Reviews
![Our first ever cruise - amazing!]()
This was mine, and my wife's, first ever cruise so we really did not now what to expect. From the outset, which was being picked up from home by a chauffeur, it went like clockwork. We were delivered at the port of Dover, where our luggage was whisked away, and we were processed at the check-in, which all went extremely smoothly, and then taken to our cabin which was really very, very well laid out, clean, and well lit too. All the information that we could have wanted was to hand in the cabin and indeed accessible on the TV there too, so we felt very well supported and not all left to stumble along alone. All the staff we met were so polite and helpful, and with the signage near the lifts it was fairly easy to sort out where all the restaurants and other places of note were located. We set off exploring the ship, and were amazed by the cleanliness and sparkle of everything we came across. That evening we went for our dinner fairly early on. The food was amazing, the service equally so, and this was so throughout our cruise. During dinner, being sat on a table of four, we learnt a lot from the other couple about the ship, and about the other restaurants and bars throughout the vessel. We made great use of the promenade deck for some fast walks, and indeed the Spa area for the sauna, steam room, and the hydro-pool; each time were were surprised to find very, very few people there - on the promenade deck or indeed in the Spa - normally just another couple or two, we reasoned that perhaps the average age of the passengers was probably responsible for that. However, the bars were well frequented by everyone in the evenings, and the entertainment we found there was very enjoyable. We took four excursions while in dock in Norway, and each disembarkation and re-embarkation was handled superbly by the staff - always going so very smoothly, which was amazing given that some of the passengers were not always that quick on their feet. The trips were excellent, and the ones that we paid for in addition to the others were very good value for money. At the end of the cruise the disembarkation was so well done, with us being matched with out luggage and our chauffeur for the return home within minutes of coming down the gangway! All in all, being treated like honoured guests for a week was a fabulous experience, one which we will definitely repeat as soon as!
Reviews
![We loved it!]()
This was mine, and my wife's, first ever cruise so we really did not now what to expect. From the outset, which was being picked up from home by a chauffeur, it went like clockwork. We were delivered at the port of Dover, where our luggage was whisked away, and we were processed at the check-in, which all went extremely smoothly, and then taken to our cabin which was really very, very well laid out, clean, and well lit too. All the information that we could have wanted was to hand in the cabin and indeed accessible on the TV there too, so we felt very well supported and not all left to stumble along alone. All the staff we met were so polite and helpful, and with the signage near the lifts it was fairly easy to sort out where all the restaurants and other places of note were located. We set off exploring the ship, and were amazed by the cleanliness and sparkle of everything we came across. That evening we went for our dinner fairly early on. The food was amazing, the service equally so, and this was so throughout our cruise. During dinner, being sat on a table of four, we learnt a lot from the other couple about the ship, and about the other restaurants and bars throughout the vessel. We made great use of the promenade deck for some fast walks, and indeed the Spa area for the sauna, steam room, and the hydro-pool; each time were were surprised to find very, very few people there - on the promenade deck or indeed in the Spa - normally just another couple or two, we reasoned that perhaps the average age of the passengers was probably responsible for that. However, the bars were well frequented by everyone in the evenings, and the entertainment we found there was very enjoyable. We took four excursions while in dock in Norway, and each disembarkation and re-embarkation was handled superbly by the staff - always going so very smoothly, which was amazing given that some of the passengers were not always that quick on their feet. The trips were excellent, and the ones that we paid for in addition to the others were very good value for money. At the end of the cruise the disembarkation was so well done, with us being matched with out luggage and our chauffeur for the return home within minutes of coming down the gangway! All in all, being treated like honoured guests for a week was a fabulous experience, one which we will definitely repeat as soon as!
Reviews
![Cruise to Italian ports to visit Florence, Rome and Pompeii.]()
A lovely relaxing 18 nights aboard the Spirit of Adventure as we cruised the Mediterranean visiting ports old and new and sampling great meals alongside an extremely efficient and friendly crew.
The cabin was spacious and comfortable. The ship allowed us to unwind and enjoy the amenities on board which are plenty and would suit most tastes from a gymnasium to a relaxing spa with sauna and steam room as well as a hydrotherapy pool. You can also swim in the outdoor pool, relax on the sun decks or participate in the many activities for your creative tastes.
