Saga Cruises Spirit of Discovery Ship : 8 Must-Knows And A Key Watch-Out

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Saga Cruises Spirit of Discovery Ship : 8 Must-Knows And A Key Watch-Out

Рет қаралды 64,652

Күн бұрын

Saga Cruises launched Spirit of Discovery in July 2019, the first of two sister cruise ships (Spirit of Adventure in 2020). These are the first new-build ships for cruising ever for Saga, why had previously bought and refurbished existing cruise ships. The Spirit of Discovery holds 999 passengers and in this I discuss the 8 things that I think are best about the ship, and show and explain why. I also talk about one major watch-out and issue that could stop you from cruising.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the cruise line on a pre-naming cruise before making this video. Saga Cruises had no input in the video and content.
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Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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Пікірлер: 109

@madiantin 5 жыл бұрын

Downside: You need to be over 50. Me: Holy cow! That's a fantastic upside! =D

@jobell7356 4 жыл бұрын

Oh I so agree, I am one very happy bunny 😁

@dwill123 5 жыл бұрын

What no rock climbing wall??? No bumper cars??? What are you supposed to do for rest and relaxation? Oh yeah, rest and relax. I cannot wait to give Saga Cruises a try.

@ericleszkowicz898 5 жыл бұрын

dwill123 I couldn’t agree more

@Dangic23 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely right! I've been on several cruises that have those things...never got to use them. So what's the point?

@ramblingrob4693 2 жыл бұрын

Princess Cruise don't have that crap either

@2CraftySeniors 5 жыл бұрын

The way this cruise-line caters to both solo travellers and people who need accessible cabins is phenomenal. Love the idea of a large library plus the educational programs. The age limit wouldn't bother me and actually makes me more inclined to use this line. Being nearly 70, I enjoy talking to and interacting more with people over 45 than I do with younger people... simply because we usually have more in common. Actually most of my friends are in the 40-50 age group, so I'd feel more at home on this line than I would on the ones that cater to younger or family patrons.

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

I agree. Great to hear you found it appealing and that you found the review interesting. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave thoughts and comment. Much appreciated.

@jobell7356 4 жыл бұрын

I look forward to bumping into you for a coffee and chat. Be nice to swap ideas and conclusions about destinations seen and to be seen.

@deliverancetwo 5 жыл бұрын

This is my kind of shop. A cruise ship that caterers to people 50 years and older is absolutely amazing

@divox9pqr 5 жыл бұрын

Saga cruise ships would do well in the US markets. Solo travelers here are tired of being overcharged with the single supplement.

@LadyCatherine538 5 жыл бұрын

Hooray for Saga. Thank you, Gary! This may well be my next cruise. Over 50, solo cabins, big library: yippee

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

Hooray indeed! I love that, and that there is choice based on budget too. Great to hear this appeals :-)

@madiantin 5 жыл бұрын

Yes! I thought the same! That big library had me totally tempted...and I don't even live in England anymore. =D

@gloriabowie5629 5 жыл бұрын

@@tipsfortravellers very expensive, you have to go to england and back,then all exclusive,i don't drink anyway and who needs wifi on vacation,and upscale restaurants and much bigger rooms all this makes your fair much higher.

@enigmatist666 Жыл бұрын

I was amused when you got to the bit about what might put one off. I've never cruised and have been binge-watching vlogs. Nothing appealed - too many people and kids! :) So your negative is our biggest positive. Thank you for all the great insights. :)

@andreadimmick8105 10 ай бұрын

We're so excited to be going on Discovery next year, our first cruise since 2009 and we've only sailed with P&O before, thank you Gary, your tips are very helpful. We were going to book with a travel agent but found out that we could only join the Britania Club membership if we booked direct, also the travel agent didnt include the Saga included insurance in our quote and we were told we would have to phone Saga to have it added to our account, something for people to keep in mind.

@ArielBos 5 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful ship! My only downfall is the costs of the flight, but I will check on those Gary because it's so wonderful with everything that is included! I love the idea of it not being such a huge ship and packed in like sardines. Love my space and the connection with the oceans. And I'm mostly a solo traveler too! Fits me perfect. Thanks for sharing.

@jamesdodger5588 Ай бұрын

I was a cruise virgin and had my first experience on a (Saga) cruise a year ago. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for. No worrying about gratuities, tips, drink bills, even other peoples kids. Certainly NOT the cheapest option but in my opinion definitely the best option. First class food and dining, lovely staff who were brilliant and one of the real pleasures was the promenade deck (even in the North Sea) where the 1 mile walk was a great way of working off some of the over consumption. Can't wait to celebrate my 70th birthday on another one.

