What is included in the cruise fare?

Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.

How far in advance should I book this cruise?

For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Spirit of Discovery.

What documents do I need to board?

Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Dover, England may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies depend on Saga Ocean Cruises's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.

What is a 12-night cruise like?

A 12-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Spirit of Discovery. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.

Spirit of Discovery 12-night The British Isles: Our 30th Anniversary from Dover, England, May 13, 2027

Saga Ocean Cruises · Spirit of Discovery · May 13, 2027 – May 25, 2027

Visit Dover, England, Newhaven (for Edinburgh), Scotland, Aberdeen, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Liverpool, England and 4 more ports

Departure Dover, England

Return Dover, England

Duration 12 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Dover, England Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 5:00 PM
Day 2

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 3

Newhaven (for Edinburgh), Scotland Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 8:00 PM
Day 4

Aberdeen Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 6:00 PM
Day 5

Lerwick, Shetland Islands Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 7:00 PM
Day 6

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 7

Liverpool, England Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 5:00 PM
Day 8

Belfast, Northern Ireland Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 11:00 PM
Day 9

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 10

Cobh(for Cork), Ireland Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 5:00 PM
Day 11

Falmouth, England Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 5:00 PM
Day 12

Portsmouth, England Arrives 8:00 AM · Departs 5:00 PM
Day 13

Dover, England Arrives 7:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM

Ports of Call

Dover, England
Newhaven (for Edinburgh), Scotland
Aberdeen
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Liverpool, England
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Cobh(for Cork), Ireland
Falmouth, England
Portsmouth, England

About This Cruise

12-night Saga Ocean Cruises Spirit of Discovery cruise from Dover, England to Newhaven (for Edinburgh), Scotland, Aberdeen, Lerwick, Shetland Islands…

Cruise Line Saga Ocean Cruises

Ship Spirit of Discovery

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the cruise fare?: Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.
How far in advance should I book this cruise?: For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Spirit of Discovery.
What documents do I need to board?: Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Dover, England may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.
Can I change or cancel my booking?: Change and cancellation policies depend on Saga Ocean Cruises's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.
What is a 12-night cruise like?: A 12-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Spirit of Discovery. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.