Saga Holidays, the leading travel company offering global adventures for the over fifties, is celebrating another fiftieth milestone. Captain David Warden-Owen, currently at the helm of Saga Ruby, has clocked up half a century at sea. Just months before Saga Sapphire, the newest vessel to join the Saga Cruise fleet, makes its nautical debut, the company has been taking a look back at Captain Warden-Owen’s 50 year career sailing more than 400,000 passengers to more than 300 ports.

Warden-Owen began his sea-faring career in 1962, after attending HMS Conway Naval College and completing a cadetship with Shaw Savill Line. His first passenger cruise was with Cunard and his 50 years at sea will be a celebrated aboard the brand new Saga Sapphire. Captain Warden-Owens will sail the sparkling new Sapphire to more than half a dozen Caribbean islands, with a bonus stop in Spain on the way back to its UK port.

His extensive experience and friendly personality made Captain Warden-Owen the natural choice to become Master of Saga’s first ship in 1997 - Saga Rose. He believes the vessel was a legend of her time, and still speaks fondly of her: “I just loved Saga Rose. Not only did she have classic lines, but she was also one of the best seagoing ships I have ever been on” Of his fifteen years with Saga, he added: “I’ve Captained all of the Saga Fleet, and without a doubt the single most enjoyable part of my job has been the many friendships myself and my wife have made over the years with the passengers. I’m looking forward to sailing my half century on Saga Sapphire, and no doubt seeing many familiar faces among our customers”

Robin Shaw, CEO Saga Cruises, said “Captain Warden-Owen will celebrate his 50th year by experiencing multiple adventures and ports. He is incredibly admired and loved by both his crew at sea, and the Saga Cruises’ team port side. He is part of an established stable of Captains with 200 years of experience between them, and we are incredibly proud of him. Happy half century Captain!”

Saga Cruises started 2012 ahead of the game by becoming the first travel company to feature Aurasma virtual technology in its brochures, allowing customers to virtually visit Saga’s cruise ships in Norway and onboard.

March 2012 sees the much anticipated launch of new ship Saga Sapphire. After a multi-million refit, Saga Sapphire will offer 706 passengers a cruising experience with a modern British twist. I-pads will mix with old fashioned sweets and gourmet fish & chips served alfresco at The Beach Club.

Prices per person for 31 nights on Sapphire’s Caribbean Celebration cruise with Captain Warden-Owen are from £4564 departing November 17 2012 (includes travel insurance, all on-board gratuities, welcome cocktail party, Captain’s Dinner, all meals onboard including 24-hour room service, all port taxes and visa, UK mainland travel service to departure point including chauffeur service).