voyage of discovery saga

How Saga's Spirit of Discovery made for a decadent voyage around Britain

Dressed in sequined cocktail dresses, bow ties and tails, the crowd on the upper deck gazed towards the elaborate fireworks display that heralded our departure before Dover’s white cliffs began to fade behind into the distance. 

On the level below, under a neon “Lido” sign, a band played Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra songs while waiting staff circulated with champagne and canapes.

Saga Cruises’ newest ship, Spirit of Discovery, was setting sail for its one-off inaugural cruise, a tour of the British Isles . The 14-deck, 999-passenger, £346m vessel was christened five days before by the Duchess of Cornwall. Our captain, Julian Burgess, had even been pictured in Hello! cutting the christening cake. It was the first ship to be named in Dover for more than a decade. So far, so British. 

My mother and I had started our day onboard with an afternoon tea. It was her first cruise. With a chauffeur-driven transfer to the ship, the decadent tea followed by a three-course dinner, we’d settled in easily. It was a decade since we’d holidayed together, but with all the organisation taken off our hands (we’d signed up for a Saga excursion each full-day ashore), I hoped we’d sail through the week without bickering.

We were defying the Saga rulebook, however. Its cruises are strictly for over-50s; I’m 31. I was variously mistaken for the ship’s librarian, IT support (“How do I download the Telegraph?!” one passenger asked, waving his iPad) and onboard entertainment. By and large though, the other passengers were happy to turn a blind eye to the rule-bending and we enjoyed plenty of fascinating dinnertime conversations with our onboard peers.

At afternoon tea, a lady called Dorris sat next to us. While I coveted her pink, Chanel-esque trouser suit she reminisced about her travels, including a stint living in New Zealand. We quizzed our table mate: where had she cruised? The Norwegian Fjords , the Med, New England? She’d conquered them all. I asked for her take on Spirit of Discovery and she said she was impressed by the sheer scale of this new vessel, plus its space-to-passenger ratio.

Spirit of Discovery is certainly striking. As we drove up to Dover port, I admired her white, blue and yellow exterior, including a stylish funnel; within her interior is luxurious, but unfusty.

Away from the ship, Saga offers a comprehensive list of shore excursions – from our first stop in Newcastle (where we headed to a replica 1900s pit village and the open-air museum of Beamish) to Belfast where I spent an hour carefully clambering over the staggering (if crowded) stone pillars of the Giant’s Causeway.

A particular off-ship highlight was seeing the Italian Chapel (and Scapa Flow) in the Orkneys. Our Orcadian guide Dawn Johnston had got married in the tiny church. For the uninitiated, it was built by amazingly resourceful Italian prisoners of war who were stationed on the islands to build the Churchill Barriers, four causeways that were used to protect the naval base during the Second World War and that connect some of the islands.

Our next day was at sea. It was clear, sunny and warm, perfect for admiring the Outer and Inner Hebrides from the upper deck. I also made a pre-dinner trip to The Spa. The inviting spot offers a range of treatments from a hot mineral body boost on a Quartz table to a biotec facial. I favoured the thermal suite, which is included in the cruise price and features a hydrotherapy pool (like a giant hot tub). This, alongside our spacious cabin (all have outdoor balconies) and the all-inclusive speciality restaurants, made it feel like every passenger was experiencing a luxury cruise treatment, before forking out for any extras.

The Club by Jools was a hit, thanks to its steaks, cocktails and live music – the Olly Muxworthy duo, a young jazz act frequently found at its piano, were a favourite. Other entertainment included talks and nightly performances in The Playhouse, Saga’s first theatre at sea, and singers at the piano at the bottom of the grand staircase (plus dance and craft classes).

Cuisine-wise, we particularly enjoyed Saga’s first seafood restaurant, Coast to Coast, and East to West, which offers a mish-mash of Asian-style food. Post-cruise, I’m still craving the latter’s paneer tikka – a surprising combination of moreish Indian cheese, a chapati (artfully arranged in a cone shape) and a sweet potato aloo gobi.

On our final morning in Liverpool, my mother – a Beatles fan since she saw them perform live aged 15 – enjoyed walking around the ‘Double Fantasy, John and Yoko’ exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool. She was also glad I’d dragged her to The Cavern Club for a picture in front of its historic stage. 

