On Lido Deck is The Verandah Restaurant that consists of Bar and Grill with separate indoor and outdoor seating areas. Khukuri House is an Italian restaurant with Nepalese cuisine, traditional artwork, room dividers (Dhaka fabrics), hidden lighting. To strengthen this claim the extant Electoral Act directs that such proof must be sworn to by each candidate at a Court under section 31 (2) to (5) viz (2)"The list of information submitted by each candidate shall be accompanied by an Renamed to "Blue Sapphire", it starts operations for ANEX Tours in 2021, with roundtrips from homeport Antalya Turkey to Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea ports. Where is Saga spirit of adventure now? 2.2k. Library Lounge offers coffee and fresh cakes and one of the best-stocked book collections at sea. The Director of Brand and Creative will lead brand strategy and is responsible for building and managing the team responsible for defining and managing the company's overall brand strategy, positioning, voice, media and execution. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a system used by ships and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) principally for identification and locating vessels. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. The itinerary also includes Lerwick as it hosts the Tall Ships race before returning to Dover. A cosy coffee shop, the library boasts a fantastic selection of fiction and reference books. Spirit Of Discovery near Bergen, Norway. Saga Cruises. The following monthly cruise ship calendar is updated frequently using the latest official itineraries released by Saga Cruises. Find A Port To Track Ships In By Browsing These 14 Cruise Regions. The AIS position was reported 24 seconds ago. In mid-June 2021 SAGA Cruises Ltd announced the names of its cruise ship Captains - Darin Bowland (Spirit of Discovery) and Jason Ikiadis (Spirit of Adventure). var mmsi=232021171; The vessel SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE (IMO: 9818084, MMSI 232026551) is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 2020 (3 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) . However, the Maiden Voyage had to be amended due to Scotland's continuing lockdown restrictions (enforced through August 9, 2021). ft. The service is offered if the distance between Saga ship and the city is over 500 yards. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. The coin was stamped with the vessel's name, the keel-laying date and the lettering S715 (the newbuild's identification marker during the construction period). Saga representatives accompany cruisers on the coach. Discover the vessel's particulars, including capacity, machinery, photos and ownership. There are plenty of things to tempt you at lunchtime: choose from the buffet or enjoy a cooked-to-order lunch in the main restaurant. In 2012 she was appointed "Honorary Nursing Sister" (QHNS). This course is a verse-by-verse exposition of Genesis 12 through 50, from the call of Abraham to the story of Joseph in Egypt. Itineraries range between 7- and 24-days in length. Spirit of Discovery blog. So you are always well informed, where your favorite ship is currently. The boat's hull sections and building blocks were constructed and assembled at Building Dock I (Meyer Werft's Papenburg shipyard). ~12,000 customers used the onboard spas for massages. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. You will have the opportunity to join painting or computer classes, keep fit with Pilates and yoga, enjoy swimming, attend a talk from guest speakers. Some of the mainstream cruise lines may get away with fortnightly or weekly menu cycles. By the 5-year partnership deal (until 2024), at the Jools restaurant will be performed live music and its bar will be designed like a cabaret lounge from the 1950s. AIS provides a means for ships to electronically exchange ship data including: identification, position, course, and speed, with other nearby ships and VTS stations. Library Lounge offers coffee and fresh cakes and one of the best-stocked book collections at sea. Among Saga's signature trademarks are the shipboard Afternoon Tea service and ballroom dancing. 