​Spirit of Discovery To Be Named In Dover

​Saga Cruises has announced that its first ever new-build cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery, will be named in its home port of Dover on 05 July 2019.
 
The boutique luxury cruise ship will be the first cruise ship to be christened in Dover for more than a decade, following the completion of stages 1&2 of the £250 million redevelopment of Dover Western Docks.

The announcement was made at an exclusive event in London on 18 September 2018 with Jools Holland, the face of the Club by Jools on board Spirit of Discovery, present at the event.
 
Nigel Blanks, Chief Operating Officer, Saga, said: “As the place that Saga’s first cruise ship set sail from more than 20 years ago, Dover was the natural choice. With Saga’s Group headquarters based in Kent, we felt it only right that we named our first brand new, purpose-built cruise ship in Kent and what better way to do that than with the iconic White Cliffs of Dover as a backdrop”.
 
The maiden voyage of Spirt of Discovery will depart Dover on 10 July 2019, cruising around the British Isles.
 
Spirit of Discovery will replace Saga Pearl II in July 2019, while a second ship, Spirit of Adventure is planned to enter service in August 2020. Both ships will be 58,250 gross tonnes, accommodating 999 guests and 530 crew members.