@claudianowakowski 5 жыл бұрын

I have not checked the price yet, but this is perfect. It seems to cater to adults and not necessarily older adults. Wow over 50 only! Excellent. Off to check the price.

@kjh789az 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Gary. The interior styling has echoes of Cunard's QM2, which is itself largely themed around a retro art deco traditional liner look. I didn't realise Saga had the minimum age limit, but this does allow them to target their cruise offering more than some cruise lines.

@patrickmooney4135 5 жыл бұрын

Seems like the perfect ship and cruising experience for me as a solo cruiser, anglophile who is over 50... I will definitely look into this new ship and cruise line. Great review and video, as always. Thanks, Gary!

@j.m.7056 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, Gary! This ship looks fabulous--it is on my list!

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

I love it too. Great to hear it is on your list

@kevster1007 5 жыл бұрын

No kids, fantastic......

@fares-please 5 жыл бұрын

Looks like a beautiful ship. It’s cool how all the specialty dining is included. I love the artwork and yes love the wrap around promenade deck.

@kellieashman6908 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for highlighting the accessibility cabins. I wish more lines had connecting cabins

@jec1ny 5 жыл бұрын

Wow. I really like that ship. And I just turned 53 so I'm good to go.

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

It's a fab ship, I agree. I am 60 and like that they designing something that talks to me too

@aussiejohn5835 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. I am determined to sail on this ship. Open decks and a promenade deck. This is a real ship

@helgeron4655 5 жыл бұрын

I love your videos, lot's of interesting information and this one has been extremely interesting for me for 2020 so I'm off to see the Saga Cruise website, thank you so much.

@jonathanwilliams9222 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I booked in Jan 2018 for the Northern Lights cruise in Feb 2020. After seeing the video, can't wait to go.

@johnlunnun9769 3 жыл бұрын

Saga cruises are wonderful, I know very well, I’ve done many of them! However, even though they have created many single occupancy cabins, they still charge rip off prices for the solo traveller. In many cases, for little more than a couple of hundred pounds more you could ask a friend to pay this shortfall, and have them travel with you in a double cabin. I appreciate, that in fairness and for a number of reasons, single travellers need to pay a little more for financial viability, but the extra amount asked compared to the double occupancy rate, is simply outrageous and iniquitous!

@michaelmassek5561 5 жыл бұрын

Turning 50 this year....will have to try it out!!

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

Fab to hear. Thanks for watching.

@Quasihamster 4 жыл бұрын

Holy cow that interior though. Reminds me much more of Olympic age liners and such than even the Queen herself.

@LAnonHubbard 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, this looks really nice! I can imaging having a classy + relaxing cruise on this ship. Thanks for the video.

@PuenteAJ 2 жыл бұрын

This looks like a perfect ship for a specific type of holiday. I love a bit of adventure and fun and other times I love quiet and relaxing. This ship looks perfect. Great video and information Gary.

@theeverydayprepper7673 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid as always, Sir! So many of the ships/cruises you review go immediately on my bucket list!

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 😀 Great to hear you enjoyed this one! Sounds like I’m going to be costing you a lot of money on cruises 😀

@theeverydayprepper7673 5 жыл бұрын

@@tipsfortravellers That's OK. You can't take it with you!

@Steve_in_NJ 5 жыл бұрын

OMG! This ship looks awesome! Over 50 to cruise? It's an AARP Cruise!!!!! Maybe in the future, they'll cruise out of Florida? P.S. I'm over 55+ so this would appeal to me -- but since you said it's all-inclusive, how expensive would be the cost? Almost sounds like a Crystal Cruise ship (minus the all-suite cabins).

@angelahorton5745 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video with all the information needed. The ship looks beautiful and I love the cabins and the various restaurants.

@Ape4Apes 4 жыл бұрын

Just booked for summer 2021!

@colindartnell 4 жыл бұрын

We will be on the ship this Thursday, can't wait. Only worry is, some of the decor looks straight out of an old peoples home. Check out the video at 4 mins 35 secs.

@gaynormainwaring1853 2 жыл бұрын

We’ve booked a trip to Norway on this ship later this year. Really looking forward to it.

@modalabdellah5689 3 жыл бұрын

Library that s wonderful

@tipsfortravellers 3 жыл бұрын

Agree !!!

@caroleceres 2 ай бұрын

To be honest, that’s where I used to spend a lot of my time on cruises (prior to having a Kindle), on Celebrity had a truly amazing library, so I’m looking forward to seeing this one! 😊

@historicalfashionpassion 3 жыл бұрын

If there’s one thing I can’t stand are the ships that are like adult Disney!....this looks very sophisticated and calming....just what I like when I’m on holiday...calm, resting, serenity....