15-night The Beautiful Canaries, from GBP 2892 pp, departs February 4, 2021. The vessels were scheduled for deliveries in 2019 July (Spirit of Discovery) and 2020 August (Spirit of Adventure). The company has 60+ years of holiday travel experience in Europe. The current position of SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY is Let your year to embark on one of the most memorable journeys with Saga Cruises experts. This site uses cookies to help personalize content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Try your hand at traditional and modern deck games. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. Track Spirit of Discovery's Current Position In The Live Cruise Ship Tracker. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The Saga Cruises had to amend the maiden voyage of their new ship Spirit of Adventure due to Scotland's lockdown restrictions. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. South Georgia Island, Grytviken, South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctica, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores Portugal. The company is LSE-listed (on London Stock Exchange) under the stock symbol (ticker) SAGA. In 2017, she was appointed Head of the Royal Naval Medical Service, Naval Medical Director-General, and Commander (CBE). The position of Spirit of Adventure can be accurately determined by the maps of VesselFinder and MarineTraffic. We were allocated standard twin cabin with balcony B538 on deck. Like the sistership Discovery, Saga Adventure will be also operated on polar cruises to European and Canadian Arctic regions, as well as on Antarctica cruises with departures from South American ports. In 2011 she was promoted to Captain, and in 2015 to Commodore. Saga Spirit of Discovery Suite, Balcony, Single and Deluxe Cabin Tours Cruise With Ben and David 168K subscribers Subscribe 354 Share 28K views 3 years ago We take a look around four of Saga. VIP Chauffeur service is guaranteed to and from the port, all included in the fare, along with travel insurance. The Saga Pearl II ship's 12-night "Contrasts of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde" cruise (prices from GBP 1980) departed from Southampton on November 1, 2017. Southampton roundtrips visit ports in the Mediterranean Sea (Spain, France, Italy) and the Canary Islands with Madeira. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Its official delivery to Saga plc (UK) was initially scheduled for June 20, but later rescheduled for June 28 (2019). Along the Way, visit ancient cities and villages; do not do the hard work, walking in pilgrims' footsteps. The inaugural voyage of Sagas newest ship - Spirit of Adventure, as well as 3 of the 4 British Isles cruises aboard Spirit of Discovery, have For the new ship series, Saga employed the designer company SMC Design, which has extensive experience with cruise vessel design. June 30, 2022 . Spirit of Discovery current location is at North Sea (coordinates 55.39950 N / 4.28540 E) cruising at speed of 18 kn (33 km/h | 21 mph) en route to NO SVG>GB PME. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Offering hairdressing, manicures, pedicures and more, perfect for treating yourself during your cruise. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago. This person is an unparalleled storyteller and brand strategista crucial role as Saga launches multiple products . There is a choice of dining experiences, bars and entertainment venues, including speciality (one of which Asian, serving complimentary wines), outdoor Lido Deck (with open-air/alfresco dining space), Saga's signature Britannia Lounge, theatre lounge, central hub (named "The Living Room"). Afternoon Tea is a daily cruising tradition with tempting cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches. In 2017, Saga UK ordered two new cruise ships with capacity under 1000 passengers, each vessel with a total of 540 cabins and suites. In this video we show you around four types of cabins on the Spirit of Discovery Cruise Ship. Thespiritofdiscovery.com | 32 days left Spirit of Discovery. At the end of March 2017 was announced the name selected for the first ship - "Spirit of Discovery" (scheduled delivery June 2019). Locate and track ships in and around one of these 2 Atlantic Ocean Cruise Region Ports by selecting the port name below. Saga announces four all-inclusive UK itineraries on Spirit of Discovery