Spirit of Discovery

Designing a British contemporary classic

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Also part of this project

Spa and Wellbeing - Spirit of Discovery

Cabins & Suites - Spirit of Discovery

Restaurants - Spirit of Discovery

Overview

Project

Spirit of Discovery

Services

Clients

Saga Cruises

Year

2019

Passengers

GT

55900

As lead architect for Saga Cruises’ first new build, SMC Design delivered a luxury boutique ship that redefined contemporary cruising for the brand. Every guest space was carefully designed to balance timeless elegance with modern detailing, creating a refined onboard experience shaped around comfort, craftsmanship and understated luxury.

“We’ve spent a huge amount of time reviewing and taking inspiration from the best in contemporary British architecture and design. These images show that we are raising the bar to deliver a luxury cruise experience that won’t disappoint.”

– David Pickett, New Build Director, Saga Cruises

Lounges

Greeting passengers as they board Spirit of Discovery, this bar and lounge area offers an introduction to the vessel. A boutique hotel feel is conveyed through contemporary furniture and eclectic artwork, transforming from a café by day to a sociable bar and entertainment space by night. The area is also home to ‘This Scepter’d Isle’, a 12-metre bronze relief designed in-house by SMC Art Consultancy, filled with motifs celebrating British landscape and achievements.

Cabins & Suites

We designed and implemented all cabins and suites following the brief of curating a personable and comfortable environment within a boutique-feel aesthetic.

Restaurants

There are five restaurants onboard Spirit of Discovery, each with their own distinct character and offering – from the traditional and formal environment of The Grand Dining Room to the English Garden kitchen inspired buffet restaurant The Grill.

Artwork

Working alongside SMC Design and Saga Cruises, SMC Art curated a bespoke collection inspired by the landscapes, colours and character of the British Isles. Featuring a diverse mix of artists, media and techniques, the collection enriches the onboard experience through artwork that feels both distinctive and deeply connected to the ship’s identity.

The Spa

Designed as a tranquil wellness destination aboard Spirit of Discovery, the spa welcomes guests with a striking charcoal-tiled entrance and bespoke shell artwork by Blott Kerr Wilson. Private treatment rooms, hemlock timber saunas and a hydrotherapy pool are brought together through refined materials, natural light and carefully crafted detailing, creating a calm, restorative retreat at sea.

Exterior

Spirit of Discovery’s exterior was designed to combine the timeless profile of a classic cruise liner with generous outdoor spaces for guests and crew. From the ship’s distinctive hull and funnel to the detailing of railings, catwalks and sweeping aft decks, every element contributes to a refined and recognisable identity. Expansive promenade and sun decks maximise ocean views while creating inviting spaces to walk, relax and connect with the sea.

Services:

Subjects:

AROYA

ASUKA III