saga round britain cruise

Saga Adds Four Round-Britain Cruises for 2023 Summer Season

• October 18, 2022

Saga is launching four new round-Britain cruises for its summer 2023 season, ranging between six and eight nights, according to a press release.

The first of the new cruises, aboard the Spirit of Discovery, departs Tilbury on July 16, 2023, and travels around Britain’s south coast for eight nights. Before arriving in Dover, the cruise will stop in Fowey, Falmouth, the Isles of Scilly, and Portsmouth. All four new sailings are available to book with up to 35 percent discount, according to Saga Cruises.

“Our round-Britain cruises always prove popular with guests. As they’re quite short, they’re a great way for newcomers to cruising to find out if it’s for them, and these new ones will take in some fantastic sights from yacht and tall ship races to the incredible coastline of Britain, which is really best seen from the sea,” said Nigel Blanks, chief executive officer, Saga Cruises.

The Spirit of Discovery will sail from Dover to Invergordon and Scrabster on July 24, 2023. It will also include tours such as a drive through the Scottish Highlands and a stop at John O’Groats.

The Spirit of Adventure will then sail from Dover to the Cornish coast on August 28, 2023, stopping at the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Fowey, and Portland. A visit to Tresco Abbey Gardens and a drive along the Dorset coast are also included in the six-night sailing.

The Spirit of Adventure will complete a full eight-night round of Great Britain beginning and ending in Dover on September 3, 2023. Before sailing down the Jurassic Coast, visitors will stop at Ullapool at Loch Broom in Scotland, the Isle of Mull, Fingal’s Cave, and the Isle of Staffa.

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Saga is set to introduce a further four round-Britain cruises into its summer 2023 schedule, timed to coincide with events such as the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race and the Tall Ships Race. The shorter cruises last between six and eight nights.

The first of the new cruises departs from Tilbury on Spirit of Discovery on 16 July 2023 travelling around Britain’s south coast for eight nights taking in Fowey, Falmouth, the Isles of Scilly, and Portsmouth before finishing in Dover.

The cruise will visit Tresco and its Abbey Garden and there will be a tour of Portland, all included in the price. Guests will also have the chance to see the start of the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race.

On 24 July 2023 Spirit of Discovery will head off to the Shetland Islands. Departing Dover, the cruise will head to Invergordon and Scrabster, gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It will also visit Lerwick as it hosts the Tall Ships race before returning to Dover.

Spirit of Adventure will then depart Dover on 28 August 2023 along the Cornish coastline. She will visit the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Fowey and Portland and there are two excursions included.

On 3 September 2023 Spirit of Adventure sets off for a full circumnavigation of Great Britain this time. Starting and finishing in Dover, this cruise will showcase the beauty of Britain’s coastlines from the sea.

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Saga announces Round Britain cruises for summer 2021

Saga Cruises launched the summer 2021 UK program with 4 all-inclusive itineraries to choose from.

"Great British Isles Adventure", "Northern Isles to the Fjords" and "Scottish Highlands and Islands" will all be hosted by Spirit of Discovery . For the first time, passengers can book ‘The Inaugural Cruise on Spirit of Adventure ’, the line's new boutique cruise ship.

Vacationers will be able to choose from 4 all-inclusive itineraries over 5 travel dates:

• Great British Isles Adventure departs from London-Tilbury (England) on July 11, 2021, aboard Spirit of Discovery for 14 nights, visiting Falmouth , Holyhead , Belfast , Greenock , Ullapool , Kirkwall , Newhaven , Newcastle , and disembarking back in Tilbury. Sight-seeing tours of Kirkwall, Belfast, Edinburgh , Newcastle are included. All staterooms feature a balcony and prices start from GBP 3,375 per person.
• Northern Isles to the Fjords departing from London-Tilbury (England) aboard Spirit of Discovery on July 3 or July 25, 2021, for 6 nights, visiting Kirkwall, cruising Sognefjord, Lerwick , Stornoway , followed by Scrabster before returning to London-Tilbury. Sightseeing tours of Lerwick and Kirkwall are included. All staterooms feature a balcony and prices start from GBP 1,539 per person.
• Scottish Highlands and Islands departing from London-Tilbury (England) on June 27, 2021, aboard Spirit of Discovery for 6 nights visiting Lerwick, followed by Scrabster and Invergordon prior to returning to London-Tilbury. Sightseeing tours of Invergordon and Lerwick are included. All staterooms feature a balcony and prices start from GBP 1,154 per person.
• The Inaugural Cruise on Spirit of Adventure departs London-Tilbury on July 26 for 15 nights and heads to Newcastle, Newhaven, Dundee , Kirkwall, Ullapool , Cruise St Kilda , Greenock, Belfast, Douglas , Holyhead, Bristol , Falmouth, before disembarking in Dover . Sightseeing tours of Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast, Bristol are included. All staterooms feature a balcony and prices from GBP 3,458 per person.

