saga cruise 11 august 2023

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Saga Cruises, Hidden Gems of the British Isles from London Tilbury, August 11, 2023

Cruising from: London Tilbury, England ;

Departure Date: 11 August, 2023 ;

Cruise Line: Saga Cruises ;

Cruise Ship: Spirit of Adventure ;

Duration: 10-day cruise ;

Ports of Call: London Tilbury, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man, Belfast, Oban, Isle of Lewis, Invergordon, Dover ;

10-day cruise to London Tilbury, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man, Belfast, Oban, Isle of Lewis, Invergordon, Dover on board Spirit of Adventure.

Day 0 london tilbury, england.

The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is located on the River Thames at Tilbury in Essex, England just 25 miles east of London. Tilbury has become increasingly popular as a turnaround port for Baltic and Northern European destinations but it is also perfectly placed for transit calls to visit England's capital city, Kent and the south east.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Isles of Scilly, England

Tresco is the second-biggest island of the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England. The Isles of Scilly lie just off the coast of Cornwall but are a world apart in every way. Clean seas, extraordinary beaches, unpolluted air and dark skies mean that there is always something truly special to see and experience. Five inhabited islands of St. Mary's, St. Martin's, Bryher, Tresco and St. Agnes on Scilly all boast crystal-clear turquoise seas surrounding long white sandy beaches. Tresco is primarily run as a holiday resort and all activity and employment is tourist-related.

Day 3 At Sea, At Sea

Day 4 isle of man, england.

The Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland, has a varied landscape with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, hidden coves and spectacular glens. Its capital, Douglas, has a convenient railway system that makes it easy to discover. Visitors are attracted to the Isle of Man's beautiful history and heritage, including one of Europe's best preserved medieval castles and the world's largest working waterwheel. Home to the famous TT races, the Isle of Man is a world-class destination for motorsport fans. With a mild climate, rolling hills, and an abundance of open spaces and interesting landmarks, the Island is a popular holiday destination for those who love the great outdoors.

Day 5 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital. If passing through as part of a cruise, be sure to head straight for the so-called Golden Mile, which runs from Belfast City Hall to Queen's University, and is where you'll find the majority of the city's historic attractions as well as its best bars, restaurants and cafes.

Day 6 Oban, Scotland

Oban is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. The area around Oban is rich with attractions for tourists, from the dramatic scenery of the coast and mountains to the fascinating histories of the local castles and ancient religious sites. There are also many activities available for families. Oban also makes a great base for touring the West Highlands. One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, and certainly older than the town, Oban produces a stunning malt whisky that falls between the smokier drams of the islands and the sweeter nuances of the Highlands.

Day 7 Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles and the capital of Lewis and Harris in Scotland. Stornoway is an important port and the major town and administrative centre of the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway offers a warm welcome to anyone choosing to visit Lewis as part of their Outer Hebridean explorations. Strolling along the quay at Stornoway Harbour and hearing the shouts of the fishermen, visiting the historic Lews Castle and the adjoining Lews Castle Museum and Archive, a key cultural centre for Outer Hebrides heritage, are among things visitors can experience. The largest island of the Outer Hebrides, Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The island is blessed with a diverse range of habitats many of which are rich in wildlife. Although Lewis is the most densely populated of the Western Isles, much of the population is centred in and around Stornoway.

Day 8 Invergordon, Scotland

Invergordon is a town and port in Easter Ross, in Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland. Take a short walk into the town center and you'll find impressive murals, overflowing flowerboxes, small shops, cafes, banks, and friendly people happy to have a wee chat. Included in the attractions are Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Brodie Castle, Loch Ness and its famous monster "Nessie", Fort George,Dornoch Cathedral, Culloden Battlefield, Falls of Shin Inverewe Gardens.

Day 9 At Sea, At Sea

Day 10 dover, england.

Located 70 miles to the east of London, Dover is one of the most modern and progressive cruise ports in the country, with highly trained personnel and award-winning customer service in England's southeastern county of Kent. The iconic White Cliffs of Dover are symbolic safeguards at Britain's closest point to continental Europe. There are frequent trains to London leaving from Dover Priory Station.

Sail with Saga Cruises from London Tilbury to British Isles on board Spirit of Adventure cruise ship. Discover the best of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland on this British Isles cruise and discover amazing London Tilbury, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man, Belfast, Oban, Isle of Lewis, Invergordon, Dover. Spirit of Adventure leaving London Tilbury, England for 10 days from August 11, 2023.

British Isles cruise August 2023

British Isles cruise from London Tilbury August 2023

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Saga Cruises website.

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Spirit of Adventure - August 11, 2023

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August 11, 2023

August 11 - 21, 2023

Spirit of Adventure

Saga Ocean Cruises

Hidden Gems Of The British Isles

from Tilbury, England

The August 11, 2023 cruise on the Spirit of Adventure departs from Tilbury, England. On this Hidden Gems Of The British Isles sailing, the ship will visit a total of 7 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Spirit of Adventure sets sail on a Friday (August 11, 2023) and returns on a Monday (August 21, 2023).

The Spirit of Adventure was built in 2020 and is amoung null's null ships in it's fleet. The Spirit of Adventure is included in the cruise line's null Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Spirit of Adventure vs all other null ships.

All Itineraries

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Scilly Islands

Great Britain's Isle of Man combines a scenic location with a rare glimpse into the era of the highlanders. Douglas is the capital of Isle of Man, and features a spellbinding view of the Irish Sea. Visitors are immediately struck by the Tower of Refuge, an intricate 19th-century structure built to guard the Isle harbor. Travelers can trace the progression of Isle history at the Manx Museum.

Great Britain's Isle of Man combines a scenic location with a rare glimpse into the era of the highlanders. Douglas is the capital of Isle of Man, and features a spellbinding view of the Irish Sea...

Climb the hill beyond Belfast Castle for a stunning view of this charming city. Soak up the nine thousand years of Irish history at the Ulster Museum in the Botanical Gardens. Sit on one of Belfast's many benches and watch the street musicians or head to the pub for a pint. Stroll the streets and marvel at the city's Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Climb the hill beyond Belfast Castle for a stunning view of this charming city. Soak up the nine thousand years of Irish history at the Ulster Museum in the Botanical Gardens. Sit on one of Belfast's...

Invergordon

Invergordon is a small port on the North Sea, and enjoys deep and safe waters. Invergordon is home to a variety of industrial activities, including production of aluminum and protective coating for pipes. Linksters can play a round of golf on the par-69 golf course. Take an excursion to Loch Ness, the home of the legendary Loch Ness monster.

Invergordon is a small port on the North Sea, and enjoys deep and safe waters. Invergordon is home to a variety of industrial activities, including production of aluminum and protective coating for...

Dover is the port city for London, England. Its famous white cliffs have inspired songs and have been a welcome-home sight for returning Brits. Your trip to London takes you through the gorgeous countryside of Kent, where many of England's well-to-do keep fabulous country estates. In London, you'll know you're in one of the great capitals of the world.

