Saga Cruises' first newbuild, Spirit of Discovery, took to the water for the first time ahead of her inaugural sailing in July 2019. The vessel was floated out from Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg Germany during the weekend and is due to undergo a variety of seaworthiness trials.
Towards the end of May, Spirit of Discovery will be towed along River Ems to Eden prior to formal sea trials in early June, with an official keel laying scheduled for June 3.
On June 20, Saga Cruises will take delivery of the ship. Spirit of Discovery is scheduled to arrive in Dover UK on June 29 ahead of a naming ceremony on July 5 and her inaugural voyage, A British First, departing on July 10.
The cruise ship left drydock early Sunday morning for the fitting of her mast and funnel.