Saga Cruises has reported that four out of five of its round-Britain cruises this summer – including the maiden sailing of new vessel Spirit of Adventure – have sold out in just over two weeks.
Customers affected by cruise line’s cancellations of other sailings were given the option to rebook on to one of the domestic cruises before they went on general sale on March 29.
The remaining cruise with availability is the Great British Isles Adventure, on Spirit of Discovery, departing from Tilbury on July 11, 2021.
Ports of call include Falmouth, Holyhead, Belfast, Greenock, Ullapool, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Newhaven and Newcastle. Prices start from £3,899.
Nigel Blanks, Saga Cruises’ chief executive, believes the other cruises sold out quickly because the line has prioritised safety ahead of its restart. The line was the first to insist on all passengers being vaccinated before boarding.
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He said: “We put it down to the fact that our guests know that, not only is their safety and wellbeing our number one priority, as evidenced through our requirement that all travellers have received both doses of the vaccine prior to boarding, but that they will also enjoy an incredible experience on our ships.”
Saga’s newest ship – Spirit of Adventure – will set sail on its maiden voyage on July 26, departing from Tilbury to Dover over 15 nights.
The sailing had been scheduled for last November but was cancelled due to the government ban on international cruises.
Meanwhile, Saga has launched an agent booking incentive which entitles agents to a £20 Lifestyle voucher for each booking they make until May 2.
“Agents have been incredibly resilient in really testing times and we wanted to reward and thank them for continuing to support Saga with this new booking incentive,” said Iain Powell, the line’s head of trade sales.