Our biggest takeaway from the voyage? Getting older doesn’t mean losing a sense of adventure – just ask our 80-year-old Edinburgh tour guide, Joy Balgarnie, who’d gone back to the day job after a brief, bored stint at retirement, or the sprightly table mate who shocked us when she whispered that she was the same age as the Queen. And my mother and I proved we could still be trusted to travel together.

A seven-night Scenes of Dunkirk cruise, sailing from Southampton, departs May 19, 2020, from £1,432pp (0808 278 6782;  travel.saga.co.uk ).

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Home Saga Cruises Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery

Saga Cruises’ ship, Spirit of Discovery, began her service for the line in summer 2019. A luxury boutique ship, she represents a new era for Saga Cruises and offers an experience that combines all the hallmarks of the Saga experience along with several new additions to the onboard facilities.

Spirit of Discovery Accommodation

Saga’s Spirit of Discovery offers luxury accommodation for no more than 999 guests. Every accommodation grade has a private balcony. The cabin grades are categorised as follows:

• Standard Twin (with balcony)
• Twin Deluxe (with balcony)
• Mid-ship Suite (with balcony)
• Forward Suite (with balcony)
• Aft Suite (with balcony)

In keeping with the other ships in Saga Cruises’ fleet, solo travellers are well catered for on Spirit of Discovery, with single cabin and suite grades available.

The accommodation on Spirit of Discovery has been designed to resemble London’s most exclusive hotels. As such, each cabin and suite is spacious, airy and furnished with crisp fabrics, high-end fittings and understated hardware.

All of the accommodation categories on Spirit of Discovery come equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen television/DVD player, climate control, ample storage space and a writing/vanity desk. The suites are further enhanced with a separate bathtub, twin sinks and an espresso machine.

Spirit of Discovery Dining

Spirit of Discovery offers a fantastic choice of dining venues. The primary restaurant, The Grand Dining Room, is available to all guests on an open-seating basis and serves a mouthwatering variety of contemporary and classic dishes.

There are two speciality dining rooms on Spirit of Discovery. The first of these, East to West, offers an authentic taste of the Orient and serves up delicious Asian-inspired dishes, while the second, Coast to Coast, is an absolute must for seafood lovers.

Lastly, you can also choose to dine at the Verandah & Grill during lunch and dinner. Offering space for guests to eat either inside or on the deck, the meals here are freshly prepared using local produce and served at your table.

24-hour room service is also available throughout the duration of each voyage.

Spirit of Discovery Entertainment & Facilities

The Living Room serves as the hub of Spirit of Discovery and is a great place for meeting up with friends for a coffee during the day or a cocktail in the evening. For retail therapy, you can have a browse through the ship’s shops or simply sit back and enjoy a variety of delicious gelato, fresh pastries and homemade cakes.

Spirit of Discovery is also equipped with its very own theatre. During the evening, up to 400 guests can take in shows performed by Saga’s resident theatre company, a guest performer or watch a movie on the huge cinema screen.

Other facilities on Spirit of Discovery

• Two swimming pools
• Secret Terrace

For further information regarding Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery or to receive a quote for a future sailing, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, simply choose your preferred itinerary and make an online enquiry.

Ship Gallery

Additional Information

Standard Single with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Double bed Balcony Private bathroom and wc with shower Fresh fruit Bathrobes and slippers Toiletries

Superior Single with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Twin or kingsize bed Balcony Private bathroom and wc with shower Fresh fruit Bathrobes and slippers Toiletries

Deluxe Single with balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Twin or kingsize bed Balcony Private bathroom and wc with shower Walk in wardrobe Seating area Fresh fruit Bathrobes and slippers Toiletries

Single Suite with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Full butler service Twin or kingsize bed Balcony Seating area Walk in wardrobe Private bathroom and wc with shower and bath Luxury fresh fruit basket Daily newspaper Continental breakfast morning wake-up tray Espresso machine Full in-cabin afternoon tea service

Standard Twin with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Twin or kingsize bed Private Balcony Private bathroom and wc with shower Fresh fruit Bathrobes and slippers Toiletries

