The last cruise ship built in England will be retired after four decades
Skift Take
The life of a cruise ship is always surprising. Some plow along for one line with one name while the rest bounce between owners and bankruptcy only to be followed by loyal cruisers who see something special in them.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
Author: Oliver Smith
Saga Ruby, the last cruise ship built in Britain, is to be retired after 40 years of service, its owners have announced.
The 661-berth vessel, constructed in 1973 in Newcastle upon Tyne, will embark on its final voyage next year after more than four million nautical miles at sea.
Robin Shaw, CEO of Saga Cruises, said the ship was being retired due to its advancing age.
“Saga Ruby has delighted cruise-goers for some 40 years, but operating a ship of this age to meet the exacting standards we and others set is becoming an increasing challenge,” he said. “We have therefore decided that she should be gracefully retired in 18 months.”
He added that Quest for Adventure, one of the company’s two remaining cruise ships, will assume its previous name, Saga Pearl II, from 2014, and will no longer offer adventure itineraries. The company has hinted recently at plans to expand its fleet.
Saga Ruby was christened MS Vistafjord and operated by the now defunct Norwegian America Line for its first 10 years. In 1983 it was
