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An epic, 54-night cruise will mark a long, poignant goodbye for a much-loved cruise ship that has carried Saga guests to the ports of Europe and Africa over the last nine years.

The flexibility of the company’s “smallest gem”, Saga Pearl II, which has a capacity of 449 passengers, is typified by the range of destinations in her final season.

This beautiful small-ship heads for her final voyage in February – a South African Farewell Adventure which contrasts the great cities of Cape Town, Luanda, Maputo and Dakar with the natural wonders of the continent’s wildlife.

Apart from the ‘big five’ – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo – guests will explore game reserves and coasts, as well as have the chance to kayak through the wetlands of iSimangaliso Wetland Park – home  to turtles, crocodiles, hippos, and hundreds of birds, including penguins and flamingos.

The cruise also takes in St Helena, Madeira, the Canaries and Cape Verde, plus a ‘crossing the line’ ceremony, echoing the Naval tradition when passing over the equator.

However, ahead of her final cruise Saga Pearl II still has a busy programme before her dramatic exit. In October, she offers Scenic Scandinavia, excursions to the Van Gogh Museum and a reconstructed Viking village, followed by Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean, including Barcelona, Florence and a Roman banquet and toga party.

November’s Flavours of the Canaries includes patisserie demonstrations and whale watching with a conservation team from ORCA, while The Moorish Mediterranean offers Moroccan cuisine between visits to Tangier, Algiers, the exquisite Alhambra Palace and a flamenco display.

After four-night trip to Amsterdam and Bruges, there are Christmas-themed cruises to Hamburg – with the chance to see one of Saga Pearl II’s successor ship Spirit of Discovery being built – and to Oslo and Copenhagen.

In January, Canary Island Delights also visits Lisbon and Santiago de Compostela, while Spanish Morocco and Andalusia features belly dancing classes, and options to visit the Alhambra palace or the breathtaking Mezquita mosque in Cordoba.

The penultimate voyage is The Canaries in Bloom, exploring gardens, ancient laurel forests and a cacti plantation designed by artist César Manrique in Lanzarote.

Scenic Scandinavia, 10 nights from £1,539 per person, departing Dover on October 2, 2018.

 Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean, 18 nights from £2,583 per person, departing Dover on October 12, 2018. 

 Flavours of the Canaries, 14 nights from £1,983 per person, departing Portsmouth on October 30, 2018.

 The Moorish Mediterranean, 17 nights from £2,702 per person, departing Portsmouth on November 13, 2018.

 Amsterdam Escape, four nights from £576 per person, departing Portsmouth on November 30, 2018.

 Festive Hamburg, six nights from £807 per person, departing Portsmouth on December 4, 2018.

 Scandinavian Festive Delights, seven nights from £1,107 per person, departing Portsmouth on December 10, 2018.

 Canary Island Delights, 14 nights from £2,142 per person, departing Portsmouth on January 4, 2019.

 Spanish Morocco and Andalusia, 15 nights from £2,079 per person, departing Portsmouth on January 18, 2019.

 The Canaries in Bloom, 13 nights from £1,922 per person, departing Portsmouth on February 2, 2019.

 South African Farewell Adventure, 54 nights from £9,650 per person, departing Portsmouth on February 16, 2019.

For details visit saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises or call 0800 50 50 30.

Price includes UK travel package to and from Portsmouth or Dover, all meals and entertainment, choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free wifi, all on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount where passenger has own insurance.

All excursions mentioned are optional, at an additional cost, and are subject to availability and change. Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.

Price based on two people sharing the lowest available Inside cabin grade and includes any relevant booking discount. Fare was correct at the time of sending and is subject to availability and change. Further terms and conditions apply. Please call for details.