SAGA Cruises has selected DMI, exclusively, to represent its cruise division to the North American market. To meet the demands of its current market and to expand into North America, Saga has begun an aggressive new build program with its first new ship, Spirit of Discovery, to set sail in July, 2019. Due to the Spirit of Discovery’s strong pre bookings, Saga Cruises has decided early, to exercise, an option for the delivery of the second new build the Spirit of Adventure which will deliver in August, 2020.
Saga Holidays was founded in 1951 offering worldwide travel experiences, handling over 210,000 travelers annually. Saga Cruises which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year offers like-minded individuals over 50 a smaller cruise ship experience for travelers looking to combine different destinations with highly personalized service. The travel industry also recognized the brand with more than 65 travel awards. This goes hand in hand with the high levels of positive feedback received from their customers.
The Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany is building the all-balcony vessels which will carry less than 1,000 guests (999) guests each. It’s a real ‘wow’. Every cabin has a balcony, giving each guest their own private space, inside and out. Spirit of Discovery will deliver at 78,250 gross tons.
Saga Cruises retained the well-respected Hospitality Consultant Marco Ciraulo as part of its new build team. Having worked in some of the world’s top hotels from Claridge’s to the Four Seasons, Marco Ciraulo has ensured the Spirit of Discovery is one of the finest luxury hotels at sea…
“One of our principles has always been that Spirit of Discovery should be ‘relevant’ in design, but without ever being gimmicky. We don’t want to have a ship that suddenly looks ‘out of fashion’ within a few years. So we’ve set out to give the ship a timeless, classic and elegant quality. That’s the design cue for every public space, and indeed, every cabin. Speaking of which, we have spent a lot of time focusing on the detail in the cabins. Each one will have a personality, bespoke artwork and high-end fabrics, furniture, and fittings."
Standard Twin with Balcony 245sqft Deluxe Twin with Balcony 314sqft
Experience a wide array of dining options on both vessels from the traditional Grand Dining Room to alternate venues such as the exciting Asian venue East to West and a new concept for Saga, Coast to Coast, a seafood restaurant, serving British and locally-sourced fish, shellfish and other fruits de mer.
Coast to Coast
East to West
In all dining venues during lunch and dinner free flowing red, white, rose and sparkling wines are included.
From bow to stern, every aspect of these luxury, boutique ships have been designed to surprise and amaze guests. Featuring design cues come from some of the world’s finest hotels, she will be spacious and contemporary, and packed with places to get active, relax and indulge. It’s going to be a distinctly British cruise experience with elements that North Americans look for when they travel to the United Kingdom – there’s simply not going to be other ships like it! Other venues include-The Living Room, Spa, The Playhouse theater, The Library and Verandah and Grill.
Spirit of Discovery’s inaugural season itineraries will include the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canary Islands, Britain/Ireland, Norway and Iceland. Saga will also be launching a bespoke concierge service, Explore Ashore, to help guests plan and enjoy time ashore tailored to meet their needs. Pricing will include onboard gratuities, wine with lunch and dinner and all port taxes. Round trip chauffeur driven car service from your UK arrival airport to the ship. Pricing will start from $l670 for a 7 night cruise.
“With our new build schedule, now is the perfect opportunity for us to market to North America. Our new builds allow for us to implement venues onboard that North Americans are looking for from a traditional British company “. We chose DMI as David Morris, President and Marilyn Conroy, Executive Vice President have a successful track records in the industry with growing markets having held executive positions with Cunard, Crystal and Silversea says Robin Shaw, CEO of Saga Cruises.”
“We are truly honored to represent Saga Cruises here in North America” says David Morris, President of DMI. The new build team with a strong background in delivering a traditional British product is impressive. Our research tells us there is a segment of the market that is still looking for this tradition without the ocean liner feel.
DMI has partnered with Auto Europe to handle reservations to include air, pre/post hotel packages, travel insurance and car rental. Auto Europe has an excellent reputation in the industry with travel agents and consumers. With their extensive buying power they are able to offer extremely attractive air, hotel and of course car rates.
For more information contact Sales:
Joe Proto VP Business Development.
Direct dial 239-272-4271
Marilyn Conroy EVP