Twin Deluxe with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Twin or kingsize bed Private Balcony Private bathroom and wc with shower Walk in wardrobe Seating area Fresh fruit Bathrobes and slippers Toiletries

Mid Ship Suite with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Full butler service Twin or kingsize bed Balcony Seating area with large sofa Walk in wardrobe Private bathroom and wc with shower and bath Luxury fresh fruit basket Daily newspaper Continental breakfast morning wake-up tray Espresso machine Full in-cabin afternoon tea service

Forward Suite with balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Full butler service Twin or kingsize bed Balcony Luxurious spacious living room area Walk in wardrobe Private bathroom and wc with shower and whirlpool bath Guest wc Luxury fresh fruit basket Luxury turndown service Daily newspaper and selection of magazines Continental breakfast morning wake-up tray In cabin-dining experience from all ship restaurants Espresso machine Full in-cabin afternoon tea service Fresh flowers Customised mini bar

Aft Suite with Balcony

24-hour room service Complimentary Wi Fi Tea coffee making facilities Turndown service Plus… Full butler service Twin or kingsize bed Balcony Luxurious spacious living room area Walk in wardrobe Private bathroom and wc with shower and whirlpool bath Luxury fresh fruit basket Luxury turndown service Daily newspaper and selection of magazines Continental breakfast morning wake-up tray In cabin-dining experience from all ship restaurants Espresso machine Full in-cabin afternoon tea service Fresh flowers Customised mini bar

Promenade Deck

Observation Deck

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Cruise Ship Review: Saga’s Spirit of Discovery

Author: Vicky Mayer

Published on: 10 July 2019

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Saga’s eagerly awaited Spirit of Discovery offers a masterclass in luxury boutique cruising

Like a new house, or a car fresh from the showroom, there’s something quite thrilling about a brand new ship. And stepping aboard Saga’s eagerly awaited debutante in Dover before her regal christening by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (the ship’s prestigious godmother, no less), I couldn’t wait to see how she shaped up.

Taking five years from conception to launch, Spirit of Discovery promises a modern, luxurious environment with a distinctive British feel. So how does she look? First impressions count, and it’s immediately clear that interior design company SMC has done a fantastic job.

With smart teal and bronze tones complemented by warm neutrals, the boutique cruise ship feels like a floating five-star hotel, with plenty of sofas and chairs dotted around for guests to sit and watch the sea go by. The materials are top-notch, too, with stylish carpets throughout, in suitably British tartans and tweeds, and plenty of leather, copper and glass. If, like me, you’re a design lover, you’ll be desperate to copy the look at home.

The interiors team has also harnessed the glamour of Art Deco throughout Spirit of Discovery – especially in the Living Room, on the main deck, and in the show-stopping atrium. The latter spans three decks, so guests can admire the view from many different locations about the ship, including the Library and the South Cape Bar. The space is dominated by a beautiful 26ft bronze-coloured centrepiece on the stairs – a great focal point and the ideal spot to meet family and friends, old and new.

The Deco theme continues in the double-height Grand Dining Room (with its crisp white tablecloths and marble pillars, this is definitely worth dressing up for), as well as in the 444-seat Playhouse Theatre and the gloriously fun Lido pool.

Saga were determined to pull out all the stops on Spirit of Discovery , and The Club by Jools (where Jools Holland will give exclusive performances) on the Promenade Deck is a stroke of genius. Designed in the style of a 1950s cabaret club, it’s a great place to tuck into a steak supper before settling in with a bourbon on the rocks to enjoy an intimate jazz session.

The food and drink offering is first class throughout the ship, with two speciality restaurants – Coast to Coast (for fish and seafood) and East to West (modern Asian) – both equally worth booking as soon as you board. Top marks, too, to the talented bartenders, who know just how to mix the perfect martini.

One of my favourite spots on the ship is the luxurious spa, which boasts five treatment rooms as well as a sauna and hydrotherapy suite. It’s the perfect place for a bit of ‘me time’ when you’re at sea.

And the cabins? Well, I’ve saved the best for last. There are no fewer than nine categories, but every single one has a private balcony. Some of the bigger suites have baths, with the Forward Suites boasting their own whirlpools. But whichever grade you book, you’ll be seriously impressed by the size (an average 215sq ft) and the luxurious furnishings.

