Spirit of Discovery: Saga’s new luxury cruise ship

This summer sees the opening of one of the world’s most elegant hotels. It will be in Liverpool. And Dublin. And Barcelona, Lisbon, Stockholm, Helsinki and St Petersburg. Yet this is one hotel, totally unique and custom-designed to promote the pleasures of luxurious relaxation.

Welcome to Spirit of Discovery, the brand new boutique cruise ship specially designed and built for Saga Cruises, which makes her maiden voyage in July. Wander through her sumptuous public spaces, several haute cuisine restaurants and exquisitely appointed cabins – every one with its own private balcony – and you will agree that the hotel analogy is entirely apt.

“Our creative inspiration came from looking at classic designs of really good London hotels, but with a contemporary vibe,” says Liz Richardson, one of the ship’s senior designers.

“Interior design has been really important, because it creates the identity of the ship: somewhere people will feel comfortable and relaxed, with elements like throws and cushions, unique lamps and original artwork. We wanted materials that were very authentic and genuine – marble for the main dining restaurant and theatre, lots of real leathers and beautiful stones.

“It’s going to be luxurious, with a soft, tactile feel and a really good flow, and feel like a very, very welcoming ship.”

With space for 999 passengers and 517 crew, Spirit of Discovery is undeniably larger than your average boutique hotel. But every effort has been made to create the same intimate feel.

“Passengers on cruise ships can sometimes feel lost in a large environment,” says Ben Wilson, another senior designer. “So we’ve used the architecture and soft furnishings to create intimate spaces for guests to relax and unwind. We’ve put in a lot of beverage areas, places you can go and have a snack, pick up a book or do a puzzle, so that people are spaced out throughout the ship.”

Of course there are grand spaces, too. A large observation lounge and dance floor, a dazzling main restaurant spanning the entire width of the ship with sea views on both sides, and a 400-seat theatre with a West End-sized stage to accommodate productions straight from London.

There are deliberate references to the golden age of sea travel – even the funnel conjures up unconscious images of flapper fashions and lido pools. This is no surprise from a brand such as Saga, which has decades of experience in crafting perfect cruise holidays.

“The aim of the design of Spirit of Discovery was to create a classic British cruise ship that maybe hasn’t been created for 20 or 30 years, with a sense of elegance and nostalgia,” says Andrew Porter, hotel design manager at Saga Cruises.

Several fine-dining restaurants, available to all and with open seating, create Saga’s widest-ever choice of eateries at sea, from the classic main restaurant and grill to Asian and seafood specialities.

There is even a classic music lounge, The Club by Jools, created in partnership with boogie woogie legend Jools Holland; you may even find him playing there in person.

“The special thing about Spirit of Discovery is that every passenger on the ship has a great vantage point and there are no exclusive areas for specific passengers,” says Wilson. “Everyone has the opportunity to eat the best food and take in the best views.”

As Porter puts it, “We have one, harmonious luxury hotel at sea.”

Unique cruise experiences

From driving a Porsche across a frozen lake to whale watching under the midnight sun, a river cruise with Saga is never run-of-the-mill. Chartering ships exclusively for their guests, you can expect VIP door-to-door travel service and exceptional cuisine as part of a trip based on your passions and interests.

Whether you want to explore capital cities, venture into lesser-know territories, want a holiday filled with art or music, food or adventure, you’re guaranteed to find a holiday tailored to you. 

For more information, visit travel.saga.co.uk