Dover is the port city for London, England. Its famous white cliffs have inspired songs and have been a welcome-home sight for returning Brits. Your trip to London takes you through the gorgeous...

Saga Cruises launches 2023 ocean cruise itineraries

by Danielle | Apr 5, 2022 | No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises has today officially launched its 2023 ocean cruise itineraries with a host of new destinations, ports and experiences for guests currently  all with up to 35% off  the full fare price for early bookers (prices below reflect the discount).

Travellers can experience a 78-night South American cruise and Saga’s boutique ships will also be visiting some special and unusual destinations including  Montserrat, St Barts, Grytviken, Antalya, Limassol, the Scilly Isles and Bordeaux. New ports for the cruise line also include  Rovinj, on the Croatian cruise itinerary and  Nordfjordeid, on the Norwegian cruise schedules.  

Ocean cruise highlights:

Saga’s 2023 ocean cruising will kick off in style with a 78-night South American itinerary departing from Portsmouth on  Spirit of Adventure  on January 12. The epic  South American Explorer   cruise will travel  around the vast coastline calling at destinations such as Devil’s Island in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Colombia, the Chilean Fjords, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and the Panama Canal transit. Prices start from £17,663 per person.

With many people now booking their once in a lifetime holiday, the  Autumn Colours of New England  cruise on  Spirit of Discovery  departing September 26, 2023 for 28-nights is the perfect way to see the stunning coastline from the East Coast of the  USA  and  Canada  to Newfoundland. Particular sights include arriving into New York’s port, passing the Statue of Liberty and cruising along the Hudson, the autumn display in Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor and the story-book fishing village of Peggy’s Cove in Halifax. Newport, which is considered to be the sailing capital of, is also known for its Gilded Age mansions including the famous, ‘The Breakers’, an 1895 mansion that looks like a Renaissance palace. Prices start from £8,073 per person.

For those looking to head to the warmer parts of the Americas, there is a 30-night  Springtime in the Caribbean  cruise departing Portsmouth on March 5, 2023 on  Spirit of Discovery  from £6,712 per person, which includes a stop for the  first time  since 2017 in  Montseratt , an island of dramatic natural scenery, dominated by the Soufrière Hills volcano and home to wonderful nature and amazing hikes. There is also an  Island hopping in the Caribbean  cruise on  Spirit of Discovery  departing November 7, 2023 for 30 nights from £6,515 per person.

Closer to home but still chasing the warmth, options include the  Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean  cruise departing March 31 for 22-nights on  Spirit of Adventure  (also repeated on  Spirit of Discovery  on September 4). This cruise returns to  Antalya, Limassol  and  Rhodes , along with visits to Malaga, Valletta, Heraklion, Palermo, Cagliari and Lisbon. Highlights on the stop in Limassol include a visit to UNESCO listed Paphos, home of the colourful Dionysus mosaics, picturesque churches, medieval monasteries, museums, countless antiquities, a pretty harbour guarded by a small castle and the underground Tombs of the Kings. In Rhodes, the tour takes in the Filerimos Monastery and Grand Masters’ Palace, the Church of our Lady, built by the Knights of St John in the 15th century and a tour on foot to the 14th century medieval Palace of the Grand Masters. Prices start from £5,168 per person.

Travellers can explore the  Croatian  coast on Saga’s  Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic  cruise departing Portsmouth on April 9, 2023 on  Spirit of Discovery  and on October 9, 2023 on  Spirit of Adventure . This  new  22-night cruise travels from Dubrovnik along the Dalmatian coast to the Istrian Peninsular. Every port is steeped in history and a stone’s throw from UNESCO heritage sites for guests to visit. It also stops at  Rovinj  – a  new port  for Saga –  one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports that  faces Venice across the Adriatic and where guests will be dropped by tender into the heart of the town. Prices start from £4,995 per person.

Guests looking to test a  short cruise  or those interested in sailing the waters of the British Isles   can select from: a five-night  Capitals of the Emerald Isle  itinerary departing on April 4 on  Spirit of Discovery  from £1,155 per person;  Western Maritime Ports  on  Spirit of Discovery  departing May 1, 2023 for five nights from £1,109 per person;  Hidden Gems of the British Isles  on  Spirit of Adventure , a ten-night cruise departing May 26, 2023 and August 11, 2023, with prices from £2,198 per person; or a  Late Summer Escape  on  Spirit of Adventure  departing September 11, 2023 for six nights with prices from £1,330 per person.

There are also a range of  short  seven-night cruises of the Fjords, including:  A Norwegian Trilogy  on  Spirit of Adventure  departing May 7, 2023 from £1,664 per person;  Fjord Explorer  on  Spirit of Discovery  departing on June 22, 2023 from £1,800 per person and;  Norway’s Cities and Fjords  departing on July 21, 2023 aboard  Spirit of Adventure  or July 30, 2023 on  Spirit of Discovery  from £1,764 per person. These popular cruises will all call at Flam, for an excursion on its famed railway and Geiranger as well as Nordfjordeid, a new port for Saga, which is nestled at the end of the Eidsfjord. The town has a new Viking museum and exhibition, with a full size replica ship and there’s the option of an excursion to the ports of Loen and Olden.

Across the Norwegian Sea is a  Landscapes of Greenland and Iceland  cruise on  Spirit of Discovery  departing on June 29, 2023 for 17-nights. Both awash with natural wonders, the arrival into  Greenland  is a breath-taking 60-mile passage along the Prinse Christian Sound, with mountains on either side, some of which reach over 7,000 feet. The tours showcase the best of the region and the communities that thrive in this beautiful but inhospitable environment. Departing Tilbury, the cruise takes in Isafjördur, Grundafjördur, Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq, Narsarsua and Nanortalik (Greenland) before calling at Scrabster (Scotland) on the way home. Prices start from £4,900 per person.

Saga’s 18-night  Classical Italy and the Western Mediterranean  cruise departing from Dover on June 4, 2023 adds the beautiful village of Portofino to the itinerary, where  Spirit of Discovery  will anchor alongside superyachts and guests can take a tender to the harbour. The cruise also   takes in Lisbon, Portimão (Portugal), Palma (Majorca), Civitavecchia, Livorno (Italy), Monaco, Cartagena (Spain) and Gibraltar before arriving back to Tilbury.  Prices start from £4,231 per person

There are plenty of options to escape the British winter and head to the warmth of the  Canary Islands , with their volcanoes, rain forests, mountains, cities and fishing ports. A highlight for the year will be Porto da Praia’s return to Saga’s schedule on the  Cape Verde and the Canary Islands  cruise.  Spirit of Adventure  departs from Portsmouth on November 13 for 21 nights taking in Funchal, Santa Cruz, San Sebastian, La Gomera, Porto da Praia, Porto Grande, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, and La Coruña, Spain. Tours to Funchal, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, Cádiz and La Coruña are included. Prices start from £4,650 per person. There are also a further six cruise options to the sub-tropical Canaries between February and Christmas 2023.

