Saga Cruises has announced a deal with music legend, Jools Holland, who will be the face of ‘The Club by Jools’ restaurant and bar on the line’s first ever newbuild cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery.

The composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster will bring his unique style and taste in live music to the sophisticated restaurant and bar, which is inspired by the great cabaret lounges of the 50s.

This exclusive five-year partnership is the first of Saga’s endorsed venues and will also see Jools Holland perform a number of live gigs on-board Spirit of Discovery.

His first appearances have been confirmed on the Channel Island Hop cruise (departing 23 July 2019), Gourmet Spain (departing 3 August) and Natural Scandinavia (departing 17 August).

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The Club by Jools will be one of Spirit of Discovery’s three speciality restaurants, serving a choice of sumptuous meals to appeal to all tastes, but will specialise in classic steaks from fillet and T-bone to ribeye.

There will also be more unusual cuts such as tomahawk steaks. But much more than a restaurant, it’s another of the ship’s vibrant and fun entertainment venues too – the place to enjoy live music and cocktails in the evenings, with resident and guest musicians entertaining until late.

Jules Holland.

“I’m delighted that Saga is dedicating a space on the new ship for live music which is something that is very close to my heart,” says Jules Holland. “There is nothing better than listening to live music in a small, intimate setting where you can really connect with the artists and their music.”

Saga’s new ship is due for delivery in the summer of 2019. Her inaugural sailing in July as well as several cruises in her maiden season have already sold out.

The Club, by Jules Holland, aboard the new Spirit of Discovery.

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Spirit of Discovery is the first of two near-identical sister ships ordered by Saga. The second, Spirit of Adventure, is due for delivery in 2020.

“Our decision to bring two new boutique cruise ships to the market by 2020 will be truly transformational for us as a business,” says Nigel Blanks, COO of Saga Cruises.

“We want the on-board entertainment to reflect this and we are delighted to be able to announce Jools Holland as our first ever endorsed on-board venue ‘The Club by Jools’,” he added.

Blanks said that the decision to partner with Holland was as much a personal one as it was driven by the over-50 demographic that the cruise line targets.

“I have grown up watching ‘Later… with Jools Holland’ and many of our customers have too. His love of eclectic music really does transcend the generations and we will use this inspiration to bring something genuinely new and different to our steakhouse and late night bar on the ship,” he said.