Deal with Meyer Werft also includes option for a second ship to be delivered in 2021
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Werft is to build a new cruise ship for UK-based Saga Cruises, which will be delivered from its Papenburg-based yard in Germany in summer 2019.
The 55,900gt vessel will be around 234 metres long and 30.8 metres wide and will accommodate fewer than 1,000 passengers. The deal also includes an option for a second ship to be delivered in 2021.
“The cruise operation remains at the heart of the Saga brand and demonstrates our commitment to deliver excellence in customer service and outstanding value,” said Lance Batchelor, Saga CEO. “This investment will be transformational for the cruise business and for our cruise customers. The precise details of the new purpose built ship will be finalised over the coming months but will retain the traditional features our customers cherish.”
Although plans will be refined over the coming months, the ship is expected to feature around 540 suites and cabins, each with a private balcony. Around 15% of cabins will be designed for single occupancy and there will be single tables available in the bars and dining venues.
The newbuild will also offer a variety of bars, speciality restaurants, al-fresco dining options, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a spa, saunas, treatment rooms and beauty salon.
“Our plan for the first of our new modern and elegant cruise liners is sure to delight our existing passengers and we hope it will entice new passengers to cruise with us,” said Robin Shaw, chief executive at Saga Cruises. “We will retain an intimate small-ship feel, for fewer than 1,000 passengers, a high crew-to-customer ratio, great public spaces and entertainment facilities and dining can be accommodated in a single sitting. The artist impressions have been well received and we will continue to consult with our loyal cruise customers throughout the design and build to ensure they get ships that they have helped to make their own.”