The latest addition to Saga Cruises' fleet - MS Spirit of Adventure, was handed over on Wednesday, September 30, in Emden Germany, by shipbuilder Meyer Werft.
This is the Saga Group’s second purpose-built boutique vessel, joining the fleetmate (and sistership) Spirit of Discovery which became part of the fleet in July 2019.
Despite plans to launch the newbuild in November, the line has now made the decision to push it back until February 5, 2021. The decision was made because of the rise in COVID cases and the advice of the UK government against cruise travel.
Along with Spirit of Adventure, Spirit of Discovery was also due to resume operations in November this year but sailings have been canceled through and including March 7, 2021.
The health and well-being of passengers and crew are said to be Saga Cruises' number one priority and over the past months, the team has worked to put in place new procedures for a return to cruising in a COVID-19 world. These include pre-departure testing both at home and before boarding, reduced capacity, enhancements to the air conditioning, increased medical staff and facilities.