DECKS APPEAL MARJORIE YUE
Sets sail in style to learn about the islands of the Med
THERE was an air of celebration as our car, courtesy of Saga, drew up at Portsmouth International Port in good time to embark on our Islands of the Western Mediterranean voyage aboard the Spirit of Discovery.
We had arrived just after the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth had cut the ribbon to declare the port’s new cruise terminal extension open.
And as passengers on the Saga ship we were among the first to experience the innovative sustainable terminal extension, complete with sky garden, air-purifying green ‘living walls’ and an exclusive passenger lounge.
It’s testament to the soaring popularity of cruise holidays, as more Brits than ever are expected to take to the water in 2024. The multi-million-pound extension means the port is more than prepared, now able to handle ships up to 984ft long, and this year expected to welcome more than 100 vessels, with a quarter of a million tourists forecast to use the cutting-edge terminal.
At just a shade over 774ft long, the 999-passenger Spirit of Discovery is a comfortably navigable size, so locating our cabin – one of 554 – was a breeze.
Styled as an all-inclusive boutique hotel, our cabin certainly met the brief, in a contemporary design of gold, teal and beige, and came with mineral water, a basket of fruit and a kettle.
Other ‘British’ touches included three-pin sockets, traditional afternoon tea offered daily and sterling as the onboard currency.
Wi-fi, tips, meals including dining at the three speciality restaurants, soft and alcoholic drinks including premium spirits, 24-hour room service and some excursions, plus a chauffeured car to and from the port are all covered in the price. No wonder Saga cruises are such a hit with its loyal over-50s customers.
From our balcony (each cabin comes with a private balcony as standard) we waved farewell to Portsmouth as we sailed away on a wave of anticipation.
With three days at sea before reaching Cadiz – our first port of call – there was plenty of time to get our sea legs, explore our elegant surroundings and sample fine dining in two of the speciality restaurants.
The Club steakhouse delivered a mouthwatering aged Aberdeenshire sirloin steak, and in Coast to Coast I was in seafood heaven, from a baked diver scallop starter to the delectable main of lobster thermidor with Hollandaise sauce.
On the first formal night we put on our glad rags to mingle with other glammed-up guests at the Captain’s welcome cocktail party. The evening ended on a high note in the Playhouse theatre with a splendid revue from the ship’s cast of some of the biggest musicals such as West Side Story and Les Miserables.
At breakfast we pored over the ship’s programme, delivered to our cabin daily. Packed with activities and events – quizzes, boardgames, darts, skittles, watercolour and craft classes, talks and ballroom dancing – there’s something for everyone.
In need of a little pampering, I booked an Elemis hot mineral body boost spa treatment. Cushioned in a bed of sand-fine warm crystals, I soon drifted off as therapist Irene deftly worked her magic, soothing aches and unknotting muscles.
Those three days seemed to fly by as suddenly we arrived at Cadiz port. Founded by the Phoenicians in 1104BC, this charming city is said to be Europe’s oldest.
As the mercury hit 33°C, we admired its significant sights from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach, taking in the majestic golddomed cathedral, the ruins of the world’s second largest Roman amphitheatre in the medieval Barrio del Populo quarter, and pretty La Caleta beach – Halle Berry famously emerged from the sea here in Bond movie Die Another Day.
We followed the city walls round to Genoves Park, a tranquil green oasis home to more than 100 tree species and some eye-catching towering topiary.
Next up on our island-hopping itinerary was Menorca, the second largest of the Balearics. After docking at the capital Mahon on the east coast, we joined a coach tour to the northeast coast, stopping to take in sea views over Arenal d’en Castell and Port d’Addaia, then heading on to the Fornells for a brief visit. The pretty fishing village is famed for its seafood restaurants, serving their version of the island’s signature dish – lobster stew.
BY ANDY DUNN