Cruising Saga; CATHERINE STOTT packed her cocktail dress for a cruise on the Saga Ruby: My holiday.

Travel facts Catherine Stott was a guest on Saga Ruby, which offers a 30-night New World Adventure ex-Southampton on September 18, starting at pounds 3,983 per person with early booking discount.

A 15-night Highlights of New England and Canada from September 26 with one-way flight starts at pounds 2,699.

Saga Cruises reservations: 0800 503 030.

www.saga.co.uk/cruising.

LUXURIOUS cabins, faultless service and endless sea views - after a month onboard the luxurious Saga Ruby we were left wondering if we could ever do anything for ourselves again.

When cruise enthusiasts reach what might be called the mature stage of their lives, cruises get more attractive if they stay as far away from airports as possible.

That's the sentiment driving a huge boom in 'no fly' cruising, and it explains the great popularity of 30-day voyages devised by Saga for the benefit of those who haven't got to hurry home again.

We boarded the Saga Ruby in leisurely fashion in Southampton for a trans-Atlantic crossing to New York.

After two days in the Big Apple, New England awaited us in all its autumnal splendour.

A port a day Sailing out of New York was a thrill, glass skyscrapers winking at us seductively in the late afternoon sun. After that it was an exhilarating port a day until we started back across the Atlantic.

First, Newport Rhode Island, where the super-rich build summer cottages - some with 75 bedrooms - for six weeks' use a year. The Vanderbilts' The Breakers Hotel was like Citizen Kane - whole rooms imported from Europe, one lined with 22ct gold.

Next stop Boston for a comprehensive city tour, before docking at Portland, Maine to admire the autumnal colours in all their fiery glory en route to quaint Kennebunkport where George Bush has a 26-room summer cottage on a wild promontory over the ocean.

In Halifax, Nova Scotia we explored the attractive waterfront Historic District and the next day cruised the fjord-like Bay d'Espoir before Captain Philip Rentell added an unscheduled stop at St Pierre Island - France's only territory in the US and a riot of wine boutiques, cafes and perfume shops.

Last stop was St John's Newfoundland, a chilly, hilly town of multi-coloured houses and Irish pubs where fish and chips are sold from rock-cut stalls in alleyways.

Peaceful days at sea Then came three peaceful days at sea to enjoy lectures on history and nautical matters before landing at Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

After three more days at sea we anchored off pretty Falmouth before landing in Southampton.

Captain Rentell says many choose Saga cruises for the security.

''From the minute you're picked up from home in a private car to the minute we drop you back, you know you will be properly looked after,'' he says.

''Older people like things to stay the same." Saga Ruby, a classically beautiful ship with a long, streamlined prow, carries only 655 passengers. She feels like a traditional country hotel, complete with ballroom and indoor pool.

There are comfy sofas, leather armchairs in a well-stocked library, and gentle, unthreatening decor. Cabins maximise space, and have great storage, with forgiving lighting and big bathtubs.

Round-the-clock service With helpful staff, round-the-clock room service from a cuppa to a full dinner is instant. And all tips are included in the price you pay when you book.

Dinner jackets and ball gowns are required on formal nights and worn with obvious enjoyment not reluctance.

The singletons that make up 20% of passengers are fixed up with others for parties, lunches and independent trips ashore, and gentlemen hosts are ready to dance with the ladies. If you get lonely, it's hardly Saga's fault.

The food is British at its best - from The Full English served in the pretty dining room to the self-service Lido Cafe with its luscious array of tropical fruit.

English afternoon tea A pianist plays during the delicious ritual of English Afternoon Tea - complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones and clotted cream.

If you don't want to dress for dinner you can head to the Lido Cafe, where fresh fish is cooked to order, or tuck into lobster and giant prawns at a barbecue on deck.

Drinks are fairly priced: a pint of bitter costs pounds 1.90, glasses of wine from pounds 2 and a bottle from pounds 10.

Evening entertainment is varied: Aled Jones in concert, classical musicians, jazz musicians, comedians, a deft magician and Saga's own young dance troupe strutting their stuff.

Saga, the only cruise line dedicated to the over-50s, has plenty of passengers who book their next cruise before the present one has finished. At Captain Rentell's repeaters party, awards went to those who had spent most nights aboard - some had notched up more than

Key facts BEST FOR: Over-50s who want to see the world in effortless comfort and style.

TIME TO GO: Any time.

DON'T MISS: Fabulous afternoon teas served by white-gloved waiters and great entertainment.

NEED TO KNOW: Tips are included and Saga Cruises offers generous early booking discounts.

DON'T FORGET: Pack your dinner jacket and cocktail dresses - you'll get plenty of opportunities to wear them..