With the smashing of a bottle of English sparkling wine, Saga’s new ship Spirit of Adventure has been named in Portsmouth

Saga’s second new ship, Spirit of Adventure, was named today in Portsmouth by smashing a bottle of English sparkling wine against the hull.

The jeroboam from Balfour Hush Heath Estate in Kent was launched by the recently retired Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service, Commodore Inga Kennedy, in front of invited guests. The christening – the first ever at the port – was also streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

During the ceremony, Commodore Kennedy said: ‘This country has suffered a lot over the last 18 months and, despite not being out of this yet, people need to look forward to better times. Saga and the Spirit of Adventure is ready to offer people those long waited-for holidays in safe and luxurious surroundings.

‘And now, ladies and gentlemen, I name this ship Spirit of Adventure. May God bless her and all who sail in her.’

Spirit of Adventure, which was handed over by the shipbuilders in September last year, will begin her inaugural cruise from Tilbury next Monday, calling at Newcastle, Belfast, the Isle of Man, Liverpool, Holyhead, Bristol, Lundy Island, the north Cornwall coast, the Isles of Scilly and Falmouth (full itinerary below).

Nick Stace, Saga’s CEO of Travel, said of the ship’s godmother: ‘We felt it was important to recognise the outstanding work the medical profession has undertaken during the pandemic and wanted to pay our respects the best way we knew how. Commodore Kennedy has served in the Navy for 20 years and within healthcare for 40 years, so we felt she was the perfect choice for the role.’

Describing the 999-passenger ship, he added: ‘She feels spacious and comfortable and every aspect has been designed with our guests in mind, from the bold colours and the wrap-around promenade through to the numerous restaurants and entertainment facilities. Every cabin has its own private balcony with uninterrupted sea views and everything from the chauffeur service to meals and wifi are included in the price.

‘We’ll continue to follow government advice when it comes to managing the risk of Covid, and we believe prevention is key, so we’re asking all customers to have had both vaccines ahead of joining us. We’ve also been working hard to ensure our hygiene standards are above and beyond what is required.

‘Now, it’s time to get Spirit of Adventure on the water with her sister, Spirit of Discovery, and return to doing what we do best – giving our guests an amazing cruise experience.’

The new ship has ten passenger decks with 554 all-balcony cabins – including 109 singles – and five complimentary restaurants – The Main Dining Room, The Grill, The Supper Club, Khukuri (Nepalese speciality) and Amalfi (Italian). The North Cape Bar is the ship’s main bar, and the Living Room offers coffee and snacks as well as a drinks service. Outside is an observation deck, full wraparound promenade and terrace, pool, sports court and deck games.

Spirit of Adventure also features The Playhouse theatre, the Britannia Lounge, a library, spa, salon, gym and shop, as well as artwork inspired by the geography, landscapes, and colours of the British Isles.

See also:

Spirit of Adventure ‘will have her own character’

Photo tour of Spirit of Discovery

English wine to christen Spirit of Discovery

The inaugural itinerary

Date	Destination	Arrival time	Departure time
Monday 26 July	Tilbury		1700
Tuesday 27 July	At sea
Wednesday 28 July	Newcastle	0800	1700
Thursday 29 July	At sea
Friday 30 July	Belfast	0800	1900
Saturday 31 July	Scenic cruising around Isle of Man
Sunday 1 August	Liverpool	0800	1700
Monday 2 August	Holyhead	0800	1700
Tuesday 3 August	At sea
Wednesday 4 August	Portbury (for Bristol)	0430	2100
Thursday 5 August	Scenic cruising around Lundy Island and north Cornwall coast
Friday 6 August	Isles of Scilly	0800	1800
Saturday 7 August	Falmouth	0730	1700
Sunday 8 August	Scenic cruising watching the fleet of the Fastnet Yacht Race
Monday 9 August	At sea
Tuesday 10 August	Tilbury	0700