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Saga cruises into new deal with Portsmouth International Port

16 March 2017

Portsmouth International Port will play a big part in Saga’s cruise schedule for 2018, with a total of 15 visits next year.

Saga Pearl II will be based at Portsmouth International Port between January and April, with eight cruises starting and ending at The Great Waterfront City in the first four months of 2018. Saga Pearl II will then return in the autumn with another six turnaround calls between October and December.

The company’s larger liner, Saga Sapphire, also makes a return trip to Portsmouth International Port. Following a successful visit last year, Sapphire’s 2018 schedule sees a Port of call visit in June. Passengers will be able to take full advantage of a visit to historic Portsmouth with an overnight stay in the city.

Mike Sellers, Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, said “This is a real vote of confidence by Saga in Portsmouth International Port, making us a key part of their plans for 2018. Over previous years we’ve been able to demonstrate to Saga how well we can handle its ships, offering a bespoke, efficient and flexible service that makes for an amazing passenger experience. Our location on the motorway and rail network also makes us the perfect place to start and end a hassle free holiday.”

Saga’s first cruise from Portsmouth International Port in January 2018 will be a 17 night holiday that heads to Morocco and the hidden Canaries.   Passengers will see Nelson’s Victory and the iconic Spinnaker Tower as they glide out of the historic maritime city, and will soon be experiencing exciting calls in Tangier, Casablanca, Arecife, Les Palmas, Madeira and Spain.

James Langley, Head of Marine Operations at Saga Cruises said: “The service offered at Portsmouth International Port is great and we were impressed with the arrival appearance of the port and the experience offered by the staff, perfect for Saga’s  passengers.

With their confirmed infrastructure development, and gangway modification, coupled with the ease of operations between ship and shore, the port is an obvious choice for Saga Pearl II.”

Saga Pearl II last visited Portsmouth International Port in September 2016. The addition of 15 Saga cruise visits to next year’s diary means the schedule at the Port is already looking healthy. So far more than forty port of call and turnaround visits have been booked in 2018.

Rupert Taylor, Harbour Master at Portsmouth International Port, organises the cruise schedule. Rupert said “Saga knows there really couldn’t be a better place to base a ship for a no fly cruise from Britain. Transport links from all over the country are excellent, and with world class attractions on our doorstep holidaymakers can easily add even more special memories with an extra night or two before and after their cruise.”

With first class facilities, including a stunning airport style passenger terminal, Portsmouth International Port has invested heavily in its own future. Extended berths bring flexibility for a wide range of visiting ships, with dedicated transport and luggage facilities helping to make for easy passenger transfers.

Saga cruises from Portsmouth International Port in 2018 go on sale on April 3rd 2017. For details visit http://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/ocean-cruises-with-saga/2018-cruises.aspx

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