The cruise experts in services for the over 50s, SAGA Cruises, today announced the completion of the previously agreed sale of its Saga Sapphire ship to the family-run Turkish tour operator and travel agency ANEX Tour.
Saga Sapphire joined Saga UK's fleet in April 2012. In 2021, the vessel will re-enter service as Blue Sapphire operating for the new cruise line of ANEX Tour.
The pandemic prevented the send-off planned for Sapphire. Instead, SAGA Cruises is celebrating by asking clients and colleagues to take part in a 2.6 challenge to complete the 8050 nautical miles the liner was due to sail for her farewell voyage.
The "2.6 challenge" is a fundraiser that invites people on sport-themed activities linked to the number 2.6 (26). That could be anything from running 2.6 miles to cycling 26 miles to doing 26 press-ups.
Neset Kockar (ANEX Tour's Chairman) said he was thrilled to have their first cruise ship getting prepared to sail in the Eastern Mediterranean following a planned for 2020 drydock refurbishment.