Incredible experiences await on Saga’s Winter 2028 ocean cruises

Whether it’s an out-of-season escape in the Med, winter sun in the Canaries or a bucket-list Caribbean cruise there are some innovative 14 to 32-night itineraries to explore, with two new ports, an island carnival and catamaran adventures among the attractions. If you prefer the idea of a colder climes, a 16-night Northern Lights cruise includes a host of winter wonderland tours and activities.

Three winter Mediterranean cruises including new port Marin

Out-of-season cruises to the Med are becoming a popular trend for cruise guests who want to avoid the intense summer heat and crowds.

Instead, they can enjoy quieter ports where there are no queues. From UNESCO-designated sites to seafront cafes and restaurants, there is a more relaxed vibe and the chance to get a real taste of the destination.

To escape the grey UK in winter, there is a trio of sailings to choose from.

23-night Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean – sails 19 January 2028

The ship calls at three ancient Greek sites: Heraklion for the Palace of Knossos, once the political heart of the Minoan civilisation; Piraeus for the Acropolis of Athens which towers above the capital city; and Katakolon for the archaeological site of Olympia.

For more history, there are two Italian islands to explore – Palermo, in Sicily; and Caligari, Sardinia’s capital on the Gulf of Angels. Calls into Palma, Mallorca, Malaga in Southern Spain, Valletta in Malta, and Gibraltar complete the sunshine cruise.

Ancient Greece and the Mediterranean

15-night Vibrant Cities of Spain on Spirit of Adventure – sails 7 February 2028

This sailing is for guests who especially enjoy independent exploration. This sailing is for guests who especially enjoy independent exploration - there are three Spanish mainland ports to discover: Valencia, Barcelona and Cadiz. And in Lisbon, it's an easy stroll from the port into the city.

Palma, on the island of Mallorca, is also on the itinerary for a stroll along the harbourside to watch yachts bobbing in the twinkling water or a visit to the watery Caves of the Dragon. In Gibraltar, discover the strategic importance of the Rock during a visit to the World War II Tunnels.

Vibrant Cities of Spain

23-night Gems of the Adriatic and Mediterranean – sails 22 March 2028

The glamorous port of Opatija, in Croatia, is just one of the highlights on this stunning itinerary which features Italy, Sardinia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta, Gibraltar and Portugal.

The overnight moorings include Trieste, Italy, with the city of Koper just along the coastline in Slovenia, while on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, Kotor offers a beautiful sail into a bay surrounded by spectacular scenery, mountains and villages.

Gems of the Adriatic and Mediterranean

Four Canaries sailings including the Funchal Carnival

A choice of cruises to the Canaries and beyond

The four Canary Island sailings in Winter 2028 all offer differing itineraries with additional calls including Funchal, in Madeira, often for an overnight stay. Spain, Cape Verde and Portugal are also added to the mix on these sunshine escapes.

14-night Charms of the Canaries and Madeira on Spirit of Discovery – sails 5 January 2028

Join Spirit of Discovery’s maiden call at Marin, in Galicia, north-western Spain. On the edge of the scenic Pontevedra estuary, guests can stroll around the town and take a coastal walk along the bay or join an included excursion to Pontevedra.

Optional tours visit the UNESCO town of Santiago, or Pazo de Rubianes, home to historical gardens surrounded by vineyards where guests can taste Albarino wine. In the Canaries, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife are on the itinerary.

Charms of the Canaries and Madeira

18-night Cape Verde and the Canaries on Spirit of Adventure – departs 6 January 2028

On Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa, the rich, haunting morna ballads of the island’s most revered singer Cesária Evora waft from bars and restaurants in Mindelo, São Vicente. The Grammy award-winning singer (1941-2011) is celebrated in the Cesária Evora Museum and on the Taste of São Vicente tour there are three photo stops and a visit to the main street in Mindelo to sample local snacks and hear the traditional morna music.

On the second island, Santiago, join a bird watching experience or explore on a 4X4 island adventure.

Visits to Lisbon, Portugal and Funchal, Madeira, complete this fascinating itinerary.

Contrasts of Cape Verde and the Canaries

14-night Canary Island Explorer on Spirit of Adventure – sails 24 January 2028

A call to Cadiz, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, offers an opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Seville on a full day’s tour while wine lovers can take a tour to Jerez de Frontera for fortified wine tasting. Sherry anyone?

The three volcanic islands of Gran Canaria, La Palma and Lanzarote, plus an overnighter in Funchal, Madeira, complete this alluring cruise to escape the grey UK.

Canary Island Explorer

14-night Madeira Carnival and the Canaries – sails 22 February 2028

Watch colourful parades along Avenida do Mar and Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, close to the ship’s berth, during the Funchal Carnival Parade. The ship overnights in Madeira so guests can soak up the party atmosphere.

Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife are the Canary Islands’ calls and a stop in Leixoes, to visit the beautiful city of Porto, in Portugal, completes this “carnival” cruise.

Madeira Carnival and the Canaries

15-night Essence of the Canaries on Spirit of Adventure – sails 7 March 2028

In Madeira, be adventurous and join tuk tuk rides, 4x4 jeep adventures or a whale and dolphin RIB ride.

In Seville (from Cadiz), take an optional tour to see the grand Plaza de Espana, an architectural masterpiece with charming hand-painted ceramic alcoves representing every Spanish province. It is absolutely stunning.

In the Canaries, take the cable car to Mount Teide in Tenerife, stroll in Gran Canaria’s pretty towns and villages or in La Palma get out in the countryside of this lush island.

Essence of the Canaries

32-night Best of the Caribbean – sails 8 March 2028

What’s not to like about visiting eight Caribbean islands and experiencing a new port of call, Bonaire? Considered a diving paradise, Bonaire is ideal if you love to snorkel, offering opportunities to swim in coral reefs from a catamaran.

An overnight in Barbados means there’s time to experience the nightlife in Bridgetown and get out and about for garden visits, rum tasting and walks on soft sand beaches. Antigua, St Lucia, St Kitts and Grenada also feature for beach days.

With warm trade winds taking the heat out of sun, a trio of Dutch Caribbean islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – are waiting to be explored.

Best of the Caribbean

16-night Northern Lights and Arctic Quest on Spirit of Discovery – sails 21 February 2028

After crossing the Arctic Circle, chase the Northern Lights every night from the ship’s top deck, then by day, focus on winter activities in Tromso, Alta and Narvik where there are a choice of dog-sledding and reindeer-sled rides through the snow.

In Andalsnes, take the included cable car tour on the Romsdal Gondola for wonderful mountain scenery views, while railway lovers can book train rides through icy wonderlands from Narvik and Andalsnes.

There are included tours in the historic cities of Bergen and Alesund. And in Alta, don’t miss the iconic Northern Lights Cathedral, or the Alta Museum, a world heritage centre for rock carvings.

Northern Lights and Arctic Quest