Anex Tours’ Selectum Blu Cruises is back in service in the Eastern Mediterranean with the Blue Sapphire.

Formerly operated by Saga Cruises, the 1981-built vessel resumed service ahead of the summer season and is now offering short cruises to the Greek Isles and Turkey.

Sailing from the Turkish port of Cesme, the three- and four-night itineraries feature visits to different ports of call, such as Rhodes, Kos, Leros and Samos.

Extending through late October, the program also features themed cruises with concerts by local singers and bands, including Umit Sayin, Nihan Akin and Reyhan Karaca.

Three sailings between July and September will focus on wellness, with workshops, yoga lessons, sound therapy and more.

After canceling most of its 2023 sailings and essentially ceasing its cruise operations, Selectum Blu revealed plans to resume revenue operations earlier this year.

Before welcoming guests back, the Blue Sapphire underwent a drydock and update at a shipyard at ICSDAS in Turkey.

Originally built for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in the early 1980s, the Blue Sapphire is currently one of the oldest cruise ships in service.

Before joining Selectum Blu, the 750-guest vessel sailed for various operators, including Star Cruises, Pullmantur, Croisières de France and Saga Cruises.

According to Selectum Blu, the Blue Sapphire underwent a complete refit soon after being acquired by the company in 2022.

At the time, the 37,000-ton ship was refreshed to offer a series of features that include two restaurants, a swimming pool, a show lounge and a spa.

Part of Anex Tour, one of the largest tour operators in Turkey, Selectum Blu Cruises was launched in 2021.

Sourcing guests from countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Turkey, Kazakhstan and Russia, the company offered two summer programs before scrapping its entire upcoming schedule in 2023 and entering a year-long layup.