SAGA PEARL ll

(EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OVER 50s)

 

 

Passing the towering cranes of Felixstowe container port, Saga Pearl ll gracefully eased her way into the port of Harwich. In the glistening May sunshine this small, but elegant, cruise ship looked every inch the epitome of luxury, very much resembling a modern yacht in her blue and white livery. I watched from a vantage point along the roadside, a mile from the port, as the ship made her way towards the cruise terminal. Having watched her arrive. I made my own way, by car, to the terminal in order to board.

At the cruise terminal, passengers mingled with crew members, all waiting to board. There was an air of excitement about the place as old friends met, and new friendships began to form. Many of the entertainment staff, waiting to board, were youngsters in their late teens/early twenties, some of them embarking on their very first cruise. The entire terminal building buzzed with excited chatter, and the feeling of anticipation was almost palpable.

 

 

I boarded the ship at 3.30pm, having had my passport checked and gone through the usual security checks. My first impression was very favourable, cheerful staff greeted me as I stepped aboard and made my way towards the reception area. At only 18,591 tons, Saga Pearl ll is a small ship. This, of course, is reflected in the communal areas, but, although smaller than most, the reception area was bright and welcoming and served its purpose well. The main reception desk also served as a Bureau de Change, there was also a tours desk for booking excursions at the ports of call.

As boarding had commenced later than usual, it was too late for lunch, however, afternoon tea was now being served in the Discovery Lounge. This sumptuous tea consisted of hot sausage rolls and fried scampi, an extensive range of sandwiches, rolls, and cakes, and of course the obligatory scones, jam and clotted cream. This magnificent spread was laid out buffet style for the passengers to either help themselves or be assisted by the ever helpful staff. Once seated, passengers were served tea and coffee by attentive waiting staff. 

 

 

 

Having indulged myself with the afternoon tea, I went to explore the ship. As one of the first people to board, I was in the enviable position of having both the time and the space necessary to really appreciate the facilities.

I decided to work my way from the lowest deck (C Deck) up through all seven decks to the Sun Deck. C Deck is home to the spa area,with its indoor fresh water swimming pool, gym, sauna, and treatment rooms. The spa area is open from 7am to 7pm, towels and gowns are provided and changing rooms are available. The Medical Centre is also situated on this deck.

 

 

 

 

Up one deck to B Deck. This is the first deck to accommodate passengers, with accommodation consisting of standard sized cabins. Located on this deck is the hair and beauty salon (open 8am to 7pm) and the Cinema. The cinema is fairly small, but I was informed that it seldom gets full, so plenty of space with comfortable seating for those passengers who want to take in a film during the cruise. The cinema is also used for keep fit classes.

 

 

 

 

Up another flight of stairs to A Deck. This is the deck on which I had boarded the ship, here you will find the reception area as well as more passenger accommodation. On this deck the cabins are a mix of standard and superior grades. The ship has a total of eight cabin grades, this gives passengers a wide variety of cabin style from which to choose, and a level of accommodation to suit all budgets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Promenade Deck is the entertainment hub of the ship, you will not find any cabins on this deck. At the front of the ship is the Discovery Lounge, home to a small stage on which the main entertainment takes place, this is also where I had my fabulous afternoon tea! Making my way from the Discovery Lounge towards the rear of the ship, I pass the ship's Shop and the Briefing Room. The Briefing Room is home to several computers which, although do not have general Internet access, are available to use for online newspapers and for photograph editing etc. There is free wifi on-board as well as computers with free internet access in the very well stocked Library. Just off of the Library is Shackleton's, a very classy, intimate cocktail/piano bar. Before I reached the Main Dining Room, I passed the Card Room, often a popular place for passengers on these smaller cruise ships. The Dining Room was very tastefully decorated and the tables elegantly laid out in readiness for this evenings meal. In this restaurant you have both fixed and open dining options and meals are waiter service. Occasional, intimate dining can be arranged in the small Chart and Ward rooms, situated either side of the main dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Boat Deck has only twenty cabins, these are the higher grade cabins and suites, twelve of which have balconies. On this deck you will also find the Verandah Restaurant (the second dining room). In this restaurant breakfast and lunch is self service but dinner in the evening is waiter service. From the restaurant there is access to the outside verandah area, which is home to the outdoor, salt water, swimming pool. 

 

 

 

 

Up another flight of steps to the Bridge Deck. Only seventeen cabins to be found on this deck, these are superior cabins and suites, including the Owners Suite, the ultimate in luxury! On this deck you will also find the Sundowners Bar, an intimate little bar, ideal for a quiet drink with friends. The bar opens out onto the sun deck and barbecue area.

 

 

 

 

The seventh and final deck is the Sun Deck, this is purely for pleasure with an area for sunbathing, as well as various games to play. There is a Short Tennis court, Shuffle Board, Table Tennis, and a Dart Board. During my exploration of the ship I have used the stairs to access all of the decks, but for those less mobile there are lifts available.

 

 

 

 

With all these amenities on-board, I am sure every passenger boarding today will have a wonderful time on this fifteen night cruise to the Northern Cape, Norway is beautiful at any time of year and what could be better than to view this magnificent country from the comfort and safety of this elegant and luxurious cruise ship?

 

A Few Facts & Figures:

The ship weighs in at 18,591 tons and has a twenty foot draught.

Total passenger capacity is 449 and total crew 252.

There are seven decks and eight cabin grades.

Two restaurants and three bars.

Two swimming pools, inside fresh water, outside salt water.

Cinema, Gym/Spa, Hair & Beauty Salon, Library, Shop, games facilities.

Refurbished in 2010

For more information visit: www.saga.co.uk/cruises