Thomson Spirit was originally built for and operated by Holland America Line. It has a nicely raked bow and a contemporary transom stern, but overall the ship’s angular exterior superstructure design makes it look squat and quite boxy. The ship’s exterior has an all-white hull and superstructure. There is a good amount of open teakwood deck space (particularly at the aft section of the ship), and the traditional outdoors teakwood decks include a wrap-around promenade deck. Unfortunately, the ship has always suffered from poor build quality (it was built in a French shipyard) and excessive vibration, particularly at the stern, since new.

As Patriot, the ship had a disastrous, short-lived liaison with United States Lines, following its sale by Holland America Line to the publicly funded United States Lines in 2000. That venture was short-lived, and United States Lines collapsed in a sea of debt owed to US taxpayers in October 2001. Carnival Corporation (owners of Holland America Line) repurchased the ship for the amount outstanding ($79.8 million), and then chartered it to Louis Cruise Lines, who in turn has sub-chartered it to Thomson Cruises for a three-and-a-half year period. Thomson Spirit has a sister ship in the slightly newer, 1984-built Thomson Celebration (formerly Holland America Line’s Noordam).

Thomson first operated cruises in the 1970s, then abandoned them, only to start cruises operations again in the mid-1990s (it has proved a highly successful venture, offering extremely good value for money, particularly for adult couples, and occasionally families with children), using chartered, rather than wholly-owned ships.

Thomson Spirit has quite a spacious interior design and layout, with little crowding and almost no points of congestion, and most of the public rooms are located on a single deck. The color combinations do not jar the senses (most are pretty nondescript, although there are many splashes of color), and the decor was greatly changed and brightened during the change to its new owners. There is much polished teakwood and rosewood paneling throughout the interiors. For quieter moments, try the Horizon Lounge, atop the ship; it has a wooden dance floor. The main lounge, with a small balcony level, is reminiscent of the ocean liners of yesteryear.

Children are well catered to, with their own play areas at the aft of Bridge Deck. There are several children’s clubs: Tots is for 3–5 year-olds, Team is for 6–8 year-olds, while Tribe is for 9–12 year-olds. The clubs operate five days a week (not on embarkation or disembarkation days), and are supervised by qualified “Children’s Hosts.”

It’s good to see a tour operator like Thomson Cruises charter and operate this ship, especially since competition in the cruise industry is increasing. This ship is quite acceptable for passengers wanting pleasant surroundings and an all-British ambiance. However, many newer ships have more space, better facilities and more options, and these leave this ship losing a few points in relation to the increased competition in the international marketplace.

Perhaps the best part of cruising aboard Thomson Spirit lies in the destinations, and not the ship (although it is perfectly comfortable). Hotel add-ons can extend a cruise vacation, and Thomson has a fine collection, depending on your needs, budget, and whether you are traveling with children (or grandchildren). The ship is exclusive to Thomson Cruises, so your fellow passengers are likely to be British (typically about 80 percent of passengers will be over 45).

In the UK market, Thomson goes head to head with P&O’s Ocean Village and Island Cruises’ Island Escape cruise concept for the young at heart. However, Thomson, like Island Cruises (part of First Choice) appears to have a major advantage in that it owns its own airline (Britannia Airlines), and has much experience in operating fly-cruises to the Mediterranean (the company offers airlift from almost a score of UK airports). With Thomson, you only pay for what you want. As far as Britannia aircraft seats go, you can pre-book a window seat for an extra £10 per adult (£5 for children), and a premium seat (more space than standard seats) for £25 per person, while pre-booked meals cost £10 per person (£5 per child).

All Thomson Cruises’ ships are non-smoking, although smoking areas are provided in most public rooms. Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is inevitable aboard all large ships.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008