It's been a long time coming but Saga finally bought the Astoria yesterday, when a metaphorical hammer fell on the company's bid at a closed auction in Gibraltar.
The story of Saga and Astoria started last year and has become something of a, well, Saga.
First Astoria was going to join Spirit of Adventure as Quest for Adventure, then Saga decided to sell Saga Rose early so Astoria was to switch to the Saga fleet and become Saga Pearl II.
But just as the deed was about to be done, Astoria's owners went into receivership and the ship was impounded in Barcelona. It was then taken to Gibraltar for auction.
Now it's back to the drawing board for Saga - but in the positive sense. After paying what it calls an "appropriate" price for the ship, it is planning a £14 million refit that will upgrade the show lounge, spa and two swimming pools, create one of the best libraries afloat and install new kitchens.
Saga is adding balcony cabins and the ship, which weighs in at 18,591 tons and has capacity for 446 passengers, will also have a special coating of paint applied to the hull that will enable it to travel through the sea with greater ease and significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Saga Pearl II's inaugural cruise will depart Southampton on March 15 2010, for an 18-night voyage to the Norwegian fjords and high Arctic. That will be followed by a 16-night cruise to the Canary Islands and a 16-night Mediterranean Discovery.
Jane Archer
