Having just returned from the brand- new Saga ship – I cannot wait to share with you the delights of a cruise aboard the Spirit of Discovery. I was lucky to sail aboard this five-star boutique ship which has been built specially for the British market and enjoys all the inclusions that are offered when you sail with Saga!
The detail is certainly in the Spirit of Discovery with the UK three pin plug sockets and the tea and coffee making facilities in each cabin. This is the first ship that Saga have ever built and they have thought about every element from the bright and airy Living Room that replaces the traditional atrium to the outside areas that features a wraparound promenade and huge observation deck with a generous amount of seating and sun loungers. The ship is light and airy, very modern yet elegant with it. There are plenty of public areas such as the Living Room which is the main focal point that you can enjoy throughout the day which has beautiful furniture and furnishings, the library is very spacious and a great place to enjoy some quiet time and also the pool area on lido deck featured some super entertainment from some very talented artists.
The Spirit of Discovery is a small, boutique ship which sails with a maximum of 999 passengers with 554 all-balcony cabins, over 100 balconies are for solo occupancy. It was so refreshing to sail on a smaller ship, away from 1000’s of passengers that some of the newer cruise ships are built for now. As the ship was small it was much easier to navigate – I was never lost, so much so that the crew began to recognise us in the restaurants! The wonderful, personalised service I received would be down to the ratio of crew – 3 staff to every 2 guests.
As I wondered around the ship there were new places to visit – a quiz at the South Cape Bar, lectures in the Playhouse Theatre, live entertainment in the Britannia lounge, take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool at the Spa and also craft and card rooms. The ship was certainly of five star quality but had a relaxed feel meaning that it was so easy to socialise with new friends in such beautiful surroundings.
From November 2019 so much is included with a Saga cruise – all meals including the fine dining in the Dining Room, The Grill and also the speciality restaurants, snacks, afternoon tea plus a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, full bar service, shuttles to most ports, unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks, chauffeur service from home and gratuities. Saga cruises really do look after you from start to finish and will take any hassle or concerns you have away from your holiday. I felt like part of the Saga family when it was time to say goodbye.