A good theatre with some good shows .
With a choice of dining there is always a great choice of food and drinks to sample.
The great thing on a Saga cruise is that you never have to pay for anything once the ship sails.
Reviews
![Perfect for the older generation]()
Couldn’t be better. Well looked after in every aspect, restaurant, tours and onboard, even home taxi to Southampton out and back.
Reviews
![2023-03-31 18:13:04]()
Food in the main restaurant in the evening's were not always great, also some of the entertainment felt very amateurish. Unfortunately I was not able to enjoy my last few days onboard due to having caught COVID.
Very disappointed with the transport provided to collect and return me home which was included in price. The taxi sent I would not have used on a normal trip, and it was not as advertised on TV. Driver's did not know where ship was docked.
Reviews
![2023-03-28 15:52:47]()
Truly a wonderful experience.
Everything, from being picked up at our own front door, to returning after the cruise, was even better than we were expecting. It's not the "big" things that one tends to remember about a holiday, but the "small" individual touches which make all the difference. That is just what Saga did for us.
We did not feel like paying guests, but part of a family. Once we had paid for our cruise, there wasn't anyone always wanting us to keep paying out for all "those little extras" We only paid for what we actually wanted.
Being a Yorkshire man I would sum up by saying that Saga have got it "just reight!" ("just right!")
Reviews
![2023-03-28 14:43:02]()
Reviews
![2023-03-28 14:40:49]()
Truly the best way to travel, allowing you to see more & inspires you to go back another time.
Amazing food, especially as you can choose a different cuisine every night.
On board you can do a little as you like, just relax & enjoy the scenery or join in the many activities that are available
Reviews
![2023-03-23 10:31:38]()
We booked our first cruise ever with Saga following about 50 previous cruises as their ‘Search for the Northern Lights’ itinerary looked to fulfill one of our ‘bucket list’ experiences. Friends had been on the same cruise last year and couldn’t rate them highly enough so we bit the bullet and decided to book. The cost was at the very top end of our usual budget and came in at about £210 pppn, having just missed the previous discount level as Saga offer the best discount to early bookers with the discount decreasing as cabins are sold.
Although the price was higher than we normally paid, the cruise included door to port and return transfers, an all-balcony ship, wi-fi, all inclusive drinks, gratuities, four excursions, speciality restaurant dining, 24 hour full room service and, for those that need it, travel insurance or a discount if not taken. We did our research and, nearer the sail date, received a brochure with transfer information and a full list of the included excursions plus additional excursions at an extra cost.
Our shared taxi arrived as expected and we were whisked to Portsmouth and boarded with a minimum of fuss. First impressions were of a small but well equipped ship and the cabin exceeded expectations, being well appointed and having ample storage but more hanging space would have been welcome. Emergency drill involved viewing a video in cabin and visiting the muster station to be checked in. The first night you are allocated a restaurant and time to dine but after that it was anytime dining in the main dining room or grill, or booking one of the speciality restaurants, all of which we tried and enjoyed at least twice.
The food was always excellent, as was the service in the restaurants and bars, and we saw many of the shows, either in the theatre or the cabaret lounge, choosing only those that appealed to us and enjoying them all. The excursions were two sightseeing tours around Tromso and Bergen, an evening search for the Northern Lights and a fantastic visit through thick snow to the North Cape. All were well organised and executed. We also independently booked a morning dog-sledding in Alta, which was fantastic and a much better experience than the Saga excursion, as well as being significantly cheaper.
The speakers were excellent, with any that were missed available in the cabin, either live or on catch-up, and there was an extensive free collection of films and videos also available. The wi-fi was sketchy but patience and reconnecting usually did the trick but I understand that a better system is being researched.
Fellow guest were polite and pleasant and, although we always dined on a table for two, it was easy to chat with our table neighbours and we met some lovely people. The formal nights, 3 in 15 nights, were well respected with gents in dark suits and dinner suits in equal measure and the menus were to the same high standard but with some extra special dishes.
Disembarkation was smooth and well disciplined with you leaving the ship when your luggage was available and your transport home was waiting.
