“I name this ship…”: Saga’s Editorial Director christens our new river ship

This week saw a historic moment for Saga, with the launch of our elegant new river ship Spirit of the Moselle at the docks in Amsterdam. 

As proud Godmother to the ship, Saga Magazine Editorial Director Louise Robinson christened Spirit of the Moselle in the traditional manner, by smashing a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.

“I name this ship Spirit of the Moselle. God bless her and all who sail in her,” she pronounced, in front of an audience including Nigel Blanks, CEO Saga Travel.  

A visibly moved Louise said afterwards: “What an unforgettable day in Amsterdam, becoming Godmother to Saga’s newest river ship, the stunning Spirit of the Moselle. I was so thrilled by the whole thing I thought might implode along with the champagne bottle – which, to my enormous relief, smashed on my command. I now join Queen Camilla, Dame Jenni Murray and Commodore Inga Kennedy in the exclusive Saga Godmother club – and I couldn’t be more honoured and proud.” 

Addressing the audience which also included Andrew Harwood, Chief Financial Officer for Travel; Jana Harrison, Travel People Director; Horst Pint, Hotel Operations Director; James Langley, Cruise Operations Director; and Wayne Russell, Technology Director, Louise added: “I’m also grateful to my colleagues at Saga Cruises who are geniuses at everything they do.” 

Elaborating on Louise’s role as Godmother, Nigel commented: “Louise joined Saga in 2019 as Editor of our award-winning in-house Saga Magazine. She led its transformation using her own unique style, charm and passion for journalism to make it the number one magazine for people over 50 in the UK. Louise has always had a passion for cruising, and she is almost as happy at sea as she is on land.”

The ship then embarked on its maiden voyage, an eight day cruise through the Netherlands and Germany, taking in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Cologne and stopping at numerous scenic and historic spots along the way – excursions include a visit to The Mauritshuis in The Hague, home to Vermeer’s famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. 

The 135m ship carries up to 172 guests, has four passenger decks and has been built exclusively for Saga guests. It comes complete with a wealth of facilities, including speciality dining, a splash pool and 92 comfortable cabins, 73 of which will have a French balcony, plus a restaurant with panoramic views and a sun deck for the warm weather.

The main deck features floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the ship in light throughout and will make the most of the ever-changing scenery as the ship winds along the Main and Moselle. The lounge area is separated into three spaces: the main bar; a cosy Parisian-style café area with a self-service tea and coffee station; and a library.

The speciality Beilstein Restaurant, meanwhile, incorporates woods and aged oak barrels, in homage to the wine towns of the region and to replicate the timber-clad architecture of the Moselle. 

Lorraine Friend, Saga’s Head of River Hotel Operations, said: “We have spent such a long time crafting every detail of Spirit of the Moselle, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally see her set sail. The ship has really come to life, and she feels truly unique – a modern, boutique river ship designed with our guests in mind.” 

The interior includes the dramatic reception and lobby area, with low-hanging lanterns and cascading bronze leaves. Throughout the ship, rich, warm tones and soft pastels echo the landscapes of the Moselle Valley, while her modern and stylish interiors offer something strikingly different.  

Lorraine said: “She’s a ship with real character, and I just can’t wait for our guests to experience her for themselves.” 

The modern cabins are all equipped with a flat-screen television, a Bluetooth speaker with USB, tea and coffee-making facilities, a small fridge, hairdryer, telephone, safe, seating area, bathrobes and slippers. 

As well as the maiden journey, a typical Spirit of the Moselle itinerary is ‘Gems of the Main River’, which offers seven nights on board and cruises the Main River, stopping to experience the culture and history of the riverside towns and cities along the way.

Also new for 2025, Saga’s river cruise guests can fly from their local airport with no extra supplement to pay on selected cruises, subject to availability.

This is in addition to Saga’s existing nationwide chauffeur service, which picks guests up from home and takes them to the airport and back home again, for a hassle-free start and end to every cruise. 

Saga boutique river cruises, which like all Saga cruises cater for people over 50, offer an all-inclusive experience.

There are no hidden costs on board either with all dining and house drinks (including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and all soft drinks), Wi-Fi, gratuities, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment, luggage porterage and travel insurance also included. 

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