Saga has announced that its first new luxury boutique cruise ship Spirit of Discovery will become all-inclusive in January 2020 and her sister ship Spirit of Adventure will also be all-inclusive when she joins the fleet in August 2020.

In response to customer demand, this strategic decision by Saga means that guests enjoy all house spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks as part of Saga’s comprehensive cruise package.

The deal already includes all gratuities, a UK travel service and Wi-Fi onboard.

Saga chief operating office Nigel Blanks said the decision to go all-inclusive in 2020 had been made to reaffirm Saga’s position as a niche luxury cruise operator.

He added: “Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure are the only boutique small ships being built with British market in mind.

“I firmly believe that our decision to move to all-inclusive cruising will not only sit well alongside our Boutique Cruising proposition, it will also distance us further from the competition whilst giving those that choose to cruise with us an even more exclusive and value for money experience.”

Saga’s first purpose-built cruise ship Spirit of Discovery is the first of two new passenger ships being constructed at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenberg, Germany.

She will replace Saga Pearl II in July 2019 while the second ship, Spirit of Adventure, is planned to enter service in August 2020, replacing Saga Sapphire.

Both ships will host 999 guests and 530 crew members.