Saga’s new ship is a bargain buy

Official confirmation came today that – as I reported last week – Saga Cruises will be extending their fleet with the purchase of Bleu de France.
A spokesman said this afternoon: “The Bleu de France has been acquired and will enter service with Saga in 2012. After completing her published itineraries for current operators, the ship will undergo a multi-million pound refit starting in November 2011, before joining the Saga fleet in her new livery in March 2012.
“The acquisition is in response to the continued and growing popularity of the Saga cruise experience,” he added.
There was no official word on what Saga have paid for their new ship, although Seatrade Insider is reporting that the vessel’s ultimate owner, Royal Caribbean, is now $55 million (£37 million) better off as a result of the sale.
Which, given that they spend $40 million (£27 million) on refitting the ship two years ago, suggests to me that Saga have got themselves something of a bargain.
Bleu de France will complete its scheduled sailings for French operator CDF before transferring to Saga next November. It will then undergo another re-fit – there will be no more need for the children’s club, for example, and passenger capacity will be reduced to 700.
No name has yet been announced for the vessel, which will sail in her new colours for the first time in March 2012. Saga Rose II, anyone?