Spirit of Discovery - 9/20/2026
The September 20, 2026 cruise on the Spirit of Discovery departs from Dover (london), England. On this Istanbul and the Eastern Mediterranean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 13 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Spirit of Discovery sets sail on Sunday, Sep 20th and returns on Saturday, Oct 17th.
Cruise Itinerary
Itinerary
Spirit of Discovery - September 20, 2026 - 27 Nights
| Day | Date | Port |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 20th | Dover (london), England |
| 2 | Sep 21st | At Sea |
| 3 | Sep 22nd | At Sea |
| 4 | Sep 23rd | At Sea |
| 5 | Sep 24th | Gibraltar, U.K. |
| 6 | Sep 25th | At Sea |
| 7 | Sep 26th | At Sea |
| 8 | Sep 27th | Valletta, Malta |
| 9 | Sep 28th | At Sea |
| 10 | Sep 29th | Igoumenitsa (meteora), Greece |
| 11 | Sep 30th | At Sea |
| 12 | Oct 1st | Piraeus (Athens), Greece |
| 13 | Oct 2nd | Lemnos (limnos), Greece |
| 14 | Oct 3rd | Thessaloniki, Greece |
| 15 | Oct 4th | At Sea |
| 16 | Oct 5th | Istanbul, Turkey |
| 17 | Oct 6th | Istanbul, Turkey |
| 18 | Oct 7th | Cannakkale |
| 19 | Oct 8th | At Sea |
| 20 | Oct 9th | At Sea |
| 21 | Oct 10th | Palermo, Sicily |
| 22 | Oct 11th | Cagliari, Sardinia |
| 23 | Oct 12th | At Sea |
| 24 | Oct 13th | Motril (granada), Spain |
| 25 | Oct 14th | At Sea |
| 26 | Oct 15th | At Sea |
| 27 | Oct 16th | At Sea |
| 28 | Oct 17th | Portsmouth,uk |
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.
Itinerary Safety Score
Based on my 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.
Cruise Ship
Spirit of Discovery
SAGA Cruise Line
The Spirit of Discovery was built in 2019 and is among SAGA's 2 ships in its fleet. The Spirit of Discovery is included in the cruise line's Mainstream class. In the cruise ship stats below, you'll find the Spirit of Discovery vs all other SAGA ships.
Cruise Ports
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.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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. (126 words)
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, 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.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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. (126 words)
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. (126 words)
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.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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. (126 words)
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. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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.
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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.