Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.
Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets. Please be aware that St Lucia is a small, mountainous island, with steep, winding and bumpy roads. Customers with back and neck problems should take this into consideration when booking an excursion.
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.
Spirit of Discovery features the design cues, cuisine and levels of service you expect in the world’s finest boutique hotels. Along with her sister ship Spirit of Adventure, they are the only small ships built for the British market, offering a balcony for every guest and a choice of speciality restaurants. All backed by Saga's famous personal service and inclusive value.
Fine dining is one of the biggest attractions of the ship, and you can look forward to a range of contrasting restaurants, all serving world-class dishes day and night. The main dining venues are The Grand Dining Room and more informal Grill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here, open seating is the norm, so you can dine whenever you like within the opening hours. If you’d like a fixed table for the duration of your cruise, please call our cruise advisors to book one. Kindly note there is a maximum of 150 fixed tables available on each cruise.
There are multiple venues for entertainment, so you’re free to choose what and where to spend your time. Enjoy a colourful show in the epic Playhouse theatre, or alternative entertainment in the Britannia Lounge where you can dance the night away. This can include guest musicians and singers, classical concerts and soloists. The Club by Jools also offers live shows from musical ensembles.
On our boutique cruises, what happens on the ship is only half the story. That’s where Explore Ashore comes in. Part concierge, part tourist information hub, on every itinerary our travel experts will be on hand to help you plan your time ashore, exactly how you want it.
We understand the importance of healthy living on board and have made sure guests have access to a range of wellbeing services, from bespoke fitness programmes and yoga classes to spa sessions and beauty treatments.
We will provide you with any assistance that you need if you have a disability, please let our sales team know at the time of booking. We recommend that you book emergency assistance if you have a disability.
Adapted cabins and assistance available onboard
Adapted cabins are available on each of our ships.
If you require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter for permanent or regular use on board you will need to be booked into a wheelchair-accessible cabin.
Please contact one of our Cruise Advisors on 0800 505 030 to enquire about the availability of an adapted cabin and wheelchair space.
If you will require a wheelchair on board, please be aware of the following lift dimensions:
If you require a wheelchair for use on shore excursions only and not on board the ship, the ship will store it for you. As storage is limited please make us aware if you will be bringing a wheelchair on board for use off the ship.
If you have reduced mobility but do not require an adapted cabin, there are a number of different cabin grades are available with different features, please speak with our cruise advisors about the cabin amenities when you call to book.
Hearing and visual impairment
Although not a requirement, it is recommended that a blind or visually impaired passenger travels with a fare paying companion. This recommendation is made purely on the basis of personal safety. In the unlikely event of an emergency on board, a travelling companion will greatly aid your timely relocation to your allocated muster station.
Assistance that can be provided includes:
Upon arrival at the terminal
During the cruise
For disembarkation
The vessel can provide all of its daily publications (e.g. cinema guide, daily paper) in large print upon request; Braille playing cards are also available upon request.
In order to assist deaf or hard of hearing guests with the passenger embarkation safety drill, a subtitled safety video is available on the cabin's television. This video runs on a loop and is available 24/7. Those who are unable to hear the Captain's safety announcement on embarkation day should take the time to watch this video at the earliest opportunity. Any member of the ship’s crew will be happy to answer any questions you may have resulting from watching the video.
A number of visual alarm units are available on request. When fitted into the cabin these will flash indicator lights when loud alarms sound. Also they provide a fixture that will vibrate a pillow to alert you whilst you are sleeping.
Most entertainment rooms on each vessel have hearing loop systems installed. This will improve sound volume and clarity with hearing aids switched to the 'T' position.
If you need to notify us of any special requirements, please do so at the time of booking. If you've already booked please make sure you notify us no later than 48 hours before departure by calling our Customer Care team free on 0800 373 034.
Excursions
Wherever possible, we arrange a choice of excursions to match a variety of tastes and walking abilities.
