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Saga to fill void at Portsmouth left by All Leisure collapse

Saga Cruises is to help fill the void left at Portsmouth International Port following the collapse of All Leisure Group and its cruise brands.

Swan Hellenic, now taken over by G Adventures, and Voyages of Discovery made regular calls in Portsmouth prior to the failure of All Leisure in January.

The port has now attracted Saga with a total of 15 visits in 2018.

Saga Pearl II will be based at Portsmouth between January and April, with eight cruises departing in the first four months of next year.

Saga’s first cruise from Portsmouth in January 2018 will be a 17-night itinerary to Morocco and the Canary Islands.

The ship will then return in the autumn with another six turnaround calls between October and December.

Larger vessel, Saga Sapphire, also makes a return trip to Portsmouth with a call in June as part of its 2018 schedule.

The addition of 15 Saga cruise visits means that more than 40 port of call and turnaround visits by cruise ships have been booked for 2018.

Port director Mike Sellers said: “This is a real vote of confidence by Saga in Portsmouth International Port, making us a key part of their plans for 2018.

“Over previous years we’ve been able to demonstrate to Saga how well we can handle its ships, offering a bespoke, efficient and flexible service that makes for an amazing passenger experience.

“Our location on the motorway and rail network also makes us the perfect place to start and end a hassle free holiday.”

Saga Cruises head of marine operations, James Langley, added: “The service offered at Portsmouth International Port is great and we were impressed with the arrival appearance of the port and the experience offered by the staff, perfect for Saga’s passengers.

“With their confirmed infrastructure development, and gangway modification, coupled with the ease of operations between ship and shore, the port is an obvious choice for Saga Pearl II.”

Saga Pearl II last visited Portsmouth in September 2016.

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