saga cruises september 2023

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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

• Bremerhaven
• Le Havre (Paris)
• London Greenwich
• London Portsmouth
• London Tilbury
• Southampton
• Warnemunde (Rostock)
• Zeebrugge (Bruges)
• Arctic Circle
• British Isles
• Midnight Sun
• Northern Europe
• Northern Lights
• Norwegian Fjords
• Scandinavia
• Transatlantic
• Western Europe
• AIDA Cruises
• Azamara Club Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Saga Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Ports Of Call

Saga Cruises, Late Summer Escape from Dover, September 11, 2023

Cruising from: Dover, England ;

Departure Date: 11 September, 2023 ;

Cruise Line: Saga Cruises ;

Cruise Ship: Spirit of Adventure ;

Duration: 6-day cruise ;

Ports of Call: Dover, Cork, Isles of Scilly, Saint-Malo, Dover ;

6-day cruise to Dover, Cork, Isles of Scilly, Saint-Malo, Dover on board Spirit of Adventure.

Day 0 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.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Cork, Ireland

Cobh is a town on the south coast of Ireland, on an island in Cork city's harbour. It's known as the Titanic's last port of call which sailed from here on 14 April 1912. The centre of Cobh is compact and quite flat with a large waterside park and a good selection of bars, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 3 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 4 Saint-Malo, France

Saint-Malo, beautiful city and port in Brittany on the Channel coast, curves out to sea on a stunning natural harbour that has created some of the best sandy beaches on the Emerald Coast. Rising out of the granite rock, St Malo is a maze of medieval streets bursting with history and culture. The legacy of the dastardly pirates of the 19th century and the siege during the Second World War entwines with the bustling array of arty shops and the delicious smells of oysters and crêpes from restaurants and outdoor markets and cafes. Special attraction is Saint-Malo Walls, where every gate, bastion and view has a story to tell.

Day 5 At Sea, At Sea

Day 6 dover, england.

Sail with Saga Cruises from Dover to British Isles on board Spirit of Adventure cruise ship. Discover the best of England, Ireland, France on this British Isles cruise and discover amazing Dover, Cork, Isles of Scilly, Saint-Malo, Dover. Spirit of Adventure leaving Dover, England for 6 days from September 11, 2023.

British Isles cruise September 2023

British Isles cruise from Dover September 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

Cruise line Saga Ocean Cruises (Saga Cruises)

• Dover (England)
• Portsmouth UK (England)

Spirit of Adventure current position

Spirit of Adventure current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 53.34421 N / -4.61877 W) cruising en route to GB HLY>GB PTL. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Spirit of Adventure

Spirit of Adventure current cruise is 10 days, round-trip Great British Explorer . The itinerary starts on 14 Aug, 2024 and ends on 24 Aug, 2024 .

Specifications of Spirit of Adventure

•   Itineraries
•   Review
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Spirit of Adventure Itineraries

Spirit of adventure review, review of spirit of adventure.

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

The vessel (IMO number 9818084) is UK- flagged (MMSI 232026551) and registered in London .

Saga Cruises is a UK company, a 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 ( Saga Sapphire/now Blue Sapphire and Saga Pearl 2 ), the new liners are fully owned by Saga Group and replaced the two chartered vessels (Sapphire, 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 travelers 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 Adventure staterooms (554 total) are all with 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. More than 100 "single cabins" are specifically designed for solo travellers (can be booked with single occupancy rates), which is approx 20% of the ship's 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 a 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 boat has 14 decks , of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Spirit of Adventure has 4 restaurants (3x specialty, 1x Dining Room), several bars and lounges (indoor and outdoor), wellness complex (Fitness, Spa, Hydrotherapy Pool, 5x treatment rooms, 2x Saunas, Steam Room, Beauty Salon, Sports Court), Boutique Shop (jewellery, perfumes, clothing, special occasion gifts, confectionary), 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 Adventure" 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 Living Room is a midship lounge with floor-ceiling windows, comfortable modern seating (3-seater sofas, lounge chairs). Living Room's cafe bar doubles as patisserie during the day (serving gelato ice-cream, premium coffee and fresh-baked cakes) and as speciality cocktail bar in the evenings. The design features a sculptural grand staircase and full-height artworks.

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, Saunas (one is 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 444-seat Playhouse Theatre has tiered seating and hosts grand-scale evening show productions, cinema screenings, live music performances.