@devon7584 5 жыл бұрын

This sounds like it would be wonderful. Unfortunately we are in the US and we aren't nearly old enough, but it's something to look forward to. Thanks for the information!

@jobell7356 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks once more for your insight. I'm hooked and booked so come 2021 I hope to be travelling with them on the round UK cruise. Perfect. Let's hope covid has calmed down by then 🤞

@jacquelinephillips4264 5 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait until I cruise on this ship next year. In the meantime it’s the Saga Sapphire for me. Love SAGA cruises.

@johnnolan5579 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to take a Saga cruise after watching your video.

@barbaravick5634 4 жыл бұрын

What a slendid idea! Over 50/40 companion. I think that would probably work very well. It surely would for me. And handicapped accessible in case I'm having issues at the time.

@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel 5 жыл бұрын

Fabulous video, so informative and accurate. We loved the Britannia Lounge too, that really is spectacular can't wait to be back.on board tomorrow! 😍

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

😀😀 Thanks for watching! See you tomorrow 👍🏻 Should be a great do

@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel 5 жыл бұрын

@@tipsfortravellers Yes really looking forward to it! 😁

@phedrob3735 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful decor. Not at all like the gaudy appearance of most cruise ships.

@clement2780 4 жыл бұрын

any ships offer more old school plays, operettas, piano recitals, chamber, small orchestra, song recitals, poetry readings, rather than only rock, pop, jazz, country?

@anitas5817 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I would love those!

@montyzumazoom1337 3 жыл бұрын

Everything is included, but the prices I think are pretty high. Insurance is a real bonus as this increases for age and any medical issues. I’m not sure about Saga ships, I like the space of bigger ships. There are a couple of cruises I’d like to go on, but again I’m still debating and pondering. I just think you might get more for your money elsewhere. However, I would welcome advice and experiences from past passengers.

@113001596 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid, thanks. Over 50 only is great, solo is great, but I have to be honest, even though this is a new ship, the interior design seems dated. Appreciate many over 50 like the idea of just relaxing, but I think I'd be way too bored on this one unfortunately. I like the concept though and good luck to them.

@anitas5817 3 жыл бұрын

The decor suits the market they’re going for. It’s classic not glam or glitzy and I love it. But I’m looking for just this kind of quiet, elegant cruise. It would be boring to a lot of people who prefer a more upbeat atmosphere.

@caroleceres 2 ай бұрын

@@anitas5817I agree, calm and elegant is better for relaxing, rather than bright, trashy colours meant to energise you.

@rlaltk 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent job as always. That's very interesting about the age restrictions. I'm guessing they would allow a caregiver who was under 40 to accompany a disabled guest. Is that correct? The age restrictions certainly empowers them to dial in the cruise experience for their passengers rather than trying to be all things to all people.

@marionrfield Жыл бұрын

No, the carer must be forty or over.

@jaycee7255 5 жыл бұрын

Main downside for me - and a lot more people who have cruised slightly better than average lines like Azamara, Viking and Oceania - is the formal dress code! Otherwise it looks like a lovely ship, and your review is excellent. Thank you!

@colindartnell 4 жыл бұрын

Funny that's the upside for us, donning the Tux and the cocktail dress makes the whole thing more special, better than people turning up for dinner in a jumper and jeans. Nice to have a bit of class on the ships. We were on Celebrity two years ago and hated the scruffy way people turned up for dinner in the restaurants.

@breadyegg 4 жыл бұрын

It's a bit of a love - hate thing for me on the formal nights too. I guess the answer is to find a tux or black tie that is still comfortable to wear.

@marionrfield Жыл бұрын

On formal nights, go to one of the restaurants where formal dress is not compulsory.

@frankbeazley1370 7 ай бұрын

Is this a good cruise line for Canadians to look at?

@peterchen8868 5 жыл бұрын

As we all know, there is no free lunches in real life. There is also a lot of inclusive on Viking ocean ships, but the fares are not cheap either. Is it comparable to Viking for a 8-day cruise or if you have to ask, you probably can't afford this.

@dariusnikbin1695 2 жыл бұрын

Bingo...

@Boondockabillies 5 жыл бұрын

Sounds heavenly! :)

@mattg5878 5 жыл бұрын

I’m over 50 in my head. Only 30 by body though :( Went on Norwegian sky to Bahamas, didn’t really enjoy it. Went on Oceania Insignia up the east coast of America. Loved it. Can I get an exception with a Saga?!

@theeverydayprepper7673 5 жыл бұрын

I'm over 50 in my body, but still mentally in my late teens! :D

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

:-) :-) You need to find someone over 50 to cruise with ask I guess :-)

@tipsfortravellers 5 жыл бұрын

I am 60 but definitely still think I am 25. Until it comes to late nights..... then I realise I am not 25...

