Saga has announced that it is building its first ever river cruise ship.

Christened Spirit of the Rhine, she will set sail on European rivers in the spring of 2021. The river cruise vessel will be inspired by Saga’s boutique ocean cruise ships.

On board facilities will include a lounge with bar, a separate library area, a main restaurant as well as a reservation-only restaurant with show cooking, a large sun deck, jacuzzi, barbecue and extensive seating areas.

The ship will have 95, 17 square metre cabins to accommodate 190 passengers, all of which will have a French balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure guests can enjoy the surrounding scenery.

In addition, Spirit of the Rhine will also feature a small gym and free wifi will be available throughout.

The new ship is being built by Vahali, a Dutch-founded company who have been building rivers ships since 1923.

Spirit of the Rhine will be sailing on the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube as well as through the waterways of Holland.

Saga will be offering a variety of new itineraries that will feature popular destinations as well as less familiar ports of call.

All cruises will be full-board to include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Gratuities will also be included for the first time and VIP transfers as standard.

The announcement of Saga’s first river cruise ship comes shortly after the launch of boutique ocean ship Spirit of Discovery and the soon-to-be-launched Spirit of Adventure.

River cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry and for Saga Travel’s CEO Robin Shaw, the new ship “heralds a step change in the future of river cruising”.

“I am delighted to announce that we are using our experience in ocean cruising to design a bespoke ship for those guests who want a luxurious, boutique river cruise experience,” he said.

“This launch of Spirit of the Rhine heralds a step change in the future of river cruising and when it comes to the onboard experience, our boutique approach to cruising will ensure that our guests have an experience that combines unrivalled, first class service with bespoke authentic experiences that are tailored just for them.”

Those who would like more information on Spirit of the Rhine will be able to register their interest from 4 November 2019 and bookings will be taken following the publication of its first itineraries on 2 December 2019.

For more information, visit saga.co.uk/spirit-rhine.