One of the oldest operating cruise ships, the Saga Rose (pictured left) transited the Panama Canal as part of its final round-the-world cruise. This will be the ship’s 44th global tour, more than any other cruise ship in history.

The Saga Rose arrived at the Canal February 5, following an initial departure from Southampton, England January 5. The ship will travel for more than 104 nights to destinations in the Caribbean, South America, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe, before returning to Portsmouth, England April 20.

Built in 1965, the Saga Rose is dedicating its last world tour to the 60th anniversary of the modern British Commonwealth, an association of 53 states including former British colonies and territories. Beginning in late October 2009, the Saga Rose will embark on a farewell voyage in the Mediterranean before retiring December 6, 2009.