Saga’s brand-new cruise ship: here is everything you need to know ...

Saga Magazine Editorial Director Louise Robinson christened our new river cruiser Spirit of the Moselle this month, before the ship set sail on her glorious maiden voyage...

Byline: Louise Robinson

Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises and Louise Robinson, Saga Magazine Editorial Director

I was immensely proud to play the role of Godmother and christen Saga’s elegant new river cruiser, Spirit of the Moselle, in a moving ceremony in Amsterdam last week. I have read about ship christenings when the bottle stubbornly did not smash, so it was a huge and joyful relief when I saw the Champagne spray spectacularly against the hull of what I will always think of as "my" ship. It was also an enormous honour to join Queen Camilla, Dame Jenni Murray and Commodore Inga Kennedy in the exclusive Saga Godmother club.

The following day was equally exciting with the arrival of our first guests for Spirit of the Moselle’s inaugural cruise. The crew had all worked on our two other river ships, Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube, and it was wonderful to see so many of the passengers greeting them like the old friends they had become during previous voyages. It was also fantastic for me to meet some of our magazine readers and get their feedback – which I’m happy to say was very positive!

What does the new ship look like?

Spirit of the Moselle

I think the best way to describe her is as a boutique hotel on water. She is 135 metres long, carries up to 172 guests, has four passenger decks and has been built exclusively for Saga guests. As you would expect, the ship comes complete with a wealth of facilities, including speciality dining, a splash pool and 92 comfortable cabins, 73 of which have a French balcony. Oh, and I must not forget the giant chess board on the sundeck – I’m happy to say I checkmated my husband twice, much to his irritation.

Spirit of the Moselle's Panorama Restaurant

The beautiful and airy main restaurant has panoramic views, and a menu guaranteed to appeal to every palate. My husband is still talking about the crab terrine, while I’m missing the sumptuous breakfast buffet – the perfect way to start a day of sightseeing.

The stunning main deck features floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the ship in light throughout to make the most of the ever-changing scenery as the ship winds along the river. It really is the most relaxing way to see the world.

The Lounge on Spirit of the Moselle

The lounge area is separated into three spaces – the main bar, a cosy Parisian-style café area with a self-service tea and coffee station, and a library. The speciality Beilstein restaurant, meanwhile, incorporates woods and aged oak barrels, in homage to the wine towns of the region and to replicate the timber-clad architecture of the Moselle. We had a wonderful dinner there surrounded by passengers celebrating special anniversaries and big birthdays. I’ve need seen so much cake in one room – and very delicious it was too.

The speciality restaurant, Beilstein

Afterwards, we went to bar to take part in an interactive quiz. We acquitted ourselves pretty well, but that may have been because we were lucky enough to be joined by a lovely passenger who confessed he had been a contestant on Mastermind. That’s the great thing about a Saga river cruise, you really do not know who you might bump into, and they are always fascinating!

A Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony on Spirit of the Moselle

We loved our cleverly designed cabin, which was equipped with a flat-screen television, a Bluetooth speaker with USB, tea and coffee-making facilities, a small fridge, hairdryer, telephone, safe, seating area, bathrobes and slippers. Our beds were incredibly comfortable, and it was a real struggle to drag myself out of it to witness the sunrise over the John Frost Bridge, immortalised in the film A Bridge Too Far, as we sailed into Nijmegen. Goodness me it was worth it though, and I highly recommend an early morning stroll through the beautiful streets. I just wish we could have stayed longer.

Where will Spirit of the Moselle be visiting?

The maiden voyage was an eight day cruise through the Netherlands and Germany, taking in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Cologne and stopping at numerous scenic and historic spots along the way. Excursions included a visit to the Mauritshuis in The Hague, home to Vermeer’s famous work “Girl with a Pearl Earring” – a highlight for me as I have always loved the painting.

Another itinerary on offer will be Gems of the Main River. This fascinating journey, over seven nights, includes medieval Nuremberg, a full day in UNESCO-listed Bamberg, a walking tour of Bavarian Schweinfurt and a full day in Würzburg with an excursion to visit the Residence Palace and a guided walking tour of the historic centre. There’s also the opportunity to explore the medieval market square of Wertheim and the picturesque cobblestone streets of Miltenberg’s old town.

What does a typical Saga river cruise include?

New for 2025, Saga’s river cruise guests can fly from their local airport with no extra supplement to pay on selected cruises, subject to availability. This is in addition to Saga’s existing nationwide shared chauffeur service, which picks guests up from home and takes them to the airport and back home again, for a hassle-free start and end to every cruise.

Saga boutique river cruises, which like all Saga cruises cater for people over 50, offer an all-inclusive experience. There are no hidden costs on board either with all dining and house drinks (including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and all soft drinks), Wi-Fi, gratuities, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment, luggage porterage and travel insurance included.

As ever, I departed happy, rested and ready for anything.

Find out more about Spirit of the Moselle, and river cruises with Saga.