Guests whose Saga sailings had been canceled due to the pandemic were offered the option to rebook on to the British Isles voyages prior to them going on general sale.

The new summer cruises include a choice of complimentary UK travel to/from the port (private door-to-door chauffeur service up to 250 mi each way), car parking close to the port, and domestic flights/standard class rail/coach travel.

Saga Cruises is asking all passengers to have had both doses of the Covid vaccine before boarding the ships.

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Saga Cruises adds round-Britain sailings for 2023

By Katie McGonagle | 17 Oct 2022

Saga ship Spirit of Discovery

Saga is offering up to 35% off four newly announced departures around the British Isles in its summer 2023 programme

Saga Cruises has added four new round-Britain cruises due to set sail in summer 2023, timed to coincide with maritime events including the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race and the Tall Ships Race.

They are between six and eight nights’ duration – shorter than many other Saga itineraries, and ideal for those who want to give cruising a go without the commitment of a longer voyage – taking place around the British Isles on ocean ships Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure.

The first departs from Tilbury on July 16, 2023, taking in south coast spots including Fowey, Falmouth, the Isles of Scilly and Portsmouth and ending in Dover , with highlights including the Abbey Garden at Tresco and a tour of Portland, along with the start of the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race. Prices start from £1,819 per person.

Other itineraries include a July 24 departure from Dover to the Shetland Islands , calling at Invergordon, Scrabster and Lerwick, where the Tall Ships Race is set to take place. Prices start at £1,367 per person.

A further Cornish coast sailing and a full circumnavigation of Great Britain, round-trip from Dover, make up the rest of the new itineraries, with the latter taking in everything from the Scottish town of John O’Groats to the southwestern point of Land’s End.

Chief executive Nigel Blanks said: “Our round-Britain cruises always prove popular with guests. As they’re quite short, they’re a great way for newcomers to cruising to find out if it’s for them, and these new ones will take in some fantastic sights from yacht and tall ship races to the incredible coastline of Britain, which is really best seen from the sea.”

Saga’s ocean cruises include door-to-door chauffeur service or complimentary parking at the port, along with all dining and house drinks, premium-label spirits, Wi-Fi, gratuities, 24-hour room service and selected sightseeing tours, plus travel insurance with up to £5 million coronavirus cover included.

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Saga launches four new round-Britain cruises for summer 2023. Saga is set to introduce a further four round-Britain cruises into its summer 2023 schedule

October 17, 2022

Tags: Saga Cruises

These shorter cruises last between six and eight nights – the perfect length for those who may be new to cruising and want to test the waters.

● The first of the new cruises departs from Tilbury on Spirit of Discovery on July 16, 2023 travelling around Britain’s south coast for eight nights taking in Fowey, Falmouth, the Isles of Scilly, and Portsmouth before finishing in Dover.

The cruise will visit Tresco and its Abbey Garden and there will be a tour of Portland, all included in the price. Guests will also have the chance to see the start of the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race. Currently available with up to 35 per cent off, prices start from £1,819 per person. Visit saga.co.uk/cornwall-scilly-isles for more details.

● On July 24, 2023 Spirit of Discovery will head off to the Shetland Islands. Departing Dover, the cruise will head to Invergordon and Scrabster, gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It will also visit Lerwick as it hosts the Tall Ships race – an incredible sight to behold from the sea – before returning to Dover. Included tours are a scenic drive along the Scottish Highlands and a visit to John O’Groats.

This six-night cruise currently has up to 35 per cent off with prices starting from £1,367 per person. Visit saga.co.uk/shetland-tall-ships for more details.

● Spirit of Adventure will then depart Dover on August 28, 2023 along the Cornish coastline. She will visit the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Fowey and Portland and there are two excursions included; a visit to Tresco Abbey Gardens and a scenic drive along the Dorset coast. Again with up to 35 per cent off, prices start from £1,378 per person for this six-night cruise. Visit saga.co.uk/cornish-coastlines for more details.

