Saga Pearl II Captain's blog

As is so often the case with our turnaround ports, Southampton brought with it a flurry of emotions. On the one hand we say goodbye to our passengers, many of whom are familiar faces and friends we have cruised with before, as well as bidding farewell to the new friends we have made, but we know that after just a few hours we will be back on the sea travelling to more incredible ports of call with a ship full of new passengers who are all eager and excited to enjoy the splendour of a Saga cruise.

The start of a cruise is always a special occasion for all concerned but this one was perhaps more so as it also coincided with the Royal wedding. As our passengers made their way up the gangway, they were greeted by our Cruise Staff and production show dancers in their wedding suits and formal gowns and handed an invitation to a special afternoon tea in celebration of the happy event. With Union Jack flags on every seat, a stunning ice carving of Westminster Abbey and a spectacular cake made by our food and beverage department (that would easily have rivalled the one enjoyed by William and Kate themselves) it was a terrific afternoon and a truly great way to start the voyage.

And as we sailed away from a sunny Southampton, we looked forward to another memorable voyage and the chance to make the dreams of more passengers a reality. 

Following a wonderfully relaxing Easter Sunday at sea, complete with a very special Easter Sunday Church Service led by Ship’s Chaplain Canon Andrew Stokes, we continued our journey west across the Mediterranean towards our final port of call before our Return to the UK, Gibraltar.

Located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe at the entrance of the Mediterranean, the territory covers 6.843 square kilometres and shares a land border with Spain to the north. Gibraltar is dominated by the stunning 1,400-foot-high limestone rock and has become popular with British holidaymakers as it is very much a home away from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops.
 
Our final port of call had some splendid shore excursions on offer and the first one to leave the vessel was ‘The Rock’. This gave our passengers the chance to explore and learn about the iconic rock of Gibraltar as well as view many interesting and historical landmarks along the way. Having passed the frontier with Spain, our guests went on to see American War Memorial, British Naval Base and Trafalgar Cemetery before arriving at Europa Point and the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Great Britain. The stalagmites and stalactites of St Michael’s Cave on the upper Rock area made up the next part of the tour before the coach transported our passengers to the King Charles V wall where they had the chance to come face to face with the famous Barbary apes. Some time spent in the upper town to enjoy some duty free shopping rounded off this tour nicely and it proved a great way to learn more about Gibraltar, its rock and the history behind both.
 
The next tour to leave the Saga Pearl II was only a short tour but proved to be a very popular one as it gave our passengers the chance to go in search of dolphins and other fascinating marine life. There are three different species of dolphins in Gibraltar’s bay and seven species of whale, as well as sunfish, flying fish and turtles. A local guide was able to provide our guests with detailed facts and background about the bay and its marine life while our passengers kept their eyes peeled for a look at some of the unbelievable creatures that were on show.
 
The final tour to leave was ‘Fortress Gibraltar’. Gibraltar has a fascinating and unique wartime history and this tour let our passengers learn more about it. Following a stop at Europa Point to admire the stunning views, the tour took them to the Nature Reserve, home of the Northern Defences Sector and another place where there was the opportunity to meet the famous Barbary apes, who are undoubtedly Gibraltar’s most famous residents. Continuing on to the Hays Level, there was a guided tour and a visit to an exhibition of photographs that illustrated the history of the World War II tunnels that our passengers later had the chance to explore for themselves. With a chance to learn more about the soldiers that were stationed within the tunnels during a visit to the east side of the rock the tour was full of information and fascinating facts for our passengers that really gave them a chance to immerse themselves in the history of the port.
 
Glorious sunshine and beautiful conditions meant that our passengers were able to enjoy a magnificent afternoon sail away from Gibraltar before heading into the Discovery Lounge to enjoy the tradition of afternoon tea and look forward to another night of entertainment. Following dinner our passengers had the chance to compete for some fantastic ship prizes with a team trivia challenge and following that our Cruise Director John Parton presented his very own show entitled, ‘George Gershwin -  the man and his music’. After this there was the chance to dance to the sounds of the Saga Pearl II Orchestra or round off the night with a drink in Shackletons or the Sundowners Bar while looking forward to three relaxing days at sea on our way back to Southampton.

A very happy St Georges Day to all!

