Saga is adding a second vessel, called Spirit of the Danube, to its river fleet from next year.
The 190-passenger ship, featuring two restaurants, will offer sailings on the Danube. Its maiden voyage will depart from Amsterdam.
Passengers will visit Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria; and Tulcea, Romania on Spirit of the Danube, the sister vessel to Spirit of the Rhine, due to launch in May.
Celebrity chef Mark Sargeant will join selected cruises when Spirit of the Danube enters service. He will unveil a signature dish in one of the restaurants.
TV presenter and natural historian Miranda Krestovnikoff, antiques expert Eric Knowles and horticulturalist Sir Roddy Llewellyn will join other Spirit of the Danube sailings.
The ship’s keel-laying ceremony is taking place on Wednesday (February 10) in Vahali’s shipyard in Serbia. The ceremony traditionally marks the start of the ship’s construction.
Saga Holidays chief executive Chris Simmonds said: “Over the past few years, we’ve been focused on our redefining river cruise range to provide a Saga designed experience for our guests.
“Spirit of the Danube joining the fleet marks an exciting milestone in this journey and we cannot wait until she joins sister ship Spirit of the Rhine next year.
“Guests will be able to enjoy a range of first-class facilities and we cannot wait to show everything our latest ship has to offer.”
Itinerary programmes on Spirit of the Danube will be announced later this month.
The over-50 specialist has announced that it is mandatory for all passengers to be fully vaccinated before travelling with the line.