“I wouldn’t sail with Thomson” – Think Again!

 

Thomson Cruises have made some changes in recent years and things are really working for them, in the last 5 years they have seen an increase in passenger numbers of 40%, with 20% being in the last year alone.

They have always been looked down upon by a lot of customers, although unjustly so as their reviews have always been good. But with older ships and less of the pomp and ceremony of other lines they have been viewed as being at the lower end of the market.

In 2016, they made a major change with their launch of the Tui Discovery, formally Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas. Thomson invested heavily in this ship and she  underwent a major 6 week refurbishment before joining their fleet. With the Tui Discovery they have moved firmly into the modern cruise market. Touchscreen technology allows customers to book excursions, spa treatments and restaurants and interactive boards keep customers updated.

Across the ship there is a huge range of facilities and they can now open themselves to the family market as well as the traditional more mature couple. From the rock climbing wall and mini golf to the Veranda – an adults only sunbathing terrace and the Sushi Bar there really is something for everyone.

However it is with their cabins that I think they have really increased their passenger numbers. Thomson’s older ship suffer from a lack of balcony cabins, whilst being positioned in the Med and the Caribbean where customers want a balcony to soak up the sun on. This has been a major problem when trying to persuade people to try a Thomson cruise.  On the new ship, 40% of Tui Discovery’s cabin have a balcony.

The launch of the Tui Discovery has been a major success for Thomson and they have now purchased her sister ship Legend of the Seas. She was rebranded as the Tui Discovery 2 and sailed her first voyage last month. Both ships are All Inclusive and a full drinks package and your gratuity charges are included in the cost making them great value.

Thomson have really turned things around with these ship on every level and with flights from 22 UK airports they are really accessible to everyone. have just priced at Tui Discovery 2 for 7 nights Greek Isles from Birmingham and P&O’s Oceana offering the same. Thomson are just £10pp more expensive but include the drinks and gratuities.

With a shiny fully renovated ship, a huge choice of facilities and no extras to pay for I know which one I would pick.

To look at the great range of Thomson Cruises just click here.


About Me

I have worked in the travel industry for over 25 years now since beginning as a holiday rep on a campsite in France and I have a real passion for travel. I've worked in all aspects of the industry including sales, marketing and management and I've specialised in most products…

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