Saga Ruby Captain's blog

Oddly enough it has been several months since I have had the opportunity of taking one of our ships into Lisbon. It is without doubt one of my favourite ‘sail ins’ in Europe and I had warned our guests the night before to be up early on the outside decks as we made our way up river and under the famous 25^th April bridge. Those who did were not disappointed, even despite the somewhat overcast conditions.

Set on the seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13^th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18^th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praca do Comercio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillside.

A number of our guests took the opportunity to see Lisbon on one of our organised excursions today either choosing ‘Arrabida Mountains’, ‘Palace of Ajuda and Lisbon Overview’, ‘Estufa Fria and Lisbon Overview’ or ‘Lisbon Panoramic’ following a busy port intensive cruise so far many guests preferred the relaxing ‘Lisbon Panoramic’ tour.

Our guests enjoyed an informative commentary during a relaxing drive through Lisbon and its environs, stopping to take photographs at famous landmarks and places of interest. They were able to view the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower before enjoying refreshments at Pasteis de Belem, one of the oldest and most characteristic cafes in Lisbon. Afterwards, they continued their tour past some notable sights including Jeronimos Monastery and the Parliament buildings. On their return to the ship they also stopped at the top of Eduardo VII Park to take in the panorama of the whole city, and cross the suspension bridge to view the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

All aboard was set for 4.30pm as we now had a full speed run north to Portsmouth, and with the threat of a few lumps and bumps along the way I was keen to ensure we made a swift getaway.

As I guided Saga Ruby downstream of the Tagus and back into the Atlantic the Britannia Lounge was being converted into a racecourse of sorts! The room was full of our guests joining the cruise department with an evening of ‘Horsing Around’ At Ascot. Those who fancied a flutter could place their bets on our horses with our cruise staff riding as jockeys around the lounge. Fun was had by all and all remaining money was donated to our charity this cruise the RNLI.

The entertainment continued through to the Ballroom this evening as we welcomed for the first time to the Saga Ruby stage Lisa Rollin a virtuoso violinist performing a mixture of styles and music to the delight of our passengers. After the show couples took to the floor with music for dancing with the Saga Ruby Orchestra and our gentlemen hosts. The perfect end to a wonderful cruise.

Greetings from Morocco! This morning I guided Saga Ruby in towards the pilot station just off the narrow entrance to Agadir harbour and, as is the norm here, we had to keep a close eye on the odd kamikaze fisherman seeking his catch just off the port limits. We’d already entered the harbour as our pilot stepped up onto the bridge and shortly afterwards we made fast on our berth at the northern end of the port.

Agadir is shaped by the Atlas Mountains on one side and is framed on the other by a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. While little is known of the city’s origins, the Portuguese created a fortress here at the end of the 15^th Century, naming it Santa Cruz de Ghir. Freed from Portugal’s occupation by the Saadians in 1540, Agadir grew into a colourful and prosperous port and became newsworthy in 1911 when a German gunboat, the Panther, sailed into the bay as a protest against the division of North Africa between the Spanish and French. Morocco gained independence from the French in 1956, an event which was closely followed in Agadir by the tragic earthquake of 1960. The city, which has been rebuilt to represent the ‘new nation’, is blessed by fine sandy beaches overlooked by luxurious hotels and a great selection of cafes and restaurants.

With such an intriguing port to explore many chose the option of an organised excursion so they could see as much as possible Agadir before departing.

Tours left from 8am this morning with these three excursions to choose from ‘Taroudant - A Taste of Morocco’, ‘City Secrets and Fantasia Show’ or ‘Foliberberes Fantasia Show’. Many guests opted to attend the Foliberberes Fantasia show, this excursion took our guests to the Foliberberes Restaurant for spectacular cultural ‘fantasia show.’ Combining acrobatics with Moroccan songs and dances in traditional costume, a folklore troupe entertained our guests whilst they sat under the shade of tents in the Agadir palm grove. They could also enjoy mint tea and Moroccan pastries.

