A pearl of a ship?

Although only an overnight in port on board Saga Pearl II, this was designed to give us a proper cruise experience and so was treated as such. We arrived about 1pm at the City terminal in Southampton. We were able to check in and receive our cruise cards, but had to wait until boarding commenced at 2pm before getting on board. We were met at the ship and escorted to our cabin by a stewardess who carried our hand luggage. We had been allocated a standard outside cabin on deck 4.

The cabin was old but adequate, although the bathroom was tiny. The shower had two folding glass doors and required one to be a contortionist to get in, close one side and then wriggle round to close the other. It still left a half-inch gap at the hinge side so water escaped into the bathroom! Amenities included large bottles of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

 

 

We unpacked - limited hanging but good size safe and a good few drawers. No tea or coffee making facilities in the cabin but a jug flask and mugs. Very comfortable beds and a Roman blind instead of curtains which was practical and useful, except I couldn't open it in the morning! I also didn't like the fact that the cupboard between the beds housed a fridge!

We then left to have afternoon tea and explore the ship. Having been on a day visit to Saga Pearl II before we didn't go with the guided tours but headed to the Discovery Lounge first for tea. This was a very good buffet with real clotted cream for scones, cakes, sandwiches etc. Tea or coffee was served at the tables with the gentle sound of a harpist in the background.

 

 

After some delicious sandwiches we set off to explore the ship and check out other styles of cabin. My immediate thought was that she was looking somewhat tired - more so than on our visit last year. Teak on deck furniture etc needed rubbing down and revarnishing and some carpets were a little frayed. I queried when her next refit was but no-one knew. Although she had lots of loungers and chairs there were few if any reclining chairs.

 

 

 

Being an older ship she is not that disabled friendly either, with trip hazards everywhere - even a threshold into our cabin! Caryll queried the whereabouts of the deck quoits court and got told it was marked up on the sports deck when required! Suspect this was more like the hoopla version on CMV. There was one wooden shuffleboard court and deck tennis.

 

We got a cup of coffee from an elaborate self-serve coffee machine in the Verandah buffet and sat out for a while chatting with other guests. Some of these were completely new to cruising, others like us, new to Saga.

There was no muster drill as we were not sailing so we went back to change for the Captain's reception and dinner.

The reception was held in the Discovery Lounge. Drinks were free-flowing - four glasses of champagne, with canapés. Speeches from Captain and Saga marketing director. Then it was time to go in for dinner.

 

 

The main restaurant is single sitting and open seating between 7pm and 9pm. The food was delicious although as with all small ships ,the choice is more limited - three or so of each course. I chose a haggis starter (served with a tot of Scotch),lobster and a pavlova to finish.  Service was excellent and there was plenty of complimentary wine with the meal, as well as after dinner port.

 

The entertainment in the Discovery Lounge consisted of a Simon & Garfunkel tribute act followed by a group of four West End singers and musicians who performed a number of songs from musicals like Les Mis. After this it was time for bed.

 

Breakfast the next morning was in the Lido. There was a wide choice of delicious food and again coffee and tea was served at the table. There was fresh orange juice and croissants kept in a warmer. It is a pleasant venue, laid with table cloths etc and more akin to a restaurant than a buffet in feel. Before we left, encouraged by special offers, we got a quote for a five night cruise in August 2016. The cheapest cabins had already gone so we were quoted for a top level inside at around £1100 per person!  Suffice it to say we didn't book. OK, I know Saga include travel insurance (I have my own), internet and travel to the port. They boast of excellent service and high crew ratios - but other lines I have sailed on have had excellent service too! I do realise she is a small ship and as such always more expensive.

Bottom line - £1100 for 5 nights on Saga, £1295 for 19 nights on Oriana, both inside cabins, both 2016. As I explained to the marketing director, I am afraid I just cannot see where the extra money is going.

A welcome and interesting ship interlude.

More of my photos of Saga Pearl II can be seen here.