News

Saga holidays has today announced exciting plans to launch a new build boutique river cruise ship to sail on European rivers in Spring 2021.

Following the launch of Saga’s new luxury boutique ocean cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery in July 2019, and the launch of her sister ship in Summer 2020, the new rivers ship will bring the boutique luxury of ocean cruising to river cruising for the first time.

Using more than 60 years of insight gained from providing products and services exclusively to the over-50’s, Saga will be using the inspiration of their boutique ocean cruises to design the new build ship which will echo this luxury styling. Almost all of the 17 sq metre cabins will have a French balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure guests can truly revel in the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

The new ship will be built by Vahali, a Dutch-founded company who have been building rivers ships since 1923 and has constructed some of the finest river cruise ships afloat.

Over recent years the popularity of river cruising has been steadily increasing year on year with Saga customers. Those who would like more information on the ship will be able to register their interest from 4th November 2019 and bookings will be taken following the publication of its first itineraries on 2nd December 2019.

Spirit of the Rhine will be sailing on rivers including the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube as well as through the stunning waterways of Holland. When it comes to onboard facilities the ship will ooze boutique with a spectacular lounge with bar, a separate library area, a main restaurant as well as a reservation-only restaurant with show cooking, A large sun deck, jacuzzi, barbecue and extensive seating area will also be a feature of the ship and will truly allow guests to take in the impressive views during their luxurious cruise..

In addition, Spirit of the Rhine will also have a small gym onboard and free wifi will be available throughout.  

For many river cruising is about exploring some well-known destinations in a new way. Saga will offer a variety of new and innovative itineraries that will feature popular destinations as well as some less familiar ports of call. Saga will be tailoring their itineraries to offer exclusive excursions and will offer multiple options in key ports giving guests the opportunity to truly make their holiday experiences their own.

All cruises will be full-board to include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities will also be included for the first time and VIP transfers will be included as standard, so the luxury really does start from the moment Saga’s guests are picked up from their homes.

Robin Shaw, CEO Saga Travel said: “I am delighted to announce that we are using our experience in ocean cruising to design a bespoke ship for those guests who want a luxurious, boutique river cruise experience.

This launch of Spirit of the Rhine heralds a step change in the future of river cruising and when it comes to the onboard experience, our boutique approach to cruising will ensure that our guests have an experience that combines unrivalled, first class service with bespoke authentic experiences that are tailored just for them..”

For further information please call 0800 300 400 or visit www.saga.co.uk/spirit-rhine