The ship's team of Executive Chefs serves the all 5 onboard restaurants. Grand Dining Room (main restaurant) serves the best of British-influenced cuisine specialties. 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.

Khukuri House is an Italian restaurant with Nepalese cuisine, traditional artwork, room dividers (Dhaka fabrics), hidden lighting. Most tables are 2-seat (combined into 4-seat clusters) plus 4-seat tables with sofas and armchairs (by the floor-ceiling windows).

The Amalfi is a sophisticated Italian restaurant providing an authentic dining experience. Its design features 4-colour tiled flooring, floor-ceiling lighted wine cabinets, up-lit screens, red leather chairs.

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 will be performed live music and its bar will be 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.

Itineraries

Saga Spirit of Adventure itinerary program is based on roundtrips from two UK homeports ( Dover and Southampton ) and was planned to start with the Maiden Voyage from Dover leaving August 21, 2020. The 17-day Baltic Sea voyage featured an overnight in St Petersburg Russia and also visiting Stockholm Sweden , Copenhagen Denmark , Visby Sweden , Tallinn Estonia , Aalborg Denmark . Other scheduled for the inaugural 2020 season (and eventually cancelled) itineraries included:

• "The Inaugural Cruise" (August 21 from Dover) - prices started from GBP 4700 pp.
• "This Sceptred Isle" (September 7 from Dover) - from GBP 3470 pp.
• "A Norwegian Canvas" (September 21 from Dover) - from GBP 1510 pp.
• "A Taste of France and Spain" (September 28 from Dover) - from GBP 2710 pp.
• "Tales from the Ancient Mediterranean " (October 10 from Southampton) - from GBP 5180 pp.
• "Stars of the Canaries" (November 1/Southampton) - from GBP 2670 pp.
• "Rhythm of the Caribbean" (November 15/Southampton) - from GBP 6670 pp.
• "Christmas Sights of Amsterdam " (December 16/Southampton) - from GBP 750 pp.
• "Canary Island Christmas" (December 20/Southampton) - from GBP 3750 pp.

Due to COVID-related construction delays (shipyard closures), the ship's inaugural cruise was rescheduled several times - and eventually planned for July 26, 2021. However, the Maiden Voyage had to be amended due to Scotland's continuing lockdown restrictions (enforced through August 9, 2021).

• Departing from London-Tilbury England , from the itinerary were excluded all the Scottish ports ( Newhaven-Edinburgh , Kirkwall Orkney Island , Dundee , Ullapool , St Kilda , Greenock-Glasgow ) and replaced with Belfast , Newcastle upon Tyne , scenic cruising (off Isle of Man ), Holyhead (Isle of Anglesey, Wales) , Liverpool , Bristol , scenic cruising (Isles of Scilly), and Falmouth , returning to London-Tilbury on August 10.
• The naming ceremony (in Portsmouth England ) was also rescheduled - for July 19.
• Strangely, the ship's first cruise (officially opened for booking) was departure August 29. The 15-night "Postcards from the Baltic: August" itinerary (Dover roundtrip) included ports in Sweden (Goteborg-Gothenburg, Stockholm), Finland (Helsinki), Russia (St Petersburg), Estonia (Tallinn), Denmark (Copenhagen, Skagen) and Norway (Oslo). Prices ranged between GBP 4157 per person (EUR 4850 / USD 5726) for a Standard Twin cabin with double occupancy, and up to GBP 8204 pp (EUR 9572 / USD 11300) for a Midship Suite with double occupancy.

Like the sistership Discovery, Saga Adventure will be also operated on polar cruises to European and Canadian Arctic regions, as well as on Antarctica cruises with departures from South American ports. Traditionally for Saga, the new liner offers roundtrips from UK ports and fly-cruise deals.

Saga Cruises' 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)

Photos of Spirit of Adventure

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Other Saga Ocean Cruises cruise ships

• Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Adventure 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 UK (Sindhu / Indian restaurant), Viking Ocean Cruises (Explorers Lounge), NCL (Mandara Spa).

In early-March 2019, Saga Cruises announced that its newbuilds (the sisterships Adventure and Discovery ) are all-inclusive liners. This means that Saga Group's cruise fares are inclusive of specialty restaurant dining, drinks (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 mi / 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 vessel's construction started on March 27, 2019, with the steel-cutting ceremony at Meyer Werft's Papenburg shipyard . The vessel's keel-laying ceremony was held on June 3, 2019, and attended by Robin Shaw (Saga Travel's CEO). The ship's inauguration was planned for August 2020. During the keel-laying, a special-edition coin was positioned under the hull's first block. The coin was stamped with the vessel's name, the keel-laying date and the lettering S715 (the newbuild's identification marker during the construction period). The process involves assembling a total of 54 blocks (hull and superstructure).