We will notify you when excursions for your cruise are on sale and provide information for each that can be booked. To help you choose the excursions most suitable for you, we have graded each according to the walking involved, as detailed below:
In some ports tour coaches may not be able to accommodate wheelchair users, or carry mobility scooters. Please inform us if you require the use of a wheelchair or scooter while on tour so that we can check if there is suitable transport available in that port. We will also be happy to arrange private transport if you’d like to explore independently instead.
If you are in any doubt over the suitability of any excursions, please contact our Customer Care team on 0800 373 034 or speak to the Travel and Tours team on board.
We’ve been creating holidays and cruises exclusively for over 50s for more than 60 years, with incredible destinations, memorable experiences and fantastic value at the heart of what we do.
From relaxing hotel stays and scenic river cruises, to cultural escorted tours and memorable ocean cruises, our varied collection is a perfect choice for anyone over 50 (a travelling companion can be over 40).
Evening dress code applies from 6pm and must be followed by all guests in the ship’s public areas for the evening. The dress code is recommended for the ambiance and comfort of all guests. Details will be shown in your Daily Programme.
Evening-casual
For dinner, evening-casual is the way to go – just like at any other restaurant.
For ladies:
For gentlemen:
Please, no polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts or denim.
Formal nights
Getting smartly dressed up for the occasional formal night has long been part of the fun of cruising.
As a guide, there'll be:
For ladies:
For gentlemen:
If you'd prefer not to take part in formal nights, you can dine in The Grill or take advantage of our complimentary room service. You're also welcome to enjoy drinks in any of the bars – however you'll need to adhere to the standard evening-casual dress code.
Please note: The Playhouse observes the dress code of formal nights. If you're attending a performance on a formal night, formal dress will be required for admission.
Every Saga cruise includes:
Whatever you need, there will always be someone on hand to help throughout your cruise. And don’t be surprised if our friendly crew remember you from your last cruises with us – it’s just another part of the famous Saga service. And tipping? Never. Everything is taken care of before you even step on the ship. It leaves you free to concentrate on the most important thing of all – enjoying yourself
Smoking and vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking area. On Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure this is the port side aft on Deck 11.
Smoking is strictly forbidden on guest balconies or anywhere else on the ships.
All our ships have free Wi-Fi. Although it can sometimes be a bit patchy because of the nature of ocean cruising.
Fine dining is an integral part of the cruising experience and we can cater for most dietary needs as long as you let us know in advance. You can make us aware of your requirements at the time of booking or if you have already booked, please contact us.
We welcome assistance dogs on board our ships and this section outlines the procedures for arranging booking, embarkation, disembarkation and onboard service for guests with an assistance dog. Please read the information carefully.
If you need to take an assistance dog on board, please let us know at the time of booking. If you've already booked please make sure you notify us no later than 48 hours before departure by calling our Customer Care team free on 0800 373 034.
The limitations on assistance dogs carried on each vessel at any time are:
It's therefore essential that you let us know at the time of booking if you require an assistance dog so we can ensure there is the availability and make the necessary arrangements.
The limitations on cruises that can be booked if you are travelling with an assistance dog are:
You will need to ensure that the assistance dog complies with the Pet Passport Scheme.
Please be aware that some ports of call may not allow the assistance dog to go ashore.
Assistance staff in the cruise terminal can be found along the boarding route, and will escort you and your assistance dog from the terminal check-in to the ship. An appointed vet arranged by us will be present when you embark so that they can check the pet’s passport and scan the microchip using either their own scanner or the scanner provided by you.
Whilst on board, it is your responsibility to ensure that:
The assistance dog must have a tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before returning to the UK. The ship's Chief Purser shall locate a port of call available for a treatment, arrange transport for you, and maintain a copy of the treatment document.
During disembarkation, the appointed veterinarian shall check the assistance dog’s passport and scan the microchip using either their own scanner or the scanner provided by you.
