Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure offers a boutique experience tailored to guests over 50. This mid-sized ship, accommodating up to 999 passengers, blends contemporary design with English-inspired comforts. With its stylish reception areas, diverse dining options, engaging entertainment, spacious accommodations, and attentive hospitality, Spirit of Adventure delivers a holiday that balances leisure and enrichment.
The guest experience on Spirit of Adventure is defined by its boutique hotel ambiance and attentive service. Passengers appreciate the spacious all-balcony cabins and inclusive dining, though some note entertainment can be inconsistent, with occasional reliance on taped music. The ship’s bold design, with contemporary decor and artwork, encourages socialising in venues like the Britannia Lounge. A 2024 refurbishment updated cabins, restaurants, and Wi-Fi, keeping the ship fresh, though some areas reflect its 2020 origins. Guests enjoy the balance of lively activities and quiet spaces like the library, with 100 solo cabins fostering inclusivity. The all-inclusive model, covering drinks, gratuities, and excursions, has been praise don social media.
Guests aboard Spirit of Adventure can anticipate a holiday with ample choice and flexibility. Expect leisurely days by the Lido pool, participating in trivia or craft workshops, or relaxing in the spa. Dining options range from formal multi-course meals to casual al fresco barbecues, with entertainment filling evenings with theatre shows, live music, or quiet drinks. The ship’s mid-sized design allows access to unique ports, and no-fly cruises from Dover or Southampton add convenience. The over-50 focus ensures a relaxed atmosphere, with solo travellers well-catered for through dedicated cabins and activities. The English-centric experience includes comforts like afternoon tea and pub-style quizzes (VERY English questions).
Reception Areas: A Welcoming Hub
The reception area, located in The Living Room atrium on Deck 7, greets guests with a striking double-height staircase and bold artwork depicting English adventurers. The space is open and inviting, with a central desk staffed by friendly crew members ready to assist with bookings, queries, or excursion planning. The adjacent bar serves gelato, premium coffee, and cocktails, with comfortable seating areas featuring sofas and lounge chairs. The atrium acts as a social hub, with occasional piano performances adding a warm atmosphere. Nearby shops offer tax-free jewellery and clothing.
Dining: A Culinary Variety
Spirit of Adventure’s seven dining venues cater to diverse tastes, all included in the fare. The Dining Room on Deck 7 offers formal breakfast, lunch, and dinner with multi-course menus featuring English and international dishes, often using local ingredients, paired with complimentary wine or beer. The Grill and adjoining Verandah on Deck 11 provide a casual buffet for breakfast and lunch, with waiter-served drinks and al fresco dining in good weather. Speciality restaurants include Khukuri House, the world’s first Nepalese restaurant at sea, serving dishes like momos, and Amalfi, offering Italian cuisine with locally sourced fish and meats. The Supper Club on Deck 8 pairs international dishes with live jazz, while the Lido Deck serves fish and chips or ice cream poolside. Room service is available 24/7 at no extra cost. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.
Entertainment: A Blend of Fun and Culture
The entertainment programme on Spirit of Adventure keeps guests engaged with a range of activities. The Playhouse, a 444-seat theatre on Decks 7 and 8, hosts nightly performances, including musicals, comedy, and cinema screenings, with matinee shows on sea days. The Britannia Lounge on Deck 12, with panoramic bow views, offers daytime talks, trivia, and craft classes, transforming into a music and dance venue at night. The Supper Club provides cabaret and jazz, while the North Cape Bar, spanning the ship’s width, features live music and dancing. Outdoor activities include a sports court for basketball, table tennis, shuffleboard, and a golf simulator at The Bunker. The Lido Deck, with its English seaside theme, includes a pool, two hot tubs, and a big screen for movies. The library and craft room offer quieter pursuits.
Accommodation: Spacious and All-Balcony
Spirit of Adventure’s 554 all-balcony cabins, spread across Decks 7 to 11, range from 215-square-foot Standard cabins to 855-square-foot Forward Suites. All feature twin or king-size beds, writing desks, coffee tables, chairs, safes, English plug sockets, USB ports, TVs, minibars, and marble bathrooms with showers, robes, and slippers. Deluxe cabins at 279 square feet add walk-in wardrobes and fruit baskets, while Suites include butler service, whirlpool baths, daily newspapers, espresso machines, and in-cabin dining from all restaurants. Four Forward Suites offer separate living areas and large balconies. The ship provides 100 solo cabins and 10 wheelchair-accessible cabins. A 2024 refurbishment updated cabins and public areas, ensuring modern comfort. Laundrettes are available on Decks 8 and 10.
Hospitality: Attentive and Inclusive
The crew of approximately 550 on Spirit of Adventure delivers professional, friendly service, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Cabin stewards provide daily cleaning and turndown, with 24-hour room service included. Bar and restaurant staff serve complimentary drinks, including house wines, spirits, and soft drinks, though some guests note occasional requests for cabin numbers for stocktaking. The Guest Services team handles dietary needs and queries promptly, with a dedicated meeting for special diets. The Spa, with a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool, offers treatments for a fee. An onboard infirmary provides medical services for a fee. A chauffeur service to the port (up to 250 miles) and included gratuities enhance the all-inclusive experience. The All Aboard app provides digital access to schedules and accounts.
Standout Features
Spirit of Adventure’s standout features include its all-balcony cabins, ensuring every guest enjoys a sea view, and its mid-sized design, enabling visits to smaller ports. The Playhouse theatre’s high-quality shows and the Supper Club’s jazz and dining experience offer unique entertainment. Speciality restaurants like Khukuri House and Amalfi provide distinctive culinary options, while the Lido Deck’s English seaside theme, with its warm pool and hot tubs, is a guest favourite. The Spa’s hydrotherapy pool and the wraparound promenade deck add relaxation and charm. The 2024 refurbishment, including Wi-Fi upgrades and renovated public areas, enhances onboard comfort.