We headed from Italy to Spain for todays port of call and paid a visit to the beautiful city of Barcelona. The Ramblas, a famous series of boulevards full of pedestrians and vendors divides the city in half and extends from the harbour to the Placa de Catalunya, which is considered the city’s focal point. Barcelona has been home to many famous artists including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and the eccentric architect Antoni Gaudi, whose surprising and striking work can be seen throughout the city.
 
As always there was a fine selection of tours for our passengers to take part in and the first one to depart the vessel was ‘Barcelona in Full’. This eight and a half hour tour really gave our passengers the chance to explore and discover this fabulous city, with chances to investigate independently on foot as well as receive guided instruction behind the history and meaning of the buildings and culture. It included visits to Gaudi’s stunning Park Guell and La Pedrera, as well as stops at the National Palace and the Olympic Ring and a guided walking tour of Barcelona’s old town for a chance to learn about this atmospheric quarter, with its splendid gothic cathedral and charming streets.
 
The next tour to depart the ship was ‘Barcelona Panoramic’. Relaxing in the comfort of their very own coach, our passengers were able to enjoy the knowledge and insight of their guide as they were treated to some of the city’s highlights with brief stops for the opportunity to take photographs. Along with the chance to appreciate the city’s imposing Gothic Cathedral, there was also a visit to Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Heading back to the ship our guests passed Montjuic Mountain where incredible panoramic views of the city were able to be enjoyed.
 
The final tour to leave was ‘Montserrat with Rack Train’ which visited the sacred mountain of Montserrat or ‘Swan Mountain’ where everyone was able to admire the spectacular views over the mountain ridge. After an ascent on the rack train our passengers visited the 16th century basilica, which was founded in 1025 in commemoration of an apparition of the virgin of the mountain. Once at the top there was the chance to view the Montserrat audio-visual exhibition and enjoy a taste of the local aromas de Montserrat liquor.
 
As always there was a full day of activities for those passengers that chose not to go ashore and once everybody was back onboard they were able to enjoy a stunning sail away on the open decks. After a fabulous St Georges Day Dinner prepared by our Food and Beverage department everybody was ready for an evening of entertainment and they were not to be disappointed. There was the chance to dance to the sounds of the Saga Pearl II Orchestra, put the old grey matter to the test with a team trivia before international comedian Lee Wilson supplied the laughs in the Discovery Lounge. After this many of our passengers decided to retire for the evening after what had been a very busy day in port, although some did stay up to enjoy the live music from our cocktail pianist Andy Law in the Shackletons Bar or enjoy a night cap in the Sundowners Bar.

Our next port of call this morning was Civitavecchia in Italy. A notoriously busy port as far as Cruise Ships are concerned and noting that there were four cruise ships due in today I set our ETA 15 minutes earlier in order to try and beat the early morning rush hour. Apparently my counterparts on the other cruise ships had the same idea as we all converged on the pilot station at the same time.

Thankfully as Saga Pearl II was going to the berth furthest inside the harbour and also departing the latest we took priority and were able to proceed inside, swing around and back down on to our berth and make all fast shortly after 7am.

Civitavecchia is the port for Rome, central Italy and the main ferry link with the island of Sardinia. It was founded early in the 2nd century by the Emperor Trajan on a stretch of coast known as Centumcellae. Civitavecchia is the gateway to Rome and legend has it that Romulus founded Rome in 753BC after a battle to the death with his twin brother Remus over who should govern. From this legend an empire developed which eventually controlled almost the entire world known to Europeans at the time.

As I’m sure you can imagine, Civitavecchia and Rome is a stop that a lot of people had been looking forward to and the ships shore excursions were full of eager passengers looking forward to having a chance to explore some of the sights and learn about the history. The first tour to go ashore was the ‘Panoramic tour of Rome’. This coach trip encompassed some of the city’s most impressive sights including the Baths of Caracalla and the site of the Circus Maximus. Our passengers were also able to enjoy views from the Palatine Hill, where the Roman Emperors had their palaces, and the well preserved circular Temple of Hercules and nearby Temple of Portanus. Naturally no visit to Rome would be complete without a chance to see the Colosseum, the vast amphitheatre that is believed to have been built between 75 and 80AD and our passengers had the chance to marvel at this before finishing their tour with a visit to St Peters Basilica, the most important of all catholic churches.
 
