The sale of cruise ship Saga Sapphire to Turkish tour operator Anex Tour has been completed for an undisclosed sum.
The ship has operated in the Saga fleet for eight years but originally entered service in 1982 including a period with German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
The 706-passenger vessel is due to will re-enter service in 2021 as Blue Sapphire operating for Anex Tour’s new cruise line.
The current Covid-19 pandemic has prevented the send-off Saga had planned for Sapphire, according to the over-50s specialist.
Saga Cruises managing director Nigel Blanks said: “Saga Sapphire has been hugely popular with our guests over the past eight years.
“She will be missed, but we’re delighted she will be playing a starring role in Anex Tour’s new cruise offer.
“Launching Sapphire was an important moment, and laid the foundations for our purpose-built boutique cruise offer.
“We are now looking forward to an exciting new chapter for Saga Cruises as we prepare to welcome the Spirit of Adventure to our fleet in the coming months.”
Anex Tour chairman Neset Kockar added: “I am thrilled to have our first cruise ship which is getting prepared to sail in the eastern Mediterranean after a thorough renovation.
“Expanding our product range in line with the needs of our customers has always been a top priority, and it is my pleasure to offer one of the most unique experiences to them.”