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

The vessel is UK- flagged (MMSI number 232026551) and registered in Southampton . The liner was initially scheduled for launch in July 2020, and the naming ceremony was planned for August 19 (to be held in Portsmouth England ). However, as the global Coronavirus crisis affected the shipbuilder's activities, in early-April, Saga Plc announced that the delivery from Meyer Werft will be delayed, but still taking place within the next 12 months.

The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock / covered building dock I / Hall 5) on July 24, 2020. In the afternoon, the funnel was fitted (by a crane) then the vessel was moored at the outfitting pier. The launch ceremony was attended by Nigel Blanks (Saga Cruises' Managing Director).

In August 30-31, 2020, was completed Spirit of Adventure's conveyance (along Ems River) from Meyer Werft's Papenburg Shipyard to Emden Germany , from where started the planned North Sea trials.

The cruise ship was officially delivered to Saga Cruises by Meyer Werft on September 29, 2020, in Emden Germany . The ceremony was attended by Thomas Weigend (Meyer Werft's Managing Director) and Nigel Blanks (Saga's Managing Director). Saga also announced the extension of Spirit of Adventure's canceled voyages through February 4, 2021, with the Inaugural Cruise rescheduled for February 19. Spirit of Discovery 's departures were rescheduled to start on March 8, 2021.

Next table shows SAGA Adventure ship's Maiden Voyage in 2021. The 15-day ex-UK itinerary was themed "Postcards from the Baltic August" and priced from GBP 4157 (EUR 4824 / USD 5880) per person with double occupancy.

In mid-June 2021 SAGA Cruises Ltd 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 ).

On June 22, 2021, SAGA announced Spirit of Adventure's Godmother - Commodore Inga Jane Kennedy (1962-born in Aberdeen Scotland  nurse and British Royal Navy officer). "Commodore" is a Royal Navy rank (above captain, below rear admiral) and has NATO ranking code OF-6. Commodore Kennedy is also appointed CBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), QHNS (Queen`s Honorary Nursing Sister), and QARNNS (Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service/Matron-in-Chief between 2015-2017).

• Her military career started in 1987 (Royal Naval Reserve). Between 1998-2000 she served in the Royal Naval Hospital Gibraltar (as Senior Midwife).
• In 2000-2005 served the QARNNS.
• In 2011 she was promoted to Captain, and in 2015 to Commodore.
• In 2012 she was appointed "Honorary Nursing Sister" (QHNS).
• Between 2015-2017 she served as Inspector General of DMS (Defence Medical Services/within the UK's Ministry of Defence) being responsible for inspecting the medical departments across the UK's armed forces (ships and land-based facilities).
• In 2017, she was appointed Head of the Royal Naval Medical Service, Naval Medical Director-General, and Commander (CBE).

The ship's official christening ceremony was held in Portsmouth on July 20, 2021, scheduled to coincide with "Freedom Day". 

The Maiden Voyage is currently planned to depart from London-Tilbury on July 26, 2021. The 16-day itinerary (Around Britain/July 2-Aug 10) included as destinations/ports Isle of Man (Douglas) ,  Newcastle ,  Belfast ,  Liverpool ,  Holyhead (Isle of Anglesey, Wales) ,  Lundy Island ,  Bristol , Cornwall coastal cruising, Scilly Isles, and Falmouth .

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2020-2021 (CANCELLED)

The Maiden Voyage was originally scheduled for August 21, 2020 (themed "The Inaugural Cruise"). The following tables show the liner's inaugural itineraries in 2020-2021. However, due to the COVID pandemic, the shipyard's operations were severely impacted and the vessel's completion/delivery was delayed.

The Inaugural Cruise's date was first rescheduled for November 5, 2020, then (in late-September 2020) for the following dates in 2021 - February 19, May 5, June 26, and eventually for August 29.

(2020) The 17-day "Inaugural Cruise" was priced from GBP 4700 pp (USD 6150 / EUR 5540) based on double occupancy Standard Balcony cabin rates.