The next tour to depart the ship was ‘Rome and the Vatican’. A full day tour to the ‘Eternal City’ where our passengers had the chance to appreciate its beautiful museums, historic buildings and amazing works of art. The tour included a visit to the awe inspiring Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s most famous work ‘Creation’, can be seen on the ceiling. The walls are adorned with incredible frescoes and paintings including works by Botticelli, Pinturicchio and Luca Signorelli. The tour also included a visit to the Colosseum as well as a guided tour of St Peters Basilica.

The final tour to leave was ‘Rome for the Free Spirited’. A tour for those passengers that wanted the chance to explore the city independently and visit that places that interested them the most. The nine hour tour dropped our passengers in the city centre where their guide pointed out some of the points of interest before sending them on their way to explore the city in their own time and at their own leisure giving them the chance to do exactly what they wanted on their own terms.

Another night of great entertainment onboard and along with a classical concert from the Dovetail Quartet, our passengers also had the chance to test their general knowledge skills with the Saga Pearl II ‘Big Quiz’. Seven rounds of questions to test even the brainiest of brain boxes and with a first prize of a visit to the bridge to join us for our sail away in Barcelona, it was a hotly fought battle.

Having completed our transit north through the Messina Straits yesterday evening, this being the body of water which separates Sicily from mainland Italy, we continued our journey north towards Salerno. I had a little surprise for our Passengers up my sleeve which I hoped, if the conditions were right, would be a real treat for them.

At approximately 10.30pm we made a scenic cruise past the island of Stromboli, home to one of Italy’s three active volcanoes. It had been quite a few years since I sailed past Stromboli but I knew all too well on a good clear night the volcanic activity, including spouts of lava, could be seen in quite spectacular form. We were not disappointed. As we approached I could hear quite clearly from the Bridge the loud gasps of amazement from our Passengers and Crew on the open decks as Stromboli put on a wonderful performance for us. It truly is a magnificent sight and one I’m sure our Passengers will remember for a long time to come.

Following the delights of Stromboli last night it was full speed ahead to our next port of call the beautiful Salerno in Italy. Salerno is home to the oldest university in Europe, the Schola Medica Salernitana, regarded as the most important source of medical knowledge in Europe in the early middle ages. A series of earthquakes and plagues damaged Salernos importance during the 17th century but the 1800s saw a revival in fortunes with a growth in trade and industry. Salerno also played a pivotal part in the Second World War, as King Victor Emmanuel III established a ‘Government of the South’ here after Italy had negotiated a peace with the Allies, who chose the city as the location for their invasion if Italy, Operation Avalanche.
 
Three tours were on offer today for our passengers to enjoy and the first to go ashore was ‘Pompeii: An Ancient Roman City’. Pompeii is largely regarded as the scene of one of the Worlds best known natural disasters, when in the early hours of August 24th 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and caused an avalanche of pumice and rock to fall onto Pompeii, burying the city under 64 feet of volcanic debris. This tour gave our passengers the chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, with its well preserved Roman houses, mosaics, furniture and personal possessions while learning more about the history of the disaster. There was also a chance to view the remains of pompeii inhabitants, whose bodies were covered by volcanic ash and gradually decayed leaving an imprint in the ash. Scientists pour plaster into these hollows and are able to create casts of the bodies at the moment of death. Although perhaps slightly eerie it really gives an incredible sense of the force, magnitude and sheer destructive power of the eruption and the damage it caused that night.
 
The second tour off was ‘Herculaneum’s Buried Secrets’, a town which according to legend was founded by Hercules. Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii and suffered the same fate as its neighbour on the other side of the volcano. In many ways Herculaneum is better preserved and has a very different feel from Pompeii as during the time of the eruption Pompeii was a busy commercial centre exporting wine and fish, while Herculaneum was purely residential. Much of the town is still underground with excavations ongoing and our passengers had the chance to discover more about the work in progress in this little town that may not be as well known as Pompeii, but certainly shares just as much history.

The final tour to go ashore in the morning was ‘Highlights of Salerno’. From the comfort of their coach our guests were able to explore this bustling modern seaside town while learning about its long and eventful history. There was also the chance to visit Salernos cathedral, which was consecrated in 1085 and contains the tomb of Saint Matthew the Evangelist. Before returning to the ship there was also a chance to explore the city centre and pick up a few souvenirs.

