Saga Cruises has held the keel-laying of the company’s first new cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery, during a ceremony at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg.

The event marks the official start of construction for the 999-guest vessel, which is the first of two ships the cruise line is building.

Spirit of Discovery will be delivered in Bremerhaven on 20 June 2019. All cabins will have a balcony, 107 of which will be single cabins.

According to Lance Batchelor, group CEO of Saga, the new ships will be “truly transformational for our business”.

He added: “Laying the keel is an exciting milestone for Saga cruises. This marks a key stage in the construction of our first ever new build cruise ship. Our decision to bring two new boutique cruise ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, to the market by 2020 is in response to overwhelming customer demand.

“Both ships have been designed to epitomise Saga’s unique British boutique cruising concept and are the only small, new, luxury ships to be built for the British market.”

A commemorative coin stamped with the Spirit of Discovery’s name, keel-laying date and the lettering S714 – denoting the ship’s identification marker during her build – was placed under the first block in the dry dock, where a total of 54 blocks will be used to create the 58,250 gross tons ship.

In addition, the event was attended by the British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Sebastian Wood, who said: “It’s a pleasure to be here in Papenburg on this special day. Meyer Werft was founded in 1795 and over the past 200 years many great ships have been built here. Today we mark the keel laying of another great ship to emerge from this historic yard – the Spirit of Discovery.

“Spirit of Discovery will be the product of a very special collaboration and partnership, between Britain and Germany. It is a partnership of two proud companies – one British, one German – with enviable histories, that have come together to create a new ship that will push the boundaries for small-ship style and luxury.”

Nigel Blanks, chief operating officer for Saga Cruises, said: “Saga Cruises will continue to reveal exciting features – from the interior design and entertainment, the artwork onboard to restaurant venues, including The Club by Jools – the company’s first celebrity endorsed venue with Jools Holland.

“The Club by Jools will offer great food as well as live music and cocktails with resident and guest musicians, and Jools will be on board during July and August . We really can’t wait to get the party started.”