SAGA’s new Spirit of Discovery cruise ship has sailed into Dover, with the naming ceremony to be conducted by the Duchess of Cornwall.
The royal will perform the ceremony on July 5 – the first naming event to be done in Dover in over a decade.
The 774 foot (236 metre) ship will then launch on July 10 to sail around the British Isles.
The second Saga ship, Spirit of Adventure, will be launched in 2020, part of the £600 million investment in the two cruises.
Spirit of Discovery will sail this year with up to 999 passengers, each able to stay in a cabin with a balcony view.
The ships have called themselves “distinctly British” when it comes to the design, decoration and dining.
Approximately 20 per cent of the cabins are made for single travellers.
Some of the new on board amenities and features include an above water spa and a music venue which has collaborated with Jools Holland.
The ship features more than 400 pieces of artwork from British artists as well.
Much of the on board food and drink is also locally sourced, with over half of the cheeses from Devon and Scotland, while meats and beers are from around the UK.
Saga Travel CEO Robin Shaw called the new ship “Britain’s first boutique hotel at sea”.
The ships are catered to the over 50s, with a new on board concierge service for passengers with any questions or advice at each port on what to see or do.
Spirit of Discovery cruises start from £882 per person for a four-night cruise around Norfolk and the Netherlands.
Another Saga cruise, the Saga Sapphire, offers a great experience driving in a side car and drinking at the local vineyards when travelling through Madeira.
Brits wanting to save money on their next cruise should book an old ship was has been refurbished, not a brand new ship.
This can often be cheaper, yet still be a much cleaner and modern interior and experience.
