Spirit of Discovery itinerary map for September 20, 2026
Spirit of Discovery

27 Night Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean on SAGA Spirit of Discovery

September 20, 2026

Spirit of Discovery September 20, 2026

The Spirit of Discovery September 20, 2026 cruise departs from Dover (london), England. On this Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean sailing, the Spirit of Discovery will visit a total of 13 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The ship sets sail on Sunday, Sep 20th and returns on Saturday, Oct 17th, 2026.

Cruise Length
27
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Dover
England
Port Stops
13
Sea Days
14

Cruise Itinerary Map

Spirit of Discovery · September 20, 2026

The Spirit of Discovery sails on September 20, 2026 for a Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean. The ship will depart the port of Dover (london), England at 5:00 PM and will return to the port of Portsmouth,uk on Oct 17th at 7:00 AM. During the 28-day journey, the Spirit of Discovery will visit 12 additional ports and will spend 14 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean

  • SEP20
    Dover (london), England
    Dover (london), England
    A: — - D: 5:00 PM
  • SEP21
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • SEP22
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • SEP23
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • SEP24
    Gibraltar, U.K.
    Gibraltar, U.K.
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • SEP25
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • SEP26
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • SEP27
    Valletta, Malta
    Valletta, Malta
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 8:00 PM
  • SEP28
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • SEP29
    Igoumenitsa (meteora), Greece
    Igoumenitsa (meteora), Greece
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 9:00 PM
  • SEP30
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT01
    Piraeus (Athens), Greece
    Piraeus (Athens), Greece
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • OCT02
    Lemnos (limnos), Greece
    Lemnos (limnos), Greece
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 6:00 PM
  • OCT03
    Thessaloniki, Greece
    Thessaloniki, Greece
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT04
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT05
    Istanbul, Turkey
    Istanbul, Turkey
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT06
    Istanbul, Turkey
    Istanbul, Turkey
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT07
    Cannakkale
    Cannakkale
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT08
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT09
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT10
    Palermo, Sicily
    Palermo, Sicily
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT11
    Cagliari, Sardinia
    Cagliari, Sardinia
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT12
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT13
    Motril (granada), Spain
    Motril (granada), Spain
    A: 9:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • OCT14
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT15
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT16
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • OCT17
    Portsmouth,uk
    Portsmouth,uk
    A: 7:00 AM - D: —
Loading map...

Cruise Ports

September 20, 2026 · Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean

Dover (london), England
Day 1Sunday, Sep 20

Dover (london), England

Arrival:Departure: 5:00 PM

Dover (London), England, has docking at Dover Port. Travelers marvel at the iconic White Cliffs from the harbor. Excursions explore Canterbury Cathedral’s Gothic splendor. Local markets sell Kentish ales. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures chalk cliffs. Dining onboard includes fish and chips. Souvenirs, like Dover postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover medieval history. Light layers suit coastal weather. Dover’s historic port offers a gateway to England’s heritage.

At Sea
Day 2Monday, Sep 21

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 3Tuesday, Sep 22

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 4Wednesday, Sep 23

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Gibraltar, U.K.
Day 5Thursday, Sep 24

Gibraltar, U.K.

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Gibraltar, U.K., offers docking at Gibraltar Port. Travelers explore Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave. Excursions include dolphin-watching tours. Local markets sell fish and chips. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes roast beef, a British favorite. Souvenirs, like monkey-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Barbary history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance rock hikes. Gibraltar’s unique charm offers a vibrant British stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic straits, making Gibraltar an engaging destination for exploration.

At Sea
Day 6Friday, Sep 25

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 7Saturday, Sep 26

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Valletta, Malta
Day 8Sunday, Sep 27

Valletta, Malta

Arrival: 9:00 AMDeparture: 8:00 PM

Valletta, Malta, offers docking at Valletta Port. Travelers explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Excursions visit Mdina’s medieval walls. Local markets sell pastizzi. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Baroque architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes rabbit stew, a Maltese favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Knights of Malta history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Valletta’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Maltese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic harbors, making Valletta an engaging destination.

At Sea
Day 9Monday, Sep 28

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Igoumenitsa (meteora), Greece
Day 10Tuesday, Sep 29

Igoumenitsa (meteora), Greece

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 9:00 PM

Igoumenitsa, Greece, has docking at Igoumenitsa Port with excursions to Meteora. Travelers explore Meteora’s UNESCO-listed monasteries atop rock pillars. Excursions visit Parga’s colorful waterfront. Local markets sell feta cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures monasteries and Ionian shores. Dining onboard includes dolmades, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive wood crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Orthodox history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate. Sturdy shoes enhance monastery hikes. Igoumenitsa’s access to Meteora offers a spiritual Greek stop, blending heritage with scenic beauty.

