Saga's newest ship, the "Spirit of Adventure," has been christened in a traditional ceremony at Portsmouth International Harbour. It was christened by the recently retired Chief Medical Officer of the Royal Navy, Commodore Inga J. Kennedy, in recognition of the countless hours of service provided by medical professionals during the pandemic.
The new ship was the first to be named after Portsmouth, thanks to the city's investment in expanding the port's main cruise berth, which allows for the handling of larger vessels. Nick Stace, Saga's Managing Director of Travel, said: “Today has been a long time coming, and the naming of our brand-new cruise ship, 'Spirit of Adventure,' is already part of a historic day for the UK. Now it's time to launch the Spirit of Adventure alongside her sister ship, the Spirit of Discovery, and get back to doing what we do best: providing our guests with an amazing cruise experience.”.
The ship will depart on its maiden voyage on July 26 from Tilbury, cruising around Great Britain, stopping at Newcastle, Belfast, the Isle of Man, Liverpool, Holyhead, Bristol, Lundy Island, the north coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Falmouth, before returning to Tilbury on Tuesday, August 10.
The Spirit of Adventure has 10 passenger decks and offers 554 balcony staterooms, including 109 private balcony staterooms. It features five restaurants: The Main Dining Room, The Grill, The Supper Club, Khukuri (Nepali specialty), and Amalfi (Italian specialty). The North Cape Bar is the ship's main bar, and the Living Room offers coffee and snacks, as well as full beverage service. Outdoor amenities include an observation deck, a full promenade and terrace, a swimming pool, a sports court, and deck games.
Entertainment and wellness facilities include The Playhouse (a 444-seat theater with unobstructed views, home to Saga Cruise's resident show company), the iconic Britannia Lounge with a dance floor and live entertainment, The Library, The Spa with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms, The Salon, a fitness center, shop, and medical center. The ship also features specially commissioned artwork inspired by the geography and landscapes of the British Isles.
