BRITAIN’S newest cruise ship was due to arrive in Southampton today for her first visit to the port.

Saga Cruises has launched the Spirit of Discovery, the first of two new ships will become a familiar sight on Southampton water.

The liner is on her maiden voyage around the UK and was due to arrive at 7.40am and leave at around 8.30pm. A fireworks display will take place as she passes Calshot at 9.15pm.

She is described as a luxury “boutique” vessel, which can accommodate 999 passengers. She will visit Southampton another four times before the end of the year.

Alastair Welch, director at the Port of Southampton, said: “We’re excited to welcome the Spirit of Discovery. She is a fine example of high-end, boutique cruising and shows that the Port of Southampton has the flexibility to welcome vessels of every size.”

The Spirit of Discovery’s transit call to Southampton will mark nearly 300 visits from Saga Cruises since the cruise line started in 1997. Each cruise ship call is estimated to be worth £2million to the economy.

The Spirit of Discovery is the ‘greenest’ in Saga’s fleet, with technology designed to boost energy efficiency.

The £346million ship is due to be joined in Saga’s fleet by a sister ship, Spirit of Adventure, in August 2020. The two are the only small cruise ships being built for the British market.

Spirit of Discovery will sail around the world, with more than 500 crew on board.

She left the building hall at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, in May, and was underwent sea trials in June. Saga took delivery that month and registered in the UK.

Saga Cruises’ chief operating officer Nigel Blanks said: “Spirit of Discovery has been meticulously designed for our customers and to epitomise Saga’s unique British boutique cruising concept.”

The ship is 236 metres long and 31.2m broad, with a gross register tonnage of 58,250.

She has:

  • 10 passenger decks with 999 passengers
  • 554 cabins with balconies, including more than 100 single cabins with balconies
  • Five restaurants
  • A 440-seat theatre
  • An outdoor pool and outdoor games area.