NEW TURKISH CRUISE LINE: Thomas Cook Investor Anex Tour signs agreement with Saga Holiday to buy MS Sapphire
c: J.Wilcox
Anex chairman Neset Kockar, who last week took an 8% stake in Cook, said the acquisition would allow the Turkish holiday giant to create a “unique eastern Mediterranean cruise experience”. With changing habits of travellers, we must adopt our product offering accordingly,” said Kockar.
Sapphire will be delivered to Anex in mid-2020 and will home port in Antalya.
Nigel Blanks, Saga Cruises chief operating officer: "With her spacious cabins and comfortable public areas, Saga Sapphire has become hugely popular with our guests over the last seven years."
“As the time approaches for her to leave the Saga fleet, we are delighted she will now have a new career launching Anex Tour’s exciting new cruise product."
Group wide, Anex caters for around four million holidaymakers a year, operating primarily in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Germany.
Sapphire was built in 1981 and entered service in early 1982, sailing under the name Europa for Haps-Lloyd.
It traded ownership several times between 1999 and 2011 (here) when it was acquired by Saga.
The cruise ship has 382 Cabins with capacity for 800 passengers. It features several restaurants, pools, a spa, shopping arcade and other recreational attractions.
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