SAGA SAPPHIRE joined the Saga fleet in April 2012, and in her eight years of cruising under the Saga flag, has provided thousands of passengers with an intimate and elegant cruising experience. In 2021, she will re-enter service as BLUE SAPPHIRE operating for Anex Tour’s new cruise line.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the send-off Saga had planned for BLUE SAPPHIRE. Instead, Saga is celebrating by asking customers and colleagues to take part in a 2.6 challenge to complete the 8,050 nautical miles she was due to sail for her farewell cruise. The 2.6 challenge is a fundraising initiative which sees people complete a challenge linked to the numbers 2.6 or 26. That could be anything from running 2.6 miles to cycling 26 miles to doing 26 press ups. Details of the challenge will be shared on Saga’s Facebook page in the coming weeks.

Nigel Blanks, Managing Director of Saga Cruises, said:

“SAGA SAPPHIRE has been hugely popular with our guests over the past eight years. She will be missed, but we’re delighted she will be playing a starring role in Anex Tour’s new cruise offer. Launching BLUE SAPPHIRE was an important moment, and laid the foundations for our purpose-built boutique cruise offer. We are now looking forward to an exciting new chapter for Saga Cruises as we prepare to welcome the SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE to our fleet in the coming months.”

Neset Kockar, Chairman of Anex Tour, said:

“I am thrilled to have our first cruise ship which is getting prepared to sail in the eastern mediterranean after a thorough rennovation. Expanding our product range in line with the needs of our customers has always been a top priority, and it is my pleasure to offer one of the most unique experiences to them.”