And of course, there are a range of  Mediterranean  cruises including three 15-night  Islands of the Western Mediterranean  itineraries departing on April 22 and July 6 on  Spirit of Adventure  with prices from £3,318 per person, and from August 20 on  Spirit of Discovery  with prices from £3,325 per person.  Highlights of Spain and the Balearics  departs on May 6, aboard  Spirit of Discovery  and on September 24, 2023 on  Spirit of Adventure  for 15 nights from £3,234 per person.  Lisbon and Spain’s Atlantic Coast  on  Spirit of Adventure  departs on May 14, 2023 for 12 nights with prices from £2,767 per person.

Saga’s Baltic cruises will be uncovering some wonderful ports including smaller destinations such as Kotka in Finland and Wismar on Germany’s coast with its historic UNESCO listed town centre, plus the ever-popular ports of Tallin, Stockholm and Copenhagen. As an example,  Baltic Capitals  is a 14-night cruise that departs on June 5, 2023 on  Spirit of Adventure  from Dover, with prices starting from £2,866 per person.

The Saga cruise team have also applied their extensive destination knowledge to develop a range of excursions, both included and optional, that will give guests a real behind-the-scenes insight to the places they are visiting.  Examples include: a  small boat trip from the Greenland cruise into the Qooroq Ice Fjord to see the light-blue icebergs that the area is famous for;   a 4×4 drive to Volunteer Point, home to 1200 King penguins and 500 gentoo and magellanic penguins on the South American cruise ;  a seaplane flight over Bergen on the Norway itinerary and a visit to Mount Etna on the Sicilian cruise.

Saga’s Ocean cruises are all-inclusive with a complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service, or Saga can arrange car parking near the port, domestic flights or standard class rail/coach travel.  There are no hidden costs on-board either. Saga Cruises come with all dining and house drinks including a selection of cocktails, draft beers and lagers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks. New this year and in response to guest feedback, a selection of premium label spirits are also available at no additional cost. Also complimentary on board are the Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness facilities, 24-hour room service, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment (from lectures to recitals to West End shows), porterage of luggage, shuttle buses to nearest town centres and travel insurance with up to £5m coronavirus cover included.

Both  Spirit of Adventure  and  Spirit of Discovery  are small by today’s ship standards, but clever design and a limit to the number of guests (up to 987) give a real feeling of space and comfort, plus all cabins have their own balconies facing onto the ocean.

Although the ships are very distinctive from one another in décor and style, they both feature five restaurants, bars and a living room. Outdoors there is an observation deck, full wraparound promenade and terrace, pool, sports court and deck games. Entertainment and wellbeing facilities include The Playhouse (a 444-seat theatre with complete unobstructed views seating, home to Saga Cruise’s resident performance company), the signature Britannia Lounge with a dance floor and live entertainment, The Library with refreshments, craft and card rooms, The Spa with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and treatment rooms, The Salon, a gym, shop and medical centre.

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05 April 2022, 09:00

Saga launches 2023 ocean cruises itineraries ranging from a 78-night South American cruise to a five-night British Isles sailing

April 5, 2022: Saga Cruises has today officially launched its 2023 ocean cruise itineraries with a host of new destinations, ports and experiences for guests currently all with up to 35% off the full fare price for early bookers (prices below reflect the discount).

Ocean cruise highlights:

Saga’s 2023 ocean cruising will kick off in style with a 78-night South American itinerary departing from Portsmouth on Spirit of Adventure on January 12. The epic South American Explorer cruise will travel around the vast coastline calling at destinations such as Devil’s Island in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Colombia, the Chilean Fjords, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, and the Panama Canal transit. Prices start from £17,663 per person.

With many people now booking their once in a lifetime holiday, the Autumn Colours of New England cruise on Spirit of Discovery departing September 26, 2023 for 28-nights is the perfect way to see the stunning coastline from the East Coast of the USA and Canada to Newfoundland. Particular sights include arriving into New York’s port, passing the Statue of Liberty and cruising along the Hudson, the autumn display in Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor and the story-book fishing village of Peggy's Cove in Halifax. Newport, which is considered to be the sailing capital of, is also known for its Gilded Age mansions including the famous, ‘The Breakers’, an 1895 mansion that looks like a Renaissance palace. Prices start from £8,073 per person.

For those looking to head to the warmer parts of the Americas, there is a 30-night Springtime in the Caribbean cruise departing Portsmouth on March 5, 2023 on Spirit of Discovery from £6,712 per person, which includes a stop for the first time since 2017 in Montseratt , an island of dramatic natural scenery, dominated by the Soufrière Hills volcano and home to wonderful nature and amazing hikes. There is also an Island hopping in the Caribbean cruise on Spirit of Discovery departing November 7, 2023 for 30 nights from £6,515 per person.

Closer to home but still chasing the warmth, options include the Ancient Cities of the Mediterranean cruise departing March 31 for 22-nights on Spirit of Adventure (also repeated on Spirit of Discovery on September 4). This cruise returns to Antalya, Limassol and Rhodes , along with visits to Malaga, Valletta, Heraklion, Palermo, Cagliari and Lisbon. Highlights on the stop in Limassol include a visit to UNESCO listed Paphos, home of the colourful Dionysus mosaics, picturesque churches, medieval monasteries, museums, countless antiquities, a pretty harbour guarded by a small castle and the underground Tombs of the Kings. In Rhodes, the tour takes in the Filerimos Monastery and Grand Masters’ Palace, the Church of our Lady, built by the Knights of St John in the 15th century and a tour on foot to the 14 th century medieval Palace of the Grand Masters. Prices start from £5,168 per person.

Travellers can explore the Croatian coast on Saga’s Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic cruise departing Portsmouth on April 9, 2023 on Spirit of Discovery and on October 9, 2023 on Spirit of Adventure . This new 22-night cruise travels from Dubrovnik along the Dalmatian coast to the Istrian Peninsular. Every port is steeped in history and a stone’s throw from UNESCO heritage sites for guests to visit. It also stops at Rovinj – a new port for Saga – one of the last true Mediterranean fishing ports that faces Venice across the Adriatic and where guests will be dropped by tender into the heart of the town. Prices start from £4,995 per person.

Guests looking to test a short cruise or those interested in sailing the waters of the British Isles can select from: a five-night Capitals of the Emerald Isle itinerary departing on April 4 on Spirit of Discovery from £1,155 per person; Western Maritime Ports on Spirit of Discovery departing May 1, 2023 for five nights from £1,109 per person; Hidden Gems of the British Isles on Spirit of Adventure , a ten-night cruise departing May 26, 2023 and August 11, 2023, with prices from £2,198 per person; or a Late Summer Escape on Spirit of Adventure departing September 11, 2023 for six nights with prices from £1,330 per person.

