Saga Ruby (ex-Caronia and ex-Vistafjord)

[Rob Lightbody]

On the Wikipedia page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_Ruby - it refers to her as being RMS Caronia - this isn't true is it?

[Graham Taylor]

On the Wikipedia page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_Ruby - it refers to her as being RMS Caronia - this isn't true is it?

I can't see how, as she sailed in the fleet as a cruise ship only not as a liner. Wikipedia is only as good as its contributors so mistakes do frequently pop up. I remember discussions occurring in the Pursers Office regarding QE2 carrying the mail in certain circumstances though - can't prove that though, totally hearsay, but would seem possible with British Airways strikes we may have taken the Mails across the Atlantic.

What I do remember is that Cunard never used the prefixes RMS, SS, MS or MV on any literature, letters or memorandum that I ever saw when referring to the existing vessels of the fleet. It seems to be the enthusiasts who insist on using them.

[Rob Lightbody]

Thanks and yes I agree about Wikipedia, it can be very frustrating! We've got an entire topic about QE2 not being an RMS... which she never was!  Sorry am on my phone or I'd post a link to it!

[Graham Taylor]

Thanks and yes I agree about Wikipedia, it can be very frustrating! We've got an entire topic about QE2 not being an RMS... which she never was!  Sorry am on my phone or I'd post a link to it!

Oh I know QE2 was never a RMS (I've read that topic thanks Rob), was just suggesting that she MAY have carried the mail in exceptional circumstances so possibly would have been the only vessel at the time to have been entitled to carry that moniker.

[Rob Lightbody]

Ah ok. Yes would be nice to find out for sure! Maybe they did make her an rms for the same 'retro' reasons as they made QM2 one...

[Michael Gallagher]

Vistafjord / Caronia was never an RMS.

[Graham Taylor]

Ah ok. Yes would be nice to find out for sure! Maybe they did make her an rms for the same 'retro' reasons as they made QM2 one...

As mentioned earlier we had these discussions in the office with the Purser and I think John Duffy may have been there. The answer was "QE2 was SS before the re-engining and MV (MS) after, we don't use them". If there was a change in attitude then it's fairly recent.

Anyway getting back to Saga Ruby.....   

[pete cain]

some superb images here , double click on the thumbnail for a super hi def (in most cases) piccy, an awful lot to look through but, how can one possibly get bored looking at such a classic, soon to be lost profile?

     http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showallphotos.aspx?imo=7214715

[Graham Taylor]

Saga & Vista so similar but different

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Saga & Vista so similar but different

Beautiful, Graham! I am glad this film was made, while they were together in active service.

Such fine ships... I loved Caronia and perhaps should go back now and see her one final time as Saga Ruby...

[Trevor Casey]

Beautiful, Graham! I am glad this film was made, while they were together in active service.

Such fine ships... I loved Caronia and perhaps should go back now and see her one final time as Saga Ruby...

Well.. did you?

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Well.. did you?

Sadly, not...

[Trevor Casey]

Sadly, not...

Darn..

[June Ingram]

The date of the meeting was Sunday 24 January 1999.

While I have only kept QE2 brochures I remembered that in 1997, 1998 and 1999 Cunard produced 'The Art of Cruising' brochures which were very deluxe (especially the American ones) so a quick look revealed that Vistafjord was in Honolulu on that date - the same as QE2.

When they would meet again in December 1999 Vistafjord would be known as Caronia and both ships would form the 'new' Cunard and had just undergone major refitting and would be sporting the same colour scheme...

This is a charming photo of QE2 and her little "shipling" !   

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=117.0;attach=14667;image

[Pete Hamill]

Mini Me!

She really did look good in the Cunard livery though.

[Lynda Bradford]

We received an email from Paul Tanner with a link to a website with pictures of the interior of Saga Ruby.

Sad news about Alang.

You might be interested in this link to a Gujarati Web site which indicates that the "luxury items" contained within the chip are being sold and contains 17 internal photos of the Saga Ruby. The text will translate to English - I love the bit that says "Ship located to break into Alang is the final vessel made by the British Ruler. The luxurious ship was given facilities to hit a stunning luxury hotel."
Everyone's LAST chance to see her interior!!!
I am still looking for further info about the sale of items!

https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/news/GUJ-GNG-saga-ruby-ship-came-to-alang-for-scrapped-see-inside-view-of-oasia-gujarati-news-5578065-PHO.html

[Bob van Leeuwen]

We received an email from Paul Tanner with a link to a website with pictures of the interior of Saga Ruby.

If I understand it correct, these pictures have been taken just before scrapping commenced? If so, what a terrible waste, she looks superb in those photos, just find a place mooring place, and your open for business.

[Thomas Hypher]

If I understand it correct, these pictures have been taken just before scrapping commenced? If so, what a terrible waste, she looks superb in those photos, just find a place mooring place, and your open for business.

The photos look like they were taken during her time with Saga. She would not have been in such good condition with the failed static hotel conversion and certainly not by the time she was beached. One can see she's docked somewhere, but not sure where.

[Clydebuilt1971]

Off Pendennis Point, Cornwall. taken 26.7.2012
Thanks to John Durrant

https://www.flickr.com/photos/33847785@N00/7651410344/

For Bob C - do you think this illustrates a tumblehome?


Saga Ruby anchored off Pendennis Point. by john durrant, on Flickr

And theres sheer all the way up to the boat deck on this one!! Woohoo!! 

[Twynkle]

Hi Gav,
'Every which way' it was possible to see the sheer from and on board both ships - and from standing at the stern, looking towards the bow - 'the only way was up'!  One of the best things (apart from QE2, of course!) was to spend hours, and hours on Saga Ruby. We joined the Maritime Memories 'group' to various places that didn't matter - mid -low Atlantic,  and had the greatest time had in years - engineers, navigators, seafarers all, Breakfast, Lunch outside every day - Crew Choir that sang in and out of tune, and, yes, we absolutely did run down hill from bow to her stern!
I have lots of pics - and although no time to post at the minute, will try to soon.
All the best to you both
Rosie