Our new ship, Spirit of the Moselle, sets sail this July!

We are very excited for the launch of our newest ship, Spirit of the Moselle, who will set sail this July. After months of intensive planning, careful designing and free-flowing creativity, the countdown to her inaugural cruise is on.

A timeline to the launch

2024

February 19

We announce the addition of Spirit of the Moselle to our fleet.

Spirit of the Moselle is an exciting new step as we continue building on the success of our Spirit class of ships and expand our fleet to provide an even greater choice of ships, and a wider variety of itineraries.

CEO Saga Cruises, Nigel Blanks

February 24

Formal recognition of the ship’s construction takes place in Serbia. The keel is laid, and work begins.

March 24

A selection of carefully curated cruises aboard Spirit of the Moselle go on sale, including her much-anticipated inaugural cruise sailing in July 2025.

The Main, a smaller and more peaceful river, is perfect to enjoy whilst cruising on board Spirit of the Moselle. You will pass landscapes that combine natural beauty with historical and cultural landmarks.

Director of River Product, Sergej Tocili

April 24

The design stage. Each river cruise ship in our fleet has been carefully designed with our guests in mind.

The flow as you move through the ship gives a sense of light and space, important when working with river cruise ships, as well as a premium feel from the richness of the materials used. The layout and furnishings are practical, yet comfortable, so guests can rest and be ready for a new day exploring their destination.

Head of River Hotel Operations, Lorraine Friend

July 24

Mock-ups of her cabins are developed. Spirit of the Moselle has 92 spacious cabins, the perfect place to relax after a day exploring.

When developing our design concept, we tried to emulate the enthusiasm of the Romantic artists and transfer it into a contemporary context. In addition to the artistic influences, the architectural diversity and the omnipresent vineyards also play a role here.

Jochen Hagen, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Interior Architecture

September 24

Construction of the hull is complete.

October 24

The panoramic windows are fitted throughout.

December 24

Our brand-new ship is floated out for the first time, meeting one of her sister ships from the fleet, Spirit of the Danube.

2025

January 25

Spirit of the Moselle is moved to Gendt for outfitting.

The exciting design plans include handcrafted chairs and lampshades in the ship’s atrium for a truly elegant look, while the lounge will feature a quieter social area with a Parisian cafe feel, along with an inviting library space – perfect for relaxing with a good book.

Head of Hotel Operations at Saga River Cruises, Lorraine Friend

February 25

A Saga team goes on board the ship for inspections… she passes with flying colours!

Part of the boutique cruise experience is providing our guests with high levels of service, where they are treated as individuals. We have used our experience with our ocean ships, to enhance our boutique river cruises, so that the ship, the menus, the crew and overall experience is at the high standard our guests expect.

Hotel Operations Director, Horst Pint

March

We announce Spirit of the Moselle’s Godmother as Louise Robinson, Editorial Director of Saga Magazine. There are now just 100 days left until the inaugural season begins.

May 25

Spirit of the Moselle will go through rigorous river trials to ensure the safety of guests and crew.

June 25

The dressing begins. The ship’s stunning contemporary interiors have been inspired by the paintings of JMW Turner, with accents of rich reds, greens and golds throughout, and the design also nods to the rich architecture and ubiquitous vineyards of the region.

We have some unique art installations throughout the ship which bring the theme of the ship to life.

Head of River Hotel Operations, Lorraine Friend

June 30

Spirit of the Moselle’s Naming ceremony will take place in Amsterdam.

I’m counting the days until the Christening on June 30. I can hardly believe I have been given the privilege of smashing the traditional bottle of champagne against her bow and blessing her for many safe voyages ahead.

Editorial Director of Saga Magazine, and Spirit of the Moselle’s Godmother, Louise Robinson

July 25

The moment we have all been waiting for – the start of her inaugural season!

Take a look at our Spirit of Moselle itineraries.