In the style of a luxury boutique hotel, the beds are super comfy, there are plenty of places to sit and read a book, the showers are great and the plugs are British (hurrah!). Suffice to say, I enjoyed a blissful night’s sleep in my cabin and was very disappointed when it was time to leave.

Saga has a lot riding on this small ship, so is she worth the hype? The answer is a big ‘yes’ from me. I was blown away by the beauty and elegance of her design, and I’d have to say that Spirit of Discovery offers boutique cruising at its best. Book now before she sells out.

About Vicky Mayer

Vicky began her career working on young women’s magazines before moving on to TV and entertainment titles. Her passion, though, has always been travel, so as Editor of World of Cruising, she combines her love of magazines with the chance to shout about cruise holidays around the world.

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Spirit of Discovery

Ship specifications.

City Southampton

City London

Spirit of discovery itineraries, 26 night israel and ancient egypt, 18 night from sicily to the souks, 13 night capitals of the canary islands, 30 night tropical shores of the caribbean, 14 night discover the canary islands: december, 18 night christmas in the canary islands, 49 night caribbean and central america discovery, 16 night norway and the northern lights, 14 night springtime in the canaries, 18 night the western mediterranean and italian riviera, 22 night turkey and the eastern mediterranean, 10 night island hopping in the british isles, 7 night norway, 21 night croatia and gems of the mediterranean, 17 night a mediterranean summer, 5 night devon, cornwall and the isles of scilly, 14 night natural wonders of iceland, 7 night vistas of norway: july, 14 night enchanting scandinavia, 7 night guernsey, isles of scilly and the south west coast, 7 night vistas of norway: august, 14 night scandinavian tales, 7 night isles of scilly, cornwall and the english riviera, 7 night voyage to the fjords, 12 night coastal delights of france and green spain, 14 night canary island sunshine, 15 night explore the canaries, 30 night the tropical west caribbean, 19 night festive celebrations to the canaries, saga ocean cruises fleet.

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You're here: Home / Articles / Cruise on Saga’s brand-new ship Spirit of Discovery

• 9th September 2019

Cruise on Saga’s brand-new ship Spirit of Discovery

Getting into the spirit of things

It’s 12 noon and the concept of feeding the birds is reaching a new level as a vast sea of white greets the keepers pushing wheelbarrows laden with grain. When you’ve got hundreds of swans to feed a garden bird table simply isn’t going to cut it.

It’s fascinating to learn how the swannery was established by Benedictine monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 11th century, farming the birds to form the gastronomic centrepiece of their lavish banquets. Thankfully tastes have changed, and today the swans get to eat rather than be eaten.

The line’s recently retired Saga Pearl II and soon to be sold Saga Sapphire built up a loyal band of seagoing devotees and there were mutterings when Saga first announced it was no longer going to buy older vessels but build two brand new ships of its own. Aficionados have nothing to fear as the 999-passenger vessel is a beauty, with a pleasingly retro feel, particularly around the uncluttered Lido pool area and traditional promenade deck that circles the ship.

When it comes to dining passengers are also spoilt for choice as the ship has more restaurant options than any of its predecessors. The casual Grill buffet and aptly named Grand Dining Room, with glittering tableware and crowned by chandeliers, are the two main venues. The trio of speciality restaurants are all free of charge; you just need to book in advance. There’s The Club by Jools, a steak restaurant with live jazz, seafood Coast to Coast and, my personal favourite, East to West which serves Asian food with flair. Traditionalists will enjoy the fact that there are formal nights and the chance to push the sartorial boat out and don you best bib and tucker.

After dark Spirit of Discovery comes to life at a host of different venues, including Saga’s first dedicated theatre which is home to the resident show company and visiting acts. Saga has embarked on a five-year partnership with composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster Jools Holland (hence the namesake restaurant) and he is appearing in a series of live on board gigs. We were lucky enough to see him on ours and by the end of the evening passengers were dancing in the aisles – having first left their drinks in the nifty holders built into every theatre seat; another of the clever design details found throughout the ship. 

