Christened: Spirit of Discovery is named by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall
Smashing stuff… two christenings in two days for Camilla. Before attending step-grandson Archie’s christening on Saturday, HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, named Saga’s new £300 million, 1,000-passenger cruise ship Spirit of Discovery in Dover.
The ship, the only liner built and delivered exclusively for the British market this year, sailed past the iconic White Cliffs and next year will be joined by sister ship Spirit of Adventure – the two costing £600 million.
NEW: Saga’s £300m cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery Pic: Christopher Ison
Saga magazine editor Louise Robinson was one of the first people to board Spirit of Discovery and said: “What a triumph she is. I can’t get enough of her.”
And she treated Your-Hols.com to some great pictures of the stunning new ship.
First on board: Saga magazine editor Louise Robinson on Spirit of Discovery
Boutique-style: Sweeping staircase on Saga’s new ship Spirit of Discovery
What a view: Gorgeous lounge on Saga’s new cruise ship Spirit of Discovery
Top eateries: The Grill on Saga’s new £300m cruise ship Spirit of Discovery
Saga is driving the British boutique cruise market after research showed that customers preferred smaller ships to larger vessels, wanting a refined, luxury experience.
Key features of Spirit of Discovery include a wraparound promenade deck (removed from nearly all new design ships), an above water spa, ‘The Club’ – a dining and music venue in collaboration with Jools Holland.
Also every cabin has a private balcony and, uniquely, 20 per cent of cabins have been designed for single occupancy (typically ships have only five per cent and often these cabins do not have a view.)
There are almost 400 original pieces of British art among 1,000 artworks, all created by British based artists. Names include established artists such as Helen Amy Murray, Evelyn Binns and David Harber as well as some really exciting and unique up and coming talent.
A host of independent British suppliers are also providing a lot of the food and wine.
Saga Travel CEO Robin Shaw says: “We have unashamedly focused on the fact we are a British cruise line. We have designed the new ships with a focus on British contemporary design classics, with the vision of creating Britain’s first boutique hotel at sea.
“But these ‘hotels’ are able to take Saga guests to interesting and exciting destinations around the world. Both ships will have a bold and adventurous style that’s a testament to high-quality design and the best of British innovation and flair.”
For itineraries and prices see saga.co.uk/travel
SUPER: Saga’s new British boutique cruise ship Spirit of Discovery