There are also a range of short seven-night cruises of the Fjords, including: A Norwegian Trilogy on Spirit of Adventure departing May 7, 2023 from £1,664 per person; Fjord Explorer on Spirit of Discovery departing on June 22, 2023 from £1,800 per person and; Norway’s Cities and Fjords departing on July 21, 2023 aboard Spirit of Adventure or July 30, 2023 on Spirit of Discovery from £1,764 per person. These popular cruises will all call at Flam, for an excursion on its famed railway and Geiranger as well as Nordfjordeid, a new port for Saga, which is nestled at the end of the Eidsfjord. The town has a new Viking museum and exhibition, with a full size replica ship and there’s the option of an excursion to the ports of Loen and Olden.

Across the Norwegian Sea is a Landscapes of Greenland and Iceland cruise on Spirit of Discovery departing on June 29, 2023 for 17-nights. Both awash with natural wonders, the arrival into Greenland is a breath-taking 60-mile passage along the Prinse Christian Sound, with mountains on either side, some of which reach over 7,000 feet. The tours showcase the best of the region and the communities that thrive in this beautiful but inhospitable environment. Departing Tilbury, the cruise takes in Isafjördur, Grundafjördur, Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq, Narsarsua and Nanortalik (Greenland) before calling at Scrabster (Scotland) on the way home. Prices start from £4,900 per person.

Saga’s 18-night Classical Italy and the Western Mediterranean cruise departing from Dover on June 4, 2023 adds the beautiful village of Portofino to the itinerary, where Spirit of Discovery will anchor alongside superyachts and guests can take a tender to the harbour. The cruise also takes in Lisbon, Portimão (Portugal), Palma (Majorca), Civitavecchia, Livorno (Italy), Monaco, Cartagena (Spain) and Gibraltar before arriving back to Tilbury.  Prices start from £4,231 per person

There are plenty of options to escape the British winter and head to the warmth of the Canary Islands , with their volcanoes, rain forests, mountains, cities and fishing ports. A highlight for the year will be Porto da Praia’s return to Saga’s schedule on the Cape Verde and the Canary Islands cruise. Spirit of Adventure departs from Portsmouth on November 13 for 21 nights taking in Funchal, Santa Cruz, San Sebastian, La Gomera, Porto da Praia, Porto Grande, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, and La Coruña, Spain. Tours to Funchal, Santa Cruz, Arrecife, Cádiz and La Coruña are included. Prices start from £4,650 per person. There are also a further six cruise options to the sub-tropical Canaries between February and Christmas 2023.

And of course, there are a range of Mediterranean cruises including three 15-night Islands of the Western Mediterranean itineraries departing on April 22 and July 6 on Spirit of Adventure with prices from £3,318 per person, and from August 20 on Spirit of Discovery with prices from £3,325 per person. Highlights of Spain and the Balearics departs on May 6, aboard Spirit of Discovery and on September 24, 2023 on Spirit of Adventure for 15 nights from £3,234 per person. Lisbon and Spain’s Atlantic Coast on Spirit of Adventure departs on May 14, 2023 for 12 nights with prices from £2,767 per person.

Saga’s Baltic cruises will be uncovering some wonderful ports including smaller destinations such as Kotka in Finland and Wismar on Germany’s coast with its historic UNESCO listed town centre, plus the ever-popular ports of Tallin, Stockholm and Copenhagen. As an example, Baltic Capitals is a 14-night cruise that departs on June 5, 2023 on Spirit of Adventure from Dover, with prices starting from £2,866 per person.

The Saga cruise team have also applied their extensive destination knowledge to develop a range of excursions, both included and optional, that will give guests a real behind-the-scenes insight to the places they are visiting.  Examples include: a small boat trip from the Greenland cruise into the Qooroq Ice Fjord to see the light-blue icebergs that the area is famous for; a 4x4 drive to Volunteer Point, home to 1200 King penguins and 500 gentoo and magellanic penguins on the South American cruise ; a seaplane flight over Bergen on the Norway itinerary and a visit to Mount Etna on the Sicilian cruise.

Saga’s Ocean cruises are all-inclusive with a complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service, or Saga can arrange car parking near the port, domestic flights or standard class rail/coach travel.  There are no hidden costs on-board either. Saga Cruises come with all dining and house drinks including a selection of cocktails, draft beers and lagers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks. New this year and in response to guest feedback, a selection of premium label spirits are also available at no additional cost. Also complimentary on board are the Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness facilities, 24-hour room service, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment (from lectures to recitals to West End shows), porterage of luggage, shuttle buses to nearest town centres and travel insurance with up to £5m coronavirus cover included.

Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises, said: “Our guests are already excited about our 2023 schedule and so are we. We are offering a range of cruises from our 78-night South American itinerary, through to the shorter week-long British Isles and Fjords options, which are a fantastic introduction to cruising for those wanting to try it for the first time. And of course, guests can also choose the ever-popular destinations around the USA and Canada, Mediterranean, Croatia, Iceland, Greenland, Italy and the Canary Islands.

“Our beautiful boutique ocean cruise ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure , have been designed with our guests in mind from the décor and the wrap-around promenade through to the numerous restaurants and entertainment facilities. Every cabin has its own private balcony with uninterrupted sea views and everything from the chauffeur service to meals, Wi-Fi and gratuities are included in the price.”

Both Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery are small by today’s ship standards, but clever design and a limit to the number of guests (up to 987) give a real feeling of space and comfort, plus all cabins have their own balconies facing onto the ocean.  

Although the ships are very distinctive from one another in décor and style, they both feature five restaurants, bars and a living room. Outdoors there is an observation deck, full wraparound promenade and terrace, pool, sports court and deck games. Entertainment and wellbeing facilities include The Playhouse (a 444-seat theatre with complete unobstructed views seating, home to Saga Cruise’s resident performance company), the signature Britannia Lounge with a dance floor and live entertainment, The Library with refreshments, craft and card rooms, The Spa with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and treatment rooms, The Salon, a gym, shop and medical centre.

To book a 2023 Saga ocean cruise, visit saga.co.uk/cruise or call 0800 092 3660.

Selected destination images are available here , and cruise ship images here .

For journalist enquiries, please contact: [email protected] .

April 5, 2022

Amanda Allan

Notes to editors

Notes to editors:

• Terms and conditions apply, check saga.co.uk/cruise for details
• Prices above reflect the current discounts of up to 35% off
• Prices correct at time of sending and subject to availability
• All prices are per person based on two sharing
• Saga’s 2023 river cruise schedule will also be released in the coming weeks
• Saga Cruises was the first cruise company to receive Lloyd’s Register’s highest health and safety award, Shield+. The cruise line has stringent covid safe protocols on board.

SHP Spirit of Discovery EXT 17511

Cruise Line   Saga Cruises

Saga Cruises Calendar

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Spirit of Discovery

Former name: saga olympic.

