Saga Pearl II Captain's blog

This morning we made our way along the Tagus River to what was to be our final port of call outside the UK as Saga Pearl II, Lisbon in Portugal. Having picked up our harbour pilot close to the Belem Tower we made our way under the 25th April Bridge towards our berth at Lisbon’s new cruise terminal. As we eased onto the quay many of our guests, and indeed crew, were out on deck to catch their first glimpses of the latest addition to our fleet, the beautiful Saga Sapphire.

I have to say our latest acquisition was looking resplendent in her new Saga livery, especially the new funnel design, and you could feel the excitement in the air as our guests and crew made their way over to the Sapphire to take part in what was described as a ‘Gastronomic Tour’ of the public rooms and dining venues. Many passengers also mentioned that they were eager to have a sneek peak onboard at the cabins they have booked for upcoming cruises; I’m led to believe nobody was disappointed and everyone commented on what a fine addition she is to the Saga fleet.

For me it was a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues on the Sapphire, not least fellow Masters, Captain Alistair McLundie, Captain Philip Rentell and Captain David Warden-Owen. It was a perfect opportunity for us all to meet and catch up over a coffee as normally the only chance we get to see each other these days is during our handovers. We all spared a thought for Captain Steve Angove and the passengers and crew of Saga Ruby, such a shame they could not be with us, and of course for Captain Kees Spekman and those aboard Spirit of Adventure, just completing her final voyage.

At 5pm I led the first of our guests over to the Sapphire, which was to be the venue for this evening’s festivities, where we would officially welcome Saga Sapphire into the fleet and bid a fond farewell to Saga Pearl II. The evening commenced with a cocktail party led by the Master of Saga Sapphire Captain McLundie, and then we dined in style in the Pole to Pole restaurant onboard the Sapphire. I have to say the spread laid on was top class (what else would you expect?!) and I must thank Captain McLundie and his team onboard for making our passengers and crew so welcome.

Following dinner everyone made their way into the Britannia Show Lounge on the Sapphire for an intimate performance from Britain’s most popular soprano Lesley Garrett CBE. The show was simply outstanding and something that we shall all remember for a long time to come.

Finally we bid farewell to those on the Sapphire as everyone hurried back onboard Saga Pearl II and made their way out onto our open decks for the perfect way to round off the perfect day-a spectacular fireworks display, accompanied of course by a glass or three of bubbly!

With only the smoke left from a sensational display, I gave the order to cast off our ropes and we made our way into the River Tagus once more, as we slipped past Saga Sapphire we signalled our farewells with 3 long blasts on each ship’s whistle.

We now make our way north to Southampton where our name will be officially changed to the ‘Quest for Adventure’ and another exciting chapter opens in the history of Saga cruising. Having sailed on this fine vessel throughout her humble beginnings in Swansea dry dock and her inaugural season as Staff Captain and then sailing for the last year as Master, my first ever command, no one shall miss the name of Saga Pearl II more than me. However I am delighted, honoured and excited to be leading her into her new life as Quest for Adventure, how privileged I am.

I do hope you have enjoyed reading the Saga Pearl II blogs and I look forward to penning the first, and many more to follow, as Master of Quest for Adventure.

A fond farewell from us all on the Saga Pearl II

Set on southern Portugal’s craggy Atlantic coast, Portimao lies in a natural harbour at the mouth of the river Arade, in the country’s famed Algarve region. With a varied history as a Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian trading port, the city has a fascinating heritage, and was named ‘Portus Hannibali’ by the Romans. Although industrialisation has grown over the past few decades, nearby highlights include a quaint 14th century church and the St John of Arade fortress, built to protect the city from pirates. Also there are two pretty beaches close by: Vau and the popular resort of Praia da Rocha, both offering long stretches of golden sand backed by cliffs and rock formations. The port area is famous as one of the Portugal’s best places for big game fishing and also plays host to many leisure activities including wind surfing and scuba diving.

The first excursion to depart this morning was a ‘Jeep Countryside Adventure’. Setting out from Praia da Rocha, guests enjoyed a journey in a 4 wheel drive vehicle to follow country trails towards Monchique, passing through Sra do Verde, from where the guests started off their road trail through peaceful countryside and wooded slopes. Guests had the chance to stop off in the village of Monchique to see some examples of the Algarve’s finest handicrafts before continuing to Caldas de Monchique, a charming village that retains its historic character and is famous for its mineral water.Before heading back to the Saga Pearl II guests enjoyed a visit to the local distillery, where they had the opportunity to taste Medronho-the famous Algarve firewater mixed with honey.

