First ever cruise-naming ceremony for Portsmouth International Port
The Spirit of Adventure is being named on 'Freedom Day'
Last updated 19th Jul 2021
For the first time in its history, a new cruise ship is being named at Portsmouth International Port on Monday (July 19th).
Saga's 'Spirit of Adventure' will be part of a traditional bottle-smashing ceremony on what's being termed 'Freedom Day'.
The 774ft vessel, which weights 58,250 tonnes, has capacity for 999 people as well as 540 ship crew.
'Spirit of Adventure' features five speciality restaurants including the world’s first Nepalese restaurant at sea – Khukuri House, alongside Amalfi, a high-end Italian cuisine restaurant and the Supper Club a dining and live entertainment venue.
The ship has a 500 sq metre spa, The Lido outdoor pool, The Playhouse, a 444-seat theatre and a large library.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:
"Portsmouth's dramatic harbour entrance is a stunning back drop perfectly showcasing the Spirit of Adventure, building anticipation for her naming ceremony on Monday 19 July.
"We're looking forward to Saga's brand-new vessels becoming a familiar sight in our city, this is a new cruise era for Portsmouth and we can't wait for cruise lines like Saga to join us on our journey."
The ship was handed over by the shipbuilder in September 2020 and was due to take to the waters last year but, due to Covid, has remained anchored and waiting to take to the seas.
In recognition of the countless hours of service given by medical professionals during the pandemic, she will be named by the recently retired Head of the Royal Navy Medical Service, Commodore Inga J. Kennedy.
Nick Stace, CEO of Saga Travel, said:
"It feels symbolic that the naming of our brand-new cruise ship, Spirit of Adventure, will be part of such a historic day for the UK.
"We felt it was important to recognise the outstanding work the medical profession has undertaken during the pandemic and wanted to pay our respects the best way we knew how.
"Commodore Kennedy has served in the Navy for 20 years and within healthcare for 40 years, so we felt she was the perfect choice for the role and we’re honoured that she accepted."
The Spirit of Adventure will make its first departure from Tilbury on Monday 26th July.
It'll take in Newcastle, Belfast and the Isle of Man, berth at Liverpool, Holyhead, Portbury (for Bristol), scenic cruise around Lundy Island and the north Cornwall coast, anchor at the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth and watch the fleet of the Fastnet Yacht Race before returning to Tilbury on Tuesday 10th August.