Saga Cruises has announced the completion of the previously agreed sale of Saga Sapphire to family-run Turkish tour operator, Anex Tour.

Saga Sapphire joined the British cruise line’s fleet eight years ago in April 2012. In 2021, she will re-enter service as Blue Sapphire operating for Anex Tour’s new cruise line.

The current Covid-19 pandemic has prevented the send-off Saga had planned for Sapphire, but the cruise line is celebrating by asking customers and colleagues to take part in a 2.6 challenge to complete the 8,050 nautical miles she was due to sail for her farewell cruise.

The 2.6 challenge is a fundraising initiative that sees people complete a challenge linked to the numbers 2.6 or 26. That could be anything from running 2.6 miles to cycling 26 miles to doing 26 press-ups.

Details of the challenge will be shared on Saga’s Facebook page in the coming weeks.

Managing director of Saga Cruises, Nigel Blanks, said:

“Saga Sapphire has been hugely popular with our guests over the past eight years. She will be missed, but we’re delighted she will be playing a starring role in Anex Tour’s new cruise offer.

“Launching Sapphire was an important moment, and laid the foundations for our purpose-built boutique cruise offer.

“We are now looking forward to an exciting new chapter for Saga Cruises as we prepare to welcome the Spirit of Adventure to our fleet in the coming months.”

Chairman of Anex Tour, Neset Kockar, said: “I am thrilled to have our first cruise ship which is getting prepared to sail in the eastern Mediterranean after a thorough renovation.

“Expanding our product range in line with the needs of our customers has always been a top priority, and it is my pleasure to offer one of the most unique experiences to them.”

Visit travel.saga.co.uk for more information.