Page 2 of 3 — Spirit of Discovery Customer Reviews

A long awaited cruise to Heligoland and yet weather prevented us landing! That said Saga did their very best to look after us from start to finish. Hope to sail again with them... soon.

It was good but not extra special.

Overall an excellent cruise with outstanding customer service. From being picked up to being tested at Dover before embarkation to being shown to our cabins was faultless The food in all the restaurants was 1st class with a good choice. Again the service by the staff was faultless. Throughout our 15 night cruise we found the hygiene and safety protocols was excellent and most of all we felt safe and secure. This was our 1st time with Saga it won't be the last.

A cruise lasting a month. The crew were brilliant and so supportive. It was a wonderful experience with excellent food and wine, eating in speciality restaurants at now extra expense. It was spoilt for me as I tested positive for Covid just before reaching the Caribbean so had to isolate in another cabin away from my wife and other passengers for 10 days until I tested negative, so didn't set foot on Caribbean soil. However the care taken of me by all the crew was 1st class and cannot be faulted. Yes I would cruise with them again and have already booked for next summer.

From the moment picked up , chauffer driven from our front door to dropped back, Saga made everything so easy. Food was excellent, every cabin a balcony cabin, drinks , gratuities, insurance, everything include so no worries, great crafts we could bring home at no cost, Great service throughout. Worth every penny to be hassle free, I'd highly recommend Saga, lots to do but enough space to relax if you need to, don't even need ports, Saga itself is just enough to enjoy, use of spa and hydrotherapy pool included, no hard sell, everything was just beyond expectations.

First post-pandemic cruise, which caused some changes. Significant number of passengers openly flouted on-board requirements - even after positive cases of covid were confirmed on board. Italy refused us landing so alternatives were substituted at very short notice with reasonable success. Some ports were not given the customary shuttle service as there are minimum limits to when this occurs - some were well above this but with no provision. Sometimes the provided shuttles were patchy in service with missing runs which incurred waits at a rainy street corner for an hour or so. The ship itself was up to previous standards of service and cleanliness except the food which was often limited choice and extremely bland - almost as if they were catering to a care home winter sun cruise. We didn't let these problems spoil our experience, but they certainly did not enhance our first holiday for two years. Especially as we had been through a 'saga' of cancellations and re-bookings etc to get here.