Each port of call brought multiple excursion options. In Guernsey my friend joined the trip to spend a day on the tiny traffic-free island of Sark and I embarked on the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society tour, taking in locations from the book by Mary Ann Shaffer. Although it is a fictional work based on the German occupation during the Second World War, many of the places are real. Our guide brought the sombre period of history to life by sharing first-hand tales from her family and original documents. The illuminating tour also took in stops along the picturesque coastline and the chance to try a slice of gache. Pronounced gosh and meaning cake in Guernesiais – the native language still spoken by some islanders – it’s more like a fruit bread, but very tasty.

The ship is a floating art gallery with more than 1,000 pieces – all by British artists – dotted around public areas. That night we enjoyed a sundowner on the lovely open deck outside the Britannia Lounge where there are some striking art installations. It has certainly been a wonderful few days on a ship that’s as graceful and elegant as the Abbotsbury swans.

More information

Spirit of Discovery and, Saga’s second new ship Spirit of Adventure, launching in summer 2020, sail from Dover and Southampton on a variety of itineraries in the British Isles, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Baltic, Iceland, Far East, North and Central America, Caribbean, Middle East and beyond.   From 2020 both ships will be fully inclusive with fares including all meals, drinks, gratuities, return door-to-door chauffeur service or free parking, porterage and optional travel insurance.  

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Saga Cruises .

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Cruise Ship Review: Saga Cruises, Spirit of Discovery

The new ship from Saga Holidays is a boutique delight – all pale wood and seaside stylings – that takes the company once known for its elder customers in a very different direction. Even the captain is different – Nick Sunderland is only 40, one of the youngest in the cruise world.

The contemporary decor of The Grill, all white and wood and with glass walls overlooking the ocean, sets the tone for the first ship Saga has had specially built (the others were taken over from other companies).

Launched in July (with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall as her godmother) this is a ship for a new generation – although Saga still only caters for over-50s, they’re the new over-30s, relative youngsters in the modern world.

As such the big name here is Jools Holland. The TV star pianist has his name on a restaurant and has signed up to play on a number of cruises each year – his first being the one I was on in late July.

Saga caters for the youthful over 50’s.

Your stateroom or suite

Suite c Franklin & Franklin

In the way of modern luxury ships, everyone has a balcony. All are smartly decorated with the feel of a real hotel room. The oversize double beds convert to singles should you wish. From the gently mottled carpet to the modern art on the walls they are places to relax, with even singles cabins having French windows on to the balcony with table and chairs.

Our Mid Ship Suite had a sitting room with sofa and TV with UK channels, a bedroom which had a second set of French windows opening on to the balcony with comfy rattan chairs with cushions as well as table and chairs. A walk-in closet led into the bathroom with both bath and walk-in rain shower, twin sinks and large bottles of smart toiletries. Suites also have waiter service and free mini-bar, including bottles of brandy, gin and more plus (again showing the breadth of clients) both a kettle and pod coffee maker.

Food and drink

The main restaurant is the Grand Dining Room, a nice cosy yet stately affair with chandeliers and pillars, serving five-course menus, including an impressive cheese trolley. It’s open to everyone at whatever time suits you.

What makes the ship very different from most cruises is that its three speciality restaurants come at no extra charge – on our cruise that meant queuing to book although the system is set to change. Above the main restaurant (and peeking over the balcony) is The Club by Jools, lots of dark wood and with the air of an American cabaret club.

A first for Saga: The Club by Jools is Spirit of Discovery’s steakhouse restaurant and bar c Franklin & Franklin

There are steaks (signature dish is a beautifully cooked New York strip loin), a bar and a little stage (apparently Jools will make occasional surprise appearances but on our cruise it was a jazzy pianist and female singer).

Coast To Coast is a contemporary fish restaurant with an Italian feel serving fish and chips, Dover sole, that lobster thermidor – and a fantastic platter for two including crayfish, crab legs and mussels. East to West is a pan-Asian affair where Southern Thailand tiger prawn massaman curry (lots of coconut, chilli and lime I can confirm) meets crispy Peking duck.

