a quest to see the other 30… “Recently I went white water rafting and elephant trekking in Thailand and sky diving in Auckland from 11,000 feet – something I enjoyed so much that I did it again back home in Somerset!” His other, more sedate, pursuits include catching-up on theatre productions, gardening and a spot of DIY.


+GEORGE STREETER, EXECUTIVE CHEF
With over 20 years in the catering industry, George is highly accomplished chef whose career has taken him from hotels and restaurants throughout Germany and Switzerland, aboard Renaissance Cruises’ ships and to Mauritius where he managed two restaurants, one of which received a trophy as part of the International Award for the Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry. In 2002 George joined Saga.

“My duties include compiling the menus, ordering the food, creating meals for special dietary requirements and ensuring that all of our guests are happy with their food, be it breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner or the late-night buffet.”

When not creating fine cuisine with an international flavour, he heads back home to Cornwall. “In my time off I enjoy diving, skiing, squash, fishing and reading”. Certainly enough to give him a hearty appetite to sample his own cooking!

Our exciting designs for Saga Ruby

Saga Ruby entered dry dock in Malta in November for a £ 17 million refurbishment. The following pages give you a flavour of what to expect aboard the sister ship of Saga Rose.

Seeing what is planned for Saga Ruby’s redesign is very exciting, and I feel remarkably privileged to not only be taking command of what promises to be a very special ship, but also to be in command on her inaugural cruise.”

+Captain Alistair McLudie
With ten years’ experience in ship design, Alison Clixby of Clixby Associates has been working closely with Saga to ensure Saga Rose’s little sister offers equally high levels of comfort while offering something a little different to cruise goers. Alison and her team have selected sumptuous fabrics, high quality furniture and created calming colour schemes to ensure each public room its own unique ambience.

Inspiring destinations

One of the thrills of any cruise is the prospect of waking up in a new country or port of call each day. Within this brochure you will find our widest ever choice of itineraries and destinations, spanning all seven continents, from the icy wilderness of the Arctic and the historic capitals of Europe to the sparkling cities of the USA and spectacular scenery of Australasia.

Perhaps choose a cruise to northern Europe for a truly memorable experience and witness some of the world’s most remote and unspoilt scenery, or escape to the Canary Islands, the perfect haven for you to get away from the British winter and enjoy the year-round summer climate. Alternatively, for a more cultural experience, immerse yourself in the romantic lifestyle of the Mediterranean, discovering sun-baked cities, exquisite art and mouth-watering cuisine. We also offer a selection of cruises which take in the elegant cities of the Baltic with their resplendent architecture, fairytale charm and strong maritime history. Further afield, you could float off to the Caribbean where paradise comes to life on beaches of swaying palms, powdery white sand and clear blue waters. Or join either Saga Rose or Saga Ruby for the ultimate travel experience, a cruise around the world.

Medical advice

+TRAVEL INSTURANCE AND MEDICAL ADVICE
1.When you book: If you, or anyone travelling with you has suffered from any chronic and/or serious illness in the last 12 months which has required consultation or treatment with a doctor or hospital, you/they must obtain your/their doctor’s permission to travel. It is important that the doctor is fully aware of the nature of the holiday you are proposing to take, its duration and the travel arrangements involved.

The Extended Cancellation insurance cover of the included insurance policy begins as soon as you book and before your holiday starts. For this reason, you must also tell Saga if you have any close relative or close business associate whose health is likely to deteriorate and result in your holiday having to be cancelled or cut short. Examples include elderly parents who are suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses.

When you book, you must tell Saga about these and any other medical facts which are likely to affect your holiday plans. Even if you or your travelling companion has a medical condition, in most cases Saga can arrange cover. In addition, if you have any special difficulties or needs, such as a particular diet, Saga can advise and help you, Please call us FREE on 0800 373 034 for details.
2.After you book: If any material circumstance arises that is likely to affect you cover after you have booked, you must advise us. Please call for advice if you have any doubts.
3.Please note: The insurance company is unlikely to accept a claim as valid if you do not follow the steps detailed above. In addition, there are other instances where cover is not available under Medical Expenses, Extended Cancellation or Curtailment sections. These include where the person(s) making the claim:
· Does not follow the advice of a medical practitioner.
· Is traveling to get medical treatment abroad.
· Is on a hospital waiting for a serious illness, or knows they are likely to need treatment before the holiday starts.
· Is suffering from any previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
· Has been given a terminal prognosis by a medical practitioner.
· Is expected to give birth before or within eight weeks of arrival home.
Saga and the insurers will not accept responsibility for any consequences if you don not consult a medical practitioner or ignore his/her advice. The policy document contains full details of the medical cover provided, terms and exclusions. We recommend you read it carefully.