The highlights of the show were the Arab horses and their cavaliers. Based on an ancient war ceremony to show manhood and courage, this part of the show sees the horses charging from a headlong gallop before they all stop simultaneously releasing a burst of gunfire into the air. The show received fantastic reviews with passengers awed by the views of the Atlas Mountains in the background and some skilful equestrian action in the foreground.

Just prior to our departure the wind had freshened somewhat and was pinning us onto the berth, this combined with the shallow nature of the harbour meant I knew we would have to employ the services of one of the local tug boats. With the tug on our stern and the bow thruster working overtime forward I was able to turn Saga Ruby off her berth and we were soon heading out of the port and dodging past the Moroccan fishing fleet once more.

To begin this evening’s entertainment Dave Peterson played in the South Cape at the piano until 7.15pm. For those guests who wished to take to the floor prior to dinner could join the Kodex Trio and our gentlemen hosts in the Britannia Lounge.

Following this evening's meal many guests continued through to the ballroom in anticipation of the show. Tonight's show being ‘Hollywood Nights’, celebrating over 80 years of cinema history from James Bond to Dirty Dancing all from our explosive productions show team. After the show couples took to the floor with music for dancing with the Saga Ruby Orchestra and our gentlemen hosts.

We have a relaxing day at sea to look forward to tomorrow prior to our arrival in the final port of call for this cruise, the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.

I amended our arrival time to 0630 this morning, prior to sunrise. Having sailed in and out of Arrecife on a near weekly basis in a previous company, I was all too aware that in Arrecife when the sun comes up so does the wind. In fact I think in all my time at sea I’ve seen this port of call aborted more times than it has been made. I am therefore happy to report that, with barely a breath of wind, I was able to guide Saga Ruby into the small harbour and gently onto her berth.

Arrecife is located on Lanzarote; a volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, it’s pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens.

Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast.

Many guests took the opportunity to explore this beautiful island through an organised excursion. The tours available today were ‘Cesar Manrique Foundation’, ‘Fire Mountain’, ‘Puerto del Carmen on your own’ and ‘Lanzarote Panoramic.’ The favourite for our guests was ‘Lanzarote Panoramic’ this tour departed the ship travelling inland to Teguise, the island’s old capital that was founded in the 15^th century by the conquistadors.

Our passengers then continued on to Caleta Famara beach, which Lanzarote artist Manrique frequented as a child, they stopped for photographs before passing through the typical Canarian villages of Soo, La Santa, Tinajo, Tiagua and Mozaga. They also stopped for refreshments at the Peasant’s Monument (Monumento al Campesino), which is fifty feet high and created by Manrique in 1968 as a tribute to the labours of the island’s peasant farmers and here you will have the opportunity to try some local cheese and potatoes. Once refreshed, they finished their tour to La Geria, the island’s wine-growing area, for a wine tasting of the island’s favoured Malvasia Grape.

All passengers were asked back onboard for 3.30pm as many joined the cruise staff on the back deck to enjoy the sunshine sailing away from this pretty port. To conclude the afternoon chocolate afternoon tea was served in the Ballroom accompanied by the Saga Ruby Orchestra as we invited couples onto the dance floor for a tea dance with dances such as tango, quickstep and even the Gay Gordons!

From 6pm cocktail pianist Dave Peterson played in the South Cape bar. Tonight’s quiz was hosted by Cruise Staff Fernando as teams gathered in the Britannia Lounge for this fun evening to test their general knowledge.

Following a sumptuous 5 course meal our guests made their way to the Ballroom to see Cabaret Showtime this evening. Tonight Saga Ruby proudly presented BBC Radio Recording Artist Geoff Taylor, a man familiar to Saga as he has performed on all of our ships. Tonight he brought back memories of Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra with his golden voice. After the show couples took to the floor with music for dancing with the Saga Ruby Orchestra and our gentlemen hosts.

Having bid ‘Adios’ to the Canary Islands we are now making full speed towards the coast of Morocco and our next port of call Agadir.

We arrived at the pilot station as planned for 7am this morning; it appeared to be rush hour in Las Palmas as there were a total of 3 ships all due in at the same time and all expecting their pilot on arrival. Sadly Las Palmas traffic were not forthcoming with too much guidance as to who was going in first, a simple ‘keep proceeding’ was all that was offered up.

