SAGA – A Floating Old Folks Home?

When I was invited to spend a night aboard the Saga Sapphire, I was in two minds….. I imagined it’ll be like staying at a posh Old Folks Home, with people my Nan’s age.  I envisaged mobility scooters, wheelchair-bound passengers clogging up the passageways.  BINGO! (I hate Bingo..) Overheated rooms, and bland boring entertainment.

However,  one thing I have learned since starting this cruising lark, is not to judge a book by its cover.  I have been proved wrong time and again, thankfully and have been very pleasantly surprised.  And this occasion was no exception!

Beautiful Centre-piece don’t you think?

The Sage Sapphire is not a new ship, but beautifully decorated, cabins are very spacious  (220sqft) compared to some I’ve seen, especially the Single cabins.  Here’s a Single Oceanview Cabin, light, bright, and roomy.

I was staying in a Superior Balcony Cabin, with a spacious bathroom, and a huge shower (big enough for 4 at least!). My only disappointment was the balcony.  A bit on the small side. Only room for a couple of chairs, and if you have long legs, you’d be hard pressed to sit facing forward comfortably without bashing your knees on the glass front, but sideways on was ok.

Now to the restaurants:  The Pole to Pole & The Verandah Main Restaurants  are light, spacious, and serve the most delicious food! with the option to dine Al Fresco in fine weather.

What I found particularly useful was the wide selection of Gluten Free & Diabetic meals available, which were set up separately from the main buffet options.

They also offer a Speciality Restaurant called East to West which serves Asian food, and is included in the price!  You have to make a reservation, mind, and can only use it the once, but even so. A nice touch I thought.

The Britannia Lounge is where the main entertainment happens, and is also used for afternoon tea, dancing lessons and lectures.

There’s a great cosy, welcoming bar called Coopers, and is themed around the great comedian Tommy Cooper.  Decorations with his famous jokes printed onto cushions, and music is provided by a pianist playing the old favourites.

Outside on deck, you have a good size pool with jacuzzi, and a  Beach Club , where you can feast on Burgers,Fish & Chips, as well as a Help Yourself  free Ice Cream dispenser!  And another nice touch – an Olde Worlde Sweet Shoppe, where you can help yourself to an assortment of boiled sweets.(not good for the fillings or dentures of some of the guests,  but delicious nonetheless!)

Also on the very top deck you will find ‘St Andrews’ a great crazy golf course!   The Spa even has a good size indoor pool with jacuzzi/hot tub for bad weather days.  So lots of activities for all ages.

The staff were extremely friendly, easy to talk to and didn’t hesitate in engaging in conversation with you, which made you feel very welcome.         With 720 passenger capacity and 440 crew, the standard of service is extremely high. Average age range 60+ although minimum age is 55 but can bring a younger companion.  (Toy Boy?)

So where do they sail, what’s their prices like, and are they value for money?  Well, cruises start from as little as £499.00 for April 2017.       Destinations include The Baltics, Canary Islands, The Med, British Isles, Central America and The Caribbean.

If you like Fred Olsen and Cruise & Maritime, then you should like Saga.

The prices are not shocking, and fall well within what I would expect with a few extras:

Main Selling Points: Included in the price:   Nationwide Chauffeur Service * Gratuities * Travel Insurance * Wine & Soft Drinks with Lunch & Dinner.

So in summary:  A real ‘gem’ of a cruise ship, a good size, classically styled, friendly, welcoming, a good choice of activities and great food!