The Gurkhas and Saga: Sailing with Honour

Written by Ben Gibson

To celebrate the extra poignant VE Day this year, find out how Saga’s proud connection with the Gurkhas and our hometown of Folkestone helps keep tradition alive at sea.

I personally believe it’s very important to mark these events to remind the new generations about the importance of peace, and that no one should ever face these catastrophes again.

Reshma, currently serving as one of the 'Masters at Arms' aboard Saga's boutique ocean ships

Marking VE Day 80 on May 8, 2025

As the UK marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May 2025, thoughts inevitably turn to ones of remembrance, of service, and the stories of bravery passed down through generations. But for Saga Cruises, honouring those who served our country is not limited to a single day on the calendar – it is something quietly celebrated every day, through the very people who help our ships sail safely 365 days a year.

From the hills of Nepal to Folkestone on the Kent coast, and even to the boutique cruise ships themselves, the legacy of the Gurkhas runs deep. And it is proudly maintained by members of our security team on board.

A proud Saga tradition

Saga’s roots lie in the coastal town of Folkestone in Kent, where the company was founded in 1951. The seaside town is a place steeped in military history, and one that shares a particularly strong connection with the Gurkhas – the almost-legendary Nepalese soldiers who have served the British Army with distinction for over 200 years.

Many Gurkha families have settled in Folkestone, becoming an integral part of the town’s identity and community.

That link is something Saga holds close – and honours in a very real way. Aboard both Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, you will find former Gurkhas and their family members working as part of our ships’ security teams. Their presence isn’t just about protection – rather it is a continuation of service, and a humble ‘thank you’ to those who gave so much in the past.

Meet the Masters at Arms

Always approachable, always professional, they are familiar faces around the ship – quietly keeping things running smoothly in the background. Ruk, Reshma and Dhruba all come from proud military families.

Ruk says, “My father, Prem B Gurung was in the Gurkhas, serving in the British Army for 15 years. I myself worked for the Singapore Police, but after that I wanted to continue our Nepalese tradition and to serve on a cruise ship. It makes me feel very proud. Now, my own son is inspired by our family history, and he wants to join the Brigade of Gurkhas too”.

Dhruba shares a similar background, as both his grandfather and father served as Gurkhas, before he himself spent 18 years in the Indian Gurkha army, in one of the ‘Gorkha’ regiments.

Standing beside them

Also part of the on-board team is Dammer and Terry, two of our security officers on board.

Dammer explains, “After 16 years of service, I heard that there were opportunities for Gurkhas to work on cruise ships. It felt ‘right’ for me to serve on a British ship, with other Nepalese people. Our aim is always the same – to ensure the safety of all guests, at all times”.

While Terry is one of Saga’s British security officers and himself a former soldier. Terry hails from Brecon, another proud military town, and one that, like Folkestone, has long-standing links to the Gurkhas.

Terry explains, “I served alongside Gurkhas in the army and have huge respect for them. They’re incredibly professional, and more than that, they’re kind-hearted and dependable – exactly the sort of people you want on your team.”

For our staff and crew on board, working with our proud Nepalese colleagues such as Dammer, Ruk, Reshma and Dhruba feels like a continuation of those bonds forged in service. Only this time at sea, and in the unique and close-knit environment of a boutique cruise ship.

A taste of Nepal on board

Saga’s tribute to Gurkha heritage does not end with the security team. On Spirit of Adventure, guests can experience a culinary celebration of Nepalese culture at Khukuri House. This is one of the ship’s speciality restaurants, and offers traditional Nepalese dishes cooked in an authentic way, using tandoor ovens.

Named after the curved blade carried by Gurkha soldiers, Khukuri House offers more than just delicious cuisine – it is a story in every course, and another reflection of the deep respect Saga has for Nepalese traditions.

And the most popular Nepalese dish that we serve on board? It’s slow-roasted garam masala duck – a whole duck served with aromatic coconut and coriander sauce, spiced plum chutney, and garlic naan bread. Who’s hungry?

A national treasure – and lifelong supporter

Of course, any mention of the Gurkhas would be incomplete without mentioning Joanna Lumley. The beloved British actress – and a favourite among Saga guests – is also one of the Gurkhas’ most passionate advocates.

Her father served as an officer with the Gurkhas, and she famously led a campaign for equal rights for Gurkha veterans back in 2009.

“The Gurkhas are the bravest of the brave,” she once said. “They fight not for money, not for land, but for honour and duty.”

Her heartfelt words capture the same spirit you will find in Saga’s approach – to honour quietly, to serve with pride, and to create meaningful moments on every journey.

Marking VE Day at sea

When sailing on a Saga ocean cruise, the crew always mark key national events such as VE Day with care and respect.

On VE Day 2025, the ships are holding on-board services of remembrance, inviting special guest speakers, and will even serve delicious celebratory cakes (always very tasty and very popular!)

Members of the security team, including Ruk, Reshma, Dhruba and Terry, will be there in their roles to be a part of these tributes – a powerful symbol of service, both past and present.

Ruk says, “During the Second World War more than 120,000 Gurkhas served, and over 20,000 of them were wounded, killed or missing in action. I feel it’s very important to remember these great heroes, every year. My father educated us when we were children about the sacrifice of the Gurkhas and to never forget it”.

Also feeling this very personal, emotional connection, Reshma adds, “I always have very mixed emotions on this day, as I see different reactions. Some people are rejoicing and enjoying the party, while others are still mourning the death of their loved ones in combat”.

For many on board, it is the quiet, thoughtful commemorations such as VE Day that help make a Saga cruise so extra special – a chance not only to travel by sea, but to connect with the values that matter most.