Captain Franko's Homecoming Cruise
Spirit of Discovery departing Portsmouth
from
£10,052 per person
26 nights
10th March 2026
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £87 if not requiredHow our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
- New
- No fly
- Chauffeur service
Join Captain Franko on this special cruise to Croatia
"I cannot wait to welcome you on board this scenic cruise to my homeland, Croatia. I am delighted to have been involved in the development of this itinerary which begins by visiting a new port of call for both me and Saga's Spirit ships, Melilla, a tiny Spanish enclave on Morocco’s north African coast."
"Next, I plan to cruise into Valletta at sunrise for you to witness the incredible changing colours of the city. The Grand Harbour here is overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John. From here, we will cruise into the Adriatic Sea to visit Split. One of the main highlights here is the UNESCO-listed centre, which evolves around the Diocletian’s Palace. You can look forward to a particularly picturesque sailing in and out of Split, through the islands off the Dalmatian Coast."
"Our next port of call is new to Saga Cruises, Opatija, which I refer to as the Monte Carlo of Croatia. It is an elegant seaside town with grand hotels, well-maintained public gardens and a seven-mile coastal promenade. Next, we continue along the coast for an extended visit to Rijeka, close to the bay where I live. Croatia’s third largest city, Rijeka, has a colourful past and an interesting mix of old and new architecture. It also offers a gateway to the beautiful Plitvice lakes and Croatia’s historic capital city Zagreb."
"Our next stop will be at the island of Krk and its medieval walled capital, before continuing to Dubrovnik. March is the ideal time to explore this white stone city, away from the crowds of summer. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace. Bidding a fond farewell to my homeland, we will cruise into the Bay of Kotor to explore the medieval walled town of the same name. On our return journey we will call at the scenic islands of Corfu, Sicily and Majorca, and enjoy a day in Gibraltar, overlooked by its iconic limestone Rock."
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary
Embark Spirit of Discovery.
Depart 1700.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
With a chequered past that has seen it come under Phoenician, Punic, Roman and Byzantine rule, Melilla fell under Spanish rule in 1497 and is one of the country’s last footholds in North African. The European influences are evident in the city’s Gothic and modernist architecture. Perhaps take a walk along the pristine beachfront or pay a visit to Melilla la Vieja, a 16th-century Spanish fortress.
"This port is a first for me and for Spirit of Discovery."
Included excursion
An included excursion offers an introduction to the city.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Cruise into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, overlooked by forts built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century. The UNESCO-listed streets exude old-world charm at every turn.
"I plan to sail into Valletta as the sun rises, so that you can witness the city change colour under the light of the sun. This is my all-time favourite destination."
Included excursion
See some of Malta’s picturesque landscapes and charming villages on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Visit the Gardens of Malta or discover the mysteries of the ancient Tarxien Temples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagar Qim.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Set on the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast, Split’s UNESCO-listed historical centre is formed around the vast Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who built it towards the end of the third century. Set against a backdrop of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, highlights include the ancient Temple of Jupiter, which became St John’s Church, and the Archaeological Museum.
"Look forward to a picturesque sailing in and out of Split, through the islands off the Dalmatian Coast."
Included excursion
See more of your surroundings on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Tour the picturesque Krka National Park, enjoy a walking tour of Split which includes the Diocletian Palace, or explore Split by Tuk Tuk.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Opatija, a new port of call for Saga Cruises, is set on the Kvarner Riviera, backed by the gentle slopes of Mount Ucka, which descend towards the coast of Kvarner Bay. In its heyday, this elegant seaside town was frequented by the rich and famous, including royalty, artists and writers: Lord Byron, James Joyce and Isadora Duncan all stayed here. Many of the grand hotels built during this period still stand, and are a mix of Baroque, Rococo and Art Nouveau styles. Opatija also features well-maintained public gardens and a popular coastal promenade called the Lungomare, which is over seven miles long.
"This is the Croatian Monte Carlo and is sure to be a highlight of this cruise."
Included excursion
See more of your surroundings on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Journey into the scenic Istria region and visit one of the world’s smallest towns, Hum.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Arrive 1900 on March 20.
Depart 0800 March 22.
Rijeka, Croatia’s third largest city, has a tumultuous past owing to its prized deep-water port. An interesting mix of old and new, its Hapsburg heritage can be seen in the city centre’s Austro-Hungarian style buildings. Rijeka was nearly destroyed in 1813 by the Royal Navy hot on the heels of Napoleon’s fleet, save for the brave actions of a local merchant’s daughter. In the face of unrelenting fire, she is said to have bravely walked up to the highest-ranking officer and, following an undocumented conversation, the military action subsequently ceased. The port now bears her name, Carolina of Rijeka, and if you study nearby St Vitus Church, you’ll see a cannonball wedged in a wall which remains as a reminder of how close the city came to destruction.
"Rijeka is close to the bay where I live and our visit coincides with my Birthday."
Included excursion
Discover some of the local highlights on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Visit the beautiful Plitvice lakes or head to Croatia’s historic capital city Zagreb.
