News
In this section
03 October 2016, 01:00
Saga Cruises welcomes new Captain
Julian Burgess will join Saga for his first cruise in December 2016.
Captain Burgess will take command of Saga Sapphire on the ‘Canaries to Casablanca’ cruise, sailing out of Southampton on December 1, 2016 headed for Madeira, Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Morocco and mainland Spain.
Captain Burgess began life at sea as a cadet when he was 17, before working on various ships as a Safety Officer and Chief Officer. He soon found himself as Deputy Captain for the Carnival Corporation where he worked under the flags of P&O Cruises, Princess and Cunard, where he was Captain of Queen Elizabeth. Julian has been at sea for 35 years with the last 12 as a Captain.
Julian said:“Saga is famous for its service – it’s such a strong brand and everyone in the cruising industry knows it has a fiercely loyal following, and although it’s early days for me, I can see why. The ships have that friendly-feel and there’s a real focus on the guests’ enjoyment above all else. With beautiful small ships and a new vessel launching in 2019 it’s exciting times to join the company. I cannot wait for the new challenges!
I consider myself very much a ‘modern Captain’ – I’m not going to be stuck up on the Bridge all day – I love to meet people and hear their stories. Socialising with the guests and finding out what they’ve been up to on their exploits on land is, to me, an important part of being a successful Master.
I’m quite hands on and like to do lots of the ship’s manoeuvres myself, but I’m more than happy to give the officers and staff opportunities to develop their seamanship under my experienced eye.
I like guiding them and seeing the next generation be given the same opportunities I was offered.
I’m also very much into exercise and keeping fit – I even bring my bike and golf clubs with me on board. Passengers might also see me jogging around the deck first thing, or in the gym if it’s raining!”