The Grill, summery and bright serves a big breakfast buffet, lunch and a wide dinner offering along with afternoon tea (which, with its scones and crab sandwiches, can also be taken with waiter service in the Grand Dining Room. The Grill, lovely and sunny inside also gives way to the al fresco Terrace at the rear of the ship with the feel of a 1930s seaside resort. I enjoyed the good quality free wine with dinner, a daily changing red and white, brought by attentive waiters. On each cruise there is also a formal night.

The Lido is the central pool area, with more 30s styling amid the wooden flourishes and sun loungers – complete with serve yourself ice-cream and sweets, and a bar. Deck games include traditional shuffleboard and quoits while there’s also a golf simulator. The Promenade goes all the way around the ship – four laps and you’ve done a mile.

Spa c Franklin & Franklin

The spa is sleek and sensuous, the Thermal Suite with hydrotherapy pool, infrared sauna, steam room and lounge with heated chairs is free while massages and treatments while not free are imaginative – such as my Hot Mineral Body Boost, a massage with amber balm while lying on a warm bed of body-shaping amber and quartz crystals.

Indoors, the library is a living room-like collection of alcoves connected by shelves filled with 3,500 books. There are free coffee and cakes and several free to use computers (with the same free wifi that the rest of the ship enjoys).

Next door is the Craft Room (free sewing, jewellery-making and other lessons) and the Card Room (there’s even a bridge instructor on cruises over four nights).

The living room c Franklin & Franklin

The feel continues in The Living Room, a ship-wide bar and lounge by the main staircase and atrium, half a dozen cosy areas with sofas.

There are various other bars. Biggest is the Britannia Lounge which sweeps around the front of the ship, vast sloping glass walls all the way to the lofty ceiling.

There’s a 50s style with pastel and aquamarine shades on comfy chairs with stick-thin legs and a jazzy carpet. The South Cape Bar has the feel of a gentlemen’s club while the Terrace has its own bar for wonderful evenings.

Entertainment

No one goes away disappointed. Everyone is guaranteed a seat at a show on one of the two evenings Jools plays in the smartly understated theatre (it hold half the ship’s 999 capacity). But there is also more conventional entertainment on other evenings, such as the songs from the shows musical. There’s elegant food (lobster thermidor, Himalayan-spiced rack of lamb) yet sausage rolls and bread and butter pudding sit alongside tempura prawns and tiramisu on the buffet in The Grill.

On our four-night cruise to the Channel Islands and France top of the bill was Jools Holland. He performed twice. The 70-minute shows featured him alongside with long-time drummer Gilson Lavis (the pair were both in post-punk pop group Squeeze in the late 70s), singer Ruby Turner and two backing vocalists, a slimline combo rich in energy and humour. Jools is booked for four cruises in 2020.

In the Britannia the band was joined on a couple of nights by impressive classical pop violin duo Elektra, there were classical piano and cello recitals in The Living Room and magician Ben Williams baffled us all with close-up tricks.

Otherwise the entertainment, notably the West End to Broadway show, veered towards the middle of the road, not geared towards the new, younger clientele Saga wants to attract.

A very smart ship that goes for style over bling. The free speciality restaurant dining is a bonus, as is the free wine with dinner (both things most cruise companies charge for) and free 24-hour room service, and from 2020 all sailings will be all-inclusive.

Wifi is free (and works), another cash cow on many ships. Also we had free shuttle buses into town at a couple of locations. And Saga holidays come with chauffeur service up to 250 miles from home and back. Saga guests are getting younger – and the Jools Holland connection is inspired although there need to be similar artists to appeal to music-loving travellers when he’s not on board.

Spirit of Discovery sails year-round from the UK, mostly from Dover. Jools Holland is confirmed for four cruises in 2020 including the 14-night Sounds of Spain voyage, departing Southampton March 15. Cruise visits six Spanish ports including Valencia, Cadiz and Ibiza and includes Spanish music and dance performances, Spanish lessons and Spanish craft making. From £3,161pp, two sharing, all-inclusive with chauffeur service.

European Beach Holidays are 66% CHEAPER than holidays in the UK

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• SAGA Cruises marks Spirit of Adventure’s and Spirit of Discovery...

