Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)
Saga Pearl II
★★★ +
Berlitz’s Ratings
Ship: 321 out of 500
Accommodation: 134 out of 200
Food: 262 out of 400
Service: 286 out of 400
Entertainment: 72 out of 100
Cruise: 273 out of 400
Overall Score: 1348 out of 2000
Saga Pearl II Statistics
Size: Small Ship
Tonnage: 18,591
Lifestyle: Standard
Cruise Line: Saga Cruises
Former Names: Quest for Adventure, Saga Pearl II, Astoria, Arkona, Astor
IMO Number: 7904889
Builder: Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (Germany)
Original Cost: $55 million
Entered Service: Dec 1981/May 2013
Registry: The Bahamas
Length (ft/m): 539.2/164.3
Beam (ft/m): 74.1/22.6
Draft (ft/m): 20.0/6.1
Propulsion/Propellers: diesel (13,200kW)/2
Passenger Decks: 8
Total Crew: 252
Passengers (lower beds): 456
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 40.7
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 1.8
Cabins (total): 258
Size Range (sq ft/m): 150.0-725.0/13.4-65
Cabins (for one person): 60
Cabins (with private balcony): 40
Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 0
Wheelchair accessibility: Fair
Cabin Current: 220 volts
Elevators: 3
Casino (gaming tables): No
Slot Machines: No
Swimming Pools: 2
Hot Tubs (on deck): 0
Self-Service Launderette: Yes
Dedicated Cinema/Seats: No
Library: Yes
Onboard currency: UK£
A comfortable small ship for discovery-style cruising
Overview. This ship is best suited to English-speaking couples, and single travelers of mature years. Saga Cruises staff go out of their way to ensure you have an excellent time.
The Ship. Saga Pearl II is a traditional-looking cruise ship. A multi-million pound 2009 refit added a superb 3,000-book library, an array of balcony cabins, and new galleys. There is a good amount of open deck and sunbathing space, with some teakwood decks, polished wood railings, and cushioned pads for sunloungers. There is no walk-around promenade deck outdoors, but a small walking area under the lifeboats exists on both sides.
Accommodation. The accommodation consists of many different price categories, including several for solo travelers in single-occupancy cabins, and is spread over four decks.
Grand Suites. Two Boat Deck suites (725 sq ft/65 sq m) provide really large spaces, and have just about everything needed for refined, private shipboard living. There’s a separate bedroom with double bed, and a living room with sofa, dining table, and chairs. The tiled bathroom has a large tub, separate shower, and plenty of storage space for toiletries.
Suites. 34 suites (269 sq ft/25 sq m) have a separate bedroom with twin beds, and a living room with sofa, dining table, and chairs. The tiled bathroom has a large tub, separate shower enclosure, and plenty of space for toiletries.
Outside-view cabins/interior cabins. The standard cabins (140 sq ft/13 sq m) are quite well appointed and decorated, and all have crisp, clean colors - some might find them plain. The bathrooms are quite compact units, although there is a decent-size shower.
Dining. The Dining Room has ocean-view picture windows. It has dark wood paneling and restful decor. There’s a single, open seating, at tables for four, six, or eight. Two small wings, each with one a 12-seat table, can be used for small groups. The wine list has a decent selection of wines from many regions. Self-serve buffets, for breakfast and lunch, and as a casual alternative to dinner in the Dining Room, can be taken in the Verandah Restaurant, which overlooks the aft pool and open deck area.
Entertainment. The Discovery Lounge is the main entertainment space. It is a single-level room, although 14 pillars obstruct the sight lines from many seats. The stage also acts as the dance floor and cannot be raised for shows. The entertainment consists of cabaret-style performances. It can also be used as a lecture room.
Spa/Fitness. The spa is located on the lowest passenger deck, and contains a sauna (but no steam room), solarium, indoor swimming pool, treatment rooms, and changing areas.