Spirit of Discovery
Sails from Portsmouth, England · Fly into LHR
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Spirit of Discovery berthed in Oslo, August 2019 · Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Spirit of Discovery
Spirit of Discovery is a Saga Cruises cruise ship, in service since 2019. She measures 58,250 gross tons and carries 999 guests with a crew of 523. She sails Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe, Canada and New England itineraries. We rate her 4.0 out of 5.
Spirit of Discovery was Saga's first purpose-built ship, delivered by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, in June 2019 and sailing from July that year. At 58,250 gross tons she is, with her sister Spirit of Adventure, the largest ship Saga has operated, yet she carries fewer than 1,000 guests. The design brought Saga its first large theater, fitness facilities and included specialty restaurants. Most of her 2026/27 cruises sail round trip from Portsmouth to the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Norway and the Arctic, with a Canada voyage in autumn 2027.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 999
- Crew 523 · 1:1.9
- Entered service
- 2019
- Maiden voyage July 2019
- Length
- 236 m
- Longer than 62% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 10
Spirit of Discovery is smaller than 51% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 64%. At 58.3 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 89% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 4/5−0.7, fleet average 4.7
- Dining
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Entertainment
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Service
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Pools & decks
- 5/5+0.7, fleet average 4.3
- Value
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Saga Cruises fleet average across 6 rated ships in service.
More from Saga Cruises
The ships in the fleet closest to her in size.
Official deck plans
Photos
Spirit of Discovery berthed in Oslo, August 2019Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
- Canary Islandswinter sun off North Africa, often with Madeira and Morocco
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
- Norwegian Fjordsfjords and the North Cape, with midnight sun in summer
- Northern Europethe Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, May to September
- Canada and New EnglandBoston to Quebec City, at its best in autumn
Home port: Portsmouth, England.
Flying in for your cruise?
Spirit of Discovery sails from Portsmouth, England. The airport is London Heathrow (LHR), with 40 lounges to wait in before you board.
- Emirates LoungeLHR Terminal 34.9 ★
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T4)LHR Terminal 44.9 ★
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T5)LHR Terminal 54.9 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Spirit of Discovery?
Spirit of Discovery is operated by Saga Cruises.
How big is Spirit of Discovery?
Spirit of Discovery measures 58,250 gross tons and 236 metres in length, with 10 decks.
How does Spirit of Discovery compare in size with other cruise ships?
Spirit of Discovery is smaller than 51% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 64%. At 58.3 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 89% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Spirit of Discovery feel?
Spirit of Discovery has a passenger space ratio of 58.3: 58,250 gross tons for 999 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Spirit of Discovery feels spacious for her size.
How many passengers does Spirit of Discovery carry?
Spirit of Discovery carries 999 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 523 (about 1.9 guests per crew member).
When did Spirit of Discovery enter service?
Spirit of Discovery entered service in 2019.
Where does Spirit of Discovery sail?
Spirit of Discovery sails Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe and Canada and New England itineraries. Her home port is Portsmouth, England.
Which airport should I fly into for Spirit of Discovery?
Spirit of Discovery sails from Portsmouth, England. Fly into London Heathrow (LHR), which has 40 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Spirit of Discovery?
Saga Cruises publishes the deck plans for Spirit of Discovery; this page links to Deck plans.
How is Spirit of Discovery rated?
Cruise Frog rates Spirit of Discovery 4.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on pools & decks (5/5) and lowest on value (3/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
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