Thomson Cruises plans to spend millions of pounds on modernising two of its ships, putting them on a par with the four-star hotels in its Platinum Collection.
Thomson Dream, built in 1986 and carrying 1,506 passengers, will be first to get the treatment. Cabins will be re-furnished and supplied with flat-screen televisions and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Bars and restaurants will be up-graded and décor throughout the ship will be brighter and more contemporary. A suite of treatment rooms is to be added to the spa.
Platinum-rated hotels must attain a 90 per cent “good” or “excellent” customer rating – a figure already matched by the two ships.
Dream’s first sailing in her new guise will be the December 9 Transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Barbados, at the start of a winter season in the Caribbean.
Next into dry-dock will be Thomson Celebration, built in 1984 and carrying 1,254 passengers. The ship will be back in service from her home port of Marmaris, Turkey, on May 6, 2013.
Before then, the ship will be hosting a one-off Audience With Des O’Connor on the September 17 voyage to Egypt and the Holy Land. The showbiz legend will be talking about his career, taking questions from passengers, and signing autographs.
Next year’s entertainment includes appearances from dancer Wayne Sleep, World Cup-winning footballer Nobby Stiles, and former BBC radio presenter Sarah Kennedy.
Fly-cruises operate from 19 regional airports around the UK and free parking is provided at Harwich and Newcastle-upon-Tyne for ex-UK sailings.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
The Thomson ships were very good. Now if more facilities are added to it then it will be great. The Port Canaveral Transportation also provides us some cruise facilities.