● On September 3, 2023, Spirit of Adventure sets off once again for a full circumnavigation of Great Britain this time. Starting and finishing in Dover, this unique cruise will showcase the beauty of Britain’s coastlines from the sea. Guests can watch as the rugged shores of Scotland’s most northerly town, John O’Groats, slowly change as the cruise follows the coast to the most south westerly point of Land’s End. This cruise is a real opportunity to observe Britain’s diverse wildlife, uninhabited islands and varied shorelines along the way.

Guests will view the picturesque fishing town of Ullapool at Loch Broom in Scotland, glimpse sea eagles while cruising around the Isle of Mull, and spy Fingal’s Cave and the volcanic rock formations of the Isle of Staffa before cruising the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. With up to 35 per cent off, prices currently start from £1,755 per person for this eight-night cruise. Visit saga.co.uk/britains-coastline for more details.

Saga’s Ocean cruises are all-inclusive with a complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service, or Saga can arrange car parking near the port, domestic flights or standard class rail/coach travel. There are no hidden costs on-board either. Saga Cruises come with all dining and house drinks including a selection of cocktails, draft beers and lagers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks. New this year and in response to guest feedback, a selection of premium label spirits are also available at no additional cost.

Also complimentary on board are the Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness facilities, 24-hour room service, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment (from lectures to recitals to shows), porterage of luggage, shuttle buses to nearest town centres and travel insurance with up to £5m coronavirus cover included.

Nigel Blanks , CEO of Saga Cruises, said: “Our round-Britain cruises always prove popular with guests. As they’re quite short, they’re a great way for newcomers to cruising to find out if it’s for them, and these new ones will take in some fantastic sights from yacht and tall ship races to the incredible coastline of Britain, which is really best seen from the sea.”

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Saga adds round-Britain cruises

The four new itineraries will sail in summer 2023 and are currently available to book with a 35 per cent discount.

Saga has added four round-Britain cruises to its summer 2023 schedule.

The cruises last between six and eight nights and coincide with events such as the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race and the Tall Ships Race and are currently available to book with a 35 per cent discount.

They first of the new cruises departs from Tilbury on Spirit of Discovery on July 16, 2023 travelling along Britain’s south coast for eight nights taking in Fowey, Falmouth, the Isles of Scilly, Portsmouth and the start of the Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race in Cowes, before finishing in Dover.

On July 24, 2023  Spirit of Discovery  will head to the Shetland Islands. Departing Dover, the cruise will head to Invergordon and Scrabster, gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It will also visit Lerwick as it hosts the Tall Ships race before returning to Dover.

Spirit of Adventure  will depart from Dover on August 28, 2023 along the Cornish coastline. She will visit the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Fowey and Portland, with excursions to  Tresco Abbey Gardens and a scenic drive along the Dorset coast included.

On September 3, 2023,  Spirit of Adventure  sets off for a full circumnavigation of Great Britain. Starting and finishing in Dover, this cruise will showcase the varied beauty of Britain’s coastlines from the sea.

Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises, said: “Our round-Britain cruises always prove popular with guests. As they’re quite short, they’re a great way for newcomers to cruising to find out if it’s for them, and these new ones will take in some fantastic sights from yacht and tall ship races to the incredible coastline of Britain, which is really best seen from the sea.”

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The best adults-only cruises to try if you can’t stand being around kids on vacation

What are the best adults-only cruises — the ones that not only ban kids but cater to grown-up tastes and interests?

You may be asking because you just spent time on a megaship where the kids took over the pools and hot tubs (not to mention the elevators), much to your chagrin. Or, you might be looking for a vacation with more lectures and less limbo, or perhaps a cruise that skews more R-rated than G.

The list of cruises for adults only is, alas, very short. Only a handful of cruise lines ban children from their ships and promise cruises for grown-ups — perhaps the most notable being cruise newcomer Virgin Voyages and fast-growing Viking .

The trend in recent years in cruising is, in fact, more family-focused, with more kids appearing on ships of all types. Indeed, some of the biggest, best-known cruise brands have gone full-bore after the family market , to the extent that the sun-soaked top decks of their ships sometimes can feel more like a scene out of "Daddy Day Care" than a blissful vacation retreat.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Don't despair, though. Even as many lines double down on the family market, a small group of cruise operators remains all-in on the idea of adult-only cruises.

Here are our picks for the best adults-only cruise lines, with a grown-up vibe to boot.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Virgin Voyages

The much-ballyhooed new line from Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group has banned children under the age of 18 from its ships. It's part of an effort to create a hipper, more-sophisticated, adult-focused vibe that company leaders think is sorely lacking in the cruise world.