At Sea
Day 11Wednesday, Sep 30

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Day 12Thursday, Oct 1

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 6:00 PM

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Lemnos (limnos), Greece
Day 13Friday, Oct 2

Lemnos (limnos), Greece

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 6:00 PM

Lemnos, Greece, has docking at Myrina Port. Travelers explore Myrina Castle and Poliochni’s ancient ruins. Excursions visit Kotsinas’ medieval fortress. Local markets sell thyme honey. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures Aegean vistas and ancient sites. Dining onboard includes dolmades, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lemnos’ history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance ruin tours. Lemnos’ historic charm offers a serene Greek stop, blending archaeology with island beauty.

Thessaloniki, Greece
Day 14Saturday, Oct 3

Thessaloniki, Greece

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Thessaloniki, Greece, offers docking at Thessaloniki Port. Travelers explore White Tower and Archaeological Museum. Excursions visit Pella’s ancient ruins. Local markets sell bougatsa. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Byzantine walls and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes souvlaki, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Macedonian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Thessaloniki’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making Thessaloniki an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s northern hub.

At Sea
Day 15Sunday, Oct 4

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Istanbul, Turkey
Day 16Monday, Oct 5

Istanbul, Turkey

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Istanbul, Turkey, offers docking at Istanbul Port. Travelers explore Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Excursions visit Blue Mosque. Local markets sell simit. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Ottoman domes and Bosphorus vistas. Dining onboard includes döner kebab, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like carpet crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Byzantine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Istanbul’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic waterways, making Istanbul an engaging destination for exploring Turkey’s cultural hub.

Istanbul, Turkey
Day 17Tuesday, Oct 6

Istanbul, Turkey

Arrival: 7:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Istanbul, Turkey, offers docking at Istanbul Port. Travelers explore Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Excursions visit Blue Mosque. Local markets sell simit. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Ottoman domes and Bosphorus vistas. Dining onboard includes döner kebab, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like carpet crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Byzantine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Istanbul’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic waterways, making Istanbul an engaging destination for exploring Turkey’s cultural hub.

Cannakkale
Day 18Wednesday, Oct 7

Cannakkale

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Çanakkale (Troy), Turkey, docks at Çanakkale Port, 2 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 120,000, serves as a gateway to Troy, 30 minutes south, for 3000 BC ruins. Travelers visit the Trojan Horse replica. Local markets sell lokum. Excursions to Gallipoli, 45 minutes east, explore WWI memorials. Peak season April to October; taxis 20-50 TRY. Dining includes sardines at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature ceramic horses.

At Sea
Day 19Thursday, Oct 8

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 20Friday, Oct 9

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Palermo, Sicily
Day 21Saturday, Oct 10

Palermo, Sicily

Arrival: 8:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Palermo, Sicily, offers docking at Palermo Port. Travelers explore Palermo Cathedral and Norman Palace. Excursions visit Monreale’s mosaics. Local markets sell arancini. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Arab-Norman architecture and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes caponata, a Sicilian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Palermo’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Palermo an engaging destination for exploring Sicily’s capital.

Cagliari, Sardinia
Day 22Sunday, Oct 11

Cagliari, Sardinia

Arrival: 9:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Cagliari, Sardinia, offers docking at Cagliari Port. Travelers explore Poetto Beach and Castello district. Excursions visit Nora’s ancient ruins. Local markets sell malloreddus. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval towers and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes fregola con frutti di mare, a Sardinian favorite. Souvenirs, like cork crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Nuragic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Cagliari’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient ruins and scenic beaches, making Cagliari an engaging destination for exploration.

At Sea
Day 23Monday, Oct 12

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Motril (granada), Spain
Day 24Tuesday, Oct 13

Motril (granada), Spain

Arrival: 9:00 AMDeparture: 5:00 PM

Motril, Spain, offers docking at Motril Port with excursions to Granada. Travelers explore the Alhambra’s Moorish palaces and Generalife gardens. Excursions visit Nerja’s caves. Local markets sell gazpacho. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for historic tours. Photography captures intricate tilework and Sierra Nevada views. Dining onboard includes jamón ibérico, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic tiles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Andalusian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance palace walks. Motril’s access to Granada offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of Moorish heritage, scenic landscapes, and coastal charm, making Motril an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s rich cultural and architectural treasures in Andalusia.

