Saga Pearl II

The 1981-built Saga Pearl 2 cruise ship was one of Saga UK's old vessels (together with the fleetmate Saga Sapphire) and had one sistership - CMV Astor (1987-built/2020-scrapped). Pearl 2 (auction-acquired in 2008) and Sapphire were both withdrawn from service (left SAGA's fleet) after the two newbuilds, respectively, Spirit of Discovery (2019) and Spirit of Adventure (2020) were commissioned.

In July 2020, Saga Sapphire was sold to / acquired by ANEX Tours (Turkey's largest travel agency/tour operator). The 39-year-old liner (renamed "Blue Sapphire") started operations for ANEX Tours in 2021.

In April 2019, Saga Pearl II was sold to Aqua Explorer Holdings Ltd (offshore/BVI-registered company), renamed "Pearl II" and relocated to Greece (Port Perama, near Piraeus-Athens). On July 23, 2022, after being laid up for ~3 years in Greece (due to the Coronavirus crisis), the 41-year-old ship was towed to Turkey, sold for scrap metal and on July 25th was beached for dismantling at Aliaga Turkey. The AIS transmitted for the last time on July 23rd, at 8:24 UTC.

The vessel (IMO number 8000214) was last Malta-flagged (MMSI 256878000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Saga Cruises is a UK-based passenger shipping company and a division/subsidiary of Saga Group/SAGA UK. By purchasing Saga Rose, Saga Group started its passenger shipping operations. The boat operated as flagship until 2005 when was added Saga Ruby (bought from Cunard Line). For the 2003 summer SAGA chartered MV Minerva (1989-built), which was renamed "Saga Pearl". Saga Rose was retired after a final 37-night Mediterranean voyage. Subsequently, she was scrapped in China. Saga Ruby departed for Gibraltar out of Southampton for the last time on January 10th and was handed over to the new shipowner on January 13, 2014.

Saga Pearl 2 was named "MV Astoria until November 2009, when was acquired by Saga UK to replace MS Saga Rose (1965). The new shipowner spent over GBP 20 million on refits and renovations - the company's most expensive refurbishment project. In 2012, the vessel was renamed "Quest for Adventure", then "Saga Pearl 2" again in November 2013, when received the company's logo on the funnel.

Between 2005 and 2013, SAGA established a second travel brand - "Spirit of Adventure Cruises". Its fleet consisted of Spirit of Adventure (MS Berlin/now Dream Goddess) and Quest for Adventure (Saga Pearl 2).

The 600-passenger ship Saga Pearl II embarked on the Maiden Voyage for Saga Holidays in March 2010. In May 2012 she was renamed "Quest for Adventure", and in November 2013 back to "Saga Pearl II".

Under the new shipowner (Aqua Explorer Holdings), Pearl II was supposed to be resold to a Greek company to serve as a cruise ship or a floating hotel. Later was announced that the BVI-listed shipowner is controlled by Saudi Arabian interests (via Greek intermediaries) and planned to convert the ship into a private superyacht. However, this project failed as the vessel was delivered at the height of the Saudi Arabian purge (2017-2019) during which prominent princes, ministers, and businessmen were arrested by the anti-corruption committee led by Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, in tenure since January 2015)

Decks and Cabins

Saga Pearl II has a total of 253 cabins (of which 36 Suites, 20 Balcony, 60 Single) in 26 grades. 9 staterooms offer French verandas. A great selling point for solo passengers: Saga Pearl II has enormous single staterooms, which is nearly 25% of the total number of cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Brought to the dining table is the taste of all Saga Holidays destinations, as experienced chefs shop all fresh ingredients while in port, in order to serve fantastic food with local flavour. The Dining Room features ocean-view picture windows, restful decor and dark wood panelling. There is a single, open seating at tables for 4, 6 or 8. Two small wings, each with one 12-seat table, can be used for small groups. Self-serving buffets for breakfast and lunch, as well as a casual alternative to dinner in the Main Dining Room, can be enjoyed in the Verandah Restaurant, which overlooks the open deck area and the aft pool.

