This is based on the series of Facebook posts while onboard Saga’s Spirit of Discovery for the Croatia and Gems of the Mediterranean cruise in May-June 2025. The full Flickr photo album may be found here…
https://www.flickr.com/photos/angus-willson/albums/72177720326178736
22 May 2025
Just looking to ensure we don’t leave any provisions behind in Dover!Muster complete on Spirit of Discovery. We have unpacked into our complimentary up-graded cabin.
23 May 2025
Spirit of Discovery. Day 1 of 3 sea days.
Thought I would be chilling but Margaret Willson made me do it… “I feel so good!” I didn’t intend to pay any attention to Mr Motivator but we went along to the Britannia Lounge, with nearly 100 others, directed in simple and varied exercise, sitting down for some.
Followed by quiz-time with Resty. 12/20. We need some team support!
24 May 2025
Spirit of Discovery. Sea day 2 of 3.
Enjoyed The Jivettes familiar sixties songs in The Playhouse last night followed by a gentle traverse of the Bay of Biscay.
This morning, session two with Mr Motivator, who is great fun, and a talk on Malta by Penny Morgan.
This afternoon we will try again at the watercolours – no photos of the result! A good tutor does make a difference and this time we have the excellent Peter Woolley. www.peterwoolley.co.uk/
Trying to fit in reading the book club offering, too. Marnie Riches, The Gardeners’ Club, 2025.
Everyone has a different route through a sea day. What’s yours?
25 May
Spirit of Discovery. Sea day 3 of 3.
For us, a repeat of yesterday’s activities (nothing wrong with that) with the addition of a good deck walk. We are heading south so sunny to port and shady to starboard. The Lido and verandah was busy for curry lunch. However, opted for salad in The Grill. Feeling virtuous.
First formal evening and we had booked into East to West, our favourite.
At the ‘crew introduction’ I asked the Captain when we would pass the Strait of Gibraltar and he advised 10pm.
The sea has been very kind to us but I ordered a Dark and Stormy in honour of Michael Gorbutt, a frequent cruiser and reporter on the “Doris Vists” FB Group. Happy days.
26 May 2025
Spirit of Discovery. Day 4. Motril, Spain. Yesterday we had a quiz score of 19/20 for the second time. (Also known as “first of the losers”.)
Some lovely photos of Motril posted already on FB. However, we headed up the Alpujarra mountains, stopping at Presa de Rules dam, for tapas with a view in Pampaneira and a short stroll through the small town of Lanjarom. A good day out.
We liked to see photos of the Granada trips.
27 May
Spirit of Discovery. Day 5
Algeria off to starboard all day. (Who knew Algeria is so big?)
Bridge tour is very worthwhile. “A job where you get to look out of the window all day.” No photos allowed, obv. Explained the sudden halt caused by the errant fishing boat on the sail-away from Motril.
Photo of The Club, where we enjoyed dinner, which is being revamped into a French restaurant after this cruise. I hope the lino-print art work of Kent scenes will be rescued by someone appreciative. (Incidentally, if you are interested in the art on SofD search the tag #art in the “Doris Visits” FB Group where I posted a series from the ship in 2023.)
29 May 2025
Spirit of Discover. Day 7 Valletta, Malta.
Heli-deck for windy 7am sail-in. We went to Mdina which was simpler and quieter than when we reached Valletta. Over-crowded, really. Comprehensive history provided by the guide.
(includes photo of me by popular request!)
31 May
Spirit of Discovery, Day 9, Korčula Croatia.
A delightful and attractive small town on an island. We had a wonderful local guide taking in the Cathedral and museum and two family businesses: a winery and a distillery with olive oil and honey production.
We have found that Saga serves us well with informative and personable local guides.
1 June 2025
Split, Croatia. Took a trip to Trogir, a quiet, island town and then we walked into the old port of Split.
2 June
Dubrovnik, Croatia. A guided walk and a self-propelled walk through very busy old town. Marg spotted the location of one of our water colours. We didn’t walk the walls due to high number of steps – and cost of 40 euro.
3 June
Kotor, Montenegro
A hot day. A lovely town with a cat museum!
A funny presentation by Roy Walker.
4 June
Sea day. “10k walk” medal. Marg made me do it!
5 June
Syracusa, Sicily
Walking tour around the compact Ortigia. Then a coach trip to war graves, roman remains, Italian-Ethiopian memorial.
8 June 2025
Gibraltar – still don’t get it: a most perplexing place. Bus driver couldn’t keep his hands on the steering wheel.
Spirit of Discovery sailaway from Gibraltar with Mr Motivator and the Showcast making a final splash.
