Saga plc, the listed British company that sells a wide range ranfe of services to clients over the age of 50, said has decided to name its first newbuilding Spirit of Discovery.

The 55,800 gross ton vessel is on order at the Meyer Werft in Germany and due for delivery in 2019 and the company will start selling tickets for cruises on the vessel later this year.

“We remain very excited about the prospects for the new ship, with the project on track. As part of the design project, we are undertaking significant customer research. The results so far have proven hugely helpful and informative to both product and proposition design, and will ensure that the experience remains relevant for customers well into the future,” saga said in its 2016 result statement.

“The first itineraries for the new ship will be going on sale later this year. We have already had over 10,000 customers register their interest in our new ship with over 50% securing their place on the first set of itineraries with payment of a deposit. Indeed, these 10,000 registered customers would equate to filling our first 12 cruises,” the company said.

The company’s two present ships, Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl II, had another good year, with exceptionally high customer satisfaction levels. “We have significantly improved the yield management of our ships. While load factors have reduced marginally to 82%, we have increased the per diem rates by 8% through various value enhancements to the cruise product offering, including free wine with lunch and dinner, a newly established cruise services team and other enhancements to the customer experience,” saga said, adding that the scheduled maintenance of the Saga Sapphire during the year impacting profit by about £5 million, as expected.