(2020) 14-day inaugural British Isles itinerary (This Sceptred Isle) - from GBP 4015 pp

(2020) 7-day inaugural Norway Fjords itinerary (A Norwegian Canvas Dover) - from GBP 2070 pp

(2020) 12-day repositioning cruise Dover to Southampton (A Taste of France and Spain) - from GBP 3535 pp

(2020) 22-day inaugural Mediterranean itinerary (Tales from the Ancient Mediterranean) - from GBP 5930 pp

(2020) 14-day inaugural Canary Islands itinerary (Stars of the Canaries) - from GBP 3050 pp

(2020) 31-day inaugural Caribbean cruise roundtrip from UK itinerary (Rhythm of the Caribbean) - from GBP 7120 pp

(2020) 4-day inaugural mini-cruise (Christmas Sights of Amsterdam) - from GBP 925 pp

For all cancelled 2020-2021 Saga Spirit of Adventure cruises see at the ship's CruiseMinus page .

(2021/rescheduled and cancelled MAIDEN VOYAGE ) 16-day "A Norwegian Aurora" (Norway Fjords itinerary).

(2021/rescheduled and cancelled MAIDEN VOYAGE ) 15-day "Grandeur of the Baltic" (Baltic Capitals itinerary).

(2021/rescheduled and cancelled MAIDEN VOYAGE ) 15-day "Fjordland Focus" itinerary

• Saga Cruises

Saga VIP Transfers 2023

By TRIANDA , September 25, 2022 in Saga Cruises

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 Looking to book a Saga Cruise for 2023, please advise, is the Saga transfer cost to the port (and return) included in the price of the cruise? 

( We live over 75 miles away and understand we would possibly be sharing.

Thanks Caroline  😀

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My understanding is that if you live within 75 miles of the port you get a free private car. If you live between  76 to 250 miles it’s a free shared car.   

Over 250 miles there is usually a charge for excess miles.   

Many thanks for your prompt reply.

Well, I'm thoroughly confused.

Decided to have a look at prices for 2023. Looked also at the FAQ, both on the general "Ocean Cruise FAQ" and the specific FAQ menus next to the cruise I was looking at.

VIP travel service has baffled me.

Our VIP door-to-door car service means a driver will pick you up from home and take you to the seaport. Then they’ll be waiting at the port when you get back, ready to whisk you back home again.

We’ll send a car if you live within 75 miles of the port. If you live further away you can buy extra miles. They cost £1.85 per mile for a shared car or £3.70 per mile for a private car.  Find out more . END QUOTE.

S o what happened to the private car up to 75 miles, shared up to 250 miles?

Live chat not present, and the website itself now says "we are experiencing very high call volumes at the minute (i.e, please don't telephone us).

I'll dig out their email and try and find out whether these FAQ are right or inproperly transposed from another section (maybe the same as that one about cancelling excursions).

Saga have been advertising for IT specialists, so maybe the new people are mixing up the types of FAQ.

Managed to get on to live chat, who said they had "not been told of any changes".

The "Saga experience" section still states private car up to 75 miles, shared car 76-250 miles. The FAQ still have a cut-off of 75 miles.

Live chat have explained quite a lot, as apparently they are now completely separate from the actual cruise team, and do not get any updates about changes to ocean or river cruises.

So you go to a "bot" who passes you on to a real person, who can only look at the website in order to answer you. Any real questions you have to telephone.

He signed off by wishing me a lovely day, and hoping that I get through promptly - which was rather nice, but also pretty much sums it up.

Thanks for the information about live chat  nosapphire.  Saga need to Improve internal communications if they want customers to use this facility.

Yes I share your confusion.

Under the Ocean Cruise FAQs, I clicked on the "VIP Car Service" option and found the following

"We’ll send a car if you live within 75 miles of the port. If you live further away you can buy extra miles. They cost £1.85 per mile for a shared car or £3.70 per mile for a private car.  Find out more."

However if you click on the "Find out more" hypertext it takes you to a section with the following information:-

"Door-to-door chauffeur service up to 250 miles each way

One of our chauffeurs will pick you up from home in a car or MPV, and drive you to Dover or Southampton, then meet you on your arrival back in the UK. If you live within 250 miles of the port, we include a shared chauffeur service. If you live within 75 miles, we include a private chauffeur service.

Additional miles can be purchased if needed at £1.85 per mile for a shared car where you may share all or part of the journey with other Saga customers. If you’d prefer to have the vehicle all to yourself, this can be arranged, for an additional £3.70 per mile."

