Saga Sapphire Review
Our Cruising Specialist, Ann, recently travelled up to the port of Liverpool to see the newly refurbished Saga Sapphire. Read her exclusive review:
I left a very wet Yorkshire to see Saga Sapphire as she docked in Liverpool during her cruise of the British Isles.
When we arrived the sun was shining and the ship looked very impressive in her blue and white colours. She carries just 720 passengers and has an excellent ratio of one crew member to approximately two passengers. I was very impressed with the look and feel of the ship and the attention to detail throughout. The reception has a beautiful fish sculpture which drops down two floors and features a shoal of silver fish, quite stunning. The reception is the width of the ship so plenty of room for everyone to be checked in efficiently. The ship boasts a pool and Jacuzzi with lots of loungers to relax on. There is a complimentary sweet bar and a Mr Whippy style ice-cream station where you can help yourself!
Towards the back of the ship on the promenade deck is the pitch and put course and we were told it is quite challenging to complete especially when the seas are rolling, but good fun.
The lounge area housed an extensive library and magazine rack, computer area, a bar, areas where you can play chess or do jigsaws as well as a coffee and cake area. The lounge was split in to separate seating areas which were tastefully furnished.
From there we went to see the inside dining areas where the food looked and smelled amazing. The first was the Grill which again was beautifully decorated with red walls, wicker lampshades and silver metalwork screens to separate the dining room in to smaller, niche areas. The Grill in an informal venue and has a buffet style lunch and a waiter-served dinner prepared as you watch in the open kitchen.
The East to West dining room, a 64-seater speciality restaurant serving Asian-influenced dishes, and the outside Veranda bar and restaurant all led off from the Grill. There was another eating area by the pool which served gourmet fish and chips and similar fast food. On the deck below was the Pole to Pole restaurant which is where we ate. The food was wonderful, beautifully served and the wine was flowing! As well as being able to have a four course meal, you could choose to have lighter options or help yourself to the extensive buffet.
Saga Sapphire also has a small shopping mall selling clothes, jewellery and high end handbags, plus a spa with indoor pool where you can be pampered. The gym was also in this area for the more energetic . She also boasts an entertainment lounge where you can round off your day and once the shows are over there are small intimate bars where you can finish off with a nightcap or two.
Overall I was very impressed with the ship, I loved the décor, the crew were friendly, smartly dressed and the food amazing, wouldn’t mind trying out a cruise just to be sure it is as good as I think!!