We booked our first cruise ever with Saga following about 50 previous cruises as their ‘Search for the Northern Lights’ itinerary looked to fulfill one of our ‘bucket list’ experiences. Friends had been on the same cruise last year and couldn’t rate them highly enough so we bit the bullet and decided to book. The cost was at the very top end of our usual budget and came in at about £210 pppn, having just missed the previous discount level as Saga offer the best discount to early bookers with the discount decreasing as cabins are sold.
Although the price was higher than we normally paid, the cruise included door to port and return transfers, an all-balcony ship, wi-fi, all inclusive drinks, gratuities, four excursions, speciality restaurant dining, 24 hour full room service and, for those that need it, travel insurance or a discount if not taken. We did our research and, nearer the sail date, received a brochure with transfer information and a full list of the included excursions plus additional excursions at an extra cost.
Our shared taxi arrived as expected and we were whisked to Portsmouth and boarded with a minimum of fuss. First impressions were of a small but well equipped ship and the cabin exceeded expectations, being well appointed and having ample storage but more hanging space would have been welcome. Emergency drill involved viewing a video in cabin and visiting the muster station to be checked in. The first night you are allocated a restaurant and time to dine but after that it was anytime dining in the main dining room or grill, or booking one of the speciality restaurants, all of which we tried and enjoyed at least twice.
The food was always excellent, as was the service in the restaurants and bars, and we saw many of the shows, either in the theatre or the cabaret lounge, choosing only those that appealed to us and enjoying them all. The excursions were two sightseeing tours around Tromso and Bergen, an evening search for the Northern Lights and a fantastic visit through thick snow to the North Cape. All were well organised and executed. We also independently booked a morning dog-sledding in Alta, which was fantastic and a much better experience than the Saga excursion, as well as being significantly cheaper.
The speakers were excellent, with any that were missed available in the cabin, either live or on catch-up, and there was an extensive free collection of films and videos also available. The wi-fi was sketchy but patience and reconnecting usually did the trick but I understand that a better system is being researched.
Fellow guest were polite and pleasant and, although we always dined on a table for two, it was easy to chat with our table neighbours and we met some lovely people. The formal nights, 3 in 15 nights, were well respected with gents in dark suits and dinner suits in equal measure and the menus were to the same high standard but with some extra special dishes.
Disembarkation was smooth and well disciplined with you leaving the ship when your luggage was available and your transport home was waiting.
All in all, a great cruise and we have paid to pre-register for early access to the next tranche of cruises so as to receive the best discount available.