@mattg5878 5 жыл бұрын

@@tipsfortravellers Don't I need to be over 40 to cruise with someone over 50? My parents just got the welcome pack for a saga river cruise, starting in bucharest. Very jealous

@clement2780 4 жыл бұрын

which bus, train, river, ocean cruises go to which destinations and have budget options for final cost, all inclusive of flights, excursions, gratuities. transfer from airport and to port .

@GrandmaPomPom Жыл бұрын

Hi Gary, we are from Australia 🇦🇺 and enjoy your channel. Do you have any tips for booking these. Australian travel agents haven’t got any information on these or tui. Thanks

@caroleceres 2 ай бұрын

Hello, having looked at various comments on this and other vlogs, I would advise you to book directly with saga on their website. They will advise you on where best to stay (for example) for your chauffeur pickup t take you to and from the ship. If you have family in the uk, perhaps you can arrange to stay with them before and after! Plus, perhaps they will advise you about the included Insurance….

@lizdyson3627 Жыл бұрын

This is so exciting to me. My only issue is i'd be bringing paid carers. They would very likely be to young for Saga. Do you think Saga might make exceptions if i'm assigned carers in there 20's 0r 30's?

@tipsfortravellers Жыл бұрын

I believe accompanying people need to be over 40 years but best to check in with them on execptions

@jessehosey3543 5 жыл бұрын

This sounds perfect 👌....🤔

@smithbrownjones Жыл бұрын

£13k+ for 30 days in the Caribbean....... 😬 That being said; I spent £4k for two weeks in the Caribbean on P&O's Britannia in 2019.....and it was a pretty awful experience..... Worth the 50% price difference......?

@brigidconroy2111 10 ай бұрын

Is it difficult to book Saga cruise from the US? Or can you book in I’m if you were travellling to the UK

@caroleceres 2 ай бұрын

Have a look on their website.

@Quasihamster 4 жыл бұрын

2:24 Why did they put a picture on the wall of their own ship sinking?

@janettesinclair6279 2 жыл бұрын

Ha ha! I noticed that too......

@chriswilliams6568 4 жыл бұрын

It is the formality of the British that puts me off Saga, Cunard and P&O. I am an ex pat of the UK too.

@teamflames9508 4 жыл бұрын

Well as a 45 year old (retired) I am clearly too wild! Oh well stick with the others

@clement2780 4 жыл бұрын

how about bus, train packages and escorted critic or reviews? also love river cruises, ocean cruises are somewhat dishonest when their famous city is two three hours or more one way from port, so excursions are all but mandatory if you dont want to stay on ship. dining , onboard entertainment i wouldnt mind paying for, but at least when you are in civitavecchia, shuttle to rome, livorno or la spezia florence, le havre or honfleur paris, southampton harwich dover to london, zeebrugge brussels, malaga to cordoba or granada, cadiz seville, warnemuende berlin or potsdam, etc. if visiting museums, etc fine charge more but at least the unescorted transfer should be included in advertised price. palamos figueres, genova or savona portofino to milano.

@Wog68 11 ай бұрын

To me the whole cruise ship idea is absurd. It is understandable that one get bored looking at water beyond horizons and passengers kept occupied on board shows, activities and dining but less than 12 ours on each port of call, which is usually big cities? How much can anyone see and experience?

@robertogolisano5951 5 жыл бұрын

I love it. I love your job. Can I come with you?

@paullewis2413 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the upload. As a ship ``geek`` you should know it`s the stern or aft of the ship not the back :-) Great that it`s an adult only ship but over 50 is a bit much, what`s wrong with over, say, 35?

@bradleysdavis8400 14 күн бұрын

Sir, seriously. I'm quite annoyed that I sat through your entire video only for you to tell me at the END that I cannot go in the ship!! That disclaimer should have been at the start!

@christopherkomer2982 5 жыл бұрын

Although it was a great and informative video if you had mentioned you have to be over 50 to go on the ship I would have skipped the rest of the video. I still have a ways to go before I hit that age

@johnlunnun9769 Жыл бұрын

Oh the iniquity, oh the irony, and obviously Gary, you don’t see this! In short Saga are still charging the single traveler around twice as much as all other guests on their ships, but wait!!! Saga now trumpet the fact that they have dedicated single cabins, wonderful, but what does this mean in reality?! I imagine these cabins are smaller, and have enough space for the comfort of one person only! Talk about fool all of the people all of the time. At least when I sailed on their older ships,and had to swallow the iniquity of paying more than other guests, I was able to draw comfort from the fact that I had all the space two people would have shared, all to myself. To add insult to injury, the cruises are completely all in with perhaps the exception of the shop on board, so Saga aren’t losing out financially in this respect! Disgusting!