Heralding a new era of “boutique” cruising for Saga Cruises
Spirit of Discovery is the first of two new builds for Saga Cruises, arriving in July 2019 and to be joined by sister Spirit of Adventure in 2020.
The 58,000-ton ship heralds a new era of “boutique”cruising for Saga, which caters exclusively for the over-50s.
The build of a new ship is a major leap forward for Saga, having concentrated since the line’s inception in 1997 in revamping ageing ships that were in the luxury bracket in their heyday.
State-of-the-art Spirit of Discovery is also leading a change in direction, with the focus now on luxury, small-ship cruising, carrying only 999 guests.
Creating an interior design to provide a comfortably, homely British experience was the responsibility of UK-based agency SMC, with the remit to retain the intimacy and personal touches associated with Saga.
If visiting the casino is your thing then forget it. There isn’t one. And you won’t find climbing walls and ice rinks either.
As is the modern day norm, all staterooms and suites come with balconies, but where the ship does differ is that 109 of its 555 rooms are for single use, which is groundbreaking in the industry.
More than 400 pieces of original British art are among more than 1,000 total artworks, many of which have been created by artists working in Britain today.
A host of independent British suppliers, including Hush Heath wine producers of Kent, also supply the ship.
Vital statistics
Operated by Saga Cruises
Built by Meyer Werft, Germany
Cost: £280m
Entered service: July 2019
Registered: United Kingdom
Gross tonnage: 58,250 tons
Passengers: 999
Crew: 505
Passenger decks: 10
Lifts: 6
Cabins: 554, all with balcony, including
:: 47 suites
:: 54 deluxe
:: 344 twin/double standard cabins
:: 109 for single occupancy
Length: 774ft
Width: 102ft
Engines: diesel-electric
Speed: 23 knots
Facilities
Two-tier Grand Dining Room (single sitting), four alternative eating options, two swimming pools, Playhouse theatre/show lounge, library, craft and card rooms, spa including hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium, salon, shop, observation deck, full wrap-around promenade and terrace, outdoor games area, self-service laundry, free wi-fi.