This clearly has no mention of the mileage charge for distances in excess of 75 miles but less thn 250 miles, so I'm not sure what Saga are trying to say. Have they changed their free transfer policy for journeys beyond 75 miles but less than 250 miles and forgotten to proof read all of their online content to bring it into line? Or is the initial statement about mileage charges an error that has sneaked through?

I suspect Saga has badly truncated the main section and what they really mean us that if you are more than 250 miles from the port you can pay for the extra miles for either a shared car or a private car - not that you have to pay for a shared car below 250 miles. Hopefully it will be made clearer.

2 hours ago, david05 said: I suspect Saga has badly truncated the main section and what they really mean us that if you are more than 250 miles from the port you can pay for the extra miles for either a shared car or a private car - not that you have to pay for a shared car below 250 miles. Hopefully it will be made clearer.

I reckon you have summed it up there.

Car transfer for ocean cruise is still unchanged - private car up to 75 miles, shared 76-250 miles. Cruise now booked (we have to use their car this time, as out from Portsmouth and back to Dover. Parking for self drive won't work on this one...).

Not the first time that the FAQ section is wrong, or misleading (previously have found under the "ocean cruise FAQ" supplied answers that actually related to land tours, not cruises.

Bit disappointing that all Live Chat can do is tell you what the website says, not even set up so they can pass the question on to the right department to answer.

• 1 month later...

Windsurfboy

If you are between 75 and 250 miles, you can pay for excess mileage over 75 miles to get a private car not shared ,  if you so wish. 

If you are over 250 miles can pay for excess mileage, so if you are 260 miles away pay for 10 miles and get standard shared car, or can pay the over 75 miles if you want a private car.

Is the pickup, shared, on the day of the cruise ? We live about 200 miles away. What time do they usually pick up ?  Thanks.

Generally between about 8 and 9.30 a.m., in our case, for about 200 miles.  Depends somewhat if you are the first or second to be picked up.

We live about 180 miles away from Southampton and our pick-ups have been between 1015 and 1130. We seem to arrive too late for lunch but just enough time for a cup of tea before going to register at the muster station. I suppose getting on board will be quicker now as there is no testing procedure to go through. Does anyone know if you have to stay in your taxi until the health questionnaire has been examined and passed?

Saga say they will conduct "a health screening questionnaire for all guests prior to embarkation".  My guess is that this will take place in the terminal as before rather than in the taxi but perhaps someone who has recently been on board can confirm.

2 hours ago, Janet- said: We live about 180 miles away from Southampton and our pick-ups have been between 1015 and 1130. We seem to arrive too late for lunch but just enough time for a cup of tea before going to register at the muster station. I suppose getting on board will be quicker now as there is no testing procedure to go through. Does anyone know if you have to stay in your taxi until the health questionnaire has been examined and passed?

I am going back to pre-covid  years for our last cruise, so I guess things have changed.  We used to arrive around 1 to 2, and there was a sort of buffet lunch/afternoon tea on, from about 1 until at least 3, so most people got fed reasonably well. Sorry if I have been misleading.

3 hours ago, david05 said: Saga say they will conduct "a health screening questionnaire for all guests prior to embarkation".  My guess is that this will take place in the terminal as before rather than in the taxi but perhaps someone who has recently been on board can confirm.

I was thinking that if they didn't like the answers, it would be easier for them to send you back home if you were still in the taxi.

The Questionnaire takes place in the Terminal. With regards to pick up times we live just over 200 miles from Dover & were picked up at 10am & arrived at the Terminal just after 2pm (Saga like to phase Taxi arrivals). The Buffet is open until nearly 4pm & is normal full buffet offering.

Can you get a reduction if you don't want  a car, or parking. You want to arrange own transport. 

Reason would like private , but I  know company they use for my area we use them regularly.  They will charge me less than £3.70 per mile if I  organise myself circa £2 per mile. . So 3.70 per mile extra on top of free shared car is a rip off. I  don't like being ripped off.

16 hours ago, Windsurfboy said: Reason would like private , but I  know company they use for my area we use them regularly.  They will charge me less than £3.70 per mile if I  organise myself circa £2 per mile. . So 3.70 per mile extra on top of free shared car is a rip off. I  don't like being ripped off.

I might be mistaken, but I thought that the extra charge was for the return journey. We live over 200 miles from the ports and Saga quoted us  £400 extra for a private car - but that was for the return journey, in other words for a total of over 400 miles. So, if I'm right, it might not be such a rip-off, although your local firm certainly sounds cheaper.