Eventually, amongst ourselves, we sorted out the order and we duly made our way through the harbour entrance and onto our berth close to the large shopping mall, by 8am we were all fast.

Las Palmas is located on perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, an almost circular isle with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves, its highest point, at the centre. With a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, the island offers the best of both worlds.

Our tours departed on arrival this morning with lots of our passengers enjoying Puerto Mogan, Island Discovery and Essence of Gran Canaria.

The second tour Island Discovery saw our guests depart from the harbour on a journey to the old colonial area of Vegueta visiting one of the most popular museums on the island, the Columbus Museum. The tour then carried on towards the famous Bandama Crater. At which the viewpoint they could see stunning views of the north and east coast and out towards the mountainous centre in the west. After lunch and refreshments they visited Tejeda, the highest point of the island before a leisurely drive back to Saga Ruby.

Another enjoyable excursion which departed just after lunch was the Sand Dune Camel Safari. Set in the southern tip of Gran Canaria in the resort of Maspalomas which is backed by a series of spectacular undulating sand dunes, some reaching up to 50-feet high. Arriving at the ranch our guests rode camels across the dunes and admired the views from a different perspective. Before returning to the ship they had time to enjoy a cup of Arabian tea before returning to the port.

Guests who stayed onboard could join cruise staff Jay & Explosive Production dancer Kayleigh with games and activities such as Carpet Bowls, Shuffleboard & Deck Quoits.

To begin tonight’s entertainment cocktail pianist Dave Peterson entertained at the piano in the South Cape Bar or those twinkle toed passengers could alternatively take up some early evening dancing with the Kodex Trio and our gentlemen hosts until 7.15pm before enjoying dinner.

Showtime this evening welcomed back the Explosive Production Cast in Hollywood Nights celebrating over 80 years of cinema history from Singing in the Rain to Mamma Mia! After the show couples took to the floor as there was music for dancing with the Saga Ruby Orchestra and our gentlemen hosts.

We departed the berth shortly before 10pm with a fresh breeze doing its upmost to pin us onto the dock, nevertheless with the assistance of one of the harbour tugs I was able to lift Saga Ruby away from the quay and turn through 90 degrees and make for open sea once more.

We’re now proceeding to our last port of call in the Canaries, Arrecife in Lanzarote, an early arrival beckons so I’ll bid you all Buenos Noches...

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by
Mount Teide.

The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Canadas del Teide, about 14 miles
in diameter.

Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions.

Our arrival was set for 1pm, which allowed our guests a relaxing morning at sea, followed by a leisurely lunch as I guided the Ruby through the entrance to Santa Cruz harbour and gently onto
our berth.

Within no time our gangway was landed and the ship cleared by the local officials. Many passengers decided to take up the option of shore excursions today and left from 1.15pm onwards to visit places such as ‘Puerto del la Cruz on your own’, ‘Mercedes and La Laguna’, ‘Gardens of the Valley’ and Mount Teide.

The Mount Teide excursion showed off Tenerife’s most striking natural feature, rising 12,000 feet it is the highest peak in Spanish territory and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

During this excursion guests were taken to the foothills of the Teide National park, which includes an enormous volcanic crater over 29 miles in circumference.

On returning to Santa Cruz there were many chances for photo stops to savour the
breathtaking scenery.

To start the evening’s entertainment cocktail pianist Dave Peterson entertained at the piano in the South Cape Bar. Alternatively our guests could test their general knowledge in teams of six with cruise staff Jay in the Britannia Lounge, before they proceeded to dinner.

From 9pm, the classical lovers amongst us could indulge in ‘An Evening of Classical Favourites, featuring works from Borodin ‘Nocturne’ and ‘Mediation’ from Thais, presented by The Covent Garden String Consort.

Cabaret Showtime this evening welcomed back piano showman and wizard on the keys, Chris Hamilton. Throughout Chris’ previous performances, he had our guests enthralled by his talent on the piano.

After the show, there was music for dancing with the Ruby Orchestra and our gentlemen hosts.

