Saga’s new cruise ship has moved from the shipyard to the open sea.

The 999-guest Spirit of Discovery left the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg before passing through the River Ems sea lock, marking the official start of its journey towards its home port of Dover.

The ship will undergo technical and nautical sea trials until mid-June. Saga will then take official delivery of the ship on 20 June.

Spirit of Discovery will be named in Dover on 5 July, before sailing from the port on its inaugural cruise, A British First, on 10 July.

Saga Cruises COO Nigel Blanks said: “Our major milestones for Saga Cruises and Spirit of Discovery are now coming thick and fast and it is amazing to see her complete her conveyance towards the North Sea.

“This ongoing journey sees everyone at Saga Cruises pioneering the future of British boutique cruising, creating a host of unique, new experiences, both ashore and at sea, and providing a fresh new concept in the global cruising market. Our thanks go to the impeccable team at Meyer Werft for all their ongoing work on our iconic, stunning new ship.”

Spirit of Discovery’s sister ship Spirit of Adventure will enter service next year.