Saga Cruises has announced its re-appointment of Steve James, who recently sailed the Spirit of Discovery back to the UK as captain.

The company said in a press release that James has returned to Saga after having been the third officer on the Saga Ruby for eight years and then staff captain on the Saga Sapphire.

James said: “It is so nice to be back. The guests are so nice; they’re loyal, and they appreciate everything the crew and staff do.”

According to the press release, James was about 10 or 11 when his parents suggested that he join the sea cadets, and he loved it.

“I knew then that I wanted to work at sea. I was determined, and no other career entered my mind,” he added.

The company said that at 18, he joined the Royal Navy, passed the Admiralty interview board and went straight in as an officer, volunteering for submarines. After six years, he needed to complete his hours at sea and was sent to the merchant navy.

“At random, I was offered to complete my hours on the Saga Rose. It was a six-week trip, and I loved it,” James said. “I went back to the Navy for a year, and then it felt like the time was right to leave. I called Saga and, true to their word, they took me on.”

James then wanted to broaden his experience and took up an office job, but after two years, he realized that he loved being at sea and returned to Saga Cruises.

“Saga is an incredibly friendly company to work for; they’re like family. I am so happy to be back at Saga. I’ve been made to feel so welcome here. I genuinely feel at home, and becoming Captain is such a highlight for me. I feel like I’ve come home,” he said.