After a relaxing day at sea it was back to the business of visiting some wonderful ports of call and today’s was a real treat. It was one that perhaps isn’t as well known as some of the others that we are visiting on this cruise but certainly one that ended up being perhaps for many, one of the favourites of the cruise so far. Today we had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful port of Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor was first settled during Ancient Roman times when it was known as Ascruvium and was part of the Roman Empire of Dalmatia. Since 1945 Kotor has been part of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro but still maintains its sense of history and wonder that were bought to it during its occupation by the Roman and Ottoman empires.
 
Despite being quite a small port with a population of just 12,000 people, our passengers still had a selection of exciting shore excursions to look forward to during our call. The first to leave the ship was ‘Perast and Gospa od Skrpjela’. Beginning with a scenic sail to the small city of Perast, our passengers were able to observe and enjoy some of the most beautiful baroque architecture on the Adriatic Coast with buildings dating as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries. From here they went on to the small island of Gospa od Skrpjela, known locally as ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’. According to legend the islet was created over the centuries by seaman who kept an ancient oath that on their return from each successful voyage they would lay a rock in the bay and over time the islet gradually emerged from the sea. Whether this legend holds any truth we will probably never know, but regardless of the stories behind its creation it was a sight and tour that our passengers thoroughly enjoyed
 

The next tour to leave was the ‘Kotor Walking Tour’. Following a local guide our passengers had the chance to be introduced to some of the oldest, most historic and most significant buildings in the area. These included a 17th century clock tower and a chance to explore the Cathedral of St Tryphon which was built in 1166 on the site of an earlier church. While in the cathedral there was also the possibility to view 14th century frescoes in its treasury as well as other works of art and a silver-plated trunk containing the relics of St Tryphon. A tour of the maritime museum followed and then our guests had the opportunity to spend some time exploring other parts of the town for themselves.

Once back on board and having enjoyed a beautiful sail-away from Kotor, our guests were able to look forward to another sensational night onboard.  As always the Food and Beverage department provided another wonderful dinner for our passengers to enjoy before the entertainment began. As always there was the chance to try their luck with a team trivia challenge before classical pianist Caroline Clipsham entertained in the Discovery Lounge with her incredible talent. Andy Law provided the late night music in Shackletons Bar and with another day done, we look forward to a relaxing day at sea tomorrow.

We approached the pilot station this morning at around 6 o’clock and even at that early hour you could almost feel the buzz of anticipation around the ship. Venice is known for its early morning fog but this morning we made our transit through the canals is glorious sunshine. Many Passengers were out on deck early to enjoy the truly spectacular views as the Saga Pearl II sailed quietly passed St Marks Square and on towards our berth at the Cruise Terminal. To sail into Venice is a true delight and this being my first as Captain is one that will remain in my memory forever.

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice rests on an archipelago of 118 islets where the buildings are supported by countless millions of larch poles driven into the sediment. 177 canals criss-cross Venice and they are spanned by 450 bridges. The city includes famous landmarks, historical buildings and fine shopping and dining opportunities that put Venice very firmly at the top of so many people’s list of places they would like to visit. For our passengers, today was their opportunity to do just that.
 
As always our passengers had the opportunity to explore the port thanks to one of our onboard shore excursions and the first to leave this morning was the ‘Venice Lagoons Tour’. They enjoyed a private guided tour of Venice by motor boat that included visits to the Giudecca Canal and the Il Redentore Church, the first to be built following the plague that struck down 50,000 Venetians in 1575. Along with this they were also able to enjoy stunning views of Zitelle church and sail through the entrance to the Grand Canal and onto St Mark’s Basin where they were able to observe stunning views of St Mark’s Square. As if this wasn’t enough our passengers were also lucky enough to be able to pass San Giorgio Island and the church where Vivaldi taught and composed music. The history, sights and information provided throughout this tour meant it was one that would live long in the memory of all those who were lucky enough to be a part of it.
 
The next tour to leave, ‘A Day in Venice’ was quite literally that. An all day tour that revealed the city’s finest historic treasures to our passengers. The guide was full of information and really able to give our guests some insight and background into the history of the places they were seeing that added an extra dimension to the tour. Murano glass is famous here and our passengers were lucky enough to be able to visit a glass factory and watch the skilled artisans blowing the molten glass and have a look around the showrooms at the products of their labours. With a visit to Burano included and the chance to spend some time to explore St Marks Square this tour really gave our passengers a chance to take in the atmosphere and culture that makes Venice so special.

