Saga Cruises has today announced that Saga Ruby, the last cruise ship built in the UK, will be retired from the Saga fleet at the beginning of 2014.

Built in 1973 at Jarrow Shipyard on Tyneside, and with classic cruise ship lines, she has been a firm favourite amongst Saga cruisers. She will celebrate her 40th (ruby anniversary) by conducting one final Round the World Cruise as well as cruising to many of the ports she has visited throughout her long service, giving her loyal followers plenty of opportunity to say farewell to this much loved classic liner.

Robin Shaw, CEO Saga Shipping said: “Saga Ruby has delighted cruise-goers for some 40 years, but operating a ship of this age to meet the exacting standards we and others set is becoming an increasing challenge. We have therefore decided that she should be gracefully retired in 18 months. Saga Ruby will in her ruby anniversary year visit many of the ports where she’s been warmly welcomed over the years.

We believe that Saga cruising has a great deal of potential and we have invested over the last few year well over £100 million on our fleet and we continue to look for opportunities to expand and improve our classic cruise experience.”

Quest for Adventure, already in the Saga fleet will revert back to her former livery as Saga Pearl II after her published cruise calendar is complete.