At Sea
Day 25Wednesday, Oct 14

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 26Thursday, Oct 15

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 27Friday, Oct 16

At Sea

Arrival: 12:00 AMDeparture: 12:00 AM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Portsmouth,uk
Day 28Saturday, Oct 17

Portsmouth,uk

Arrival: 7:00 AMDeparture:

Portsmouth, England, provides docking at Portsmouth Port. Travelers explore the Historic Dockyard and HMS Victory. Excursions visit Stonehenge’s ancient stones. Local markets sell pork pies. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures naval ships and Solent vistas. Dining onboard includes fish and chips, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance dockyard walks. Portsmouth’s naval heritage offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ships, prehistoric sites, and coastal charm, making Portsmouth an engaging destination for exploring England’s maritime and ancient history.

Weather Forecast

Spirit of Discovery - September 20, 2026 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Dover (london), England

September

Typical Weather

74°F

Average High

49°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.07in

Daily average

2.1 in monthly total

Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
74 / 100
safer than 74% of all cruises
74
8
/ 10
Dover (london), England
Dover
Dover is a safe cruise port with low crime rates, but travelers should stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.
8
/ 10
Gibraltar, U.K.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and strong police presence, though vigilance against petty theft is advised.
8
/ 10
Valletta, Malta
Valletta
Valletta is a safe cruise destination, but travelers should stay vigilant against petty theft in crowded areas while enjoying the sights.
8
/ 10
Igoumenitsa (meteora), Greece
Igoumenitsa
Igoumenitsa is a safe port town in Greece with low crime rates and well-managed tourist routes, though travelers should stay aware of their surroundings.
7
/ 10
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Piraeus
Piraeus is generally safe for cruise travelers, but caution is advised at night and in crowded areas due to petty theft and potential disruptions.
8
/ 10
Lemnos (limnos), Greece
Lemnos
Lemnos is a secure cruise destination with low crime rates, allowing travelers to explore its landscapes and culture with peace of mind.
7
/ 10
Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki
Travelers in Thessaloniki should stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing and exercise caution in certain neighborhoods at night.
6
/ 10
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul
Travelers in Istanbul should stay vigilant against petty theft and scams, especially in crowded areas, and remain aware of their surroundings.
7
/ 10
Cannakkale
Cannakkale
Cannakkale is generally safe for tourists, but remain vigilant in crowded areas due to petty theft and heightened terrorism alerts.
6
/ 10
Palermo, Sicily
Palermo
Travelers in Palermo should stay vigilant against petty theft and scams, keeping belongings secure and being aware of their surroundings.
8
/ 10
Cagliari, Sardinia
Cagliari
Cagliari is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere, allowing travelers to explore confidently.
7
/ 10
Motril (granada), Spain
Motril
Motril is generally safe for cruise travelers, but visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime in busy tourist areas.
8
/ 10
Portsmouth,uk
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is generally safe for cruise travelers, but it's important to stay vigilant in crowded areas to prevent petty crime.

Cruise Ship

Spirit of Discovery

⚓ Tonnage

55,900

vs avg 55,900

🛠️ Year Built

2,019

vs avg 2,020

📏 Length (ft)

vs avg —

👥 Passenger Count

1,000

vs avg 1,000

The Spirit of Discovery has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 55,900 gross tons. The ship measures — feet in length. Spirit of Discovery is included in SAGA’s Mainstream class. At full capacity, the Spirit of Discovery holds 1,000 passengers. That includes 1,000 cruise vacationers and — staff members. The Spirit of Discovery total number of staterooms is 0.

Click above for more Spirit of Discovery stats, tips, imagery, and more.

  • 📊Size comparison chart against other ships
  • 🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • 🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • FAQ's about Spirit of Discovery

Also of interest:

Itinerary FAQ

How many nights is the Spirit of Discovery sailing on September 20, 2026?

This is a 27-night cruise itinerary departing from Dover (london), England.

What ports does the Spirit of Discovery visit on the September 20, 2026 cruise?

This route includes dover-london-england, gibraltar-uk, valletta-malta, igoumenitsa-meteora-greece, athens-greece, lemnos-limnos-greece, thessaloniki-greece, istanbul-turkey, cannakkale, palermo-sicily, cagliari-sardinia, motril-granada-spain, portsmouthuk.

How many sea days are included on this Spirit of Discovery September 20, 2026 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 14 sea days.

Who is the cruise director for the Spirit of Discovery sailing on September 20, 2026?

Cruise director assignment data is not currently available for this sail date.

How is the itinerary safety score calculated for this cruise?

The itinerary safety score combines port-level safety indicators such as travel advisories, local risk signals, and historical context into a single overall score for this specific route.

Can I track price drops for this Spirit of Discovery itinerary?

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get updates when cabin prices change for this sailing.

Last Updated: Apr 1, 2026