The final tour to leave departed in the afternoon and was ‘Venice by Gondola’. Of course this is one of the most famous modes of transport and characteristic of Venice itself having travelled the canals of the city for over three hundred years.  Having travelled the famous Grand Canal and taken a chance to enjoy the spectacle of Venetian life along the way, the ride finished at Santa Maria del Giglio, where our guests were able to make their way to St Marks Square where they had the chance to explore the area for themselves and indulge in some local wine, lunch or perhaps even a spot of retail therapy.

The evening was a special one indeed and most of the evening’s entertainment was spent up on the open decks. Inside our passengers had a chance to win some prizes with another team trivia challenge or have a dance to the sounds of the Saga Pearl II orchestra but just before our sailing time of 22:00, everyone made their way up onto the open decks to enjoy ‘Venice by Moonlight’. The Cruise Staff were mixing and mingling with our passengers as our classical group, The Dovetail Quartet, played Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ as we sailed past the very spot where he had once composed that very piece of music. It was a simply incredible moment and a truly spectacular way with which to finish our day in Venice.

Koper is the largest commercial port in Slovenia and we arrived bright and early to blue skies and glorious sunshine. The town is officially bilingual, with both Slovenian and Italian as officially recognised languages and one or two of our passengers took the opportunity to practice their linguistic skills ashore. The town has a rich and varied history and many of the building date back as far as the 15th century. In the time of ancient Greece it was known as Aegida, later it became known by its Latin name Capris, from which the modern Slovenian name stems.

Three tours went ashore today, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. The first tour to leave us this morning allowed our passengers to enjoy a ‘Trip to the Capital’. After a scenic drive they arrived at the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, which is situated between the Alps and the Mediterranean and has a surprising Austrian-Alpine feel to it. The city has a rich and varied history and one of the main attractions is the ancient castle, which is currently under renovation. As this was an all day tour our passengers enjoyed lunch ashore in a local restaurant before enjoying a relaxing afternoon taking a scenic riverboat ride to conclude the tour.

The other tour to leave in the morning was ‘Scenic Countryside and Traditions’ that began with a panoramic drive via the Slovenian Coast and gave our passengers a chance to appreciate the stunning scenery over the seaside town of Izola, as well as learning about the region itself. After enjoying a chance to photograph some of the venetian architecture of the museum town of Piran, they made their way up to the coastal resort of Portoroz with its salt fields, olive groves and fruit orchards before arriving at a traditional Istrian village. After refreshments our passengers had some time to themselves to explore some more of the town or take a short walking tour around the village.

‘A Taste of Slovenia’ was the tour that departed the ship in the afternoon. It started with a walking tour through the largest coastal tour of Koper, a region that has been made wealthy thanks to its local produce. Following this, a coach took the passengers along the coast where the scenery changes to that of vineyards, orchards and abundant olive groves and they eventually ended up at the regional park of Secovlje where for centuries salt which was produced, one of the most valued merchandise commodities of the area. Finishing off with a visit to a local farmers house, our guests were able to gain some first-hand experience and a real insight into local life and discover more about the local talent of olive cultivation and production.

The evening bought more entertainment for our passengers with the chance to enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails in Shackletons before heading into the dining rooms for another culinary masterpiece from our Food and Beverage team. A chance to dance to the sounds of the Saga Pearl II orchestra started the evening off before our passengers tested their general knowledge trivia skills with Assistant Cruise Director Mikey, and international vocalist John Parton returned with a brand new show, this one all about the music of romance and the songs that have brought us together and perhaps more importantly, kept us together. Late night piano melodies were provided by Andy Law tinkling the ivories and everybody went to bed having enjoyed another fabulous day ashore and looking forward to one of the highlights of the cruise tomorrow....our call to Venice.

We stayed in Croatia for another port and this time visited Hvar, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. Hvar is an important part of the history of Croatia as it was one of the centres of Croatian literature during the Renaissance with writers such as Peter Hektoroviae and Hanibal Luciae. Hvar is home to many rare species of flora and fauna due to its unique coastal flows and climate.
 
Three morning tours went ashore in Hvar today, the first of which was the ‘Sights and Scents’ tour. Hvar is famed for its lavender and the air is tinged with the scent of this pretty flower. This tour introduced our passengers to some of its various products and uses as well as teaching them about the lavender industry during a visit to a farm in the small, sleepy village of Brusje. Our guests also had the opportunity to visit Vrboska, which is a small town surrounded by pine forests nestled beside a tranquil bay. I’m sure you can imagine the kinds of wonderful aromas that greeted our tour goers each time they stepped from the bus. They finished off their trip with a visit to Milna, which is famous for its beaches, and on such a beautiful sunny day as we had, it was a great way for them to finish their tour.
 