Saga Pearl II's dining venues included Main Dining Room (MDR), Verandah Restaurant (alfresco venue open for buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and waiter-served dinner), and two private dining rooms (Chart Room and Ward Room, capacity 14 seats each) where dinners are attended by the Captain and senior officers.

SAGA's shore excursions include scuba diving and snorkeling (along coral reefs), exploring archeological sites and ancient ruins, desert safari adventures, cultury-themed tours. Some land tours are included on each voyage, in addition to optional excursions and independently booked ashore travel. Mountain bikes are complimentary provided while the ship is berthed in port. The onboard entertainment includes guest speakers and expert lecturers.

SAGA's travelers are in the 50+ age group, and mainly British. This typical "UK ship" was operated as an adults-only, providing a child-free environment.

Follows the complete list of Saga Pearl II lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Discovery Lounge (enjoy afternoon tea with sugar sculptures and crafted cakes; dance classes; presentations)
• Sundown Bar; Shackleton's Bar (live music)
• The Discovery Lounge; Shop; Library; Card Room; Chart Room; Ward Room; Cinema
• SPA and Treatment Rooms; Hair & Beauty Salon; Sauna; Indoor Pool; Outdoor Pool; Gym
• The aft-positioned Sun Deck is on two levels (decks 6-7) and has outdoor games (shuffleboard, deck quoits, short tennis court) and BBQ/Barbecue Area (for alfresco dining)
• On Sports Deck (top deck) is the midship positioned Short Tennis Court.

The Gym (open between 7 am - 7 pm) is with floor-ceiling mirrors and fitted with 3x treadmills, 2x static cycles, a rowing machine, cross-trainer, exercise balls, ballet-style barre (along two of the walls), stretching mats, free weights. A large TV is mounted on the wall. Bottled water and towels are provided complimentary.

The Cinema (20-seat) is free of charge (available on a first-come-first-served basis) and also used for quizzes and exercise classes. It typically screens 2 films per day.

On Lobby Deck (A-Deck) is the midship Lobby Hall housing Tours Office (Saga Cruises' excursions and tours booking and information) and Reception Desk (24-hour guest assistance, also offers currency exchange service).

Briefing Room contains a large selection of DVDs. Card Room is stocked with board games, cards, jigsaw puzzles. The Library (divided into several areas) is with panoramic windows and stocked with 3000+ books.

The Duty-Free Shop sells brand perfumes, jewelry, watches, fashion accessories, clothing, everyday and travel necessities.

Discovery Lounge doubles as the ship's Theatre (main show lounge) and is the focus of nightly entertainment with a live show (starting at 9:30 pm). After the show, there are live music performances for dancing (by Saga Orchestra). The Lounge has capacity to seat all passengers on rows of cream and blue chairs. The seating is banquette (at either side of the room), with small tables (for drinks). Large TV screens are positioned around the walls for everyone to get close-up views of the action onstage. Waiter service drinks are provided between 8:30-11:30 pm.

Shackleton's Bar (opens from 10:15 pm) is a lively lounge perfect for after-dinner cocktails, with a mix of live music (from a resident pianist) and recorded pop music (hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s).

The Sundowner Bar (open from 10:30 am to 1 am) is an intimate venue, best for pre- or after-dinner cocktails. Sundowner is accessible via indoor stairs (from Bridge Deck) and outdoor stairs (from Sun Deck). The Bar features floor-ceiling windows (with great views over the stern).

Itineraries

Saga Pearl II's itinerary program was based on roundtrips from UK homeports (Dover and Southampton) visiting ports in Europe (Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Norway's Fjords) and even Africa and South America via relocation Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com).

The ship's last cruise for Saga was a 54-night voyage to Africa, leaving from Portsmouth UK on February 16, 2019. Among the visited African ports were Banjul, Luanda, Luderitz, Maputo, Walvis Bay.