Everything you need to know about Saga’s boutique ocean cruises – what’s included?

Saga Cruises offers a premium, boutique cruising experience and is a well-known name in the travel sphere.

The Saga fleet boasts two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, which were specifically built for the brand and feature a range of amenities and facilities to cater to the needs of their clientele.

However, those new to cruising might not realise quite how much is included when you sail with the British line.

We’ve taken a look at the facts to make sure you know what to expect from Saga cruises 2023 and beyond.

With many cruise lines, your fare covers dining in select restaurants but speciality restaurants require an extra fee – not so with Saga.

The main dining rooms and speciality eateries are all included in the price of Saga boutique cruises on both Spirit of Discovery and the Spirit of Adventure.

Saga’s skilled chefs shop, plan and prepare their own menus each day so fresh food can go from the market to holidaymakers’ plates in just a few hours.

Both Saga cruise ships have a main dining room serving British and international cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a more casual Grill restaurant. There’s also the option to dine al fresco at The Grill’s large outside space, the Verandah; barbecues are often held out here when the sun is shining. Yes, go on, another burger please.

Spirit of Discovery and the Spirit of Adventure also offer afternoon tea – after all, Saga is a British cruise line! Freshly-baked cakes, scones and sandwiches are served étagère-style at your table. All you need to decide is whether you’ll pair the repast with some fizz.

And, if you don’t fancy making the walk to one of the eateries, just treat yourself to room service! It’s available 24 hours and includes breakfast in bed plus a selection of drinks and snacks brought to you. That’s those late-night munchies sorted!

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for on Saga cruise ships and lighter options are available too. If you have dietary requirements, just speak to your Cruise Consultants when booking or get in touch before your cruise to arrange this. In the words of Hotel General Manager Angelo Balbi: “We are committed to continuously evolving our menus to ensure a truly inclusive and unforgettable dining experience for all.”

Spirit of Adventure dining

As for speciality restaurants, Spirit of Adventure – the newest of the two Saga cruise ships, launching in 2021 – is home to Nepalese restaurant Khukuri House [above, right] as well as Amalfi [above, left] which serves high-end Italian cuisine.

The two ships each have their own casual dining options, too. Spirit of Adventure houses a popular Supper Club offering cabaret-style evenings in an elegant steakhouse setting, all teamed with live entertainment and dancing.

Spirit of Discovery dining

Meanwhile, Spirit of Discovery features speciality restaurant East to West, where menus on Saga boutique cruises reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Eastern cuisine, from classic favourites to dishes with a contemporary twist, and also Coast to Coast which plates up fresh seafood cuisine.

The Club by Jools is the ship’s fun and vibrant dining option – it fuses a steakhouse with first-class entertainment, offering cocktails and dining with live music à la famous music lounges of the 1950s.

Bottoms up! No worrying about the bill with that next cocktail – all drinks are included with Saga ocean cruises, comprising a range of Premium spirits along with house wines, cocktails and soft drinks.

Spirit of Adventure bars

Whether you want a quiet drink or a bevvy with a bit more of a vibe, Saga boutique cruises have you covered. The North Cape Bar is the main bar on the ship offering an extensive list of fine wines, craft beers and spirits.

Alternatively, go to Britannia Lounge for views, specialist talks from guest speakers, demonstrations and classes, dancing and live performances.

Or why not head to The Living Room during the day for a coffee or pre-dinner cocktail and a variety of snacks, including homemade cakes and fresh pastries? At night it’s a sociable bar offering occasional light entertainment. And remember, there’s The Supper Club too for late-night cabaret-style entertainment.

Spirit of Discovery bars

The main bar on Spirit of Discovery is The South Cape Bar serving up a full selection of wines, draught craft beers, and a curated collection of fine whiskies and gins.

There’s signature Britannia Lounge of course, just like on Spirit of Adventure and ditto The Living Room. For late-night entertainment and cocktails head to The Club by Jools – expect resident and guest musicians!

No need to wonder whether you’ll be without a view on a Saga cruise 2023 – all cabins on both Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure boast a private balcony.

There’s a range of cabin grades, including over 100 dedicated single cabins, so you can be sure one suits your travel needs. They’re also at an average of 215 square feet, making them among some of the most generously-sized cabins on the high seas. Plenty of space in which to get ready when you’re donning your glad-rags, hey!

Adapted rooms are also available – they can be configured as a King size or twin bed and include your own private wheelchair-accessible balcony.

Want to go all out? Upgrade to a suite and enjoy separate living areas, additional luxury facilities and a butler service. Ah, now we’re talking.

Even if you don’t get a butler though, know you’ll get excellent service throughout the ships – one of the standout features of Saga cruises.

The line has a high staff-to-guest ratio (one member of staff to every two guests!) to ensure personalised attention and a more intimate atmosphere. After all, these smaller ships carry no more than 987 guests on each cruise. Don’t be surprised if the staff soon learn your name and even how you like your steak cooked!

Another perk of travelling on Saga boutique cruises is the complimentary chauffeur service (up to 75 miles private and shared up to 250 miles each way on 2023 cruises and up to 300 miles on select 2023 cruises and all 2024 cruises). On your holiday departure day your driver will arrive in good time, load up your suitcases and drive you to the port. That’s right, Saga’s cruises all depart from the UK so you’ll never need to worry about the hassle of the airport (or liquid limitations!).

Saga will also arrange car parking for you if you prefer to drive yourself, or, if you want, an included domestic flight to London from an airport closer to your home – with a chauffeur to escort you to the port, of course.

Right, sign us up, and make mine an Old Fashioned!