Saga Rose sails off into record books

Sparkling showers of colour cascaded over the decks of the 44-year-old vessel as last-minute preparations were made before she left Southampton’s Eastern Docks on her final world cruise.

Later in the evening her sister ship Saga Ruby was also due to depart Southampton from the next-door berth as she began a 73- night voyage around Africa.

Later this year, Saga Rose, one of the last classic ocean liners still remaining, will be withdrawn from service, ending a seagoing career that dates from 1965.

International safety regulations coming into effect next year mean it would be too expensive to refit a ship as old as Saga Rose to comply with the new rules, while the newer Saga Ruby will be upgraded.

Although nothing has been finalised, it is hoped that eventually Saga Rose will be sold and converted into a floating hotel.

However, before that she is expected to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for completing more round-theworld cruises than any other vessel.

Hundreds of passengers lined the decks to watch the firework display signalling the beginning of the end for Saga Rose, a vessel that can trace her heritage back to a time when cruising was strictly the preserve of the wealthy.

With her wood panelling and main lounge designed for afternoon tea and ballroom dancing, Saga Rose was originally built for the former Norwegian America Line and sailed under the name of Sagafjord. Together with her sister ship, Vistafjord, completed in 1973, the two vessels established a reputation for luxury and good living on the high seas.

Both ships were bought by Cunard in 1983 and then, 13 years later, Sagafjord was acquired by Saga Cruises, when she became Saga Rose. In 2004, Cunard’s Caronia, formerly Vistafjord, was added to the Saga fleet, and started cruising in early 2005 as Saga Ruby.