Saga Orders 1st Boutique River Cruise Ship

British cruise line Holidays announced plans to launch a newbuild river cruise ship to sail on European rivers in spring 2021.

The new ship will be built by Vahali, a Dutch-founded company which has  been building rivers ships since 1923. The new vessel is christened Spirit of the Rhine.

This follows  launch of Saga’s new luxury boutique ocean cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery in July 2019, and the launch of her sister ship in Summer 2020.

"Using more than 60 years of insight gained from providing products and services exclusively to the over-50’s, Saga will be using the inspiration of their boutique ocean cruises to design the new build ship which will echo this luxury styling," said a press release from the UK company.

Almost all of the 17 sq meter cabins will have a French balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure guests can truly revel in the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

Over recent years the popularity of river cruising has been steadily increasing year on year with Saga customers. Those who would like more information on the ship will be able to register their interest from 4th November 2019 and bookings will be taken following the publication of its first itineraries on 2nd December 2019.

Spirit of the Rhine will be sailing on rivers including the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube as well as through the stunning waterways of Holland.

Robin Shaw, CEO Saga Travel said: "The launch of Spirit of the Rhine heralds a step change in the future of river cruising and when it comes to the on-board experience, our boutique approach to cruising will ensure that our guests have an experience that combines unrivaled, first class service with bespoke authentic experiences that are tailored just for them..”