from June 27 - plus the 15-night inaugural voyage of Spirit of Adventure from Tilbury on July 26, which calls at ports such as Newcastle, Dundee, Kirkwall, Orkneys, Greenock, Belfast, Falmouth and Dover. All cabins offer as standard (complimentary) amenities smart HDTV (infotainment system - Internet, on-demand movies, ship info channel, real-time camera views from the Bridge), direct-dial phone, large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), hotel-type beds (two twins, convertible double beds or fixed double beds with headboards), luxury bedding and pillows, bedside cabinets, wall-mounted reading lamps, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with chair and magnifying mirror, separate lounge area (low table with two comfortable armchairs), en-suite bathroom (WC, glass shower, single-sink vanity with under sink storage), private step-out balcony (with table and deckchairs), individually controlled air-conditioning, LED lighting, keycard room access. . In August 2019 was announced that Saga Sapphire will be acquired by ANEX Tours (Turkey's largest travel agency/tour operator), starting operations . 2023 cruise year for Saga Cruises with departure dates, ship names, cruise lengths, cruise names, starting point/end points and prices. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. Traditional English tea is served each afternoon; ballroom dancing is presented nightly. With the purchase of Saga Rose (former NCL ship MS Sagafjord), in 1997 Saga Holidays started passenger shipping operations under the brand name "Saga Cruises". Posted November 19, 2019. House wines from the ship's cellar are complimentary and served in every restaurant. The quayside event was transformed into a traditional British garden party, complete with grass (grown in Yorkshire), bunting and table settings, foliage, florals, trees and parasols. The adventure is the last mystery cruise aboard Saga Sapphire and features a choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, as well as house-branded spirits, soft drinks, draught beer, and lager. While on its final cruise in the Caribbean, Saga Ruby had one of its generators fail which disabled vessel's air-conditioning plant. SAGA UK guarantees that if passengers find that the experience is not for them, they can leave the ship at the next available call port. 9802683. The ship's team of Executive Chefs serves the all 5 onboard restaurants. A talented team led by the Executive Chef prepares the meals using the finest and freshest/locally sourced ingredients. Where is the current position of SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY presently? Position & Voyage Data Track on Map Add Photo Add to fleet Flam, Norway ETA: Feb 28, 22:30 Andalsnes, Norway ATD: Feb 27, 15:56 UTC Map position & Weather </> embed N/A Note: The 18 cruise lines below are the only cruise lines that currently have webcams onboard. The 8-, 11- and 12-night itineraries were available for booking with all-inclusive prices starting from around GBP 114 per person. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. The Living Room is a midship lounge with floor-ceiling windows, comfortable modern seating (3-seater sofas, lounge chairs). Saga Travel's CEO is Nick Stace. 6-night "Northern Isles to the Fjords" itinerary (departures July 3 and July 25) visiting Kirkwall, Sognefjord (scenic cruising). The vessel SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY (IMO: 9802683, MMSI 232021171) is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship built in 2019 (4 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) . Your Eighth House at the 2pm position. Your Third House at the 7pm position. Discover the beautiful scenery of towns along the way; gain a wonderful insight into the Italian way of life. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 232021171. Her IMO number is 9802683 and MMSI number is 232021171. "Christmas Sights of Amsterdam " (December 16/Southampton) - from GBP 750 pp. Do not expect shopping centers, casino or lustrous shows - Saga passengers like the relaxed and good-mannered social life. Saga Cruises enjoys a high repeat booking rate (about 75%). Fares include unlimited (shipboard served) house spirits, beers, wines (by the glass) and soft drinks. MS Spirit of Discovery cruise ship is the first of two identical polar expedition vessels built for Saga Cruises at Meyer Werft's shipyard in Papenburg Germany. "Great British Isles Adventure", "Northern Isles For the new ship series, Saga employed the designer company SMC Design, which has extensive experience with cruise vessel design. Shore excursions remain optional and at additional cost. Saga passengers are more adventurous than it might be imagined. