No, you’re not seeing double: there were two cruise ships called Dream in the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg. And in case you’re concerned, the hull of Thomson Dream (above) has not been painted black – it’s sitting in a giant floating dry-dock.
The Thomson ship, formerly Costa Europa and Westerdam, is undergoing a six-week refit before beginning a winter season of cruises in the Caribbean. The main work involves the fitting of new thrusters to improve the vessel’s manoeuvrability. Inside, part of the casino is being converted into a children’s club, and the shopping arcade is being spruced up.
Disney Dream (below), left Hamburg last night and will now be undergoing final sea trials before being handed over to her owners on December 8, and sailing to Florida for a lavish naming ceremony in January.
Also on December 8, Thomson Dream will be at Southampton’s City Cruise Terminal, embarking passengers for a 15-night crossing to Barbados, and calling at La Coruna, Porto, Madeira, Antigua and St Lucia on the way.
Thanks to Reinhard Schuldt for the pictures
I hope that the date you have stated in this article as the date Thomson Dream is leaving Southampton for Barbados (January 8th) is not correct because we are booked to leave Southampton on her on December 8th!!!
Thanks for pointing out my silly mistake, which I have now corrected. Don’t know how I did that, I must have been in a dream. Thomson have promised me the ship will leave on time, and will enjoy a trouble-free crossing
Thanks for changing that date, also if anyone is interested the following link is for the Shipyard webcam.http://home.btconnect.com/bvrepair/html_pages/webcamA_60.htm