Saga Ruby “The Final Farewell”

Today (26/09/2013) was a very sad day.

After her arrival, and together with her Fleet Mate Saga Sapphire, Saga Ruby lazed in the sunshine. All day long passengers, guests, stores etc. embarked and disembarked.

© Nigel Thornton (all)

At about 4 p.m Port of Dover tugs, Doughty and Dauntless, came out to play. After a game of tag they played “Chest Bumps”…….

© Nigel Thornton

…..overhead an unidentified C-130 Hercules flew passed, giving its passengers a better view

© Nigel Thornton

We all got a bit wet!

© Nigel Thornton

Ruby then began her “final” twirl.

© Nigel Thornton (all)

The ships said their “whistle/horn” goodbyes.

© Nigel Thornton

Their Masters waved at each other.

© Nigel Thornton (both)

The Saga Ruby then sailed out of the Port of Dover forever!

© Nigel Thornton

Cheers and thanks for everything!

Dover

September 26, 2013 – 9:39 pm
I was joining my Ship, Saga Sapphire today after a very much enjoyable time at home. I had been kindly given an extended leave as I had previously been busy jumping from Ship to Ship doing the Grand Voyage on Saga Ruby, National Trust for Scotland Cruise on Quest for Adventure, and now I’m rejoining my normal ship, Saga Sapphire. I had flown down the night before so as I was having my breakfast in the Hotel, I saw the two ships Ruby and Sapphire enter the port on a beautiful calm day. Both ships looked resplendent in their colours.
My last tour on Sapphire was a year ago to the day so it was lovely to be welcomed by all the staff again. After Captain Rentell and I carried out the usual official documentation and “Handover”, the Official Log book was signed at 1100 to say that the ship had been officially handed over to me. Once I had settled in, we made plans to sail. Saga Ruby with my friend and Colleague, Wes Dunlop in command was due to sail from Dover for the last time, so I postponed the drill in order that we could all say our farewells to Ruby as she sailed out. I have to say it was a sad occasion seeing the ship sail by. I brought her into the company in 2005 and remember the pride in sailing the ship into Southampton for the first time, a lovely ship with so many memories……………………………………..

Captain Alistair McLundie, Saga Sapphire

http://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/ocean-cruises/saga-sapphire/captains-blog.aspx?year=2013&month=9

Funchal, Madeira

September 30, 2013 – 11:30 pm Our departure from Dover was a special one. This was to be the last time the ship would sail out of Dover as Saga Ruby and the port were keen to ensure that we were sent off in style. It was perhaps fitting that we were also in port with our company sister ship the Saga Sapphire and I’d taken the chance to speak to my friend and colleague Captain Alistair McLundie prior to departure to advise him that we were to be escorted out of the port by the two harbour tugs, with water cannons in full flow. It was also fitting that our harbour pilot for departure is also a very dear friend, Simon Moore. Simon and I both studied for our Master’s licences together many moons ago at South Tyneside College and it’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to catch up with him during our calls.
And so it was that Simon and I carefully guided the Saga Ruby off her berth and past Captain Alistair and his full ship’s company as we exchanged waves, cheers and whistle blows. A memorable occasion and I will happily admit that I did feel a little lump in my throat as we made our way out through the breakwater for the final time, I must be getting sentimental in my old age! ………………………………

Captain Wesley Dunlop, Saga Ruby 

http://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/ocean-cruises/saga-ruby/captains-blog.aspx?year=2013&month=9

All information is believed to be correct and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. All items included in this article are subject to © copyright.

Article © Nigel Thornton and Ray Goodfellow (Dover Ferry Photos Group)