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. Built by Meyer Werft, the ship was delivered on 24 June 2019 [1] and began operations on 10 July 2019. Is Madeira allowing cruise ships? In a mark of respect to the medical profession that worked hard over the last 18 months dealing with the pandemic, Commodore Inga J. Kennedy CBE QHNS Saga Cruises was forced to change two UK voyages on Spirit of Discovery following Scotland's decision to ban passenger ships from visiting Scottish Saga Cruises launched the summer 2021 UK program with 4 all-inclusive itineraries to choose from. Her IMO number is 9818084 and MMSI number is 232026551. Look for a link at the bottom of this page or in our privacy policy where you can withdraw consent. "A Norwegian Canvas" (September 21 from Dover) - from GBP 1510 pp. Second group's design incorporates the more sophisticated grey with a dark-timber scheme, with pink-orange accented furnishings and carpet and upholstered headboard. It will then . The vessel's construction started on March 27, 2019, with the steel-cutting ceremony at Meyer Werft's Papenburg shipyard. All the crew lined the decks overlooking the pier as the event was broadcast live on Facebook (you can watch it here).). Main ship particulars are length of 199 m and beam of 31 m. Maps below show the following voyage data - Present Location, NExt port, Estimated (ETA) and Prediced Time of arrival (PTA), Speed, Course . However, as the liner was to be delivered earlier, its maiden voyage was rescheduled for July 10th. Subsequently, the ship was laid up in Gibraltar and in 2010 scrapped in China. All shipboard employees (fleetwide) remained on the docked vessels. Jan 7, 2023 Fred Olsen's Balmoral 78-day journey kicks off 2023 cruise season for Portsmouth UK 2023 will see Portsmouth International Port UK (England) host more maiden calls/welcome back icon. Look out for highlights as Gaudi's fairytale Episcopal Palace; stay in Pamplona - evoked by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises; taste wine in La Rioja's bodega; see the cathedral cities of Logrono, Burgos, Leon. Prices included chauffeur service to the homeport, balcony cabin, all-inclusive meals and drinks, daily afternoon tea, free wifi, onboard gratuities. Another surprise is the array of mystery celebrities/VIP guests on Saga Sapphire. Spirit Of Discovery 63 reviews All photos (56) Traveller ( 56) Common Areas ( 19) Suite Cabins ( 5) Itineraries for this ship Itinerary Overview About Passengers: 999 | Crew: 517 Passengers to crew: 1.93 :1 Launched: 2019 Cabins Balcony Cabin size: 245 - 245 sq. April 30, 2005. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. A little relaxation in Madeira as cruise ships are now allowed to dock for up to 48 hours. The boat has 10 decks, of which 6 are with cabins. Cruise and Stay. Next timelapse video shows some phases of the vessel'sconstruction process. 1st Officer / First Mate . In 1983, the ship was sold to Cunard, and in 1999 was renamed to Caronia. Passengers are able to make a reservation and eat in any of the other 4 restaurants at no extra cost. Fred Olsen Balmoral ship's 78-day South America and Antarctica cruise starts Portsmouth UK's 2023 Saga UK introduces 4 new Around Britain voyages for summer 2023, SAGA Cruises marks Spirit of Adventures and Spirit of Discoverys anniversaries, SAGA's Spirit of Discovery is the first cruise ship in 3 years to dock in Tunisia, Saga Cruises returns to international cruising following Around-Britain itineraries, Saga Cruises amends Spirit of Adventure maiden voyage due to Scottish restrictions, Spirit of Discovery departs on Saga Cruises' first round Britain voyage since early 2020, Godmother announced for Saga Cruises newest ship Spirit of Adventure, Saga Cruises forced to change UK sailings on Spirit of Discovery to avoid Scotland, Saga announces Round Britain cruises for summer 