Cruise line Saga Ocean Cruises (Saga Cruises)

• Portsmouth UK (England)
• Dover (England)

Spirit of Discovery current position

Spirit of Discovery current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 43.79165 N / -9.29286 W) cruising at speed of 17.2 kn (32 km/h | 20 mph) en route to GI GIB>GB PME. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery current cruise is 15 days, round-trip A Taste of the Mediterranean . The itinerary starts on 13 Apr, 2024 and ends on 28 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Spirit of Discovery

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Spirit of Discovery Itineraries

Spirit of discovery review, review of spirit of discovery.

MS Spirit of Discovery cruise ship is the first of two identical polar expedition vessels built for Saga Cruises at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg Germany . Spirit of Discovery (scheduled delivery on June 28, 2019) has one sistership - Spirit of Adventure (delivered in August 2020/inaugurated in July 2021).

The vessel (IMO number 9802683) is UK- flagged (MMSI 232021171) and registered in London .

Saga Cruises is a UK company, division of Saga Group. With the purchase of Saga Rose (former NCL ship MS Sagafjord), in 1997 Saga Holidays started passenger shipping operations under the brand name "Saga Cruises". Unlike Saga's old fleet, the new boats are fully owned by Saga Group and replaced the two chartered vessels Saga Sapphire (now Blue Sapphire) and Saga Pearl 2 .

The vessel is owned by Saga Group and operated by the UK-based cruise company (via Saga Holidays) exclusively. The shipowner Saga plc is a British travel company and cruise brand targeting mainly UK travellers in the 50+ age group. Saga UK annually serves around 2,7 million customers. The company is LSE-listed (on London Stock Exchange) under the stock symbol (ticker) SAGA.

Decks and Cabins

Saga Spirit of Discovery staterooms (554 total) are all with private step-out balconies, which also means that the ship has no Inside cabins. Cabin categories include Standard Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Midship Suites and larger Panorama Suites. 100 single cabins are specifically designed for solo travellers (can be booked with single-occupancy rates and without single supplement), which is approx 20% of the ship's total capacity.

Staterooms as decors and colour schemes are in three styles. First group's design features garden-like elements with light timbers, pastel-green colours, beautifully embroidered fabrics. Second group's design incorporates the more sophisticated grey with a dark-timber scheme, with pink-orange accented furnishings and carpet and upholstered headboard. Third group's colours are most calming, in neutral sunset tones with burnt oranges.

All cabins offer as standard (complimentary) amenities smart HDTV (infotainment system - Internet, on-demand movies, ship info channel, real-time camera views from the Bridge), direct-dial phone, large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), hotel-type beds (two twins, convertible double beds or fixed double beds with headboards), luxury bedding and pillows, bedside cabinets, wall-mounted reading lamps, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with chair and magnifying mirror, separate lounge area (low table with two comfortable armchairs), en-suite bathroom (WC, glass shower, single-sink vanity with under sink storage), private step-out balcony (with table and deckchairs), individually controlled air-conditioning, LED lighting, keycard room access.

The 4 top-tier suites (Forward Balcony Suites categories AA and BB) are named Rose Suite (after the Saga Rose liner / 1965-2010 scrapped ), Ruby Suite (after the Saga Ruby liner / 1973-2016 scrapped ), Sidney De Haan Suite (after Sidney Isaac De Haan / 1919-2002, Saga Group's founder) and Joseph Meyer Suite (after Josef Lambert Meyer / Meyer Werft's founder).

The 8 top-tier suites (Aft Balcony Suites categories CC and DD) are named after regions and islands in the UK - Bailey Suite, Fair Isle Suite, FitzRoy Suite, Hebrides Suite, Humber Suite, Lundy Suite, Thames Suite, Trafalgar Suite.

The boat has 14 decks , of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Spirit of Discovery has 4 restaurants (3 specialty, 1 Dining Room), several bars and lounges (indoor and outdoor), wellness complex (Fitness, Spa, Hydrotherapy Pool, 5 treatment rooms, 2 Saunas, Steam Room, Beauty Salon, Sports Court), Boutique Shop, Library, Lobby area (Reception, Tour Desk), 2 swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), Promenade Deck (wraparound), Sun Deck (with comfortable seating, outdoor gym equipment), laundrettes (on all cabin decks). The ship has all 6 elevators (2 clusters of 3 lifts).

"Saga Discovery" ship features all-balcony staterooms, modern hotel amenities, British-style themed onboard activities, professional and traditionally attentive service. There is a choice of dining experiences, bars and entertainment venues, including speciality (one of which Asian, serving complimentary wines), outdoor Lido Deck (with open-air/alfresco dining space), Saga's signature Britannia Lounge, theatre lounge, central hub (named "The Living Room").

The cruise liner also has a modern wellness complex and 2 swimming pools (outdoor and indoor). The Spa complex consists of Beauty Salon, Hydrotherapy Pool, Salt-Steam Room, 2 Saunas (one infrared), 5 treatment rooms (for massages, latest beauty treatments and therapies). Library Lounge offers coffee and fresh cakes and one of the best-stocked book collections at sea. The 430-seat Playhouse Theatre has tiered seating and hosts grand-scale evening show productions, cinema screenings, live music performances.

Ship's team of Executive Chefs serves the all 5 onboard restaurants. Grand Dining Room (main restaurant) serves the best of British-influenced cuisine specialities. The chefs use locally produced food sources (based on cruise itinerary/destination) and create menus of ever-changing dishes. Passengers are able to make a reservation and eat in any of the other 4 restaurants at no extra cost. House wines from the ship's cellar are complimentary and served in every restaurant.

On Lido Deck is The Verandah Restaurant that consists of Bar and Grill with separate indoor and outdoor seating areas. These are actually two restaurants combined into one, with self-service buffet lunch and waiter-served dinner. Open-kitchen allows passengers to watch ship's chefs preparing the food during their galley (kitchen) show.

In June 2018, Saga Cruises signed a partnership deal with Jools Holland (English pianist, singer, BBC TV presenter) for "The Club by Jools" steakhouse restaurant. By the 5-year partnership deal (until 2024), at the Jools restaurant are performed live music and its bar is designed like a cabaret lounge from the 1950s. The dinner-only restaurant's menu features classic steaks (fillet, T-bone, ribeye, tomahawk steaks), live music performances (by resident and guest musicians) and premium cocktails.

In December 2018, Saga Cruises signed a partnership deal with Hush Heath Estate (Kent England wine producer, Staplehurst-based winery) to blend a new wine label specifically for Saga's new liner Discovery. The project was coordinated by Owen Elias (Hush Heath Estate's consultant winemaker), who worked with cruise company's executive chefs to create Saga's exclusive sparkling wine label "Spirit of Discovery".

