On the 21st October 2018, the Marella Spirit (formerly Thomson) sailed for the last time from Malaga. Included with the guests was a couple whom are not just clients but also family friends, Peter & Rosie. Thanks to them they have given me permission to use some photos taken from their week on board this historical last sailing.
After a departure from Malaga with a spectacular fireworks display, there was much celebration on board and a final sail-away party from Cartagena. With special entertainment from the team and the cruise director and the captain giving their final farewell speeches.
Here is a bit of history for you:
Built in France, she weighed in at 33930 Tonnes and had a guest capacity of 1350.
This is the longest serving ship within the Marella (Thomson) fleet and was a firm favourite with returning guests.
Having been in service with Thomson Cruises since 2003, this 35-year-old lady started life as the Nieuw Amsterdam with Holland & America line back in 1983. Based in the Caribbean for the winter seasons and Alaska for the summer.
She then moved over in October 2000 to the America Classic Cruises in San Francisco and renamed MS Patriot. Unusual for a ship built outside the United States, the Patriot was registered in Honolulu. For approx, a year she cruised around the Hawaiian islands until she was repurchased by Holland & America in January 2002 and she reverted to her old name Nieuw Amsterdam. However, she was made redundant and stayed first in Honolulu than in Charlestown, South Carolina.
In May 2002 the Nieuw Amsterdam was chartered to the Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines and renamed MS Spirit. Following another refit, she was then sub-chartered to Thomson Cruises from 3 May 2003 onwards.
Did you know that during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, she was used as a floating hotel.
Sadly, she has been sold on for scrap and will no longer be part of any fleet and I am sure she will be missed by those thousands of guests that loved her dearly and the memories that she held for lots of people.
Dawn
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