2 hours ago, Vivaldi said:   I might be mistaken, but I thought that the extra charge was for the return journey. We live over 200 miles from the ports and Saga quoted us  £400 extra for a private car - but that was for the return journey, in other words for a total of over 400 miles. So, if I'm right, it might not be such a rip-off, although your local firm certainly sounds cheaper.

We live about 200 miles away and our local chauffeur company charges £400 to Southampton each way,  they are company that Saga used in May. If the £3.75 per mile is the return journey not as bad as I thought as it would be £3.75  times 125 miles £469.  I suppose nearer time ring Saga to check. 

It's very unlikely to happen, but if one missed the sailing, perhaps because the car broke down or some people had glued themselves to the tarmac, it might be easier to get recompensed in some way if one had taken the Saga transport. Others with more knowledge of the legal position might be able to clarify this.

We have recently upgraded our shared car to a private car for a forthcoming cruise. The charge worked out at £1.75 a mile each way for every mile over the 75 mile private car limit.

5 hours ago, Kohima said: We have recently upgraded our shared car to a private car for a forthcoming cruise. The charge worked out at £1.75 a mile each way for every mile over the 75 mile private car limit.

Thanks for this

Confused.com 😂 😂

• 3 weeks later...

How is the 75/250 miles actually measured. As the crow flies or as per Google Maps? 

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• Saga Cruises

Pre registration

By marsh99 , May 16, 2023 in Saga Cruises

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Hi all. We're new to Saga, so been perusing the forum for information and come across mention of pre registering. How does this work and how do we do it? I can't find anything on Saga's website to explain. We're thinking about a specific cruise in 2025 which is it runs the same time as 2023 and 2024 will coincide with both a big '0' birthday and anniversary, so if this gives a bigger discount we may splash out for a better cabin. Thanks.

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You telephone Saga & request Pre-Registration (state the year wanted) & pay £90 per person which is credited against the booking or refunded if you decline. Saga E-Mail out the programme, it is usually out in 2 parts Jan-March & April -December. In date order of pre-registration Saga then ring you. For April- December 2024 the E-Mail was sent out early March with a telecon about 10 days later & the programme going on sale to the General Public the first week of April.

Cynthia Darch

4 minutes ago, FatBoy20 said: You telephone Saga & request Pre-Registration (state the year wanted) & pay £90 per person which is credited against the booking or refunded if you decline. Saga E-Mail out the programme, it is usually out in 2 parts Jan-March & April -December. In date order of pre-registration Saga then ring you. For April- December 2024 the E-Mail was sent out early March with a telecon about 10 days later & the programme going on sale to the General Public the first week of April.

When is the Jan-March made available for pre reg .. thanks

There is no programme for pre-registry - you phone up and pre-register for whenever you want.

You can pre-register now for any year, so if you know that you want a specific date for - say - 2027, you can phone now.

There is a separate fee of £90 per person for each date, so if you register for- say - spring 2025, autumn 2025, and and spring 2026, you pay separately for each.

The fee gets deducted from any cruise you book, or is fully refundable if you do not book (even if you simply change your mind after pre-registration)(it is probably the most flexible system out there).

The programme referred to by FatBoy20 is the programme mailed out to people who have already pre-registered, and Saga have no set time for issuing either programmes or brochures.

Pre-registry is definitely the way to get an early choice and the best fares.

Just to add some additional information to that provided above.

When a particular season is launched, a proportion of the cabins in the various grades are offered at a 35% discount on the normal price. (I believe it's a proportion rather than all the cabins being offered at 35% but I am happy top be corrected if this is wrong). As these initial maximum discounts are booked by prospective passengers , then the discount drops to say 30% then 25% an so on.

Consequently the earlier you register for a particular season, the earlier you will receive the phone call once the programme has been emailed to you. That will give you the best chance of snagging a maximum discount.

Just be aware that the call can come anytime depending on you position in the pre-registration queue for a particular season. We had pre-registered for the April - December 2024 season and received the email with the Summer 2024 programme shortly before we left for a holiday in Cyprus. As sod's law often dictates, the call came while we were having a relaxing drink in our hotel in Paphos. Cue a dash back to our room while still on the call to retrieve passport details and credit card info so that we could secure our chosen booking. I'm sure we could have requested a call back when we were back in the UK but that might have meant missing out on the best discounts.

