SAGA: Introducting Boutique River Cruising - GoCruise & Travel: Ian & Jacqui Crichton

A Preferred Booking Agent of Saga

BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISING lntroducing

Experience our new ships Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube this autumn

BIG EXPERIENCES ON A BRAND-NEW SHIP

Sailing on Europe’s finest waterways, our brand-new boutique ships Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube are exclusive to Saga guests, and offer premium value for money so much included in the price.

On your cruise you’ll visit a variety of cities and riverside towns, admiring the ever-changing scenery. All with the added bonus of only unpacking once on your intimate, floating hotel.

GETTING THE VIP TREATMENT

With us, your river cruise starts before you get to the ship. This is thanks to our VIP door-to-door service, included at no extra charge with unlimited mileage.

On your day of departure, one of our chauffeurs will arrive in good

time and drive you to the UK departure point. All hassle-free.

Next, you will either fly, embark the Eurostar, or join a coach for the onward journey to the ship or pre-cruise hotel.

All you have to do is get excited about stepping aboard Spirit of the Rhine or Spirit of the Danube.

Opposite: A chauffeur will pick you up, load your bags and drive you to your UK departure point.

INTIMATE YET SPACIOUS RIVER SHIPS

Welcome aboard your ship, part of our brand-new fleet.

Because they only carry 182 guests they feel intimate, but they’re also spacious and full of natural light. It’s all part of that small-ship appeal.

Both Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Danube also feature specially commissioned original art and handmade furniture.

Cruise this year, and you’ll be among the very first guests to enjoy cruising on these beautiful new ships.

Next, it’s time to take a look around the ship and its facilities.

Opposite: Reception, Spirit of the Danube. Inset from left: The Sun Deck, Spirit of the Danube; It’s easy to find your way around.

FANTASTIC FACILITIES

Every feature of our ships has been designed with our guests in mind. This includes a panoramic lounge and bar, the main space for activities, entertainment and talks. It’s the real hub of the ship.

You can relax and enjoy the ever-changing views from the Sun Deck, complete with sun loungers, waiter-served drinks, a hot tub, deck games and alfresco barbecue. It’s the perfect way to relax as you effortlessly glide to your next destination.

You will also find two restaurants, an inviting library, and even a small gym, everything you need to enjoy the perfect cruise.

After finding your way around the ship, it’s time to settle into your private cabin.

Opposite: The Belvedere Lounge Bar, Spirit of the Danube. Inset from left: Enjoy cocktails in the Belvedere Lounge Bar, Spirit of the Danube; Hot tub on the Sun Deck, Spirit of the Danube.

LIGHT AND SPACIOUS CABINS

It’s your home away from home the moment you step inside. Your cabin will be beautifully appointed and spacious, with an average floor plan of 17 square metres.

Most have a French balcony, while those on the lower deck have a picture window. It means every morning you’ll wake up to a different view – just one of the many pleasures of life on the water.

The cabins have everything you need to enjoy your time on board, from a plush hotelstyle bed, flat-screen TV and Bluetooth speaker to a seating area, tea and coffeemaking facilities, a fridge, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower.

While in the evenings, a turndown service means your cabin will change mood, from day to night.

Now you’re at home, what will you like to do during your first few days aboard?

Opposite: An upper deck cabin on Spirit of the Danube. Inset from left: Relax on your French balcony; all cabins are beautifully appointed.

FIRST-CLASS SERVICE

After your VIP travel, expect a seamless check-in and welcome aboard Spirit of the Rhine or Spirit of the Danube. The personal, attentive service then continues around the ship, in the restaurants, bar, reception and your cabin.

A Cruise Host and assistant will also be on hand to answer all your questions – whether they’re about ports of call, ship facilities or which excursion to choose.

And with all departures exclusive to Saga guests, the on-board announcements are always in English too.

lt’s time to start looking at our boutique dining experience.

Opposite: The Lorelei Lounge, Spirit of the Rhine. Inset from left: We take care of every detail on board; Panorama Restaurant, Spirit of the Danube.

FINE DINING

Every dining experience is a special event on board, with menus that use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Expertly prepared by our teams of chefs, there are two restaurants to choose from.

Offering a tempting choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner, the main restaurant is lined with large windows so you can enjoy the passing scenery as you dine.

Or for a special treat in the evening, reserve a table at the intimate à la carte restaurant, which seats just 34 guests for dinner service. Just make your reservation on board, free of charge.

In both restaurants, you can say cheers with red, white and rosé wines served by the glass at lunch and dinner, along with beers and soft drinks. All with our compliments.

Opposite: The Panorama Restaurant, Spirit of the Rhine. Inset from left: The Delta Restaurant, Spirit of the Danube; A selection of desserts available on board.

INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING

Our ships are just half the story. Going ashore and exploring the sights is one of the big attractions of river cruising with us.

Whether you’re sailing along the Rhine, Moselle or Danube, there’ll be charming cities and old towns, Gothic castles, vineyards and much more to discover.

Even better, you can enjoy included excursions on every cruise. We include at least three on week-long itineraries, and up to eight excursions on longer cruises.

If you want to go your own way, grab an interactive map and audio headset from the ship. These are available in many ports, and will take you around the best attractions close by.

When you return from your day ashore, there will be enriching talks, and live music back on board. And on selected dates, you can sail with special celebrity guests too.

Opposite: Spirit of the Rhine. Inset from left: Included excursions will show you the sights, a winetasting tour.

UNRIVALLED VALUE FOR MONEY

We include more in the price, so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your cruise. We take care of all this, and more.

• VIP door-to-door travel service with unlimited mileage

• Onward travel to the ship and transfers

• Included travel insurance

• Full board on the ship including speciality dining

• Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

• Up to eight excursions

• Cruise Host

• On-board gratuities

• Porterage of your luggage

• Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner

• Entertainment and activities

• Wi-Fi

With all that included, the only thing left is to start choosing where you will go this autumn on a boutique river cruise.

Opposite: Panorama Restaurant, Spirit of the Rhine. Inset from left: Spirit of the Danube; We’ll take care of your luggage.

AUTUMN ESCAPES SAILING SOON

In the fall season, the riverbanks of the Rhine and Danube transform into stunning shades of orange and gold. It really is a magical time to visit as you wind along these beautiful landscapes on your boutique ship.

For even better value, choose an all-inclusive cruise and enjoy a free bar up to 15 hours a day.

Opposite: Spirit of the Rhine. Inset from left: Perhaps venture to Lake Titisee in the Black Forest on an optional excursion; Amsterdam in Autumn