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The Duchess of Cornwall to name Saga’s Spirit of Discovery

Spirit of Discovery
Saga's Spirit of Discovery to be named by The Duchess of Cornwall in Dover
Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery will be officially named by The Duchess of Cornwall July 5 in Dover. This is the first ship to be inaugurated at the port for over a decade and the first to be docked at Dover Western Docks following the £250m redevelopment of the area.

The Duchess is patron of The Silver Line, Saga’s first national charity partner, a charity founded by TV presenter Dame Esther Rantzen following a period of bereavement after the death of her husband.

British registry

Spirit of Discovery is registered in the UK and will display London as her port of registry on her stern. Her sister ship, Spirit of Adventure, will also fly the Red Ensign when she launches in 2020.

New ship launch

Lance Batchelor, group ceo of Saga, said: ‘The launch of our new ship is a key moment in both the history and future of Saga. Carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers, she is a boutique ship that offers our customers and members the highest standards of accommodation, furnishings, cuisine and entertainment. I am immensely proud of what we have created with shipyard Meyer Werft.’

Sophie Andrews, ceo, The Silver Line, said: ‘The Silver Line helpline receives more than 10,500 calls every week from vulnerable and isolated older people, many of whom have nowhere else to turn.'

Art and design

The ship has a classic and contemporary style with a selection of materials and furnishings that create a luxurious environment. 400 original pieces of artwork have been commissioned from British based artists and artisans.

A jeroboam of sparkling wine from Kent independent wine producer, Hush Heath, has been specially blended for the naming ceremony.