Saga guests can saunter from the sparkling new ship Spirit of Discovery into some of Barcelona’s best bars and the lively main market Mercat de la Boqueria – it is foodie heaven – and stop for tapas or paella and a glass of red wine or drool over the sweet treats.

In Cartagena, the new Gourmet Spain cruise features a visit to a family-run liqueur factory and, on the Costa Blanca, a walk along the ramparts of Alicante’s hilltop castle, Santa Barbara, to enjoy a refreshing glass of sangria.

Spirit of Discovery cruises along the River Tagus to Lisbon, where there are dozens of bars and restaurants to sample port from Portugal’s Douro region.

Gastronomy is an important part of life on board the new ship with delicious dishes created with locally sourced food, wines made from grapes ripened under the Mediterranean sun and, on this 14-night cruise, there’s a tapas cookery class with a VIP chef.

Spirit of Discovery represents a new era of cruising for Saga with the luxury boutique ship boasting a Grand Dining Room plus a number of complimentary speciality restaurants which include a choice of house wines at lunch and dinner.  It goes without saying that tips are included in the cruise price.

The glamorous French Riviera is also on the itinerary, so guests can explore ashore or simply indulge in the café culture and people watching. A call into Gibraltar offers duty-free shopping and a chance to go the top of the Rock for brunch and Buck’s Fizz coupled with a magical concert by pianist Aaron Monteverde.

As the name implies, Spirit of Discovery guests can join tours or plan their own excursions with guidance and support from the board Explore Ashore concierge team.

For details visit saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises or call 0800 50 50 30.

14 nights from £3,942 per person, departing 03.08.2019. Price includes UK travel package to and from Dover, all meals and entertainment, choice of house wines at lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free wifi, all on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount passenger has own insurance.

All excursions mentioned are optional, at an additional cost, and are subject to availability and change. Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.

Price based on two people sharing the lowest available cabin grade and includes any relevant booking discount. Fare was correct at the time of sending and is subject to availability and change. Further terms and conditions apply. Please call for details.