SAGA RUBY Tour Part Two
Owners: Saga Holidays, U.K.
Built by Swan, Hunter, Wigham, Richardson at Wallsend
Yard no: 39
Various refits /last major refurbishment at Malta in 2005
25,000 gt
627 feet by 82 feet/ 191.1 x 25 meters
27 foot draft
Two nine cylinder Sulzer Brothers diesels; Twin screw; 24,000 bhp; 20 knots
Passengers: 655SAGA RUBY (ex VISTAFJORD, CARONIA) Tour, Continued.
The RUBY's central stairtower, shown facing starboard from Veranda deck level, is still paneled in its original (cherry?) woodwork. The stairs, themselves are wonderfully lit from underneath, creating an exquisite modern effect when viewed from the sides or below. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
This little arc of a staircase, shown facing aft/up can be found on the starboard passageway of Veranda deck across from the photo display that faces the Tours and Travel office. The steps lead up to the Promenade deck accommodation. The original glass balustrade with its wood and brass baubles and framework are typically and elegantly Norwegian. A large black and white straight-on bow view image of Cunard's CARONIA of 1948 is framed in the alcove. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright Peter Knego 2006.
The port passageway leading aft from the midships vestibule contains the SAGA RUBY's Veranda shops. Both port and starboard passages lead directly to the magnificent ballroom and continue along its length, converging to a single passage exiting to the Lido. A raised central ceiling gives the Ballroom a sense of grand scale. The fixtures, themselves are wonderfully retro-futuristic, especially when framed by the layered recessed lighting. The stage is forward and the slightly terraced edges make sightlines quite good for a room that doubles as a lounge, ballroom, and showroom. We were invited to enjoy tea here, sitting in the forward/starboard alcove by the large picture windows, affording us a view of the harbor activity as we savored piping hot tea and devoured highly caloric scones, cookies, pastries, and sandwiches. Delightful! This view, by Mike Masino, is facing forward. Copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
We interrupt this program to remind you that most of today's average sized ships are Panamax and share similar proportions to Celebrity's 90,250 gt SUMMIT, which departed toward the end of tea time and is seen from the scaled-down perspective of SAGA RUBY. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright Peter Knego 2006.
The expanded and rebuilt Lido completes the span of public rooms on Veranda deck. Handsome wood and brushed steel seating underneath a semicircular, purple-hued skylight, tan and brown tilework and paneling, and a series of deep brown rectangular screens give the room a completely modern look. We had an excellent lunch here, which included offerings of broiled turkey, a fresh roast, steamed veggies, pasta, fish, and really delicious bread pudding with vanilla sauce. The staff handled all the serving in a quick, friendly, sanitary, and efficient manner. We really enjoyed the friendly crew on SAGA RUBY and found the passengers to be outgoing and welcoming during our day on board. This view of the Lido is facing port. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
The aft Veranda deck pool area and recently modified superstructure, facing forward. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
Upper deck is next, beginning with a block of cabin accommodation forward of the reception area. The reception area was restyled during the ship's Cunard era and has kept its general layout, but now sports a new look with its modern settee and palette of mahogany, white, and, yes, ruby! Facing starboard, by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
The SAGA RUBY's dining room is just aft of the reception area. There are wings surrounding part of the galley on the forward side leading to an elegant space that spans the width of the ship. Shown in an aft-facing view by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
Another block of cabins follows the dining room on Upper deck. Cabin 252, shown facing port, was open for inspection. It is a category D, two bedded outside with picture window. Its w.c. featured a bathtub and tiled surfacing. Aft of the cabins is a nice open terrace on the RUBY's rounded fantail. Photos by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
Main deck is dedicated to accommodation, the Computer Center, and Boardroom. A deck contains more accommodation. C deck houses the RUBY's refurbished Spa Aquarius with its "Plunge Pool" (a deep indoor pool found only on a handful of ships today), sauna, salon, and treatment rooms. The pool area has been completely remodeled with new tilework and marble. This view is facing aft. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright P.K. Productions.
It was very hard to leave the ravishing RUBY! After nearly five hours on board, it was time to say good-bye to old and newfound friends. Here are some of us gathered in the Britannia Lounge, from left to right: Lovetta Kramer (QUEEN MARY), Martin Cox (MaritimeMatters), Peter Knego (MaritimeMatters), and Stephen Card. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright Martin Cox 2006.
With her cargo of Cunardia safely on board, bound ultimately for Southampton and its new home, the SAGA RUBY prepares for a twilight departure from Los Angeles on Sunday, 26 March 2006. Photo by Mike Masino, copyright Peter Knego 2006.
Very special thanks to: Stephen Card, Shawn Dake, Grant Laversuch, Michael Masino, Horst Pint, and the staff and crew of the SAGA RUBY
Click to return to Part One
Click here to read the SAGA RUBY and IVERNIA dresser saga