With a later departure this evening, the Ruby set sail just before 11pm on a short island ‘hop’ across to our next port of call, Las Palmas on Gran Canaria.

As we sailed, our guests could enjoy a nightcap with Dave Peterson in the South Cape Bar as he tinkled the ivories until late or sample some gourmet bites in the Lido Cafe.

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen! It is a pleasure to welcome you all to my blog while on the Ruby. I recently returned from my vacation and joined this beautiful ship in Madeira at the tail end of her Grand Voyage.

I have not sailed on the Ruby as Master and so it was most worth while spending a few days with my friend and colleague Captain Alistair McLundie before I assumed command in Portsmouth and bid Alistair farewell on his extremely well
earned leave.

The last time I sailed on this ship was as Staff Captain 4 years or so ago. Despite the lengthy break it’s amazing how quickly things return to you and within 24 hours I found that I no longer had to ask the crew and officers to point me in the
right direction!

With our newly arrived passengers onboard and our storing operation successfully completed, we set sail from Portsmouth harbour in the early evening of the 27th April. We made our way out into the English Channel and then south across the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean towards our first port of call, Funchal on the Island of Madeira.

The weather was kind to us on our cruise south and with the sun beaming down on her the Ruby sailed into the scenic port of Funchal at noon on the 1st May.

Due to our later arrival, many guests were out on deck with the cruise staff watching as this beautiful ship sailed in, with musical accompaniment from the Kodex Trio.

As this was my first official docking of the Ruby, most of my attention was focused on the ‘driving’. That being said, I never tire of making the approach into this stunning harbour.

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer Joao Goncalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it (‘Madeira’ means ‘wood’ in Portuguese.)

Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wildflowers.

The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, ‘The Island of Eternal Springtime’ and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’.

This is why many of our guests took the opportunity to choose from a selection of excursions on offer in this port. These included ‘Leisurely Madeira’, ‘Palheiro Gardens’, ‘Levada Walk’ and
‘4WD Safari’.

The most popular of the these was ‘Leisurely Madeira’. This excursion took our guests from Funchal, through the popular suburb of Sao Martinho, to Pico dos Barcelos. From here they could look out over Funchal and the south coast, perhaps catching sight of the Desertas islands.

They rejoined the coach and continued along the winding, scenic road to Eira do Serrado where they could relax with refreshments and enjoy the superb views of Madeira’s highest Peaks. Below lays a secluded valley and the village of Curral das Freiras where the nuns from the Santa Clara convent hid during a 16th-century pirate raid.

Our passengers resumed their tour and travelled to a viewpoint at Terreiro da Luta where they could view the largest statue in Madeira. Created as a result of the islanders’ vow to build a statue if peace was restored to the island after the bombing in 1917, this impressive monument was built in honour of Our Lady of Monte.

They ended their tour with a drive back to Funchal, passing through the village of Monte, home to a handsome baroque church, tropical garden and the island’s famous toboggan run.

Guests who stayed onboard this afternoon could join social hostess Rebecca & Explosive production vocalist Dan with games and activities such as carpet bowls, shuffleboard and ring toss.

From 5.45pm guests could join the bar and cruise staff out on deck in the sunset with a cocktail, as we sailed away from Funchal and danced to the sounds of the Kodex Trio.

Following dinner, the Britannia Lounge was host to a ‘name that tune’ quiz provided by our cocktail pianist Dave, testing our guests’ musical knowledge.

Dave played classical music along with pieces from films to find a winner at this fun quiz.

The entertainment continued through to the ballroom this evening as we invited the Explosive Production cast to open tonight’s show, followed by more fun and laughter with TV comedy star Mickey Zany. Being Mickey’s second show this cruise, he never fails to entertain having most of our guests in fits of giggles!

After the show couples took to the floor with music for dancing with the Ruby Orchestra and our gentlemen hosts.

Following the show some guests enjoyed a cocktail in the South Cape bar with Dave Peterson playing the keys until late.

Others carried on to the preview for late night dancing with the Kodex Trio and a chat with the cruise staff as we embarked upon our journey to our next port of call, Santa Cruz, Tenerife.