Ceremony marks the first time any cruise vessel has been inaugurated at Portsmouth International Port
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Saga’s new ship Spirit of Adventure was christened by Commodore Inga J. Kennedy, the recently retired head of the Royal Navy Medical Service, at Portsmouth International Port in the UK on 19 July.
Kennedy, who was chosen as godmother in recognition of the hours of service given by medical professionals during the pandemic, blessed the ship in accordance with maritime tradition by smashing a bottle of English sparkling wine against her hull.
Spirit of Adventure is the first new cruise ship to be named at Portsmouth, which recently extended its main cruise berth to enable it to accommodate larger vessels.
“Today has been a long time coming for everyone, so it feels symbolic that the naming of our brand-new cruise ship, Spirit of Adventure will be part of such an historic day for the UK,” said Nick Stace, Saga’s CEO of travel. “Now, it’s time to get Spirit of Adventure on the water with her sister, Spirit of Discovery, and return to doing what we do best – giving our guests an amazing cruise experience.”
Designed as a sister to Spirit of Discovery, the new Spirit of Adventure features 554 all-balcony cabins spanning 10 passenger decks, as well as a 444-seat theatre named The Playhouse, five restaurants (including two speciality restaurants), Saga’s signature Britannia Lounge with a dance floor and live entertainment, the North Cape Bar, the Living Room and the Library. Other onboard highlights include The Spa with a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, steam and treatment rooms, as well as a salon, a gym, a shop and a medical centre. Outdoor facilities include an observation deck, full wraparound promenade and terrace, pool, sports court and deck games.
In addition, the ship also has a specially commissioned collection of artworks curated by SMC Design that draw inspiration from the geography and landscapes of the British Isles.
Spirit of Adventure will embark on her maiden cruise from Tilbury in London, UK on 26 July and sail a round-Britain itinerary to Newcastle, Belfast, the Isle of Man, Liverpool, Holyhead, Bristol, Lundy Island, the north Cornwall coast, the Isles of Scilly and Falmouth before returning to Tilbury on 10 August.