Saga’s much-anticipated new cruise ship, Spirit of Adventure, made her first arrival into to Portsmouth ahead of next week's prestigious naming ceremony.
Lucky spectators caught a glimpse of Britain’s newest 236-metre boutique cruise ship, as she sailed into the city early this morning.
Spirit of Adventure features five speciality restaurants including the world’s first Nepalese restaurant at sea – Khukuri House, alongside Amalfi, a high-end Italian cuisine restaurant and the Supper Club a dining and live entertainment venue.
The ship has a 500 sq metre spa, The Lido outdoor pool, The Playhouse, a 444-seat theatre and a large library.
Nick Stace, CEO of Saga Travel, said: “Seeing Spirit of Adventure at Portsmouth International Port for the first time will be a real moment for Saga Cruises. She’ll be named there on July 19 – the first new ship ever to have the honour at the port – which we’re all so looking forward to. Portsmouth has been incredibly welcoming of us and we’re very grateful for that.”
This historic occasion marks a significant development for the port’s ambitions, as Spirit of Adventure becomes the first cruise ship naming ever to take place in the city.
In recent years, Saga has pioneered the boutique cruising experience for its customers. In 2019, the company launched its first-ever, purpose-built boutique cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery, and plans for Spirit of Adventure promise to be just as exciting.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: "Portsmouth's dramatic harbour entrance is a stunning back drop perfectly showcasing the Spirit of Adventure, building anticipation for her naming ceremony on Monday 19 July.
"We're looking forward to Saga's brand-new vessels becoming a familiar sight in our city, this is a new cruise era for Portsmouth and we can't wait for cruise lines like Saga to join us on our journey."
The arrival of Spirit of Adventure demonstrates the value of the multimillion investment to transform the port into a leading cruise terminal, with an extended cruise berth allowing events of this nature to take place.
Attention will soon turn to transforming the terminal to create an extension on the existing building that will provide the ability to handle up to 2000 passengers.
You can watch the naming ceremony live from 1pm on Monday 19 July on Saga's Facebook page and Youtube channel, to register please go here
