This week marked a historic moment for Saga, with the launch of its elegant new riverboat, the Spirit of the Moselle, in the Amsterdam docks. As the ship's proud godmother, Louise Robinson, editorial director of Saga Magazine, officially christened the Spirit of the Moselle in the traditional way, breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull.
“She named this ship Spirit of the Moselle. May God bless her and all who sail on her,” he proclaimed to an audience that included Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Travel.
Visibly moved, Louise later declared:
“What an unforgettable day in Amsterdam, becoming godmother of Saga’s newest riverboat, the stunning Spirit of the Moselle. I was so excited about everything that I thought I was going to burst along with the bottle of champagne, which, to my enormous relief, broke right at my signal. I now join the exclusive club of Saga godmothers alongside Queen Camilla, Dame Jenni Murray, and Commodore Inga Kennedy. I couldn’t be more honored or prouder.”
Addressing the audience, which also included Andrew Harwood (Travel's CFO), Jana Harrison (Travel's Director of People), Horst Pint (Director of Hotel Operations), James Langley (Director of Cruise Operations) and Wayne Russell (Director of Technology), Louise added: “I am also grateful to my colleagues at Saga Cruises, who are geniuses at everything they do.”
Commenting on Louise's role as godmother, Nigel added:
“Louise joined Saga in 2019 as editor of our award-winning in-house magazine, Saga Magazine. She transformed the publication with her unique style, charm, and passion for journalism, making it the number one magazine for over-50s in the UK. She has always had a passion for cruising and is almost as happy at sea as she is on land.”
After the christening, the ship set sail on its maiden voyage: an eight-day cruise around the Netherlands and Germany, visiting Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Cologne, with stops at numerous scenic and historic locations.
Measuring 135 meters in length, the Spirit of the Moselle can accommodate up to 172 guests, has four passenger decks, and was built exclusively for Saga customers. Among its many amenities are a specialty restaurant, a swimming pool, 92 comfortable cabins (73 of which have French balconies), a restaurant with panoramic views, and a sun deck for warmer weather.
The main deck features floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the ship with natural light and allowing passengers to fully appreciate the ever-changing scenery as they cruise the Main and Moselle rivers. The lounge is divided into three areas: the main bar; a cozy Parisian-style café with a self-service tea and coffee station; and a library.
Beilstein specialty restaurant, meanwhile, uses aged oak wood and barrels as a tribute to the region's wine-growing villages and to replicate the wood-clad architecture typical of the Moselle Valley.
The interior features a spectacular reception and lobby area, complete with hanging lanterns and cascading bronze leaves. Throughout the ship, warm tones and soft pastels evoke the landscapes of the Moselle Valley, while the sleek, modern interiors offer a distinctive and sophisticated aesthetic.
All modern cabins are equipped with a flat screen TV, Bluetooth speaker with USB, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, hairdryer, telephone, safe, sitting area, bathrobes and slippers.
In addition to the inaugural voyage, a typical Spirit of the Moselle is "Jewels of the Main River," which offers seven nights on board sailing along the Main, stopping at riverside towns and cities to enjoy their culture and history.
New for 2025: Saga river cruise passengers can fly from their local airport at no extra charge on selected cruises, subject to availability. This is in addition to Saga's existing domestic chauffeur service, which picks guests up from their homes, takes them to the airport, and returns them, ensuring a stress-free start and finish to every cruise.
Saga's boutique river cruises, designed for people over 50, offer an all-inclusive experience: all meals, house drinks (including selected wines at lunch and dinner, spirits, draft beer and all non-alcoholic beverages), Wi-Fi, gratuities, excursions at selected ports, entertainment, baggage handling and travel insurance.
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