Spirit of Discovery
Unfortunately, we no longer sell Saga Ocean Cruises. For alternative cruise lines popular with like-minded cruisers, we recommend Fred. Olsen Cruises, P&O Cruises or Ambassador Cruise Line.
Classical, elegant and world-class, Spirit of Discovery takes a Saga cruise to the next tier with exceptional restaurants, amazing entertainment spaces, balcony cabins and immaculate design throughout. Launched in 2019 and with many itineraries departing from Southampton, Spirit of Discovery is equipped with all the facilities you'll need to relax and indulge yourself, connected by the beautiful four-floor atrium. Throughout the ship, there are a choice of entertainment venues, several dining venues including speciality restaurants, a feature library, the signature Britannia Lounge, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, sauna and beauty salon.
The ship in numbers
- Launched 2019
- Tonnage 58250
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 10
- Decks 10
- Lifts 6
- Pools 2
- Restaurants 5
- Formal nights Yes
- Adult only Yes
- Maximum capacity 1000
- Crew 523
- Refurbished 2019
What's onboard
Dining
Onboard Spirit of Discovery, guests can enjoy a range of tantalising tastes and styles of cuisine served by a team of professional Executive Chefs. All dining, even the specialty restaurants, are included in the cost, along with a selection of house wines and all tips and service charges, making mealtimes as relaxed as you can imagine.
Restaurants
- Grand Dining Room- this is the main restaurant onboard where guests are served a la carte breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with complete freedom to sit wherever they wish.
- The Verandah and Grill- together, these restaurants offer both inside and outside spaces for guests to enjoy lunchtime buffets and evening 'a la minute' dishes. The outside Verandah is equipped with barbecue stations so you can enjoy freshly-grilled fish and meat. Dining here has a large emphasis on healthier choices and vegetarian options for guests to take advantage of.
- East to West- expect exotic flavours as you indulge in a regularly changing menu of authentic Oriental dishes, from traditional options to unique twists such as sizzling beef fillet in Balinese sauce.
- Coast to Coast- the ship’s go to seafood venue, on offer are British and locally-sourced fish, shellfish and other fruits de mer, all cooked in a minimalistic manner. Grilled, pan fried or something more adventurous, there's a sumptuous dish available for everyone.
Accompanying your meals are house red, white, rosé and sparkling wines at no extra charge, with a connoisseur selection to purchase by the glass or by the bottle. UK-sourced craft beers, ales and even a British style gin-trolley are also be available.
Entertainment
Sophisticated entertainment keeps guests busy during the evenings onboard Spirit of Discovery. Whether you choose to marvel at vibrant production in the Playhouse theatre, wonder at the alternative shows in Britannia Lounge followed by a night of dancing or sit back and soak up the live music at The Club by Jools, no night onboard has to be the same (unless you want it to be!). In addition, if you’d rather relax with a drink in hand, The South Cape Bar and The Living Rooms combine elegant decor with delicious drinks to provide the perfect venue for a pre-dinner drink or an evening of sipping your favourite cocktails.
Things to do
Spa and fitness
Spirit of Discovery's Spa provides true relaxation and rejuvenation with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, five private stone massage and treatment areas, as well as an infrared sauna. Promoting healthy living, there is also a fitness programme including use of a state-of-the-art gym, Pilates, yoga, tai chi classes, 1-to-1 sessions with fitness experts and healthy menu options at every meal.
Recreation
The ship's central hub, the Living Room is a spacious and vibrant room where you can meet friends, enjoy coffee with a choice of gelato, fresh pastries and homemade cakes, go shopping or relax in the afternoon with a cocktail from the champagne bar. If you fancy a spot of afternoon tea, this can be enjoyed in The Club or buffet-style in the Britannia Lounge.
Stylish and casual, the Library offers an extensive selection of fiction and reference books. Find out more about your destinations, surf the web, and get in contact with friends and family. The nearby kitchen provides complimentary tea, coffee and homemade cake as you spend time in the library, or you head to the craft area to take part in a free class or workshop.
Spend your afternoon on the al fresco Terrace, the ship's relaxing garden area where guests can watch the setting sun with after-dinner cocktails. Access to the full-length wraparound promenade makes it easy to get around the ship or simply have a refreshing stroll and admire the view while breathing in the sea air.
Spirit of Discovery Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Spirit of Discovery
I looked forward to the Spirit of Discovery, after cruising on the Saga Sapphire, I was interested in a cabin with a proper balcony. The Discovery has by desgn a positive tick, being all balcony. Also having on all decks a passenger stern verandah. I chose the October 18 day cruise to the Med. My review summarises the good and not so good. The good, plenty of space, both in public areas and corridors. Dining choices, at no extra charge. Of special mention breakfast and lunch in the Grill, especially Sunday roasts. Evening meals above average in the Club, rack of lamb was the best. Interested to have on board working wifi at no extra charge. I also liked the arts and crafts sessions. For the first time on a cruise no long waits for lifts. Now for the not so good. The hardest bed I have slept on, even 2 overlays did not help , so 18 nights without proper sleep. Very poor embarkation over 2.30 hours wating time, and disembarkation, a shambles 3 hour wait and then they could not find the driver. Entertainment unsatisfactory. Theatre not designed to cater for 6ft plus passengers. Quality of entertainments, not good except for the quartet. Missed the after diner drinks with soft music, such as guiter, piano or the quartet. The Brittania lounge after dinner was deserted with no atmosphere. Finally October sailing we met gales going and coming back in the Bay, so would I go again on Saga? No, I think the negatives outway the positives when one considers the cost.
Transport to the ship excellent and on time.Reception friendly and efficient, introduction to staff and guidance to room good ,Cabins spacious and spotless with all added extras ie a kettle and supply of tea exc.,Fruit supplied a great touch Being a larger ship it takes several days to ascertain where you are and where you want to go map supplied. Food an excellent choice of restaurants to suit ones taste how ever main restaurant portions smaller than usual. Problems The lift operating board indicated deck numbers the map indicated deck names not numbers The main complaint was the theater did not commence until 2200hours far to late for many people especially if you had to rise early the next day for an organize trip thank you for organizing it.
