Rediscovering My Spirit of Adventure
I’ve just returned from an incredible 15-night Mediterranean cruise with SAGA, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
I’ve been a dedicated fan of SAGA ever since my first voyage with them on the Saga Sapphire several years ago. I fell in love with that ship, and it was heartbreaking to see her sold. However, the moment I stepped aboard the Spirit of Discovery, I felt something extraordinary. Within just hours, this ship secured a special place in my cruising heart.
This was my first time back on a SAGA ship since before the pandemic, and I had spent quite a bit of time on the Spirit of Discovery prior to her launch, participating in shakedown cruises, the naming ceremony, and her maiden voyage. So, saying I was excited to be back onboard and experience everything the ship has to offer would be an understatement. I had truly missed the cruise line and the wonderful friendships I made with the crew members.
SAGA cruises are exclusively for those over the age of 50 and provide an all-inclusive boutique cruising experience. They prioritize offering exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and interesting destinations. On my sailing, we were even joined by Jools Holland, Ruby Turner, and celebrity chef John Torode. When I say all-inclusive, I mean it—the package includes everything from a door-to-door chauffeur service to Wi-Fi.
Exciting Destinations
Our journey took us through the Mediterranean, stopping at vibrant ports like Lisbon, Palma, Cartagena, Toulon, Barcelona, and Gibraltar. While all the destinations were captivating, I found the ship itself to be the greatest attraction. Interestingly, my standout experiences were in Lisbon and Barcelona, both places I hadn’t considered favorites in the past. Perhaps because I’d visited each multiple times, I was pleasantly surprised each time this time around.
In Lisbon, I joined one of SAGA’s newest shore excursions—a tuk-tuk ride through the city. It was fantastic, and I highly recommend it, though it may not be suitable for those with back issues due to the bumpy ride over cobbled streets. As someone who’s visited Lisbon at least four times, I discovered many new sights that I had never seen before on this tour. I truly felt like I had explored the city beyond just sampling a pastel de nata.
In Barcelona, we visited the Spanish Village, which was beautiful and intriguing, before making our way to the renowned Park Güell. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, the park is absolutely stunning! While I’ve seen countless photographs of it, none could match the experience of seeing it with my own eyes. We were fortunate to have a gorgeous sunny day that made the vibrant colors of the tiles and mosaics pop, enveloping me in a fairy-tale atmosphere that felt almost unreal.
Onboard Experience
For my stay onboard, I chose a standard balcony cabin on Deck 13 forward—the ship offers only balcony cabins, with no inside options available. My cabin was incredibly comfortable, and my steward provided excellent service. There was ample storage space, and all power outlets were standard UK 3-pin, so I didn’t need to worry about packing any adapters.
The Spirit of Discovery was thoughtfully designed for SAGA, and her luxurious ambiance and friendly crew did not disappoint. Onboard, there are stylish lounges like the Britannia Lounge, located at the front of the ship with spectacular views; The Living Room, offering welcoming coffee and cake; and The Playhouse, which comes alive at night with Broadway-style performances and more. There’s also a cozy library and several bars to relax in, such as the elegant South Cape Bar and the Verandah Bar, perfect for enjoying sea views on warmer evenings.
Dining Aboard Spirit of Discovery
The dining options onboard are diverse, with menus tailored to satisfy all palates. The Club is the signature steakhouse of the Spirit of Discovery, offering substantial chicken and fish options, alongside a varied selection of side dishes and desserts. In the evenings, this venue transforms into a cozy space for live music.
The Asian-fusion restaurant, East to West, features a menu filled with flavors from places like India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Dining here is a delightful experience, with flavors bursting on the palate. Most dishes are prepared mildly, but guests are encouraged to request more spice; the chef is always willing to accommodate special requests.
If seafood is your passion, you won’t want to miss Coast to Coast. The menu tempts with lobster, shrimp, scallops, turbot, and much more. Menu options across all three specialty dining venues rotate regularly, but I remember one starter being an enormous seafood sharing platter. Though it was meant for two, the maître d’ happily offered to have a smaller version prepared just for me, though I politely declined, knowing it would still be more than I could eat. SAGA never compromises on quality or portion sizes. I fondly recall my time on the Saga Sapphire where I requested extra peas and received a whole plateful! I also once had tempura crab to start, and enjoyed it so much that I asked for another as dessert—which they gladly provided.
The Grand Dining Room is the primary dining option, situated just below The Club, with menus also featured at The Grill, which is buffet-style for breakfast and lunch, and offers table service during dinner. Both dining venues provide an always-available menu for lunch and dinner. I dare you to find the hidden bird sitting on one of the ceiling lights in The Club if you cruise on the Spirit of Discovery!
For those who enjoy outdoor dining, The Verandah provides options for classic burgers, hot dogs, and delicious fish and chips. A highlight of my cruise was when the weather turned unfavorable, and the team provided special curry or Filipino lunches in other areas onboard, usually in The Club, allowing for even greater variety.
The entertainment onboard was diverse, and I found myself enjoying some shows despite usually being a passive observer. The Spinettes provided captivating performances, while Jools Holland’s collaboration with Ruby Turner was truly exceptional.
After four years away from SAGA, I’m thrilled to see that their high standards have not changed. The crew was outstanding, and the quality of food ingredients was remarkable, alongside an impressive array of dishes. The Spirit of Discovery was impeccably maintained; I couldn’t find a single blemished piece of carpet or mark on the walls—it felt as though she had just set sail for the first time. It felt wonderful to return to my beloved home away from home.
In just a few days, I will be visiting her sister ship, the Spirit of Adventure. Be sure to check my social media channels for photos and updates!
Hosted Trip
