I am often told that you don’t realise that we are able to book Saga Cruises. The short answer is yes we can, it costs you no more to book through us, and you have a friendly local contact to talk to and help you through the process of booking.
It would come at no surprise that I jumped on the chance to see Saga’s new ship, the Spirit of Discovery in Southampton. The new ship brings a new era to Saga Cruises, with 554 all-balcony cabins and suite carrying 999 passengers for a new style of cruise ’boutique cruising’.
All the elements of travelling with Saga remain. The popular free chauffeur service to the port (within 250 miles) is included, porterage of luggage in Southampton or Dover and their optional travel insurance. For 2020 and 2021 all cruises will be ‘all inclusive’ and of course all tips and bar charges are included. There is even FREE WIFI!
Onboard the Spirit of Discovery, it has the ambience of understated luxury. Everything is very tastefully appointed and decorated, with wide open areas adding to the modern theme throughout. Although it comes will all the mod-cons of the much larger, and brasher competitors, it still feels like a small ship, almost homely.
The Grand Dining Room is the main restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the largest of the dining options onboard, it certainly doesn’t feel large broken up into smaller dining locations with either larger tables to eat with friends, or tables of two.
The Grill is an alternative for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and is also the venue for those who don’t want to take part in the formal nights where a buffet alternative is on offer. There are snacks and soft drinks also available during the day. There are then three speciality restaurants. Coast to Coast which is a seafood restaurant, East to West offering Asian dishes, and The Club by Jools which is the Steak restaurant. Jools Holland himself performs onboard occasionally.
The Playhouse is a new 444 seat theatre, home to Saga’s own performance company, while the Britannia lounge has different activities available during the day and entertainment in the evening.
The cabins are really easy to remember, Standard, Deluxe and Suites – all with their own balconies. 20% of cabins are reserved exclusively for singles, and there are no downsides, you still get a balcony, you still get a large bed and you still get plenty of space.
The Deluxe cabins are a little larger than the standard, with a little seating area and more space. Many of the suites are unique and come in different sizes and configurations with their own sitting room, dining area and butler.
If you have travelled with Silversea or Seabourn in the past and no longer want to fly to catch a cruise, Saga would be an excellent alternative.