Arrive 1130. Depart 1700.
The largest of Croatia’s islands, Krk is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Krk Town, which is encircled by ancient walls, features a maze of stone streets that lead to Kamplin Square, home to medieval Frankopan Castle with its bell tower, the church of St Quirinus and Krk Cathedral dating back to the 5th century. A short drive away, on the opposite side of the island, medieval Vrbnik is known for its vineyards and the production of the white wine zlahtina.
"The sail out from Krk is particularly scenic, as I navigate through the smaller Adriatic islands."
Included excursion
An included excursion offers a relaxing way to view some of the local attractions.
Optional excursions
Explore the town of Vrbnik, known for its vineyards, or travel to St Lucy’s Abbey in Jurandvor, where a replica of the ancient stone slab inscribed with Glagolitic scripts containing the oldest known Slavic alphabet is displayed.
⚓ Land by launch or tender.
Arrive 1300 on March 23.
Depart 2100 on March 24.
Known as ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th- century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with pretty stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views.
"March is a great time to visit Dubrovnik as this beautiful city will be less crowded and easier to explore."
Included excursion
Join an included excursion to see the scenic highlights of the Dalmation Coast.
Optional excursions
Enjoy a stroll around Dubrovnik’s Old Town or enjoy a cable car ride in Cavtat.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Kotor sits at head of the Bay of Kotor, a 17-mile long fjord which is surrounded by mountains. This petite medieval walled town is hemmed in by fortifications and contains four Romanesque churches and grand Venetian mansions that are listed by UNESCO. Seek out St Tryphon’s cathedral in the central square, Gothic Drago Palace and the Maritime Museum of Montenegro which documents the town’s seafaring past.
"Only small ships like ours can dock near the pier of Kotor and its Old Town."
Included excursion
Look forward to an included excursion in Kotor.
Optional excursions
Travel to coastal Budva, known for its medieval walled city, or visit Skadar Lake National Park.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
In Greek mythology, the island of Corfu provided a paradise to the shipwrecked hero Odysseus. For centuries it has attracted conquerors who made use of the landscape’s strategic topography, and holidaymakers who revel in the plentiful beaches and beautiful bays. Corfu Town, which is guarded on both sides by Venetian fortresses, has winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the neoclassical Palace of St Michael and St George.
"The medieval walled city of Corfu Town is absolutely stunning."
Included excursion
Uncover some of the key highlights on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Taste local produce during visits to a local winery and a Koum Kouat distillery.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Conquered time after time, Palermo is a great melting pot of cultural influences with an array of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architectural sights. Of special note is the 12th-century collection of the Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, Zisa Palace and Palermo Cathedral, which have been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Head to Quattro Canti, a Baroque piazza in the city’s heart, to feel Palermo’s pulsating beat.
"You will find a treasure trove of historic sights in Palermo."
Included excursion
History and culture await on an included excursion.
Optional excursions
Head to Monreale or uncover the ancient wonders of Segesta.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
The elegant capital of the Balearics is characterised by attractive, palm-fringed squares lined with stylish shops and cafes, while the maze of streets in the old town reveal a distinctly Moorish heritage.
"We will dock downtown, a short walk from Palma. I’m looking forward to my usual morning run to the cathedral and back."
Included excursion
An included excursion offers a relaxing way to see the sights.
Optional excursions
Take a ride on the Soller Vintage Train or sample Majorcan wine during an optional excursion.
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.
Watching over the entrance to the Mediterranean, stands the unmistakable limestone Rock of Gibraltar. At its base lies Gibraltar which is connected to the end of the Iberian Peninsula by a sandy isthmus and offers an intriguing blend of British and Spanish culture. Discover Gibraltar’s Palladian architecture and typically British sights, such as red pillar boxes and familiar highstreet chains. Alternatively, visit the military museum or ascend the limestone monolith by cable car for panoramic views and to meet the mischievous Barbary macaques. From the top of the Rock you can look out over two continents: Africa lies just 13 miles to the south, whilst Europe stretches to the north.
"Regardless of how many times I have visited, I never tire of the sight of Gibraltar’s Rock."
Included excursion
Uncover Gibraltar’s quirky British charm on an included excursion.
Optional excursion
Enjoy a cable car ride and a visit to Alameda Gardens.
Arrive 0730.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
from
£10,052 per person
26 nights
10th March 2026
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £87 if not requiredHow our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.
from
£10,052 per person
26 nights
10th March 2026
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £87 if not requiredHow our discounts work
Read moreHow our discounts work
On all cruises we set aside a number of cabins within each level at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35% for ocean cruises and 25% for river cruises available on selected levels. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce, and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.
This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. Our price panels clearly show the full cruise price, along with the current discount fare.
Please note: During busy periods for holiday bookings, the early booking discount can reduce rapidly. We recommend that you book early to benefit from the best booking discounts and to secure your preferred cabin.
When promoting new cruises for the first time, we contact customers on our Advanced Registration list first, allowing then to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings. Our brochures are then sent out to loyalty club members first, followed by past cruise goers and then everyone else.