A brand new cruise ship was spotted sailing for the very first time along the Kent coast this afternoon.

Saga's Spirit of Adventure was captured on camera passing by Shornemead Fort, near Gravesend , by photographer Jason Arthur.

The 774ft long vessel offers 554 cabins and can accommodate up to 999 guests.

Every cabin has a private balcony, while the newly-built ship - boasting a gross tonnage of 58,250 - also features a theatre, spa, outdoor Lido and gym.

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed back the ship's debut from November this year to February 2021, when she will sail to the Canary Islands.

But those lucky enough to be watching the Thames in Kent this afternoon got a glimpse of the impressive vessel.

It is understood to have docked at the Port of Tilbury, before setting out again.

Saga, which is headquartered in Folkestone and has a call centre in Thanet , suspended cruise operations in March due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The firm announced in July it was going to slash about 300 jobs as a result of the pandemic's impact on its business.

But in late August it was reported that former boss Sir Roger De Haan was going to invest £100 million in the company to give it a boost.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent