News

And the judges said …

‘Gorgeous ship sets a new standard in British cruising’

‘Strong emphasis on solo travellers with 10% of cabins for single guests’

Saga’s luxurious new ship Spirit of Discovery has been named Best New Ship at the 11th annual Cruise Critic’s UK Editors’ Picks Awards. 

The 999-passenger ship, launched in July, wowed the judges who said, ‘Spirit of Discovery sets a new standard in British cruising’. 

Saga Cruises was also voted Best for Solo Travellers with more than 10% of cabins for single guests on both Spirit of Discovery, and her ship Spirit of Adventure, which launches in August 2020.

Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise review site and online cruise community, and the awards are selected by a global panel of impartial cruise experts to highlight the best ocean, river and luxury cruise lines for UK travellers. 

Managing Director of Saga Cruises, Nigel Blanks was ‘thrilled’ that Saga Cruises’ new ship, and commitment to solo travellers had been recognised. He said: “Spirit of Discovery is a luxury boutique ship designed in consultation with past, present and future guests”.

“It was clear that although friends often like to travel together, they do not always wish to share the same cabin – every cabin on Spirit of Discovery has a balcony so solo travellers do not miss out. It doesn’t stop there - a cocktail party for solo guests takes place early in each cruise, there are exclusive singles’ lunches and, also bespoke shore excursions, while our VIP chauffeur service makes for relaxed journeys to and from port.”

The Cruise Critic awards judges said:

Best New Ship 

Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery is the stunning new-build from Saga Cruises. Whether it’s the luxurious thermal suite in the spa, the inclusive speciality restaurants, the boutique hotel-inspired design or the exclusive partnership with Jools Holland who will perform live on several sailings, Spirit of Discovery sets a new standard in British cruising. With a generous passenger to crew ratio (2:1) and details such as rows of nostalgic confectionery by the pool, thoughtful touches abound on this gorgeous ship.

Best for Solo Travellers 

Saga Cruises

With 109 solo cabins on new ship Spirit of Discovery, plus the same amount on next new ship Spirit of Adventure in 2020, Saga Cruises dedicates more than 10 percent of all cabins to solo passengers. The line places a strong emphasis on looking after its solo travellers, with no-supplement single cabins, daily events such as meet and greets, group dinners and shore excursions organised. 

For details of all Saga cruises visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30

Prices include UK travel package to and from the port, all meals and entertainment, all-inclusive house-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including wine and beer, unlimited tea and coffee, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, 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 if guest has own insurance.