Itineraries

Saga Spirit of Discovery itinerary program offers both cruises leaving roundtrip from UK ports and UK fly-cruise deals. Ship's both homeports are in England ( Dover and Southampton ). Dover roundtrips visit ports in Baltic Sea (Scandinavia and Russia, Norwegian Fjords, Germany and Belgium). Southampton roundtrips visit ports in the Mediterranean Sea (Spain, France, Italy) and the Canary Islands with Madeira. The ship also operates on roundtrip UK (Southampton) Transatlantic crossings to Caribbean and USA ports.

The inaugural cruise was initially scheduled for July 23, 2019 (themed "Channel Island Hop Cruise"), with next voyages, themed "Gourmet Spain" (August 3) and "Natural Scandinavia" (August 17). However, as the liner was delivered earlier (in June instead of July 2019), the maiden voyage was re-scheduled for July 10 (themed "A British First") - see more in the ship's WIKI section.

In late-March 2021, Saga announced a revised ex-UK 2021 summer program with 3 all-inclusive cruise itineraries scheduled for Spirit of Discovery, all leaving roundtrip from homeport London-Tilbury England .

• 14-night "Great British Isles Adventure" itinerary (departure July 11) visiting Falmouth , Holyhead , Belfast , Greenock-Glasgow , Ullapool , Kirkwall , Newhaven , Newcastle , with included tours in Kirkwall, Belfast, Edinburgh , Newcastle. Balcony cabin prices started from GBP 3375 per person with double occupancy.
• 6-night "Northern Isles to the Fjords" itinerary (departures July 3 and July 25) visiting Kirkwall, Sognefjord (scenic cruising), Lerwick , Stornoway , Scrabster , with included tours in Lerwick and Kirkwall. Balcony cabin prices started from GBP 1540 pp.
• 6-night "Scottish Highlands and Islands" itinerary (departure June 27) visiting Lerwick, Scrabster, Invergordon , with included tours in Invergordon and Lerwick. Balcony cabin prices started from GBP 1155 pp.

Saga's new ships are operated with all-inclusive package deals. Fares include unlimited (shipboard served) house spirits, beers, wine (by the glass) and soft drinks. Packages also include:

• UK travel package (to/from departure port), Shuttle bus transfer (to the nearest downtown from homeport)
• Onboard gratuities, Porterage
• Onboard Welcome cocktail party
• All onboard meals, afternoon tea, live entertainment
• Unlimited tea and coffee (selected ship venues)
• 24-hour room service
• premium service (2 staff members for 3 passengers)

Spirit of Discovery - user reviews and comments

Photos of spirit of discovery.

Spirit of Discovery ship related cruise news

Saga Group (UK) might sell its ocean cruise division

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Portsmouth UK boasts new sustainable cruise terminal

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Saga UK's ship Spirit of Discovery hosts special Coronation celebrations

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2023 will see Portsmouth Port UK (England) host more maiden calls/welcome back cruise companies, as it continues to strengthen its place as the first...

Saga UK introduces 4 new Around Britain voyages for summer 2023

Saga Cruises added a further 4 round-Britain voyages into its summer 2023 schedule, all with up to 35% off, and timed to coincide with events like...

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...

SAGA's Spirit of Discovery is the first cruise ship in 3 years to dock in Tunisia

A cruise ship docked in port in Tunisia on Wednesday, March 23, for the first time since 2019, carrying 700+ passengers and good news for operators...

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On October 5, Saga UK's cruise ship Spirit of Adventure is scheduled to depart on a 5-day "Taste of the Continent" itinerary visiting Holland...

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Saga Cruises had to amend the maiden voyage of their new ship Spirit of Adventure due to Scotland's lockdown restrictions. The ship is scheduled to...

•   show more news

Other Saga Ocean Cruises cruise ships

• Spirit of Adventure

Spirit of Discovery Wiki

For the new ship series, Saga employed the designer company SMC Design, which has extensive experience with cruise vessel design. Among SMC Design's customers are also P&O Cruises UK (Sindhu / Indian restaurant), Viking Ocean Cruises (Explorers Lounge), NCL (Mandara Spa).

Vessel's construction started on February 28, 2018 (steel-cutting ceremony), attended by Lance Batchelor (Saga Group's CEO) and Tim Meyer Meyer Werft's managing director). The boat's hull sections and building blocks were constructed and assembled at Building Dock I (Meyer Werft's Papenburg shipyard). Saga's Spirit of Discovery bookings (for all itineraries 2019-2020) opened in October 2017.

On June 28, 2018, was held the keel-laying ceremony. Traditionally, a commemorative coin was placed under the hull's first block (of all 54 blocks/hull and superstructure). The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) on May 12, 2019. Its official delivery to Saga plc (UK) was initially scheduled for June 20, but later rescheduled for June 28 (2019).

Next timelapse video shows some phases of the vessel's  construction process .

The ship's christening ceremony was on July 5, 2019, held at Dover Western Docks ( Port Dover England) . Ship's official naming ceremony was attended by 500+ guests, including Saga Group's management, employees and crew. The quayside event was transformed into a traditional British garden party, complete with grass (grown in Yorkshire), bunting and table settings, foliage, florals, trees and parasols.

In early-June 2019 was announced the name of liner's Godmother - HRH Camilla (Duchess of Cornwall, aka Duchess of Rothesay). The 1947-born Camilla Rosemary Shand (now Camilla Parker-Bowles) is a British royal family member as the second wife of Charles (Prince of Wales, 1948-born as Charles Philip Arthur George).

In early-March 2019, SAGA announced that starting with the 14-day Inaugural Canary Islands cruise (Nov 4-18), the new liner becomes all-inclusive. This means that Saga cruise fares are inclusive of speciality restaurant dining, beverages (wine, beer, house spirits, soft drinks), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, gratuities, transfer (chauffeur service to/from homeport for cruise passengers based within 250 ml / 402 km distance). Shore excursions remain optional and at additional cost. The cruise company offers complimentary shuttle bus services in all ports where the town/city is over 0,5 km from the ship. The sistership Spirit of Adventure (August 2020) also offers all-inclusive deals.

In mid-June 2021 SAGA announced the names of its cruise ship Captains - Darin Bowland (Spirit of Discovery) and Jason Ikiadis (Spirit of Adventure). Bowland (starting in 1985) was previously employed by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation ( HAL-Holland America Line 's ship Zaandam ). Ikiadis (starting in 1984) was previously employed by RCG ( Azamara 's ship Journey ) and TUI ( Marella 's ships Discovery and Discovery 2 ).

The vessel was last drydocked in 2023 (January 8 - February 2) at Lloyd Werft Shipyard ( Bremerhaven ). The scheduled drydocking was for routine class works and general maintenance (hotel and machinery).

Inaugural itineraries 2019

The inaugural cruise was initially scheduled for July 23, 2019 (themed "Channel Island Hop Cruise"), with next planned voyages themed as "Gourmet Spain" (August 3) and "Natural Scandinavia" (August 17). However, as the liner was to be delivered earlier, its maiden voyage was rescheduled for July 10th. For 2019, the ship had scheduled a total of 11 roundtrips from homeport Dover UK. The following tables show liner's inaugural cruise itineraries in 2019. Prices shown are indicative, in USD, per person, based on double-occupancy (Standard Balcony cabin rates).

