Our friendly team

 

A warm welcome from our friendly team

Throughout your cruise you can look forward to outstanding service from our team of friendly, officers and crew. You will no doubt make many friends, as the staff will take the time to get to know you.

A warm welcome from our friendly team, meet some of the officers and crew.

 

 

Here are just some of our senior personnel you may meet onboard.

Captain Kees Spekman

Captain Spekman was born in the Dutch seaside village of Monster. After High School he trained as a Navigator, before starting his career as a Deck Cadet with Holland America Line. In March 1975, he joined his first passenger ship, Holland America Line’s MS Prinsendam, and began working his way through the ranks, taking his first command in May 1991

 

Captain David Warden-Owen

Captain David Warden-Owen attended HMS Conway Naval College and began his cadetship with Shaw Savill Line, going on to work with Cunard. In 1997 his extensive experience and friendly personality made Captain Warden-Owen the natural choice to become Master of Saga Rose, a ship that he believes to be “a legend in her time.” He enthuses: “I just love Saga Rose. Not only does she have classic lines, but she is also one of the best seagoing ships I have ever been on.” During his eleven years with Saga, Captain Warden-Owen says the most enjoyable aspect of his job is the many friendships that he and his wife have made with the passengers.

 

Djamel Benatmane, Hotel Director

Born in France, Djamel studied at Lille University before moving to England and beginning his career as a Chef de Rang at the Michelin starred restaurant, Le Soufflé. He left to join Premiere Cruises and later worked for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises as a Maitre d’.

In 2001, Djamel worked for Saga as Maitre‘d’ and was promoted to Food and Beverage Manager. In 2006, he joined MV Spirit of Adventure as Hotel Director.

 

Neil Horrocks, Cruise Director

Neil was born in Sussex and graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Pure Mathematics. After leaving university, he worked at a bank before beginning his career in cruising with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines in 2001.

Neil sailed aboard Fred Olsen’s Black Watch and Braemer ships before joining Celebrity Cruises. In 2005, he joined Saga Rose then became Cruise Director on MV Spirit of Adventure.

 

George Streeter, Executive chef

George has more than 25 years of experience as a chef. He began working on cruise ships on Renaissance Cruises in 1991 and also worked on Saga cruise ships before joining MV Spirit of Adventure