2021, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Philipsburg, St Maarten Island, Dutch Antilles, USD 346 million (GBP 280 million / EUR 310 million), 15 days, round-trip Arctic Norway and the Northern Lights February 18, 30 days, round-trip Springtime in the Caribbean, 5 days, round-trip Capitals of the Emerald Isle, 22 days, round-trip Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic April, 5 days, round-trip Western Maritime Ports, 15 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Dover, 14 days, round-trip Contrasts of Scandinavia, 18 days, one-way from Dover to London-Tilbury, 17 days, round-trip Landscapes of Greenland and Iceland, 8 days, one-way from London-Tilbury to Dover, 6 days, round-trip Shetland and the Tall Ships, 7 days, round-trip Norwayrsquos Cities and Fjords July 30, 14 days, one-way from Dover to Portsmouth UK, 15 days, round-trip Islands of the Western Mediterranean August, 22 days, round-trip Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean September, 28 days, round-trip Autumn Colours of New England, 14 days, round-trip Canary Island Quintet, 30 days, round-trip Island Hopping in the Caribbean, 14 days, round-trip Winter Sun in the Canaries, 14 days, round-trip A Scandinavian Christmas, 14 days, round-trip Canary Island Discovery January 4, 14 days, round-trip Canary Island Discovery February, 15 days, round-trip Magic of the Northern Lights March 2, 22 days, round-trip The Adriatic at Easter, 14-night "Great British Isles Adventure" itinerary (departure July 11) visiting. The sistership Spirit of Adventure (August 2020) also offers all-inclusive deals. Open every evening. The wellness-themed 16-night "Exotic Morocco and the Canary Islands" itinerary featured outdoor yoga classes, guided hikes, tours in Lisbon and Funchal, Madeira Island. This means that Saga Group's cruise fares are inclusive of specialty restaurant dining, drinks (wine, beer, house spirits, soft drinks), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, gratuities, transfer (chauffeur service to/from homeport for cruise passengers based within 250 mi / 402 km distance). "A Taste of France and Spain" (September 28 from Dover) - from GBP 2710 pp. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. The ship has all 6 elevators (2 clusters of 3 lifts). Fred Olsen Balmoral ship's 78-day South America and Antarctica cruise starts Portsmouth UK's 2023 Saga UK introduces 4 new Around Britain voyages for summer 2023, SAGA Cruises marks Spirit of Adventures and Spirit of Discoverys anniversaries, Saga Cruises' Spirit of Adventure sails back to England due to COVID cases onboard, Saga Cruises returns to international cruising following Around-Britain itineraries, Saga's Spirit of Adventure cruise ship calls at Port Tyne for the first time, Saga Cruises' new ship Spirit of Adventure named at Portsmouth International Port UK, Saga Cruises amends Spirit of Adventure maiden voyage due to Scottish restrictions, Godmother announced for Saga Cruises newest ship Spirit of Adventure, Inaugural voyage of Saga Cruises' new ship Spirit of Adventure sold out, USD 346 million (GBP 280 million / EUR 310 million), 78 days, round-trip South American Explorer, 15 days, round-trip Arctic Norway and the Northern Lights February 28, 16 days, round-trip Cities of Spain and the Western Mediterranean, 22 days, round-trip Ancient Cities of the Eastern Mediterranean March, 15 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Dover, 12 days, round-trip Lisbon and Spainrsquos Atlantic Coast, 10 days, round-trip Hidden Gems of the British Isles May, 14 days, round-trip Scandinavian Explorer, 17 days, round-trip North Cape and the Midnight Sun, 15 days, round-trip Islands of the Western Mediterranean July, 7 days, round-trip Norwayrsquos Cities and Fjords July 21, 14 days, one-way from Dover to London-Tilbury, 10 days, one-way from London-Tilbury to Dover, 7 days, round-trip A Fjordland Trio August, 6 days, round-trip Cornish Coastlines and the Isles of Scilly, 8 days, round-trip Britainrsquos Coastline Revealed, 7 days, round-trip A Fjordland Trio September, 15 days, one-way from Dover to Portsmouth UK, 22 days, round-trip Venice and the Treasures of the Adriatic October, 13 days, round-trip Sunshine in the Canaries, 21 days, round-trip Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, 15 days, round-trip Skies of the Canaries, 12 days, one-way from Portsmouth UK to Ferrol, 30 days, round-trip Africas Atlantic Coast, 15 days, round-trip Taste of the Mediterranean, 15 days, round-trip Magic of the Northern Lights March 19, Guernsey Island, St Peter Port, Channel Islands. