Saga Holidays, the UK-based tour company founded in 1951 and designed to offer vacation packages to mature travelers, started its cruise program in 1975 with charter sailings. After building a twenty-year reputation for comfortable cruise travel, Saga purchased its first ship in 1996, the venerable Sagafjord, and renamed it Saga Rose. Following the success of Saga Rose, her former sister-ship Vistafjord was acquired in 2004 and sails as Saga Ruby.

Classic cruisers in every sense of the word, Saga's guests are travelers who expect inspiring itineraries coupled with traditional onboard amenities and comfortable surroundings. In the style of Saga Holidays' land-based tours, Saga Cruises takes care of the details that their discerning passengers don't choose to bother with -- from providing insurance and arranging visas to placing fruit and water in every cabin.

Activities and entertainment range from dance lessons to presentations of West End-style productions, from computer software lessons to lectures on wide-ranging topics. Wine-tasting, deck game competitions, classical concerts, and even Bingo are found on the daily programs. These ships have card rooms, but you won't find casinos.

Food

In addition to offering a wide selection of dishes to appeal to a variety of tastes, many British favorites find their way onto menus in the main restaurants. Ingredients are high in quality, well-prepared, and served in a single leisurely seating. Vegetarian, sugar-free, and healthy selections are always alternatives.

Fitness & Recreation

Gentle exercise classes tailored to different levels of ability and fully-equipped gyms are available for active seniors, and each ship has two swimming pools, one outdoors and one indoors. Passengers can work on their golf swing at the practice nets, jog on deck, or book a fitness session with a personal trainer. Each ship has a full-service spa with a broad menu of massages, facials, and aromatherapy treatments, as well as a hair salon.

Your Shipmates

Saga Cruises are exclusively for passengers age 50 and older; the minimum age for traveling companions is 40. The overwhelming majority of passengers are from Great Britain, with a sprinkling of North Americans in the mix.

Dress Code

Requested attire on board is generally casual during the day. At night, there are three dress codes -- formal, informal, and smart casual.

Service

The warm and friendly service staff provides polished, yet unobtrusive, service.

Tipping

Gratuities are included in the fare, and additional tipping is not expected.

Saga Cruises.
Phone: 1303/771-111
www.sagacruises.com.