Cruise Talk: Astoria officially to Saga

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Cruise Talk » Cruise Ships » Astoria officially to Saga

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Topic: Astoria officially to Saga

Thad
First Class Passenger
Member # 1224

posted 08-05-2009 04:31 PM

So Saga Cruises has announced that they have completed their long in gestiation purchase of the Astoria, to be renamed Saga Pearl II, and to replace the Saga Rose. According to Saga, "The ship will undergo a comprehensive £14m refit in Europe over the winter. The refit will include the creation of balcony cabins and the superior classical Saga ambiance that our customers enjoy; upgrading the show lounge, spa and two swimming pools; creating one of the best libraries afloat; and, new kitchens to support the gourmet dining experience in the stylish single-sitting dining rooms
- including a new elegant Veranda Restaurant."

What are the major difference between the Astoria and her younger "sister" the Astor?

[ 08-05-2009: Message edited by: Thad ]

Posts: 1967 | From: Boston, MA | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

jetwet1
First Class Passenger
Member # 6361

posted 08-05-2009 04:34 PM

Well you beat me to it, I was in a meeting when the messages started coming in (along with one telling me it's snowing here...it's only 110 right now so snow is possible I guess) so I needed to double check, but your post is far better than I could of done.

Anyways, great move by Saga, it will be sad to see the Rose go, but I guess after the last couple of years it is something we are sadly getting used to seeing.

Now the question I have is how in the heck are they going to add balcony cabins without an almost total rebuild ?

I came across THIS great photo off her and really, I just can't see how they will do it without building out some decks.

[ 08-05-2009: Message edited by: jetwet1 ]

Posts: 608 | From: Las VEgas | Registered: Mar 2006 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 08-05-2009 04:43 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Thad:
[...]
What are the major difference between the Astoria and her younger "sister" the Astor?

Astor is longer and has officially been ordered because the power plant of the first Astor could not keep up with the liner service. (the actual reason for the order seems to be a bit more complicated )
Here a link to a nice German webpage on Astor and Astoria.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

greybeard
First Class Passenger
Member # 5284

posted 08-05-2009 05:24 PM

This is what Saga Cruises expect Saga Pearl II to look like in her new livery.

Captain Greybeard's blog

Posts: 587 | From: London | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged

r.fiebig
First Class Passenger
Member # 5240

posted 08-05-2009 06:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Thad:
What are the major difference between the Astoria and her younger "sister" the Astor?

Thad,

"Astor's" extra length results in a somewhat different layout of the reception area and midships public spaces. "Astoria" has a large forward-facing suite, which "Astor" does not have. "Astor" on the other hand has a better "wrap-around" jogging track.

For what it's worth, "Astor's" owners, Premicon, will be spending EUR 15 million in an extended refit next spring at Lloyd Werft. All cabins will be redecorated and french balconies will be added, among lots of other things.

This is how Transocean Tours, for whom the ship is operating under a long-term charter agreement, expects the ship to be looking following the refit:

Best,

Raoul

Posts: 775 | From: Paderborn, Germany | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged

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