Two More Ships To Be Added To The Thomson Fleet

With the addition of Royal Caribbean’s ‘Splendour of the Seas’ (Thomson Discovery) to their fleet for summer 2016, it has been announced that Thomson will be adding two more cruise ships to their portfolio.

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.

So with three new ships announced in this year alone, it seems Thomson Cruises have plans to rapidly expand. Which is a far cry from 1973 when they initially entered the cruise market but due to rising fuel costs the venture was terminated in 1976. Then in 1995 re-entered back into the cruise market after seeing the success of their competitor Airtours with their Sun Cruises brand.

Although I have never had the pleasure to sail on any of the Thomson ships, I have booked many customers over the years who have and they can’t fault them, and these customers have been on all the major cruise lines. The feedback I generally get is the entertainment, atmosphere and food was great, cabins are a bit dated but your only sleeping in there, it’s all about value for money.

Thomson have had such a presence and success in the overseas holiday market over the years and this this is now reflecting through their cruise portfolio. The advantage Thomson have over the competitors in the cruise market is that they have their own airline which can offer regional flying from all over the UK, which is a great convenience. They offer an all inclusive drinks option on all their cruises and another plus point no TIPPING required.

So with Thomson Cruises holding approximately 1% market share of the worldwide cruise industry, where will they be in 5 years time? Well with the addition of 3 ships which are double the size of their current fleet, watch this space.

What do you think of Thomson Cruises?

Are you exited of the acquisition of these 2 ships?