More than 500 passengers set sail on British cruise ship on Nov. 22 for a 14-day cruise to eight mystery destinations.

The passengers paid up to $14,000 for a cabin on the Saga Rose, a 42-year-old ship now owned by Saga Holidays which sailed for many years as the Sagafjord.

Those booking the cruise were told that when the cruise ship sails from Southampton, they will visit eight destinations outside the U.K. including four completely new to the ship.

"They will have a couple of sea days and the ports of call will be announced when they arrive at each one," said Saga's Frances Liddiard.

"Only Captain Alastair McLundie and a few essential staff know where it is going - our chief executive Andrew Goodsell doesn't even know. Everyone has worked really hard to keep it a secret."

This is the first time Saga has staged a mystery cruise, and no other major cruise line is believed to have done a mystery cruise of this length previously.

The Saga Rose is scheduled to return to Southampton on December 6.