The 13-day maiden voyage (themed "A British First" / British Isles circumnavigation itinerary) is a Dover roundtrip priced from USD 4060 pp.

4-day "Inaugural Cruise" from UK (themed "A Channel Island Hop", from USD 890 pp)

7-day Inaugural "Norwegian Fjords" cruise (themed "The Fjords in Focus", from USD 1770 pp)

14-day Inaugural Iberia cruise (themed "Gourmet Spain", from USD 4030 pp)

14-day Inaugural "Scandinavia and Russia" cruise (themed "Myths and Legends of the Baltic", from USD 4000 pp)

18-day Inaugural Mediterranean cruise from UK (themed "The Chic Mediterranean", from USD 4930 pp)

14-day Inaugural Canary Islands cruise from UK (themed "Spanish Islands of the Atlantic", from USD 3020 pp)

35-day Inaugural Transatlantic crossing from UK (themed "Fairy Tale of New York", from USD 9450 pp)

• Saga Cruises

By Jammy Bun , August 11, 2021 in Saga Cruises

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So Saga experts... it struck me that (all being well)  OH and I  will celebrate our Golden Wedding in February 2023.  I hear so much about 'book early' (which I absolutely hate doing btw) so I'm wondering how you get to be early bird bookers - do I have to register my interest somewhere, order a brochure, sign up for email news, etc?   

Look forward to hearing all your hints and tips! 

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We have paid £90pp to pre register for 2023 cruises.

Those that have pre registered will receive an email brochure and a phone call  in registration order to book their cruise.

If you can’t find anything you want to do you will be refunded your £90. 

Hopefully Spring 2023 itineraries will be released September/ October time.

26 minutes ago, Glenndale said: We have paid £90pp to pre register for 2023 cruises. Those that have pre registered will receive an email brochure and a phone call  in registration order to book their cruise. If you can’t find anything you want to do you will be refunded your £90.  Hopefully Spring 2023 itineraries will be released September/ October time.    

Thanks, that's just what I wanted to know!  How do you pre register - do I have to ring them?  (I have googled but not found a definitive answer!)

25 minutes ago, Jammy Bun said: Thanks, that's just what I wanted to know!  How do you pre register - do I have to ring them?  (I have googled but not found a definitive answer!) JB

Yes ring them. Try ringing their booking line. If, when you come to book, you have a previous Saga cruiser who has recommended you, you both get a further £100 pp off, as do they.

You don't have to be travelling on the same cruise.  🙂

Unfortunately it seems as phone callers are experiencing quite long wait times.

• 3 months later...

Hi.  Has anyone heard when 2023 cruises might be available?  Looking to book a cruise to celebrate our silver wedding.   We have preregistered but probably a lot later than many people.  So was wondering if anyone has received a call yet for 2023.

SummmerInKefalonia

End of December.

14 hours ago, Medeba said: Hi.  Has anyone heard when 2023 cruises might be available?  Looking to book a cruise to celebrate our silver wedding.   We have preregistered but probably a lot later than many people.  So was wondering if anyone has received a call yet for 2023.

We pre-registered in March 2020, which seems a long time ago!  We were asked if we were interested in Cruises departing January to March, or April to December 2023.  We opted for the latter.  I contacted Saga a couple of weeks ago and was advised that staff haven’t yet been told when these cruises will be on sale, but likely to be after Christmas.  It seems very late compared to other cruise lines - I hope it’s worth the wait!

1 hour ago, LandC said: We pre-registered in March 2020, which seems a long time ago!  We were asked if we were interested in Cruises departing January to March, or April to December 2023.  We opted for the latter.  I contacted Saga a couple of weeks ago and was advised that staff haven’t yet been told when these cruises will be on sale, but likely to be after Christmas.  It seems very late compared to other cruise lines - I hope it’s worth the wait!

I'm impressed with when you pre-registered for 2023.  Looks like I'm going to be well down the pecking order for a phone call!  Thanks for the info.  I too hope it's well worth the wait.

On 11/29/2021 at 6:09 PM, SummmerInKefalonia said: End of December.

Hope it's not end of December-we're on Discovery Christmas cruise until January 2022..Maybe someone on the ship will tell us about 2023 cruises..? 

17 hours ago, bjenk said: Hope it's not end of December-we're on Discovery Christmas cruise until January 2022..Maybe someone on the ship will tell us about 2023 cruises..? 

Ask the Future cruise sales person when on board. They have a desk in Saga World near the South Cape Bar on Deck 6.

turnip eater

Future cruise person told us this week…

Jan 22 for Jan-March 2023

April 22 for April-Dec 2023.

https://travel.saga.co.uk/forms/2022-2023-brochures.aspx

Here it says end of December.

• 4 weeks later...

On 12/5/2021 at 3:50 PM, SummmerInKefalonia said: https://travel.saga.co.uk/forms/2022-2023-brochures.aspx Here it says end of December.

Wish that they would hurry up! Some cruise lines are already offering cruises in 2024. Has anyone heard anything yet?

Nothing yet. We’re departing on a Canaries cruise on SofA on 5th January (fingers crossed), so will ask the Future Sales person on board.  We have pre-registered for cruises April to December 2023; I hope we don’t have to wait until April 2022 in order to book!

If you pay the £90 to pre register is that your deposit (As it is for some cruise lines) or do you still pay the 15%

The £90 pre -registration fee is deducted from the deposit if you book. If you decide not to book, you can move it to the following year, or have a refund.

4 hours ago, LandC said: The £90 pre -registration fee is deducted from the deposit if you book. If you decide not to book, you can move it to the following year, or have a refund.

I’ve just asked the Future Cruise Sales person on board SofA.  2023 itineraries are still being finalised, and she doesn’t know when people who have pre-registered will be contacted.  I got the impression she has been asked this question before!  I wonder if Saga are trying to sell more 2022 itineraries before they advertise 2023?

I asked Saga when 2023 Cruises would go on sale. They replied that whilst no fixed date had yet been agreed it was likely to be March with pre-registration Guests contacted 3-4 weeks before release date.

• 3 weeks later...

We’ve got a couple of 2023 itineraries in our sights with other cruise lines, but want to see what Saga has to offer before booking.  Hopefully  we’ll be contacted within the next couple of weeks.  Will post here if we get a call.

I spoke to someone today at Saga about something else but enquired about the 2023 release date as well.I was told early March as they are still finalising some itineraries

22 hours ago, ann141 said: I spoke to someone today at Saga about something else but enquired about the 2023 release date as well.I was told early March as they are still finalising some itineraries

I was told the same.

