British cruise line Saga recently launched 39 new itineraries as part of its 2021 boutique collection for ships Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure.

While the global suspension of sailings has put a pause on all cruises for the time being, this won’t be forever and now is as good a time as any for agents to start selling 2021 cruises.  

According to a recent survey done by cruisecompete.com, there has been a 40 per cent increase in reservations made for 2021, compared with 2019.

Only 11 per cent of these bookings were made by those who had their cruise cancelled this year, indicating a surge in new interest, the Los Angeles Times also reported.

With that in mind, Saga has released 39 new itineraries aboard Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure as part of its 2021 boutique collection, all of which are available to book now.

Whetting customers’ appetites for what’s in store for next year, the cruise line has revealed some of the highlights of the 2021 collection and it’s safe to say that there’s something to suit everyone.

Giving customers the chance to catch some much-needed rays following the coronavirus lockdown, the cruise line’s Mediterranean Ancient Wonders cruise will soak up some of the most stunning destinations in the region, from Valletta in Malta to Mykonos in Greece.

For clients who are fans of culture, Saga is offering a grand voyage around the Baltics and its historic cities. Meanwhile, nature lovers will be well looked after with a cruise exploring the natural wonders of Greenland and Iceland or discovering Norway’s poetic scenery on the Melody of the Fjords cruise.

Saga has also included cruises across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, Canada and the USA.

Next year heralds an exciting development for Saga as the cruise line will be including up to five sightseeing excursions for the first time.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, customers will be given a greater experience of selected ports. Included excursions are available on all new cruises sailing between 29 March and 18 December, and there will also be a range of optional excursions for 2021 cruises.

Exciting new ports of call include Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, on the island of Corsica.

All of the cruises will take place aboard either Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Adventure, Saga’s two luxury boutique cruise ships.

Launched in 2019, Saga’s Spirit of Discovery offers all the facilities you would expect of a larger ocean vessel, including world-class, free-to-dine restaurants, a state-of-the-art tiered theatre, a wraparound promenade and a luxurious spa, all the while retaining her small-ship appeal.

Catering to just 999 passengers with one member of staff to every two passengers, guests can expect a high level of service and attention to detail aboard this sophisticated boutique hotel at sea, with all cabins featuring a private balcony.

Due to launch this year, Spirit of Adventure will have a different boutique look and feel to her sister ship, but clients can still expect the same level of exemplary service.

Spirit of Adventure will feature a number of speciality restaurants and according to new build director David Pickett, she will be “a true representation of the best of British innovation and flair”.

Saga has received many accolades for its value for money and it’s not difficult to understand why. All 2021 cruises will be all-inclusive and will include a chauffeur service as part of the fare, whisking customers from their own front door and returning them home up to 250 miles each way.

Speciality dining also comes as part of the fare, along with 24-hour room service, onboard gratuities, wifi and a shuttle bus in most ports.

In addition, selected onboard drinks will also be available at no extra charge. This includes a choice of wines with meals, beer, house spirits or cocktails from the bars, and a wide range of soft drinks.

Clients can feel reassured to go book ahead and plan their 2021 cruise now thanks to Saga’s reassuring Price Promise. This means that should Saga ever lower its prices after clients have booked, the cruise line will work out how much they would have saved and will pass the value of the saving back to them.

Agents can currently book Spirit of Discovery’s Continental Escape from £895 per person, plus every cruise initially has 35 per cent off full fares, making it the perfect time for them to secure their client’s 2021 cruise.

For more details of Saga’s 2021 collection, visit sagaagents.co.uk.