‘Panoramic Hvar’ was the next tour to leave and was very popular with our passengers. It started with a visit to Fortica where everyone was able to enjoy wonderful views over the town and the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. The late Jacques Cousteau once described the Adriatic Sea as ‘the cleanest sea on earth’ due to the fact that it is so beautifully clear. From here the trip went on to Starigrad or ‘old town’ as it is in Croatian. This is the oldest town on the island and one of the earliest settlements in Europe. Many passengers commented on the quality of the tour, the guides were enthusiastic and informative, the stops were interesting, and as I have already said, the beautiful weather just added that perfect finishing touch to what was a fantastic tour and one that was enjoyed by all.
 
The final tour to leave was ‘Hvar Highlights’ which was a guided walking tour that allowed our passengers to explore the port on foot. The tour focussed on the cultural and historical heritage of the town and included visits to the waterside Franciscan monastery, which was originally built as a retreat for sailors during the 15th century. It finished with a walk through the town centre where many of the buildings date back to the renaissance period, before our passengers returned to their ‘home on the water’ to look forward to our next stop.

An early sail from Hvar meant that our Cruise Staff were able to provide our guests with a whole afternoon of activities before the evening entertainment began. The ‘Gail Davies Production Cast’ wowed our passengers with their show ‘Musical Memories’, featuring some of the best songs from the shows. Our vocalists Saul and Laureen were fantastic as they sang classics from ‘Cats’, ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘West Side Story’, while our dancers Gemma, Emma, Cat and Jess bought the whole show to life with energy and enthusiasm. This was followed by another chance to dance to the sounds of the Saga Pearl II orchestra while cocktail pianist Andy Law entertained with piano melodies in Shackletons. A few enjoyed a nightcap in the Sundowners bar but however the day ended, everybody had had a truly enjoyable day in this part of Croatia.

Having enjoyed a nice relaxing day at sea yesterday, today we visited the beautiful port of Dubrovnik, Croatia. It had been many years since I last visited Dubrovnik, in my previous company I had visited Dubrovnik every 2 weeks and it was lovely to meet the charming Pilot whom I had met so many times previously. After a quick trip down memory lane we set about berthing the Saga Pearl II alongside and we were all fast shortly before 8:00am

Dubrovnik is a historic and picturesque town on the Dalmatian coast and was a major tourist resort on the Adriatic Sea until much of the town was destroyed during the 1991 war. The town is now the focus of a major restoration program to help preserve and restore the old cities history and medieval character.

Three tours went ashore in Dubrovnik today. The first tour off was the ‘Sights of Ston’ tour. This tour actually took our passengers out of Dubrovnik itself for a chance to explore some of Croatia’s lesser-known attractions. The city of Ston itself is protected by three miles of stone walls, the longest in Europe. The city enjoys a relaxed and gentle pace of life and our passengers were lucky enough to be able to spend some time here to experience it for themselves. The tour finished with a visit to a Dalmatian cellar and the chance to taste fresh oysters before returning to the ship.
 
‘A Country Home in Konavle’ was the next tour to leave and this one allowed our passengers to visit what is Croatia’s southernmost region. Shaped by the hills bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina, it has a rural feel with miles of farmland and valleys clad with vines and olive groves. Enjoying the sights and atmosphere of a historic home in the country, while being treated to homemade cheese and wine, our guests had the chance to really relax and enjoy the local culture and hospitality.
 
Last to leave was ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ tour which allowed our passengers to explore the beautiful city that holds this title. Along with visiting a Franciscan monastery whose cloister is considered a masterpiece of architecture, they were also able to visit the old pharmacy located within the monastery itself which is the third oldest in Europe and the only one still in use. Following this they were able to enjoy some time to themselves to explore other parts of the city having had a chance to learn about the history of the area.

The wind had increased somewhat throughout the afternoon which necessitated the use of one tug boat for our departure but it was no time at all before the Saga Pearl II was once again setting sail towards another wonderful port of call.
 