All in all, a great cruise and we have paid to pre-register for early access to the next tranche of cruises so as to receive the best discount available.
Reviews
![2023-03-08 15:19:04]()
Unfortunately I came home with E.coli and when I wrote and complained the lady who rang me after we arrived home disputed that I got this on board because I did not go to the medical centre when two days before we disembarked when I wasn't feeling one hundred percent. We will never go with Saga again. We feel they have got very expensive especially when they advertise home pick up and so many free trips which when you look at the price you are actually paying for this sevice and 'free' trips.
Reviews
![2023-02-15 20:12:35]()
A wonderful ship and an excellent cruise experience. An ideal winter itinerary and could find no faults - most enjoyable.
Reviews
![2023-01-22 18:57:40]()
Originally booked as a Baltic Cruise including St Petersburg which obviously had to change. Saga added 3 extra ports and made all inclusive drinks asi premium spirits. pickup from Maidstone ons to Southampton on board in time for full buffet lunch and sailed about 6pm.
Excellent service some included sightseeing trips
Reviews
![2023-01-22 13:03:07]()
Beautiful ship with great facilities. Balcony cabins which was great for the Fjords. Crew and staff were beyond excellent. Friendly, welcoming, profession and efficient. Food was first class. Great cruise
Reviews
![2022-12-09 19:11:26]()
Although we were a lot younger than most people onboard, we still enjoyed the cruise. If you’re in your 80’s then SAGA cruising is definitely for you. The staff are absolutely excellent, they are on the ball for assisting whoever needs help. Really can’t praise them enough.
For us we’d go again, but in about 10 years time, as there’s no atrium or anything much of interest for people in their 70’s. Nowhere really to sit & people watch as the meeting place is ‘The Living Room’ but nothing going on there.
I’ve given the ship 5 stars on most things as I really think it’s worth it for older & less able bodied people. It’s certainly excellent for single travellers.
Our embarkation wasn’t too bad, but disembarkation was very laboured. We had driven to the docks but arrived back at a different terminal & had to stand for about 45 mins waiting for a bus to transfer us.
The shore excursions were ‘OK’ but most of the time we found the guides difficult to understand.
They are the only negatives so if these won’t affect you, then book your cruise now!
Reviews
![2022-08-08 11:48:30]()
Returning to Spirit of Adventure after a gap of just under four weeks, this time we headed north to Svalbard.
This was my 23rd cruise with Saga and my 193rd cruise overall. I still believe that Saga has the best crews afloat and we usually find a good number on board who we remember, and more surprisingly remember us. This was our first cruise for a while with long-time Saga cruise director Jo Boase and it was really good to have her back.
Although there had been an executive chef change between cruises, leading to some significant menu changes, the food was as good as ever, and perhaps more varied. The varying cheese selection at dinner remains excellent, although I'm sure that each day there used to be a choice of twelve cheeses. Now there are ten, but the variety is still astonishing.
The 18-night itinerary took us to six Norwegian ports and Longyearbyen on the island of Spitsbergen. While in Svalbard we also had a day of scenic cruising close to some glaciers, and managed to spot three polar bears. A large number of whales were also seen (but not by me). Captain Kim Tanner was good fun with his announcements.
For this cruise we had a de-luxe cabin on D Deck, with lots of extra space and a walk-in wardrobe.
Saga's car service collecting and re-delivering from home is a good benefit, and the range of included drink isn't bad. That will improve next year when almost everything will be included.
All in all, another great experience.
Reviews
![2022-07-03 15:32:29]()
As first time cruisers with Saga we found it difficult to access the specialist dining and didn't know you had to book on boarding. The food in the main dining room was not as good as other lines and for the extra price you pay for Saga.
We didn't rate the cab driver who picked us up who didn't know where to go and we had to direct him to the port gate as we had used that port before. He had driven past the gate .
We didn't rate the line at all for the price you pay.and if you are not a regular passenger of this cruise line you are not aware of many things like being given non branded drinks unless you ask for a drink by its branded name. Also the advertised excursions are just drive by on a coach and not allowed off for site seeing.The staff are very good and the ship was great but everything else was just a rip off! Not worth the money.
