Thomson To Buy A Legend!

That’s correct! Thomson Cruises are in the market again for another Royal Caribbean ship, this time it’s ‘Legend of the Seas’. She will join the Thomson fleet in March 2017 and will be known as the TUI Discovery 2. She will be the second ship that Thomson have acquired off Royal Caribbean in quick succession with the arrival of Splendour of the Seas – now known as TUI Discovery which entered service this month.

‘Legend of the Seas’ will weigh in at 69,130 gross tonnes, will have 915 cabins of which 40% are balconies and can accommodate up to 1,832 guests and 726 crew. The ship will be all inclusive and will have eight bars as well as a range of restaurants, other amenities will include an outdoor poolside movie screen, a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, an outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool and spa.

It seems to me Thomson have taken over the strap-line ‘for people who don’t do cruises’, especially with the increase in the market of people who are new to cruising. Also Thomson Holidays/TUI has been very successful  over the years in the overseas holiday package market so it is a brand that people and families can relate and associate with. Customers like the idea of the all inclusive concept, entertainment that is suitable for all ages and tastes and no extras such as gratuities as they are all included.

The managing director of Thomson Cruises, Helen Caron, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming TUI Discovery 2 to our growing fleet in 2017.  This new ship will offer something for everyone, helping to attract a broad and new customer base.  At the same time, we will ensure our cruise holidays maintain their friendly intimate feel, delivered by the friendliest crew at sea, not forgetting the focus we place on sailing to unique destinations that Thomson Cruises are well known for.”

The executive director David Burling added: “The introduction of ‘TUI Discovery 2’ in May 2017 will accelerate our transformation programme for Thomson Cruises. We are moving quickly to renew our fleet.”

The amazing thing is that it doesn’t stop there! Thomson will be introducing 2 more ships in 2018 and 2019.

Mein Schiff 1 (translated in English ‘My Ship’) which was previously owned by Celebrity Cruises and known as the Celebrity Galaxy was acquired by TUI in 2009 and was subsequently given a $50 million refit to make her better suited for the German market. With a gross tonnage of 76,500, she can hold almost 2,700 passengers and boasts an indoor freshwater pool with two outdoor salt water pools as well as a Japanese style AquaSpa. It also has a two floor restaurant and stylish art deco interiors. It is planned to be added to the Thomson fleet in 2018.

Mein Schiff 2 previously known as Celebrity Mercury will be added to the Thomson fleet in 2019 and has a gross tonnage 77,700 and can hold almost 1900 passengers.

With the introduction of these new three new ships to the Thomson fleet and with the advantage that Thomson have their own flight programme and can offer flights from regional departures all over the UK. How successful can Thomson be in the cruise market?

Have you been on a Thomson Cruise before, if so what do you think of them?