If you keep checking this forum or the various social media groups (I think there are at least 2 on FB) you will start to see posts as people receive their phone calls for a particular season. You can usually get a rough idea of how things are progressing, if people are willing to share there pre-registration number. The calls go out in sequence from the earliest to pre-register and your number will reflect where you are in the queue.

Thanks everyone for responding. I've phoned and registered for 2025.

9 hours ago, Cynthia Darch said: When is the Jan-March made available for pre reg .. thanks

For the last 2 years it has been around the end of January (for the following year Jan-March).

• 3 months later...

Saga have announced that for 2026 the two pre-registration block dates for booking are Jan-April & May- December (In previous years it has been Jan-March & April-December).

Does anyone know if Saga have a similar system for river cruises? If so, what is the number to ring?

• 2 weeks later...

Flyer received today indicates that Saga will launch Jan to April 2025 Cruises soon. This should be earlier than the 2024 Launch which was January 2023 (for Jan to March 24) & March (for April to December). Perhaps Saga are realising they have been nearly the last to release Cruises for future years.

33 minutes ago, FatBoy20 said: Flyer received today indicates that Saga will launch Jan to April 2025 Cruises soon. This should be earlier than the 2024 Launch which was January 2023 (for Jan to March 24) & March (for April to December). Perhaps Saga are realising they have been nearly the last to release Cruises for future years.

Your post just prompted me that I should get pre-registered for the "summer" 2025 season.

Called Saga and made the registration.

The young lady I spoke to stated that our summer season registration would cover cruises from 1st May until 31st December 2025.

So I 'm guessing that Saga have massaged their season tranches to include April in the "winter" block.

Did Saga say when they will start phoning people who have pre-registered for the Summer 2025 season?

Don't get too excited... Saga interpretation of "soon" is not the same as our interpretation.

They sent the same flyer last year at about the same time as this year.

And the year before. And the year before. And the...etc.

The flyer is mainly to encourage people to pre-register. The more pre-registrations, the better reports they can give to their shareholders.

5 hours ago, arlowood said: Your post just prompted me that I should get pre-registered for the "summer" 2025 season. Called Saga and made the registration. The young lady I spoke to stated that our summer season registration would cover cruises from 1st May until 31st December 2025.   So I 'm guessing that Saga have massaged their season tranches to include April in the "winter" block.

My flier states that "January to April 2025 cruises abard the Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Advenure will go on sale soon" So April is definately now in the Winter/Spring block.

1 hour ago, nosapphire said: Don't get too excited... Saga interpretation of "soon" is not the same as our interpretation. They sent the same flyer last year at about the same time as this year. And the year before. And the year before. And the...etc. The flyer is mainly to encourage people to pre-register. The more pre-registrations, the better reports they can give to their shareholders.    

The Flyer for Jan to March 2024 came out in November 2022 & E-Mailed programme was early January.

39 minutes ago, FatBoy20 said: The Flyer for Jan to March 2024 came out in November 2022 & E-Mailed programme was early January.

I stand corrected... 🙊

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Tiny UK towns that welcome big cruise ships

S outhampton may be the undisputed queen of the British cruise scene , but there’s a flotilla of pocket-sized ports scattered around the UK that are increasingly throwing out the welcome mat to passenger ships.

Last weekend’s visit to the diminutive Cornish town of Fowey by 1,000-passenger vessel Vasco da Gama, which sails for German line Nicko Cruises, turned the spotlight on the growing number of lesser-known spots popping up in cruise itineraries.

Its arrival followed that of Saga’s similarly-sized Spirit of Adventure in September last year, which split opinion between those who objected to the ship’s presence , citing pollution and overcrowding fears, and local business owners who welcomed the extra custom.

Admittedly, size is key when it comes to these visits and you’re not going to see  monster-size mega-ships flooding such tiny outposts with thousands of passengers anytime soon. There simply aren’t the facilities or infrastructure to cope. 

However, smaller ships carrying around 1,000 passengers or fewer are increasingly venturing into these quiet backwaters, building on a trend that started during the Covid pandemic when cruise companies were restricted to sailing around the British Isles and holidaymakers delighted in discovering their own country.

A record year for cruises in British waters

According to Cruise Britain, which represents many of the country’s ports, 2023 was a record year, with 2,499 cruise ship calls injecting an estimated £150 million into Britain’s coastal economies. 

