The decision was jointly confirmed by Saga Holidays managing director Chris Simmonds and Saga Cruises managing director Nigel Blanks in a message to customers on Thursday (16 April).

Simmonds and Blanks said Saga had been forced to act in light of the latest advice from the Foreign Office, and with the Covid-19 situation having so far failed to improve.

"I appreciate this will be a disappointment for many of our guests," said Simmonds, who added Saga Holidays would be writing to clients over the next five working days to set out the options available to them, and the next steps.

Guests due to travel up to the end of June 2020 can continue to take advantage of Saga’s Peace of Mind policy, allowing them to postpone their departure and transfer onto another holiday departing from September 2020 to December 2021 with no cancellation fee or other penalties.

The policy also offers two credit options: £100pp off any river cruise, partner ocean cruise, or European holiday; or £200pp off any long-haul holiday. 

Blanks added the safety and wellbeing of Saga Cruises guests and crew was paramount, and stressed clients would be contacted shortly by the line’s dedicated guest services team to discuss their options.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your continued understanding during this unprecedented time," said Blanks. "And for the kind words many of you have shared with me over the past few weeks."