Our cocktail pianist Andy Law presented our passengers with his internationally renowned and highly acclaimed one man show in the Discovery Lounge while Assistant Cruise Director Mikey tested the grey matter in Shackletons with a general knowledge trivia. This of course all took place after everyone had enjoyed another marvellous offering from the food and beverage department at dinner.

Following two glorious days at sea, today we were in the beautiful port of Palermo, Sicily. It was quite a while since I had visited Palermo but as our pilot stepped onto the Bridge he seemed to recall seeing me on the Saga Rose a few years ago. After our pleasantries were exchanged I berthed the Saga Pearl II alongside as the morning sunshine was just breaking through.

Situated on the north-west coast of Sicily, the capital of the island, Palermo is situated at the base of Mount Pellegrino, spread out from a large natural harbour. Palermo has evolved with a great heritage and history that dates back to the 8th century BC. Although it is now a busy and commercial city, its architecture, such as the Norman palace and cathedral, are reminders that Sicily was once a Norman kingdom and has one of the most complex histories of any Mediterranean city.
 
Three tours went ashore in Palermo today, all of them in the morning. The first tour to leave was the ‘Medieval Cefalu’ tour. Cefalu is a charming medieval town on Sicily’s northern coast and is best known for its incredible 12th century cathedral which was built by King Roger II after he survived a shipwreck. The town’s architecture also reflects its past occupation by Arabs, Greeks and Normans. Our passengers had the chance to explore the cathedral and the town itself, as well as visit the Osterio Magno, believed to have been the residence of King Roger II.

The next tour to go ashore was ‘Ancient Wonders of Segesta’. Segesta is on the summit of Mount Barbaro, about 1000 feet above sea level. Although it is now uninhabited, it was once a major city of the Elymian people, who are believed to have descended from the Trojans.

The site is most famous for its beautiful Greek temple, constructed during the 5th century BC, which is one of the best preserved of all surviving ancient temples. Our guests had the chance to explore other ruins during their tour including an old Greek theatre, an Arab mosque, Romanesque church and a Norman castle, as well as the remains of other ancient buildings that are still awaiting excavation.

The final tour was the ‘Palermo and Monte Pellegrino’ tour. A nice leisurely tour, this one provided our passengers with the main sights of Palermo and the surrounding area including Massimo Theatre, the Portas Felice and the busy Piazza Marina.

Our Staff Captain Kris completed the manoeuvre for departure this evening. Kris is due to leave us this cruise in Venice to go on his well earned vacation. As his relief, Staff Captain Andy Boyd joined today. I thought it was the ideal opportunity for Kris to ‘get his hands on the sticks’ while Andy handled the radio communications and I cast a watchful eye over proceedings. Kris completed the departure in text book fashion and we were soon on our way towards the Adriatic Sea and the port of Dubrovnik in Croatia.

This evening we were lucky enough to be able to welcome our first time Saga passengers to the family with a ‘newcomers’ party in the Discovery Lounge. Following this our passengers had the option to enjoy a classical concert from the Dovetail Quartet, or test themselves with a trivia from our Cruise Director John which remembered the great days of variety, radio and television.

Another day, another beautiful port and we have made the journey from Lisbon, Portugal to Malaga in Spain. The weather had picked up slightly as we approached the Straits of Gibraltar just before midnight on Thursday evening but our transit passed smoothly and before long we were into the Mediterranean and making our way towards Malaga.

There was one of the Italian Costa Cruise Ships due at the Pilot station for the same time so I set our ETA for a little earlier in order to ‘jump the queue’ if you will which worked a treat and we were all fast on the berth shortly before 8 am.

As you sail in you can’t help but notice what an idyllic setting the city has on the famous Costa del Sol and what a marvellous contrast the city presents. To the east of the capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages and sleepy fishing hamlets, the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west is a bustling metropolis that has helped the area become famous and easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol.
 
Three tours went ashore in Malaga today, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. The first tour to leave was the ‘Granada’ tour. This tour let our passengers discover the most romantic parts of Spain’s colourful history as well as learn about its glorious and Moorish past, which can be seen in almost every corner of this fascinating city. This was an all day tour and returned to the ship just before we sailed. The length of the tour really allowed our passengers to spend time taking in the port, the history and the local culture and gave them a chance to really immerse themselves in what the country as a whole has to offer.