SAGA Cruises marks Spirit of Adventure’s and Spirit of Discovery’s anniversaries

SAGA UK marked the first anniversary of Spirit of Adventure ’s maiden voyage (July 6th) and Spirit of Discovery ’s 3rd anniversary (July 10th).

Despite the COVID crisis, Spirit of Discovery sailed ~145,000 NM/nautical miles, completed a total of 48 voyages, visited 273 different destinations, and served 2825 shore excursions. Spirit of Adventure navigated ~80,000 NM, with a total of 23 voyages, 144 destinations, and 1617 shore excursions.

Although the boutique vessels are small with a capacity of 987 passengers, every need has been catered for with 36.9M meals served and ~668,000 bottles of wine poured across both ships since they undertook their inaugural voyages.

Gin & tonic tops the poll for the most popular alcoholic drink, while filet steak is the top meal choice onboard the SAGA ships. Passengers also make their way through ~3,100 cups of tea per day and since the liners began sailing some 5.7M eggs, 9,200 kg of lobster, 13,500 kg of Dover sole, as well as a whopping 190,000 kg of smoked salmon have been served.

The state-of-the-art onboard gyms have helped travelers burn off the calories and ~12,000 vacationers have made use of the spas to enjoy the top treatment of acupuncture.

Across the two cruise ships 150+ guest entertainers including the likes of Rustie Lee and Jools Holland, and 200+ guest speakers including author and journalist Martin Sixsmith; champion jockey, Bob Champion CBE; and Royal Yeoman, Robert Large, graced the stage.

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The Maiden Voyage of Saga Spirit of Discovery and the return of Disney Magic

Saturday, July 20, 2019 - 18:00 by portland

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Cruises Ocean cruises Our ships Spirit of Discovery Guest services

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Guest services

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on Spirit of Discovery

We take the needs of our customers seriously and understand the importance of comfort and accessibility. Rest assured that you will be well looked after on Spirit of Discovery, with a range of guest services .

In the centre of the Promenade deck you can step into the world of Saga, without having to leave the ship. Meet and chat with our friendly consultant about Saga’s range of travel and lifestyle products .

If you want to enjoy special discounts off your next cruise, you can browse the latest range of itineraries on board. You can then book another voyage on Spirit of Discovery or Spirit of Adventure. Or why not take a look at Saga’s wider range of travel experiences? From exciting long-haul adventure tours to all-inclusive hotels throughout Europe and the Mediterranean , you can choose from more than 120 destinations worldwide.

Saga World is also the place to chat about Saga’s other range of products and services. You can even subscribe to one of the UK’s leading print titles, Saga Magazine .

The shopping experience aboard Spirit of Discovery is as unique as the ship itself. Take advantage of tax-free purchases on selected cruises including clothes, bespoke fine jewellery and watches, and the services of a private jeweller offering unique hand-crafted pieces. There are also perfect gifts for every occasion, and personalised pieces exclusive to Spirit of Discovery. You’ll also find a range of the latest fragrances, cosmetics and skincare from some of the world’s most renowned high-end brands. Or if you’ve forgotten an essential item, you’ll also find a wide range of everyday products, toiletries, drinks and snacks in our smaller port shop by the entrance.

Not only is Spirit of Discovery a state-of-the-art ship, she also houses amazing art inside. Our team have been working behind the scenes for several years, commissioning painters, sculptors and graphic artists to create bespoke pieces for the ship, showcased throughout the public areas. British artists have been given a major focus, combining classic artworks with contemporary pieces. In addition, you can also visit a dedicated art gallery on board. Located next to The  Playhouse theatre entrance on Promenade deck , it houses a permanent collection of exciting art. The Gallery will also be used to display new art exhibitions at sea, featuring an exciting line-up of up-and-coming artists in Britain.

The Chart Room

Opposite The Gallery, you’ll find The Chart Room. It’s a space designated for learning and talks with our on-board experts. From interactive learning sessions to illustrated lectures, it’s the venue to try new things on your cruise. A place where you can enjoy enriching experiences that enhance the destinations you visit. The Chart Room is also where you can have professional photos taken by the on-board photographer.

Spirit of Discovery also has a well thought out health and beauty area, which includes a spa, a fitness centre and a salon. Read more about wellbeing on Spirit of Discovery .

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