• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
Saga Cruises reported strong trading momentum in the first half of 2026, with ocean cruise operations performing ahead of expectations and demonstrating resilience despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
The company's ocean cruise division achieved a strong start to the year, with revenue for the first half expected to surpass prior year levels. This performance was driven by 13% growth in booked per diems and a booked load factor of 93%.
The cruise operator expressed confidence for the full year and beyond, citing passengers who typically book well in advance and commodity and foreign exchange risk now fully hedged through to the end of 2027.
River cruise operations also commenced the year positively, with first-half revenue again expected to grow compared with the prior year. Booked per diems increased 4% higher than the previous year, while the booked load factor remained consistent year-on-year at 93%.
Net debt continued to reduce, standing at £464.7m at May 31, 2026, representing a £104.8m decrease from £569.5m at May 31, 2025 and £34.8m lower than the £499.5m at year end. This resulted in a leverage ratio of 3.2x, compared with 3.7x at year end. Available cash at May 31, 2026 was £186.5m.
Mike Hazell, Group CEO, said: "Saga has made a strong start to the year, building on the significant growth we achieved last year... We remain on track to deliver our full year guidance and continue to make clear progress towards our medium-term targets of at least £100.0m underlying profit before tax and a leverage ratio of below 2.0x by January 2030."
The Group's interim results for the six months ending July 31, 2026 will be announced on September 30, 2026.