The second excursion to depart was the ‘Magnificent Western Algarve’. Turning inland to Portimao, guests had the chance to see a busy deep water fishing port on the river Arade, where brightly coloured boats float gently in the bay. The next stop was at the historic town of Lagos, its sturdy medieval walls testify to its importance in the 15th century, when carvels were built in the local shipyards. Whilst visiting the church of San Antonio the guests could enjoy a tour of the Municipal Museum where they could see local arts and crafts, ceramics, straw hats, lobster pots and fossils. They then could enjoy free time around the shops and cafes.

The final excursion to depart today was to ‘Lagos and Portimao’. Guests began their tour with a coach drive to Lagos, a fascinating and historic town that played an important role during the period of the discoveries. It was from this harbour that Vasco da Gama, who discovered the maritime route to India, sailed on his epic voyage in 1499. The old town is full of character, with many treasures and reminders of the past including the statue of Prince Henry the navigator and the site of Europe’s first slave market. After a panoramic tour, guests then had some free time for relaxing or shopping. The excursion then continued to the rocky coastline of the Ponta da Piedade. These rugged cliffs overlooking the sea contain numerous grottoes and some of the most photogenic rock formations to be found in the entire Algarve.

We set sail for Portimao shortly after 5pm this evening and on clearing the narrow harbour entrance we set a course north towards our penultimate port of call for this cruise and indeed the penultimate port of call for the Saga Pearl II-Lisbon in Portugal.

In Lisbon we will be joined by the latest addition to the Saga fleet, Saga Sapphire but sadly our other ‘sister’ Saga Ruby cannot be with us. Nevertheless with the special events planned, including a fabulous concert by opera sensation Lesley Garret, I’m quite sure everyone will have a memorable day.

Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400 feet high limestone rock. Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa. Ever popular with the British holiday makers, Gibraltar is very much home from home, boasting excellent duty free shopping in many familiar British high street shops.

The first excursion to leave today was the ‘Dolphin Safari’. Gibraltar’s bay boasts three species of dolphin and seven species of whale, as well as sunfish, flying fish and turtles. After departing from the ship our guests took a short drive to the ‘Dolphin World’ pleasure cruiser. The cruiser set sail into the bay and our guests learnt about the history of this tiny colony, and were given an insight into the marine life of the bay with a fascinating commentary from the guide.

The second excursion to leave was simply entitled ‘The Rock’. On leaving the port our guests drove across the unique runway at Gibraltar airport, built using stones dug from the rock itself by the British army during the two world wars. Passing the frontier with Spain, guests had the chance to see the American war memorial, British naval base and Trafalgar cemetery before arriving at Europa point and the only Trinity lighthouse outside Great Britain. Continuing to the upper rock area and St Michaels cave, the coaches then took everybody to King Charles V wall where they saw the famous Barbary apes!

The third excursion to leave this afternoon was ‘Fortress Gibraltar’. Travelling past the British and Spanish land frontier, the guide pointed all the sights of interest along the way to provide guests with an informative overview of Gibraltar’s history. The first stop was Europa point and then guests were taken to a nature reserve home of the northern defences sector where they could catch a glimpse of the famous Barbary apes. Our guests then continued on to hays level where they enjoyed a guided tour and visited the exhibition which displays a collection of photographs illustrating the history of the World War II tunnels.

Today’s final excursion was the tour to ‘Europa point with Tapas’. Our guests on this excursion crossed over the border into Spain and headed towards the American war memorial and Trafalgar Cemetery before arriving at Europa point. They admired its lighthouse which has been guiding ships in the area since 1841. Before returning back to the ship guests could then enjoy a selection of tapas, including paella, eggs with ham and tomatoes as well as a glass or three of vino in the ‘Quay Restaurant’.

All aboard this evening was at 6.30pm and shortly after Saga Pearl II set sail for Portimao on the Algarve.

This evening’s entertainment started at 8.45pm in the Discovery Lounge with The Rosina Trio who presented their recital including works by Rossini, Haydn and Schuman. Cabaret Showtime this evening in the Discovery lounge at 9.45pm was with piano showman Chris Hamilton entertaining the guests with piano classics and popular songs. Shortly followed by the Saga Pearl II orchestra and dancing with our gentleman hosts