Thomson triumph in cruise awards

A cruise ship which has been vilified on BBC’s Watchdog has confounded its critics by winning a sheaf of consumer awards. Thomson Dream has triumphed in the annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards compiled by Cruise Critic and based on ratings and reviews submitted by its 800,000 members.
The 1,506-passenger ship was named as best overall in the mid-sized category and has been rated top for best entertainment, service, cabins and shore excursions.
The awards come as a rebuttal to the TV consumer programme, fronted by Anne Robinson, which has twice reported complaints from passengers who travelled on Dream in its first season with the company.
Fraser Ellacott, MD of Thomson Cruises told me: “An award voted for by our passengers is the highest accolade we can receive. We pride ourselves on offering the whole package – great entertainment, service and destinations wrapped up in a fun and friendly atmosphere. It’s what keeps our passengers returning year after year and we’re so proud that our efforts have been recognised.
“Thomson Dream is our flagship, and despite a tough start, she’s become a firm favourite with our passengers after just two years. This award is testament to the fantastic efforts of the whole team on board who work tirelessly to deliver fantastic cruises every week.”
The 3,000-passenger Celebrity Equinox dominated the large ship category, triumphing over sister ship Celebrity Eclipse, which sails from Southampton during the summer. Equinox took the best overall award, and was beaten by Eclipse only on the votes for best cabin – despite the fact that the accommodation on the two ships is virtually identical.
In the small ship class, the 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey took the overall title and was best for cabins, fitness, public rooms and service.
The best ships cruising from the UK were named as Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Holland America’s Eurodam, Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, and P&O’s Ventura.
Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown said: “Our Cruisers’ Choice awards are based exclusively on ratings provided by the people whose opinions matter the most.”