A Visit To Saga Rose August 2003

Dover on a fine summer’s morning was the venue for a visit to Saga Rose, and the Passenger Ship Society members happily went through all the necessary security measures before boarding this elegant looking ship. Like all guests and passengers, we were welcomed in the Reception area (Bureau Square), with its comfortable seating and spacious surroundings, on Upper Deck Midships. The Purser’s Office is located here, together with the Excursions Office.

The ship was built in 1965 as the much admired Sagafjord with the traditional teak decks and old-style shear which have made her so popular since she first sailed as Saga Rose for Saga Holidays in 1997. She is 24,474 tons, air-conditioned, stabilised, and has single sitting dining for 587 passengers, with a 4 star Berlitz rating, and offers a traditional feel in a bright and spacious ship.

Saga Rose had seven passenger decks for us to explore so our personally conducted tour took us up the blue carpeted staircase to see Veranda Deck. The elegant Britannia Lounge is stunning, with windows offering almost circular panoramic views. The seating is set around the round dance floor, with a piano in the recess for the resident musicians. Crystal chandeliers, soft and comfortable armchairs and decorations, and several pictures by the maritime artist Captain Stephen Card, all ensure a great feeling of comfort and space for dancing or cocktails and drinks. The curved Forward Staircase also offers access to the Britannia Lounge.

Leaving here on the port side we visited the North Cape Bar, offering great comfort and fine views, with its wooden panelling, stylish light aqua-coloured carpeting, décor and seating – a very appealing venue. On the starboard side is the comfortably furnished Card room and well-stocked Library.

Between these two areas is the Cinema/Theatre, a welcoming and comfortable place for films or lectures, with a much-improved décor since our last visit.

We saw Shakespeare’s lounge, with its piano bar, on the way to the Grand Ballroom, which is the venue for the evening shows and cabaret. Afternoon tea is also served here, which is another of the delights of this ship.

Aft is the Lido Café, offering buffet breakfast or lunch in a conservatory-like area, which curves out gracefully onto the open Lido Deck and around the Swimming Pool. I can imagine spending many happy sea-days here!

The Promenade Deck above offers the Polaris Club, on two levels, one for a popular night-club, and the other as a Computer Learning Centre.

We were shown cabins on several of the five accommodation decks, all offering great choice in size and décor. Whilst on Deck C we admired the Health & Fitness Suite and Plunge Pool, with the Sauna & Massage facilities.

Another of the great delights of the ship is the impressive staircase allowing passengers to make a grand entrance down to the Dining Room. The recent refurbishment in royal blue and gold was stunning and most elegant. That first sight of the wonderful crystal chandeliers over the two-deck high room is memorable and sets the scene and tone for an excellent dining experience. There is just one sitting for meals, with allocated seating. Our lunch was superb, beautifully prepared and served.

We liked the nice touch of the table stewards (like all staff on board) wearing ‘country of origin’ flag badges next to their name.

Saga Rose is a beautiful and much-admired ship, with everything done to make passengers feel welcome on board. One must be aged fifty-plus to travel with Saga, but forty-somethings can accompany them. The cabins are comfortable, itineraries well-planned and the whole atmosphere should ensure a happy time on board. Saga Holidays has a prominent place in the British market, and according to all its satisfied cruise customers, and judging by our enjoyable visit, its high status would seem to be very well-deserved.

Review by Ann Haynes, photographs by Stephen Shirley, August 2003

For further information on Saga Rose & Saga Holidays click here Saga Cruises