The next tour to go ashore was the ‘El Torcal’ tour. El Torcal is a natural park and a fantastic world of limestone formations, flower filled valleys, rugged canyons and fragrant pine forests. Millions of years ago, this part of the country was under sea and the fossils of many marine animals have been found here and are still being found here with each passing year.

It is a magnificent spot for nature, with over seven hundred recorded plant species, as well as large populations of mountain goats, wild cats and Iberian foxes, in addition to snakes and lizards. The area has been designated as a special zone for bird protection on account of the numerous species that nest here and the unusual stones and vegetation are a sight to behold.

The third and final tour went off in the afternoon. This one was the ‘Malaga Highlights and Flamenco Show’. Flamenco goes back to the 16th century and is thought to have developed from local gypsies who performed the dance around their campfires as a form of entertainment. Our passengers had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments while watching one of the most traditional and exotic pastimes that combines dance, song and music with exciting movements and colourful costumes.

Prior to departure our Agent called to ask if I minded sailing a little later than scheduled, 15 minutes or so, to allow the Costa ship to sail first as she had a high speed run to her next port. I thought it the least I could do having slipped in ahead of them in the morning. 

A full evening of entertainment awaited our passengers once they had returned from ashore, and after enjoying a scenic sail away with the Cruise Staff on the open decks, and another culinary delight in the restaurants from our food and beverage team, our passengers were able to test their grey matter with an evening trivia before enjoying the vocal talents of international artist John Parton, father of our Cruise Director.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen and a warm welcome to my first blog. As Saga’s newest Captain I thought it only right that I introduce myself. Many of you will no doubt recognise my name as I have been sailing with Saga for many years now, the past four as Staff Captain. It is a real honour and a true privilege to become Master of the Saga Pearl II, a ship which I was on during her extensive refit in the UK and throughout her inaugural season.

As I boarded the vessel in Southampton I was filled with a sense of pride as I made my way up to the Master’s Office to handover with Captain McLundie. Having recently became a father myself I knew all too well the feeling of excitement he must have been feeling, knowing that soon he would be home with his Wife and young Son. I sincerely hope he is enjoying his well earned leave.

As I had been on the Saga Pearl II our handover was completed quickly and it was not long before I was making our sail away announcement from the Bridge and we departed for our first port of call on this ‘Mediterranean Classic’ cruise – Lisbon in Portugal.

Our passage south, across the Bay of Biscay, was perfect. Excellent weather and lots of time for our Passengers to relax and become accustomed with the Saga Pearl II and all she has to offer. It seemed like no time at all until we were making our approach up the River Tagus towards the Pilot station in Lisbon just by the 25th April bridge. As Captain McLundie mentioned in his last blog the currents in Lisbon can be strong at times so a close eye is needed at all times. Needless to say we made our approach to the berth and were all fast alongside prior to 0800.

Famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams and Moorish features, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century and is a picturesque and popular port with which to begin. Situated on the banks of the River Tagus, the city is surrounded by nearly two dozen hills and the waterfront stretches for almost 20 miles.
 
Two tours went off this morning, the first of which was the ‘Panoramic Coast and Wine tour’. Including visits to the popular coastal resorts of Cascais and Estoril and a trip to a local winery, our passengers also enjoyed a stop at Cabo da Roca, the most western part of Europe. Along with the chance to take photographs of the beautiful landscapes, the tour also included stunning scenic drives showing our passengers some of the countries incredible scenery.

The next tour, the ‘Lisbon Panoramic’, let our passengers visit some of the most famous landmarks and places of interest that the area has to offer. These included the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower and our passengers were also able to enjoy refreshments at Pasties de Belem, one of the oldest and most characteristic cafes in Lisbon, if not Portugal itself. Famous for its traditional and local cakes, many of our passengers took the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the local flavours. On their return to the ship they were lucky enough to be able to stop at the top of Eduardo VII Park where they were able to enjoy a panorama of the whole city and then cross the suspension bridge to view the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
 
Those passengers who chose not to go ashore, or had been and returned, were able to enjoy a full day of activities from the Cruise Staff and in the evening there was plenty of entertainment to enjoy as always. Along with the chance to test their general knowledge with some trivia, our guests also had the chance to enjoy the ‘Dovetail Quartet’, who delighted with their classical concert. After this our passengers joined the Cruise Staff on the open decks for some ‘Dancing under the Stars’ and everybody enjoyed some great live music and a chance to party before another relaxing day at sea.