Orkney welcomes new SAGA cruise ship on maiden voyage

One of the world’s newest cruise ships will visit Orkney on her maiden voyage this weekend.

The Spirit of Discovery, SAGA’s brand new ship, is scheduled to dock in Kirkwall on Sunday 14 July.

After departing on her maiden voyage from Dover on 10 July, Kirkwall will be the first and only alongside port of call for the ship in Scotland on her 13 day maiden voyage around Britain.

The ship will be greeted by a piper on arrival and presented with a specially commissioned plaque by the Council’s Harbour Authority team.

Orkney Islands Council’s Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transport and Harbour Master, Brian Archibald, said: “We’re proud to have been selected as the first alongside port of call on such a prestigious voyage. We hope it will be the first of many happy visits to Orkney for the ship and we look forward to giving her crew and passengers an outstanding Orkney welcome on Sunday.”

SAGA says the Spirit of Discovery offers boutique luxury and unrivalled personal space. A sister to the 999-passenger ship, Spirit of Adventure, is expected to be delivered in 2020.