Step aboard Saga’s Spirit of Discovery on her Torbay debut

Passengers from the luxury cruise ship Spirit of Discovery were given a civic welcome when she dropped anchor off Torquay harbour on Wednesday 18 August.

Operated by Saga, the ship is described as the company’s first-ever boutique cruise liner, with every cabin boasting a balcony as standard. Attractions on board include a West End-style theatre, spa, outdoor lido and swimming pool, along with speciality restaurants.

The Spirit of Discovery can host 987 passengers and 540 crew. Almost 900 guests came ashore during the visit, with many enjoying Torquay’s harbourside and seafront or joining local excursions.

They were greeted by a welcoming party led by the Mayor of Torbay, Cllr Barbara Lewis in full civic regalia, together with representatives from local attractions and the English Riviera BID Company.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “The English Riviera was delighted to host SAGA’s Spirit of Discovery Cruise Ship for the first time with local excursions dominating the programme and many of the 900 guests coming ashore independently to enjoy Torquay harbourside and seafront. A second port of call is planned for September 10. We are thrilled to have attracted SAGA to include us in their UK Cruise Programme.”

The Spirit of Discovery set off from Dover last Friday and has called at St Peter Port in Guernsey, the Isles of Scilly and Falmouth before reaching Torbay. She departed at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening, heading for Portsmouth before returning to Dover.