Saga plc, the UK based company that offers services that range from insurance to cruise and other travel to those over the age of 50, said the loyalty of its cruise customers has been exceptional and it should have protocols ready for it to resume cruising by the end of August.

“For Cruise, customer loyalty has been exceptional. Advance receipts at the end of May were £43 million, which is £5 million lower than at the end of March but well ahead of expectations,” the company said in a trading statement.

It has retained over 70% of advance receipts on cancelled cruise departures, and new bookings for next year have been very positive.

“The sale of the Saga Sapphire was completed on 12 June on terms broadly in line with previous expectations and the latest indication for the Spirit of Adventure is that she will be delivered by the end of October,” the company added.

Saga said it has been working with industry bodies and the Government to establish operational practices that would enable a return of operations in both tour and cruise businesses as the current restrictions are lifted. “The Group's new mid-sized ships are ideally placed to offer 'safe sailing' and all these measures will be in place by the end of August,” it pointed out.