Saga Cruises Sets Two May 2027 Voyages for 30th Anniversary

Milestone sailings are becoming a key loyalty play as cruise brands lean on heritage to stand out. Saga is betting its homeport roots and curated routes will resonate with repeat guests.

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Saga Cruises Sets Two May 2027 Voyages for 30th Anniversary
Image Credit: Discover a World of Cruising

Saga Cruises has set out plans to mark its 30th anniversary in 2027 with two “bespoke” voyages in May 2027 aboard Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, tied to the milestone of Saga’s first owned ship, Saga Rose, which departed Dover in 1997.

Two May 2027 voyages tied to Saga Rose and key company milestones

According to details released by the cruise line, both anniversary sailings will feature onboard celebrations and entertainment designed to commemorate the anniversary. Saga Cruises has linked the theme to the start of its company-owned ocean cruising with Saga Rose sailing from Dover in 1997.

The two itineraries take different approaches: Spirit of Discovery is positioned around Dover-based anniversaries, while Spirit of Adventure is destination-led with a Southern Europe and Adriatic focus.

Spirit of Discovery: Dover departure with UK and Ireland calls

Spirit of Discovery is scheduled to depart Dover on May 13, 2027. Saga Cruises said the sailing is intended to mark both the 1997 Saga Rose departure from Dover and Spirit of Discovery’s own maiden voyage in 2019.

The itinerary is described as tracing the east coast of England and continuing into Scotland, including a call at Newhaven that offers access to Edinburgh. Saga Cruises also highlighted the National Museum of Scotland as a visit option during the Scotland portion of the voyage.

  • Newhaven (for Edinburgh): The call is positioned as an access point for visiting Edinburgh, with the National Museum of Scotland highlighted as an option during the Scotland segment.
  • Aberdeen: Saga Cruises listed Aberdeen among the destination highlights on the route.
  • Belfast: Belfast is included among the announced stops as the sailing moves beyond England and Scotland.
  • Falmouth: The cruise line identified Falmouth as one of the ports of call for the anniversary itinerary.
  • Portsmouth: Portsmouth is also listed among the highlighted stops for the Spirit of Discovery voyage.

Saga Cruises has not provided a full day-by-day schedule or the port order beyond the destinations and regional routing described.

Spirit of Adventure: Southern Europe and Adriatic itinerary

Spirit of Adventure’s anniversary voyage is centered on Southern Europe, with Saga Cruises highlighting Malaga and Southern Spain as part of the route. The itinerary also includes a call at Valletta’s Grand Harbor in Malta before continuing to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

In Croatia, the cruise line singled out Split and Dubrovnik as featured ports. After the Adriatic portion, Spirit of Adventure is set to continue to Italy with calls along the Puglia coastline, described as famous for its beaches and distinctive architecture.

  • Malaga and Southern Spain: Saga Cruises identified Malaga as a key stop as the ship heads into the Mediterranean.
  • Valletta, Malta: The itinerary includes a call at the Grand Harbor of Valletta before the ship continues toward the Adriatic.
  • Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia: Saga Cruises highlighted these Dalmatian coast ports as focal points of the Adriatic segment.
  • Puglia coastline, Italy: After Croatia, the ship is scheduled to call along Italy’s Puglia coast.
  • Additional ports: Saga Cruises also named Corfu, Cagliari, Cartagena, and Gibraltar among the destination highlights for the voyage.

As with Spirit of Discovery, Saga Cruises did not provide details on timing in each port or any special shore programming connected to the anniversary.

Onboard anniversary events and highlighted amenities

Saga Cruises said both May 2027 sailings will include onboard events and entertainment to recognize the 30th anniversary, though it did not provide specifics such as performers, schedules, or event formats.

Among onboard features mentioned for the anniversary cruises are The Lido pool and The Spa, including its hydrotherapy pool and steam room.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Saga Cruises’ 30th anniversary cruises take place?

Saga Cruises said it will mark the anniversary in 2027 with two special voyages scheduled for May 2027.

What is the departure date for the Spirit of Discovery anniversary sailing?

Spirit of Discovery is scheduled to depart Dover on May 13, 2027.

Which destinations has Saga Cruises highlighted for Spirit of Adventure?

Saga Cruises highlighted Malaga and Southern Spain, Valletta’s Grand Harbor in Malta, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast including Split and Dubrovnik, and Italy’s Puglia coast. The cruise line also named Corfu, Cagliari, Cartagena, and Gibraltar among additional destination highlights.

What onboard amenities have been mentioned for the anniversary sailings?

Saga Cruises highlighted The Lido pool and The Spa, including a hydrotherapy pool and steam room, among the onboard features available during the May 2027 voyages.

How do the itineraries connect to Saga Rose and Saga’s history?

Saga Cruises tied the anniversary theme to Saga Rose, its first owned ship, which departed Dover in 1997. The Spirit of Discovery sailing is designed to echo that Dover milestone while also recognizing Spirit of Discovery’s maiden voyage in 2019.