"We have done a ton of research really trying to create a sophisticated experience," Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in the days before the line's 2021 debut . "I've done some personal research. We found that when you put kids in the pool, they scream, and we don't want that."

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships. Here's what I thought of Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages' first three adults-only cruise ships, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady and sister vessels Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady , cater to grown-ups looking for a decidedly adult sort of fun with such offerings as interactive dance parties and a drag queen performance. It also offers a karaoke lounge with pink-and-purple karaoke rooms and a tattoo parlor (read about how one of our staffers was among the first to get inked on board ).

What you won't find on the three ships (a fourth is due later this year) are waterslides, watery splash zones, teen lounges and all the other family-friendly features that are becoming so common on bigger ships.

To create an adults-only cruise experience, Virgin Voyages took a page from fast-growing Viking 's playbook. Viking's 12-ship ocean cruise division has banned children under the age of 18 since it debuted in 2015. In addition, its 80-ship river cruise division has had a minimum age limit for more than two decades. (Initially, the cut-off was age 12; as of 2019, that jumped to 18, too.)

Not that Virgin and Viking are anything alike. Virgin is designed to appeal to millennials and older travelers who want to party like they are millennials. Viking, by contrast, is the anti-millennial line.

Viking's target market is squarely in the 55-plus bracket. It zeroes in on that demographic with an upscale, destination-focused experience that is heavy on what the industry likes to call "enrichment" — onboard lectures and other learning opportunities. It also emphasizes tours focused on history and culture (with at least one free excursion in each port) and entertainment offerings that veer more toward string quartets than dancers in string bikinis.

"What we're looking to do is try not to be everything for everyone," Viking's executive vice president of marketing, Richard Marnell, told TPG. "We do not have a kids' program. What we have is . . . [an] immersive experience that is best suited for people that are intellectually curious."

P&O Cruises

This storied British line clearly sees the demand for adults-only cruise ships, but it isn't giving up on the family market, either. The line splits the difference between the two segments. Five of its seven vessels (Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura and Azura) are marketed as "family-friendly" and open to passengers of all ages. The other two (Arcadia and Aurora) are reserved exclusively for adults.

Given that more than 95% of the Southampton, England-based cruise line's passengers are British, you'll probably want to be either British yourself or a major Anglophile to consider booking one of the latter two vessels. Sailing with P&O Cruises is a very British experience, something that becomes clear the moment you see its vessels. They feature hulls painted with massive Union Jacks.

In addition, you'll find quintessentially British offerings on board P&O Cruises ships, such as elaborate afternoon teas, quoits on the top deck and restaurant menus designed by chefs big in the United Kingdom, such as Marco Pierre White.

That said, if you're a Princess Cruises fan, you might feel right at home on a P&O Cruises ship. Nestled under the same corporate umbrella, the two brands are longtime sisters that have swapped ships back and forth (though Holland America fans might be interested to know that Arcadia actually shares a ship design with that line's Vista class).

For booking purposes, P&O Cruises considers anyone who will be 18 or older when sailing an adult.

Saga Cruises

Like P&O Cruises, Saga Cruises is a British line that has honed in on the business of offering voyages just for adults. But it goes way beyond what P&O Cruises or any other line does in shunning younger travelers. The minimum age at Saga Cruises isn't 18 or even 21 — it's 50.

That's right — you won't find a single millennial or even that many Generation Xers on board a Saga Cruises ship (at 58, even the oldest members of Generation X only make the cut-off by eight years). You will find a heck of a lot of baby boomers, many of them retired.

Saga Cruises operates just two ocean vessels, sailing exclusively out of the U.K., plus several river ships. Like P&O Cruises, it's a product that is probably best for British travelers or big-time Anglophiles.

Other adult-focused cruises

In addition to lines that ban passengers under the age of 18 outright, a number of cruise operators allow young children but get relatively few of them.

Examples include such upscale lines as Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Silversea Cruises and Seabourn , which cater heavily to an older crowd. Small-ship specialist Windstar Cruises allows tweens and teenagers on its six ships, but it doesn't allow any children under the age of 8.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, which sells both ocean and river cruises, traditionally discourages customers from bringing passengers under the age of 12 on vessels except during Christmas holiday sailings.

Also, the longer the cruise, the fewer children you will find. Book a two-plus-week sailing to a more exotic location, like Asia or South America, during the school year on a line like Holland America or Princess, and you'll share the ship predominantly with adults.

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