News

A Jeroboam of Spirit of Discovery English sparkling wine will be smashed against the bow of Saga Cruises’ new ship Spirit of Discovery at her christening in the Port of Dover on July 5, 2019.

The new English sparkling wine has been exclusively blended for Saga Cruises by Hush Heath Estate, in Kent, and will also be served on board the 999-passenger ship.

Saga Cruises has worked with Hush Heath Estate, home of Balfour wines, for many years and Saga Cruises’ Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Blanks, says naming the new British ship with its dedicated own-label English sparkling wine is ‘the perfect blend’.

He said: “We are making history with our first new British cruise ship for the British market so it’s the perfect blend to christen Spirit of Discovery with her own beautiful sparkling wine.

“Spirit of Discovery is a luxury, boutique ship – everything is bespoke and that includes the English sparkling wine! Not only will this new blend be used to christen the ship – guests will be able to toast the ship again and again during their cruise!”

Hush Heath Estate producer Richard Balfour-Lynn says he is ‘delighted to create a sparkling wine to christen the new world-class ship’.

Winemaker Owen Elias, who has won multiple United Kingdom Vineyards Association awards, worked with Saga Cruises’ executive chefs to create the sparkling wine.  

He said: “We wanted to produce a bespoke wine to mark such a wonderful occasion. It is a delicious sweeter wine with balanced acidity and a delicate mousse.” 

The new ship Spirit of Discovery will home port from Dover where her christening will take place on July 5, 2019 before she sets sail on a maiden voyage around the British Isles on July 10, 2019.

Nigel Blanks added: “Saga is very proud of its Kentish heritage. We have our headquarters in Folkestone and our first ship set sail from Dover over 20 years ago.

“We also source much of our fresh produce from the county and so the new Spirit of Discovery sparkling wine, made from grapes grown and picked in Kent, the Garden of England, is another exciting treat for our guests.”