A post in a Saga social media group reports that the new brochure is now due at the END of March. This is barely a week after I was told the beginning. I wish that they would get a move on. Whilst I am predisposed to book both ocean and river cruises with Saga, I have other irons in the fire and cannot wait forever. Some lines are already taking bookings for 2024!

30 minutes ago, Denarius said: A post in a Saga social media group reports that the new brochure is now due at the END of March. This is barely a week after I was told the beginning. I wish that they would get a move on. Whilst I am predisposed to book both ocean and river cruises with Saga, I have other irons in the fire and cannot wait forever. Some lines are already taking bookings for 2024!

The recent Britannia Club News says of the launch of the 2023 itineraries "this will be by the end of March".

2 hours ago, david05 said: The recent Britannia Club News says of the launch of the 2023 itineraries "this will be by the end of March".

I hope so. I will be on SoA at the end of March and was hoping to book some cruises for 2023 before I go.

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Embarkation times choice ?

By FannyLiz , August 4, 2023 in Saga Cruises

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Do passengers get any say over embarkation times or are they all pre-allocated ?

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1 hour ago, FannyLiz said: Do passengers get any say over embarkation times or are they all pre-allocated ?

If you are using Saga transport, then you will be told when to expect pick-up, and it is unlikely that you can change this (especially if shared transport) so embarkation time depends on car pick-up time. The closer to the port you are, the later the pick-up time.

If you are travelling independently. my recollection is that you are told when the last boarding time is, and when boarding is expected to start, and you arrive at a time of your choice between these two times.

This may have changed, as our last cruise we used Saga transport; somebody with more up-to-date information may be along soon, or you can ask Saga directly..

Previously, with self transport, we arrived fairly early (about 13-14:00, checked in, were given a card with a number on it, and then waited in the departure lounge until "our" number group was called for boarding.

But we never received a fixed embarkation time, so can be pot luck whether you arrive at a quiet time, or just when two coaches have unloaded.

Thanks. Looks as if I might be quite late boarding as I live 74 miles from the port and am having a single pick up. 

LondonLad60

" The closer to the port you are, the later the pick-up time"

I don't think this is always the case. We live approximately 100 miles from Dover, and our pick-up time for our June cruise was 11:15. Friends of ours on the same cruise live over twice as far away (approx. 210 miles), and their pick-up time was only fifteen minutes earlier than ours, at 11:00. I may be wrong (and I'm happy to be corrected), but I think that one's level in the Britannia Club may have some bearing on pick-up times.

9 hours ago, FannyLiz said: Thanks. Looks as if I might be quite late boarding as I live 74 miles from the port and am having a single pick up. 

From what I've read, "close" means really, really close. Like, if you live in the environs of Dover and are using Saga transport. 

I was picked up near Heathrow, about 100 miles according to Google Maps, and got a pickup time of about 12:30PM. 

twotravellersLondon

16 hours ago, FannyLiz said: Thanks. Looks as if I might be quite late boarding as I live 74 miles from the port and am having a single pick up. 

Not in our case... we're just over 70 miles away and we were on early afternoon on the last cruise and in time for an early lunch on the last one.

Because of the numbers involved in Saga's Transport System (200 plus cars each cruise) then the embarkation times have to be phased for between 1pm & 4pm to avoid everybody trying to boarding early. 

Unless you are over Platinum level, I very much doubt that being a Britannia Club member has any bearing on pick-up times.

The main priority is making sure everybody gets on board in good time, so FatBoy20 has summed it up perfectly - your pick-up time depends not just on how far away you are, but potential traffic delays, roadworks, other pick-ups and vehicle availability.

Giving priority according to Britannia Club tier would just complicate things - and would be contrary to Saga ethos of "everybody merits the same good service".

Dermotsgirl

I think I have done quite well with my pick up time.  I'm sailing from Tilbury, and live 35 miles away. I've got a 12.40 pickup time - but have to use the Dartford Crossing, so there is potential for delay. 

Windsurfboy

I don't worry as long as it is sensible,  we live 5 hours away so would question an afternoon pick up. Apart from that the nice thing is it's Saga's responsibility to get us to ship and their problem if we are late.

Thank you so much everyone. I've got a better idea how things work now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an early pick up as I am so looking forward to getting on board.

You'll have a lovely time, but accept the risk that you may come back hooked on Saga.

Our neighbours have been ocean cruising for years, mainly with Marella but also various others.

They always dismissed Saga as overpriced.

This year they tried the Adventure for an 18-night cruise, mainly because they did not want to fly this year.

They have already booked their next Saga cruise...and said that Saga will now be their "go-to" cruise line.

Their comment was, "we have never before been so well looked after - well worth the money".

Thank you. The more I hear and read the more I wish I had done this years ago. My late husband however would rather have had teeth pulled than go on a cruise  as he used to get sea-sick on the ferry to Spain which was our regular winter retreat.

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Saga cruises sails back into the black as passenger numbers soar

S aga cheered an ‘outstanding’ year for its cruise business – but still racked up a £129million loss as troubles at its insurance arm took their toll.

The company, which specialises in insurance and holidays for over-50s, sailed back into the black at its ocean cruise business where profits came in at £36million for 2023, up from the £700,000 loss the year before.

Its river cruise arm unveiled annual profits of £3million, from a £5million loss in 2022.

Saga’s travel business, which includes both the Saga Holidays and Titan brands, saw passenger numbers surge from 47,000 in 2022 to 57,800 last year.

‘Ocean Cruise had an outstanding year and, as a result, we far exceeded our initial earnings targets, while River Cruise and Travel both returned to profit for the first time since the pandemic,’ said chief executive Mike Hazell, the company’s former chief financial officer who took over from Euan Sutherland in November.

He added: ‘Forward bookings are strong, with all three businesses significantly ahead of the same point in the prior year.’ 

In 2023, tours around the fjords and Scandinavia were a particular sweet spot, while cruises to Greenland were increasingly popular.

But despite bumper demand for cruises and getaways, Saga still clocked up losses of £129million as its insurance arm continues to feel the sting of high inflation, driving up the price of payouts.

Motor insurers are being significantly affected by surging claims due to more expensive repair and labour costs and semiconductor shortages pushing up second-hand car prices.

In addition, they are banned from ‘price walking’ – giving cheaper premiums to new customers while making loyal customers pay more for renewals.

Saga was reportedly in talks to sell its underwriting business last year to Open, an Australian insurer, but failed to get a deal over the line.

But the company recently said that it was ‘exploring opportunities’ as it tries to drive down its debt, which currently stands at £637million.

Last year it tapped chairman Roger De Haan for £35million, adding to the pile of cash it owes him. It said it was looking at a partnership, with an outside firm taking over the running of its cruise operations.

Its two flagship vessels, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, run cruises across the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Nordics and the Caribbean, with prices ranging from £1,300 to £15,000.

Analysts at Peel Hunt said ‘further strategic action is needed’ to get the company on a ‘firmer financial footing’.