28 January 2018
The first of 14 Saga cruise holidays in 2018 from Portsmouth International Port got underway today – with more than 400 guests sailing south from the Great Waterfront City in search of some winter sun.
Saga Pearl II will be based at Portsmouth International Port for the next four months, returning in the autumn for another series of “no-fly” holidays from Britain’s Best Connected Port.
The 164 meters long classic ship cruised past the Emirates Spinnaker Tower into Portsmouth Harbour this morning from her last port Lisbon, bringing to an end a 20 night, ‘Traditions of the Canaries and Africa’ cruise. The Port’s cruise team were on hand to welcome the vessel.
A bespoke and flexible service tailored to the precise needs of each cruise ship is just one reason Saga has chosen Portsmouth International Port to play a significant role in its 2018 cruise schedule. Guests will enjoy the benefits of a modern airport style terminal which is found directly on the UK motorway network, the perfect location for the start of a hassle free holiday.
Mike Sellers, Port Director, said “We’re delighted that we will be seeing so much of Saga Pearl II this year, and that thousands of Saga’s guests will be getting the chance to enjoy our first class facilities. We know that Saga had a choice of UK Ports to use for these wonderful “no-fly” holidays, and we see the decision to base Saga Pearl II with us for much of 2018 as a massive vote of confidence in our facilities, location and high standards of service.
“Portsmouth’s reputation as a cruise port is gathering momentum and we’re delighted to welcome so many established companies to the city.
“We have ambitions to grow our cruise offer and make significant improvements for our customers. Recent additions have included new gangways and passenger walkways at the cruise berth.
Today’s departure was the first cruise holiday of 2018 from Portsmouth International Port. Guests were entertained by a jazz duo at check-in, before starting of a journey from the historic maritime city to explore Morocco and the hidden Canaries. It is the first of eight Saga cruise holidays from Portsmouth between now and the end of April. A further six holidays are scheduled from October this year.
The company is also bringing Saga Sapphire, a larger vessel with up to 720 guests, for a port of call visit in June 2018.
Saga Pearl II left Portsmouth International Port, headed for a first stop in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. During their 18 day holiday guests will discover the lively markets, historic medinas and French colonial architecture of Tangier and Casablanca. They will also cruise to the often overlooked, yet picturesque, Puerto del Rosario which is out of reach to larger vessels’. From there they will be able to explore Fuerteventura’s volcanic landscapes, enjoying winter sun on the island’s impressive beaches.
Guests will be back in Portsmouth in time for Valentine’s Day, when Saga Pearl II starts a new holiday in the opposite direction. The ship will sail to Norway and back on a 16 day cruise. Guests will enjoy spectacular fjords, the bright lights of beautiful towns, a chance to see the dazzling displays of the elusive Aurora Borealis, and a stop 140 miles inside the Arctic Circle.
Saga Pearl II’s varied schedule highlights an incredible choice of hassle free cruise holidays from Portsmouth International Port in 2018. With unrivalled road links and world class attractions right on the doorstep, the Great Waterfront City is the perfect place to embark on a memorable voyage of discovery.
For further information please contact Emma Gaisford/Julie Blackwell on 01256 631696 or email julie.blackwell@purple-agency.com or emma.gaisford@purple-agency.com