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Among SMC Design's customers are also P&O Cruises UK (Sindhu / Indian restaurant), Viking Ocean Cruises (Explorers Lounge), NCL (Mandara Spa). Wide-open spaces, fresh air and relax. The itinerary starts on 18 Feb, 2023 and ends on 05 Mar, 2023. Before the war, Fedorov checked in on the Diia project. First select the cruise region below. National Football League (NFL) players were not mandated to be on the field for the playing of the national anthem until 2009. Passenger: Crew: Facilities: Restaurants: 999 max 554 cabins all balcony 20% solo: 540: small pool . The company sells directly to the public, not counting on travel agents. The ship's main lounge is the venue for activities and entertainment day and night, including an alternative evening programme. All excursions are optional, an additional cost will be added to your account. The 444-seat Playhouse Theatre has tiered seating and hosts grand-scale evening show productions, cinema screenings, live music performances. The15-day ex-UK itinerary was themed "Postcards from the Baltic August" and priced from GBP 4157 (EUR 4824 / USD 5880) per person with double occupancy. Saga Spirit of Discovery staterooms (554 total) are all with private step-out balconies, which also means that the ship has no Inside cabins. So you are always well informed, where your favorite ship is currently. The following tables show the liner's inaugural itineraries in 2020-2021. SAGA DISCOVERY General Cargo Ship, IMO 9317418 VesselFinder Vessels Cargo vessels SAGA DISCOVERY The current position of SAGA DISCOVERY is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 42.24353 N / 8.71475 W) reported 2 mins ago by AIS. For the end of 2017 (November and December), Saga Cruises offered 3 fly-cruises. Your Seventh House at the 3pm position. Between 2015-2017 she served as Inspector General of DMS (Defence Medical Services/within the UK's Ministry of Defence) being responsible for inspecting the medical departments across the UK's armed forces (ships and land-based facilities). SoD current Position: SAGA CRUISE CHAT: SAGA online page. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below. The vessel is owned by Saga Group and operated by the UK-based cruise company (via Saga Holidays) exclusively. 6-night "Scottish Highlands and Islands" itinerary (departure June 27) visiting Lerwick, Scrabster, UK travel package (to/from departure port), Shuttle bus transfer (to the nearest downtown from homeport), All onboard meals, afternoon tea, live entertainment, Unlimited tea and coffee (selected ship venues), premium service (2 staff members for 3 passengers). The follow up to Saga's 2019 new build, Spirit of Discovery, the 999 . You will travel from Naples to olive groves of Puglia; stay on Ischia island with subtropical foliage. The Nov 1st voyage included a flight from the UK to Funchal (Madeira), boarding there Saga Pearl 2, and the home flight from Lisbon back to the UK. (2020) 14-day inaugural British Isles itinerary (This Sceptred Isle) - from GBP 4015 pp, (2020) 7-day inaugural Norway Fjords itinerary (A Norwegian Canvas Dover) - from GBP 2070 pp, (2020) 12-day repositioning cruise Dover to Southampton (A Taste of France and Spain) - from GBP 3535 pp, (2020) 22-day inaugural Mediterranean itinerary (Tales from the Ancient Mediterranean) - from GBP 5930 pp, (2020) 14-day inaugural Canary Islands itinerary (Stars of the Canaries) - from GBP 3050 pp, (2020) 31-day inaugural Caribbean cruise roundtrip from UK itinerary (Rhythm of the Caribbean) - from GBP 7120 pp, (2020) 4-day inaugural mini-cruise (Christmas Sights of Amsterdam) - from GBP 925 pp. In the evening onboard Saga ships, while heading to the next destination before dining, enjoy an aperitif in onboard bars, or work up with pre-dinner dance classes. In August 30-31, 2020, was completed Spirit of Adventure's conveyance (along Ems River) from Meyer Werft's Papenburg Shipyard to Emden Germany, from where started the planned North Sea trials.