By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery is officially preparing for its sea trials, having been towed from Meyer Werft’s Papenburg shipyard in Germany along the River Ems to the ocean.
The line’s first newbuild cruise ship has been specifically made for the British market, featuring interiors from UK-based SMC Design and will homeport in Dover, England.
“Our major milestones for Saga Cruises and Spirit of Discovery are now coming thick and fast and it is amazing to see her complete her conveyance towards the North Sea,” said Nigel Blanks, chief operating officer of Saga Cruises. “This ongoing journey sees everyone at Saga Cruises pioneering the future of British boutique cruising, creating a host of unique, new experiences, both ashore and at sea, and providing a fresh new concept in the global cruising market.
“Our thanks go to the impeccable team at Meyer Werft for all their ongoing work on our iconic, stunning new ship.”
Spirit of Discovery will now undergo her technical and nautical sea trials until mid-June. Saga will then take official delivery on 20 June 2019 before the ship arrives in Dover for her naming ceremony on 5 July.
The 999-guest, 523-crew ship will begin her inaugural cruise ‘A British First’ on 10 July where she will visit Newcastle, Edinburgh, Kirkwall, Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin, Cork, the Isle of Portland, Guernsey and Southampton.