To ensure that the crew can cope in an emergency situation, the number of passengers who require a wheelchair or mobility scooter to be booked on any cruise is restricted for safety reasons. It's therefore essential that you ask at the time of booking if there will be space for you to bring your wheelchair, mobility scooter or other equipment on board. Please contact a member of our Sales Team on 0800 096 0079 to enquire about availability. If you've already booked, please call our After-sales Team on 0800 504 505 instead.
Wheelchairs are not available for loan on board or for use during excursions. Anybody that requires the use of a wheelchair must provide their own.
Please note that if you arrive at check-in with a wheelchair or mobility scooter and have failed to declare that you are bringing this with you, and no wheelchair spaces are available, then you will be denied boarding on the grounds of safety.
All passengers that require the use of wheelchairs or mobility scooters for permanent and regular use on board will only be booked into a wheelchair accessible cabin.
Things to note if bringing a wheelchair or mobility scooter onboard
Mobility equipment
The following equipment is available on board. There is only a limited number of each item so if you require the use of any mobility equipment, please let us know at the time of booking or at the earliest opportunity to enable us to ensure that the necessary equipment is available.
Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure
If you need to bring any other mobility equipment on board, please make sure you let us know. This equipment must be stored within your cabin when not in use and must never be stowed in corridors as they are considered to be an emergency escape route.
Luxury cabins, with a balcony for every guest
At the heart of every luxury boutique hotel are the bedrooms: your own haven to relax while enjoying your own personal space. And with an average floor plan of 215 square feet as standard, there’s quite a bit of space to enjoy.
Taking their design cues from some of London’s top hotels, each cabin has been styled to showcase the best in contemporary, yet classic British design. And in what is one of the ship’s most distinctive features, every cabin has a balcony, giving you your own outside space too.
The ship's cabins are your very own space aboard Spirit of Discovery, and with an average floor plan of 215 square feet, you’ll have quite a bit of space to enjoy in our standard cabins!
Best of all, enjoy your very own private balcony.
For even more luxury, why not upgrade to a Deluxe cabin?
Offering more space with 350 square feet of accommodation and extra facilities including a walk in wardrobe, they are also higher up on the ship, for better views and access to all of the ship's facilities.
Offering more personal space – up to 462 square feet per cabin – these Suites add living and dining areas with elegant sofas and bespoke furniture, while the adjoining bathroom impresses with twin sinks, and shower and separate bathtub.
You’ll even get to enjoy butler service, along with extra inclusions such as a personal espresso machine and much more.
Beautiful and spacious, and with up to 540 square feet of accommodation, the Aft Suites on Spirit of Discovery are among the finest accommodation the ship has to offer. As their name suggests, these grand spaces have a prime location at the back of the ship which means your balcony offers grand ocean views as you sail away to another amazing destination.
The highest-grade accommodation on Spirit of Discovery are the top ‘Forward’ Suites. These are The Sidney De Haan, Joseph Meyer, Rose, and Ruby Suites.
One-off, signature spaces up to 855 square feet in size, each one is the epitome of true luxury and elegance at sea. With bespoke artwork and high-end fabrics, furniture, fittings and finishings throughout, they really are among the finest cabins afloat.
Spirit of Discovery has 109 single cabins, all with a balcony. 85% the size of a standard twin or double cabin, they are generously spacious at 185 square feet and mean single guests can enjoy the same boutique luxury throughout their cruise.
Larger than a standard single, this Superior Single cabin also has a bigger private balcony, so you can enjoy more outside space throughout your cruise.
Noticeably larger than standard and superior single cabins, the Deluxe is the perfect way to upgrade your cabin. You also have a walk in wardrobe, an extra window for more light and a bigger private balcony.
For pure indulgence, you can't beat your own Suite accommodation aboard Spirit of Discovery. Not only will you enjoy more space thanks to your own living area, there is also a bigger private balcony to enjoy the views.
Our Adapted Standard Balcony Cabin can be configured as a double or a twin and includes your own private balcony.
This spacious Adapted Deluxe Cabin is specially adapted for our guests’ needs, with ramps and easier access to both the bathroom and the larger private balcony. It can also be configured as a double or a twin.