+HEALTH
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND DISABILITIES
The health and safety of customers is of paramount importance and it is essential that you disclose any pre-existing medical condition or disability at the time of booking. Any deterioration in your medical condition or disability must also be promptly notified to Saga, since failure to do so may affect your rights. Please consult a member or our Special Needs team, who will be able to advise you. We may require you to provide a valid certificate from your doctor to confirm your medical fitness to travel. Please note that Saga cannot provide personal or special assistance, which may be required for certain disabilities and disabled customers may find their access to facilities, amenities, services and excursions is necessarily restricted. Unfortunately, we may be obliged to refuse or cancel a booking where your medical condition or disability prevents the proper operation of the holiday or excursion or where your health and safely, or that of others, is at risk.

+ADVICE FROM THE FOREIGN OFFICE
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit provides important safety information applicable to British nationals traveling abroad. Information is available on BBC2 Ceefax and the Foreign Office Internet website on www,fco.gov.uk Alternatively, you may telephone the Travel Advice Unit on 0870 606 0290.

+HEALTH ADVICE
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. The Department of Health publishes a useful leaflet entitled ‘Health Advice for Travellers’. We recommend you read this leaflet which is available from the Post Office, or by calling the Health Literature Line FREE on 0800 555 777. Saga will send you general information about vaccinations and inoculations with your holiday confirmation. For holidays involving international air travel, we also send you “Saga’s Guide to Comfortable Air Travel’ with your travel documents. Please note health details are constantly changing so your doctor will be able to advise you about your specific needs, including vaccinations, and we recommend you consult your doctor at least two months before departure.

+HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD
Saga operates to many parts of the world, Some to which do not conform to UK health and safety standards. The adequacy and enforcement of local safety standard is the responsibility of the appropriate authorities in the country concerned. We believe that all our suppliers, hotels and facilities comply with the local regulations in force in their country for health and safety. However, these do not necessarily meet UK standards. In addition, the areas and facilities surrounding your holiday accommodation, such as beaches and local amenities, do not form part of you holiday contract with Saga and have not been inspected. Saga therefore urges that you and have not been inspected. Saga therefore urges that you and your traveling companion(s) take all reasonable precautions for your own protection whilst on holiday.

+HEALTH TIPS
You will be aware of the press coverage linking air travel to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, which can travel into the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Some doctors believe that can be caused by long hours of minimal leg movement, a familiar experience for air travellers. To minimize the problem some travel doctors recommend you get up and exercise you legs periodically during your flight. Flexing your ankles and moving you fee around to stimulate circulation whilst seated may also prove helpful. If appropriate, you should consider wearing special support stockings, available from pharmacies, to keep blood from settling in the veins in your legs. We advise you to contact your GP for your specific needs.
If you wish to find out more about DVT, we publish guidelines in our ‘Saga’s Guide to Comfortable Air Travel’ leaflet or if you have access to the Internet you can visit our website at http://www.saga.co.uk and click on Health and then Holiday Health. Please also consult your GP.

+TRAVEL
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Travel information is provisional and approximate only. The confirmed details are those shown on your travel documents. Saga will advise you of any significant changes to flight details at the earliest opportunity.
A flight indicated as direct does not necessarily mean non-stop. Direct flights may have to make an intermediate stop en route, but do not require a change of aeroplane.
There are certain times of the year when Saga does not operate holiday departures.

Shore Excursions

Optional shore excursions

To help you make the most of your time ashore, we offer a range of optional shore excursions on every cruise, which are carefully planned to show you the key attractions of the area you are visiting.

+ORGANISED SHORE EXCURSIONS

Excursions may be for half or a whole day and provide a comfortable and convenient way of seeing the sights. From outstanding natural wonders and historic cities to ancient ruins, museums and beautiful gardens, each excursion is designed to show you the very best of the region.

There are many advantages to joining a shore excursion rather that exploring independently. Some attractions are difficult to reach for independent travellers and you may have to arrange your own transport. Also, there may be no English-speaking guides or written explanations once you are there.

All Saga shore excursions are led by an experienced English-speaking guide who provides background and historical information to the places you are visiting. Also, a Saga representative accompanies you, should you need any further assistance. Transport is included on all shore excursions, and bathroom and refreshment stops are made for your comfort.

The shore excursion booklet for your chosen cruise will be sent to you shortly before your cruise to allow you to select in advance the ones you wish to join. The booklet will also specify where refreshments or lunch are included.

+A warm welcome from our Staff on board

From the moment you step aboard Saga Rose, you will be struck by the friendly atmosphere, and from start to finish you can look forward to an outstanding service that is attentive without being intrusive. We often receive compliments from customers about the high standards upheld by our dedicated and experienced staff. To assure that this service is equaled aboard Saga Ruby, there will be a similarly high ratio of crew to passengers and many of our crew and officers will be working on both ships to make you feel welcome and cater for your every need. Here, we introduce a selection of our key senior personnel.