Saganauts rule OK!!! - (We even had a Captain Jason!!!) I have converted to a Saganaut and that is official. Having cruised for many years and with many different lines SAGA cruises have topped them all. No more laughing about “Send A Granny Away” – their service and attention to detail is second to none. In fact none of the so called “white star service” can touch them for service, food and general high standard to detail. A pre Christmas cruise sailing in early December with all the Covid problems surrounding us began when we were whisked from our home to Southampton in style in a chauffeured BMW. Our Driver drew into the Southampton terminal about 1.00 pm. where we were all tested with a lateral flow test and then on to take a PCR test – a matter of ten to fifteen minutes at most. On arrival at the terminal building our luggage was spirited away before we had emerged from the vehicle. A short queue to produce our proof of vaccinations before security and check in. Whether we were fortunate or not,I am unsure, but I have never approached check in for a cruise without standing in a long queue but most of the counters were vacant and after a speedy check in we walked aboard. We were greeted by staff and shown to our cabin where our luggage already had been placed inside – again unheard of on any line and this was by 2 pm. The three speciality restaurants were impressive and we particularly enjoyed Coast to Coast a superb seafood restaurant where the Sharing Platter to start was of an extremely high standard and on a par with any of the Michelin Starred restaurants in the UK. The Club served beautifully tender steaks while East to West had some lovely twists on Asian food which were equally delicious. We dined in The Grill most evenings where the food was identical to the Grand Restaurant and waiter served. We were particularly impressed with the Wine choice as being all inclusive often the wine is of a rather poor quality but not in this case, great tasting Riojas, Merlots, Shiraz, Cabernet Savignons and Pinot Grigots to name but a few were offered at lunch, dinner and in the various bars. Our standard cabin was kept superbly clean by Henry and was of a reasonable size. The bathroom was a really good size with a good jet of water in the shower which had a door and none of the tatty, smelly or mouldy curtains we have got to know and hate on some ships. Bathrobes and slippers were to hand in the large wardrobe. The bed was huge and extremely comfortable. A bowl of fruit was on our table on arrival and replenished regularly. Excerpts from Musical Shows, an extremely amusing ventriloquist, a classical quartet, several singers who crossed over from opera to musicals and popular music were mostly first class entertainment. Spirit of Discovery's own resident orchestra was superb as were the spin offs from this with their jazz band and music for dancing. The singers and dancers also had some great shows and sometimes it was a difficult choice over where to go and what or who to see. The Cruise Director and her staff were also excellent with just the right amount of input on what was happening each day. The Lido and Sun Decks were also extremely comfortable and had plenty of room between the sun loungers so that you were able to get on to them easily and without having to crawl up from the bottom and then feel that you were sitting on top of the person next to you. The included tours did just what they said they would and we had chosen mainly “Snapshot” Tours or “Panoramic Tours” and all were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff on board. They all greeted you with a smile and a “Good morning,” when walking round the ship. It felt a happy ship. Waiting staff were particularly observant for any passenger having a job walking, carrying a plate and were there to help before one realised it. Bar staff were delightful, fast and even during busy times quick to take orders and make certain you had everything you needed. Some of them remembered your name and what you drank which I found impressive. During quiet times it was interesting to chat to staff about their families and where they had come from. SAGA also realised that some of the elderly passengers did not have Smart Phones or Computers and were worried about completing the passenger locator forms required for entry back into the UK and these were sorted by Guest Relations so that on the day we left the ship we all took the test in the privacy of our cabin, handed them to our steward and these were sent off by the Ship on arrival at Southampton. Super service. Masks were worn when moving about the ship, on tours and in the Theatre so one felt completely safe. We washed our hands or used the gel on entering the Dining Rooms and staff ensured that this was done. We had two lateral flow tests done during the trip taken by the Medical Staff and again both tests were completely negative for all passengers and crew – what an achievement. Leaving the ship we were split into small groups and waited in the lounges until we were called. We collected our luggage gave our name and group number to a gentleman with a microphone who called our name and number so that our driver could step forward and identify himself to us. He then took our luggage where we were driven home in style and comfort in a Mercedes. SAGA may seem to be more expensive than other lines but when you consider what is included and what you get in the inclusive price the value is outstanding – wi fi, gratuities, all beverages, speciality restaurants and some tours. I tried to find fault and couldn't. I would thoroughly recommend SAGA who have gone to the top of my list of cruise lines – would I sail with them again? You bet, my next cruise is already booked for Christmas 2022 and I can't wait. Judith Harper

Fabulous all round

Fabulous time on Saga especially Jools Holland and Ruby Turner performing

A short 5 day break, over Easter, to Holland and Belgium. I did not take any shore excursions hence the lack of grading. That was a personal choice as there were several available, some included in the price. I lost my wife 5 months earlier, after a long illness, and I simply wanted a relaxing break and that is exactly what I had. Saga ticks all the boxes for me and I look forward to sailing with them again. I had a specific reason for wanting to sail into Antwerp and I was given every assistance to ensure I achieved my objective.

On sagas spirit of discovery.An alternative cruise itinerary due to covid regulations, we were kept well informed about change . A great welcome on board with a firework display and water fountain display from local ship. Every port we called on the locals gave a great welcome and each night we had presents from the local ports of call and extra presents from saga in our cabin. I could not fault the service provided in any way. Three excursions were included in the price and also all drinks on board. As I am disabled I was treated as an individual and given help should I needed it, there was always a willing hand like opening your cabin door when the steward saw me coming. I would certainly recommend saga for those people who meet the criteria, also very welcoming for the single passenger of which I was one.

Absolutely fabulous, great value for money, shore excursions well thought out for each destination

Cruising the Baltic - lovely ship faultless service. COVID restrictions hampered the included excursions - no coffee stops/comfort breaks or shopping. Tallinn was excellent, the guides tried hard and were able to arrange coffee and cake with entertainment in a Guildhall. The country dancers were excellent. Helsinki was my favourite tour closely followed by Oslo. The weather was often poor but we still managed to use our balcony 3 times! Excellent speakers and good entertainment, we’ll travel with Saga again as soon as we see the right itinerary and length of cruise.