[5][3][4] In October 2015, Saga Cruises, which had previously purchased secondhand vessels, ordered its first new build[6] from Meyer Werft for a scheduled 2019 delivery.

[1] Shortly after her delivery, she incurred an incident when she collided with bollards at the Great Sea Lock upon leaving Emden on the evening of 24 June.

[1][14] Spirit of Discovery sailed her maiden voyage on 10 July 2019, which circumnavigated the United Kingdom and included calls in Ireland.

[20]Spirit of Discovery also houses several specialty restaurants, a theater, and fitness and wellness facilities, features not included on the fleet's previous vessels.

[20] Additionally, Saga designed Spirit of Discovery for an all-inclusive cruising experience, in which the cost of the cruise covers expenses incurred from beverages, gratuities, specialty dining, room service, internet access, and local chauffeur services.

[21] Spirit of Discovery also offers 100 passenger cabins designed for solo travelers and employs 523 crew members.