A year at the helm

Just over a year after returning to Saga Cruises, Captain Steve James has settled comfortably into life on our modern sister ships.

For a Captain who previously sailed with Saga during the era of ships such as Saga Rose, Saga Pearl II and Saga Sapphire, the return has been both familiar – and refreshingly new.

Having spent much of his career at sea – including time in the Royal Navy submarine service and commanding ships across the cruise industry – coming back to Saga was something of a homecoming.

And after his first year back, it is a chapter of his career he clearly relishes.

"It's been so great to be back. One of the things that appealed to me about returning to Saga was the itineraries – the longer cruises and the opportunity to really get to know the guests."

For Captain Steve, who speaks with a charming, slight West Country accent, the return has also brought unexpected reunions. Some of the people he worked alongside years ago are still sailing with the company today.

"It's been lovely seeing guests who remember me from ten years ago, but also some of the crew. My Quartermasters on the Bridge were here when I was a third officer in 2006 – and they're still here now. So in many ways it feels like being back with old friends."

That sense of continuity is something he says remains one of Saga's defining strengths.

A new generation of ships

Captain Steve last worked with Saga when the older ships such as Saga Sapphire were sailing. But returning to command Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure this past year has given him a fresh perspective on how far the ships themselves have evolved.

For the Master, the difference is immediately noticeable.

"From a Captain's point of view, these ships are far more advanced and much more manoeuvrable. We have a lot more capability when it comes to ship handling and dealing with different conditions."

But beyond the technology and handling, what stands out most to him is the way these ships were designed specifically with Saga guests in mind.

"What's nice about these ships is that they were designed specifically for Saga from day one. With the older ships we were often adapting or retrofitting things to make them work for our guests.

But with these ships, everything just makes sense. The walkaround promenade deck, the outdoor spaces, the way guests can move around the ship – it's all been built exactly how we wanted it."

The result, he says, is a ship that feels intuitive for both the guests and the crew.

The pleasure of longer voyages

One of the things Captain Steve particularly enjoys about Saga cruising this time is the opportunity to spend more time with guests.

Unlike shorter voyages on many cruise lines, Saga's longer itineraries allow the ship's community to develop naturally over several weeks.

"Christmas 2025 was brilliant. The longer voyages are fantastic because you might have four weeks with the same guests. You really get to know people – whether they're Britannia Club members or sailing with us for the first time."

Those longer journeys create something extra special on board.

"You build a bond and a real sense of adventure together. You get to know the guests, you see more of the crew, and it starts to feel like a community."

Evolving while staying true to Saga

While much about Saga remains familiar, Captain Steve has noticed subtle changes since his earlier time with the company. Guest habits and expectations have naturally evolved in the past decade.

"Of course the company has changed a bit – as you'd expect over time. Guests' routines have evolved too. People tend to stay up later now, and they're a bit more relaxed about the structure of the day, with more flexible options to join in and do what interests them."

What impresses him most, however, is the company's willingness to adapt while maintaining the essence of the Saga boutique cruise experience.

"Saga Cruises have been hugely successful for almost 30 years now, but there's still this desire to keep improving and evolving the product."

Many of the small changes guests notice on board are the result of listening carefully to regular – and honest! – feedback.

"For example, we now have two showtimes for the theatre. That came directly from guest feedback – guests wanted more options to plan their evenings around dinner.

It's about listening to guests and adapting the experience, but doing it sympathetically so we don't lose what makes Saga special."

Loyal guests and first-time cruisers

Saga's loyal cruise community is well known throughout the cruise industry, with many guests returning again and again, year after year.

Captain Steve sees that loyalty on every voyage.

"You sometimes get cruises with hundreds of Britannia Club members on board – it's incredible loyalty."

But at the same time, welcoming new guests is an important part of the Saga experience.

"I love hosting the newcomers' party. Quite often people arrive thinking they're the only first-timers because everyone else seems to know the ropes. It's nice to bring them together and say, 'Welcome – you'll soon be one of the regulars.'"

That mix of returning guests and first-time cruisers helps maintain the friendly atmosphere Saga is known for.

From submarines to cruise ships

Before joining the cruise industry, Captain Steve served in the Royal Navy submarine service, a career that might seem worlds away from the relaxed elegance of Saga's ships.

Yet he says commanding a passenger vessel brings its own challenges.

"It might sound strange after working on a nuclear submarine, but this job can actually be more challenging. The difference is the variety of people."

Aboard a cruise ship, the Captain works alongside an extraordinary range of professions and nationalities.

"I work with an incredible mix of skills – engineers, chefs, entertainers, navigators. There aren't many jobs where you collaborate with such a diverse group every day."

What a Captain's day really looks like

For many people, the image of a ship's Captain involves standing on the bridge with binoculars and a wheel in hand. In reality, the role is far more complex.

Captain Steve is always present, whenever conditions require his oversight.

"I'm on the Bridge for arrivals and departures, usually about an hour either side, and also when there's bad weather or heavy traffic."

Much of the Captain's work, however, happens behind the scenes.

"A lot of the job is decision-making – constantly asking 'what if?' You're thinking about the weather, the next port, the next cruise, the technical situation on board. It's like managing lots of moving parts all at once."

It is this constant planning and forward thinking that makes the role so mentally demanding.

"By the time you go home at the end of your rotation, you're exhausted – not just because you've been physically busy, but because you've been thinking about every possible scenario for weeks."

Life beyond the Bridge

Despite the responsibilities that come with being in command, Captain Steve enjoys the social side of life on board.

"I enjoy hosting tables on formal nights, and meeting guests around the ship. But sometimes you do just need a quiet evening with room service. I think we all do!"

As Captain, he is always conscious that his presence sets the tone for the ship.

"The moment I step out of my cabin, I'm in 'Captain mode'. You have to be positive and professional because the crew take their cue from you."

While his first priority is always the safe operation of the ship, the Captain occasionally finds time to explore ashore.

"Every now and again I'll join an excursion or take a walk around the port. The new included excursions programme is great, because it makes it easier for guests to explore."

Introduced in January 2026, he believes these included excursions are a real benefit for guests.

"Guests know exactly what their cruise will cost before they board, and they know they can explore every destination without worrying about extra expenses."

A life at sea

After decades at sea, Captain Steve says it is difficult to imagine another career.

"Before I joined the Navy, I actually thought about becoming a chef. But after spending quite a bit of time in the ship's bakery recently, I'm not sure I could keep up with the pace!"

He once tried life ashore, but it did not last long.

"I worked in Saga's main office in Folkestone for a year, but I couldn't cope with the commute – even though it was only about 20 minutes from my home in Dover! I quickly realised I needed to get back to sea."

And after more than a year back with Saga, he is clearly exactly where he belongs.

Find out more about ocean cruises with Saga.