A warm welcome from our captains
Captain David Warden–Owen
Captain David Warden–Owen attended HMS Conway Naval College and began his cadetship with Shaw Savill Line, going on to work with Cunard. In 1997 his extensive experience and friendly personality made Captain Warden–Owen the natural choice to become Master of Saga Rose, a ship that he believes to be a legend in her time.
He enthuses: "I just love Saga Rose. Not only does she have classic lines, but she is also one of the best seagoing ships I have ever been on". During his eleven years with Saga, Captain Warden–Owen says the most enjoyable aspect of his job is the many friendships that he and his wife have made with the passengers.
Captain Alistair McLundie
Captain McLundie spent 12 years with Harrisons (Clyde) of Glasgow, rising to the rank of Relief Master on their fleet of platform supply vessels. He then worked for Seacontainers before joining Saga in 1997 where he was quickly promoted. He took command of Saga Rose in 2000 at the age of 34.
Captain McLundie cites the constant new experiences and the fact that every day is different as two of the most enjoyable aspects of his job. "I also get a real buzz from seeing the passengers enjoying their cruise, and working with such an excellent and efficient team makes my job immensely enjoyable".
Captain Philip Rentell
Captain Philip Rentell joined a cadet training ship on the Thames in London at 17, and later the British and Commonwealth Company. In 1980 he obtained his Masters Certificate and worked on a number of different vessels before eventually joining Cunard Line.
After his work as a senior watchkeeper on QE2, he took a Masters position with a Florida–based cruise company and has been a Master ever since, working for ten years with Airtours on their Sun Cruise ship. He joined Saga Rose in 2005.
Captain Neil Broomhall
Captain Neil Broomhall began his dream of working at sea at the age of 16 when he secured an officer apprenticeship with the Cunard Steamship Company. He rose through the ranks aboard various freighters and tankers. In 1989 he qualified for his Masters Certificate, before joining the QE2 as First Officer.
He spent the next ten years working for P&O Spice Island Cruises in Bali, and received his first command on the passenger ship, Oceanic Odyssey. In 1999 he took time off from the sea to study Maritime Operations at Liverpool John Moores University.