SAGA have announced which seas its new Sapphire cruise ship will be exploring next year.

The ship will be sailing under the Northern Lights, traversing the Arctic Circle, be in prime position foran African solar eclipse and be in the Canaries for Christmas.

The first of the cruises, to see the Northern Lights, departs on March 12 next year for 16 nights.

A spokesman for Saga said: “Seeing the aurora borealis is a jaw-dropping and mystical moment.

“This extraordinary voyage to the far reaches of Norway passes through Viking heartland and across the Arctic Circle. Along the way passengers can explore Norway’s picture-perfect scenes of remote villages, majestic glaciers and peaceful fjords.”

The Land of the Midnight Sun cruise departs on June 19 for 15 nights.

The Saga spokesman added: “This unforgettable journey unveils the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Arctic Circle as passengers sail far north to the ‘top of the world’. “In Norway gaze upon sparkling fjords, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains then explore the country’s most captivating cities and fishing towns.

“A highlight of the trip is the journey along the Arctic ice barrier besides spellbinding glacial scenery to Magdalena Bay, one of the most remote ports in the world.”

The Africa and the Solar Eclipse Cruise departs on the October 18, for 15 nights.

The Saga spokesman said: “Join the voyage of a lifetime as the Saga Sapphire navigates the coastlines of Spain and Africa to view a phenomenon which only occurs once every 19 years.

“This total eclipse will be special as it will cross both the Equator and the Greenwich Meridian at 0°latitude and 0°longitude.”

He added: “On November 3, the Captain will position the ship for passengers to witness a hybrid eclipse of the sun and guests will observe in awe as the sun shrinks from view, giving a new meaning to “sun-downer” cocktails on deck.”

And if it carols under the sun floats your boat then the Canary Island Christmas cruise departs on December 17 for 20 nights.

The spokesman said: “As the depths of winter envelopes the UK, Saga Sapphire sets sail for the Canary Islands and North Africa.

“This winter sun cruise starts in Casablanca with its unique blend of European, African and Arabian influences.

“An optional overnight excursion to Marrakech is offered to explore its colourful souks and bustling “Celebrate Christmas Day with a host of festive activities and a traditional lunch with all the trimmings, as you sail to the island of Tenerife and guests will spend New Year’s Eve on the sunny island of Madeira, finishing their day with a spectacular firework display to welcome in the New Year in. The new Saga Sapphire promises an authentic ‘real ship’ experience. She is not a super-liner but a vessel full of character and personality, whose recent re-fit has equipped it to be one of the ocean’s finest cruise ships.

Onboard passengers can dine around the world and have the freedom to mix companions and restaurants. In the Pole to Pole restaurant passengers can enjoy fine dining surrounded by curios and objets d’art from each continent. Meanwhile the intimate East to West restaurant serves Asian fusion dishes and The Grill a more casual bistro-style eatery and alfresco dining for balmy nights.

For more information or to make a booking visit www.sagacruises.co.uk or call 0800 50 50 30.