SHE is one of the oldest cruise ships in the world – and now Saga Rose is about to sail into the record books.

The classic cruise ship departs her home port of Southampton today on her 44th round-the-world cruise – more than any other ship has completed, and one for every year of her existence.

A lavish firework display at 9.30pm tonight mark the departure of the 189-metre ship as she sets sail on a mammoth 32,499-mile, 104-night voyage that will take in 39 ports around the globe.

The ship’s 620 passengers can look forward to trips to the Caribbean islands of Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Jamaica, Costa Rica, Peru, Easter Island, Australia and India.

The trip will also take in both the Suez and Panama Canals.

Andrew Goodsell, chief executive of Saga Group, commented: “After 44 years of classic cruising we wanted to give Saga Rose’s many loyal customers the opportunity to bid a fond farewell and celebrate the retirement of this classic cruise ship.

“This memorable final season will also give those who have not yet had the opportunity to sail on her the chance to join one of her final voyages.”

Captain Alistair McLundie, who took command of Saga Rose in 2000, added: “Saga Rose has been a firm favourite with Saga customers thanks in great part to the loyalty of our crew, many of whom have forged long-lasting friendships with passengers.

“I get a real buzz from seeing the passengers enjoying their cruise, and it is a great privilege to captain her on this Commonwealth World Cruise to mark this special year.”

The ship, formerly known as Sagafjord, was built in 1965, and has been operating as Saga Rose since 1996.

She is due to be retired following her 37-night farewell voyage around the Mediterranean leaving Southampton on October 30.

A series of celebrations are planned for the cruiuse, including entertainment from Welsh singers Katherine Jenkins and Anthony Stuart Lloyd as well as TV favourites Des O’Connor and Tom O’Connor.

Prices for the entire cruise cost from £13,911 per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin.

Shorter legs from Peru to Sydney cost from £3,739 and Sydney to Southampton for £5,983.