 Saga Ruby at City Cruise Terminal, Southampton On October 25th 2013, Dream Designs Colchester had the great privileged of visiting Saga Ruby in Southampton whilst the vessel was berthed alongside City Cruise Terminal. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined aboard by Anthony Marshall and Christian Reay who like himself are both studying the BA (Hons) Cruise Industry Management degree at Southampton Solent University. Harry was able to request permission to visit Saga Ruby and organise the visit aboard to officially present his brand new especially assigned drawing through direct correspondence with the Captain. On the morning of October 25th 2013, Harry, Anthony and Christian arrived at City Cruise Terminal at approximately 08:45 and made their way to the Passes Office to present their ID and collect their passes before boarding the ship. 
Saga Ruby berthed at City Cruise Terminal, Southampton on October 25th 2013
Due to poor weather conditions Saga Ruby’s arrival into Southampton had been delayed. Originally scheduled to berth at 05:00 she did not come alongside City Cruise Terminal until after 08:00. Thankfully this did not delay their boarding and before long security allowed visitors to proceed. Upon making their way into the security area Harry, Anthony and Christian were greeted by Ross Furlong, Hotel Operations Director, Saga who introduced himself to them and escorted them through security and along the passenger boarding gangway to board Saga Ruby. 
The elegant bow of Saga Ruby viewed from the passenger boarding gangway
Upon boarding Saga Ruby, Ross Furlong handed Harry, Anthony and Christian over to Nicola Clarke, the Social Hostess, who welcome them aboard and lead them to the Britannia Lounge, where the official drawing presentation was planned to take place. Entering the Britannia Lounge it was very busy, full of passengers waiting to disembark due to the late arrival of the ship. However unexpectedly a number of seats had been reserved, right in the center of the lounge! 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, (2nd from left) Christian Reay (left) and Anthony Marshall (2nd from right) seen with Nicola Clarke, Social Hostess, Saga Ruby (right) enjoying drinks, cakes and pastries in the Britannia Lounge
Whilst they waited for the Master of Saga Ruby, Captain Wesley Dunlop to arrive, they were treated to a wonderful selection of cakes and pastries along with a choice of hot and cold drinks. After some time Ross Furlong entered the Britannia Lounge together with Captain Wesley Dunlop as well as James Duguid, Commercial Director, Saga and joined Harry, Anthony and Christian. They chatted for quite some time before Captain Wesley Dunlop invited Harry to officially present his drawing. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presented his brand new especially assigned drawing of Saga Ruby to Captain Wesley Dunlop and Ross Furlong, Hotel Operations Director, Saga (Courtesy of Christian Reay)
Harry took to the stage, followed by Captain Wesley Dunlop and Ross Furlong and proudly unveiled his brand new drawing of Saga Ruby, with plenty of passengers in the lounge waiting to disembark also observing. Harry was informed that the drawing would be framed and a suitable location to display it wound be found!
Following the drawing presentation Harry, Anthony and Christian were invited on a guided tour of the ship lead by Social Hostess, Nicola. Their first port of call was the bridge, where they had plenty of time to view the navigational equipment and each had a photograph taken at the wheel, wearing the Captain’s hat! 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester (center), Anthony Marshall (right) and Christian Reay (left) on the bridge of Saga Ruby during their visit aboard
Having spent quite some time on the bridge they continued their guided tour, looking at some of the different stateroom categories on board, all of which were very spacious and pleasant.
Next they saw the main Dining Room and Lido, before making their way out on to the external decks at the stern, with their traditional teak decking and swimming pool. 
Dining Room
Other venues on board Saga Ruby which they got to explore included the Gym and Golf Putting Green, the Preview Bar, the Theatre and the Spa Aquarius.
Having seen most of the venues on board Saga Ruby, Social Hostess, Nicola took Harry, Anthony and Christian back to the reception desk, where they left some of their belongings and informed them that they were welcome to explore the ship by themselves before enjoying lunch in the main Dining Room at 12:30. Now most of the passenger had disembarked Saga Ruby, Harry, Anthony and Christian took this chance to explore the venues which they had not been able to photograph or view during their guided tour, such as the Britannia Lounge and the Library. They also took the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around the traditional promenade deck!
Making their way back to reception, Ross Furlong recommended they enjoy a drink in the Britannia Lounge before having lunch on board. A short while later Ross Furlong escorted Harry, Anthony and Christian to the Dining Room. Ross Furlong joined them for a lovely three course lunch, together along with the Cruise Director and other members of staff to Saga’s head office.
Having enjoyed their lunch, Harry, Anthony and Christian spent some time talking to Ross Furlong, Hotel Operations Director, Saga and were also joined by James Duguid, Commercial Director, Saga for a while, before they were welcomed to explore the ship more prior to disembarking. Harry, Anthony and Christian were sure to visit the Ballroom, which they had not yet photographed and sat down observing the service and relishing the ambience as the new passengers began to embark. 
Newly embarked passengers enjoy welcome aboard drinks and treats in the Ballroom
Next they took a stroll out on to the aft decks and took the chance to enjoy a few games of shuffleboard together in the blustery weather on the upper decks behind the funnel. Lastly they took one last stroll around the traditional promenade deck, before making their way back to reception to the gangway and disembarked Saga Ruby, having spent over six hours on board!
They all decided to head to Town Quay, where they watched Saga Ruby depart City Cruise Terminal, Southampton, assisted by two tug boats due to the strong winds which had strengthened as the day progressed.
Saga Ruby approached Town Quay, Southampton
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: VISIT OUR NEW 'OCTOBER 25TH 2013' PAGE TO VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY!
ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Harry CotterillHarry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships! Blog Archive
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