Branding this a strong success story, chairman Ian McQuade said the organisation expected a similarly strong performance in 2024. 

“As the cruise market in the UK continues to grow, we can expect to see more and varied locations added to cruise line itineraries,” he added. “The opportunity for smaller vessels to access locations that may be off the beaten track is attractive to cruise lines and brings a major boost to local economies.”

With more than 6,000 islands and over 11,000 miles of coastline, there are at least 70 towns, hamlets and tiny isles around the UK that can be accessed by cruise ships and, in some cases, arriving by sea is the only way to reach them. 

Tiny Scottish isles that welcome big ships

Among the Scottish Hebrides are inaccessible, and unlikely, cruise calls with numerous uninhabited isles. One of the most famous is St Kilda , the UK’s only dual Unesco World Heritage site. 

The outpost’s history of human occupation spanned 4,000 years, ending in 1930 when the final 36 inhabitants departed its shores for good. This gives St Kilda magnetic appeal to cruise visitors, who arrive on small vessels, though unpredictable weather conditions can scupper planned landings here.

The pin-prick isle of Iona off the coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, spanning just 1.5 miles by three miles, has only 170 permanent residents. Visitors are drawn to the island due to its role in the earliest days of Scottish Christianity, with a monastery established there by St Columba in 563 AD.

With its candy-coloured waterfront of brightly painted houses, nearby Tobermory also provides a charming backdrop for cruise ship visits. Skye is another popular draw, though the island is rather more accustomed to tourists, especially since its road bridge opened nearly 30 years ago. 

Kirkwall: 10,000 residents, 230 cruise ships a year 

Hovering off Scotland’s northern coast, the Orkney Islands are well off the regular tourist track, but capital Kirkwall has enjoyed runaway popularity among cruisers for its Viking ancestry, wartime history and abundance of ancient sites, including the neolithic remains of Skara Brae, dating back 5,000 years, and mysterious Ring of Brodgar stones. 

With 230 cruise ships scheduled to call this year, Kirkwall’s star shows no sign of waning though, on occasion, overcrowding has made the town a victim of its own success. 

West Country winners

Along the South Coast, and particularly towards the West Country, are a clutch of ports finding favour among cruise lines which, in some cases, have breathed fresh life into their tourism trade.

It seems only fitting that Plymouth , with a proud maritime heritage, is now reaping the rewards of the modern sea-going trend with 14 cruise ships expected this year, bringing 10,000 guests.

Nearby Dartmouth offers a similar mix of history and Naval heritage underpinned by the dramatic entrance to the Dart Estuary, guarded by craggy centuries-old castles built to ward off French forces.

Visitors to the historic quaysides of this pretty town can explore by a variety of means, from steam train and riverboat to paddle-steamer or fishing trawler, with attractions including murder mystery queen Agatha Christie’s summer home.

Falmouth opens up the attractions of Cornwall, where ships sail past Tudor fortresses into the world’s third-largest deep-water harbour, and visitors can marvel at the ecological wonders of the Eden Project or cross the causeway to the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount.

Clustered 28 miles off the tip of Land’s End are the Scilly Isles whose mix of shipwrecks and ancient remains, Tudor castles and military garrisons add another dimension to the genteel English seaside ambience of the capital St Mary’s, the docking spot of the 50 or so ships that arrive each year.

How genteel Cowes is swapping yachts for cruise ships

A handful of boutique ships stop at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, drawn by the yachtie heritage and the regal attractions of Queen Victoria’s Italianate retreat Osborne House nearby.

Spurred on by the growth in the luxury cruise market, reflecting the type of ships it wishes to attract, Cowes Harbour is working to promote the port and persuade more cruise lines to visit.

It’s not the only one. The east coast port of Berwick in Northumberland , close to the Scottish border, is also eyeing cruise business, conscious that aside from Port of Tyne at Newcastle there are few other cruise stops along this stretch of coast.

As for Fowey, with 13 cruise ships expected to visit this year, the Cornish town’s cruising ambitions received a boost after it was nominated as the world’s top cruise destination in the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Awards, pitching it against the likes of Abu Dhabi.

With the winner due to be announced next month, Fowey Harbour Master and chief executive Captain Paul Thomas declared it a fantastic accolade, adding: “Although only a small port in Cornwall, we guarantee the warmest of welcomes and are proud of the amazing choice of bespoke experience we can offer cruise passengers.” 

Small ports, it seems, are having their day.

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