Cruise ship review: TUI Discovery is a ‘game-changer’ for Thomson

Friday, 14 Jun, 2016 0

As Thomson’s newest and biggest cruise ship TUI Discovery sets off on her maiden voyage around the Mediterranean, TravelMole associate editor Linsey McNeill takes a look at what customers can expect on board.

At the launch party for TUI Discovery on Thursday night, Thomson Cruises managing director Helen Caron made it clear the operator sees this as a major step up for the brand.

"The launch of TUI Discovery marks an exciting time for Thomson Cruises," she said at a glitzy christening ceremony, which included an outdoor performance by pop star Jess Glynne. "TUI Discovery is a real game-changer for us."

So, what’s so special about it?

Well, leaving aside the inevitable teething problems (temporarily blocked loos, a burst water pipe etc) on this week’s overnight ‘shake-down cruise’ from Palma to Barcelona, which were hopefully sorted out by the time she embarked on her first paid-for cruise, the media and travel agents at the launch party certainly agreed that the £10-million, six-week refit in dry dock had transformed her into a classier ship than any other in the Thomson fleet.

At the heart of TUI Discovery is a light-filled, five-storey atrium, leading to contemporary lounges, restaurants and entertainment areas. Almost 40% of the 915 cabins have balconies, more than on any other Thomson ship, there’s an impressive glass-covered pool and dining area, a spa, seven restaurants, a revamped 800-seat theatre with 11 new shows, and a smart retail area with upscale shops.

The main dining area, 47, is a light and airy galleried restaurant with more tables seating two and four and fewer tables seating eight or more to create a more intimate experience. Upstairs is one of two signature restaurants, Gallery 47, serving Italian cuisine. The other is the Snack Shack on the pool deck, serving ‘festival-style’ food such as nachos during the day and popcorn for movie nights.

Of the seven restaurants onboard, five are included in the price. There is a supplement for the Surf & Turf steak house and Asian eatery Kora La, which has menus designed by London chef Ian Pengelley of House of Ho fame.

Those who sailed on the Discovery in her previous incarnation as Splendour of the Seas will notice the large casino, now the ‘Live Lounge", has been revamped and the gaming reduced to just two or three card tables and a couple of slot machines in one corner. The rest is a tastefully refurnished contemporary lounge and bar area.

"This is much more suited to Thomson guests," said Doug Glenwright, cruise customer experience lead, "gambling isn’t a big attraction for them."

As families are a key target area for Thomson Cruises, you’ll find more kids facilities onboard Discovery, including an interactive entertainments area, an outdoor cinema and climbing wall and mini golf on deck.

For grown-ups who want to escape the kids, there’s a small adult-only deck with waiter service.

In addition to improved hard-wear, there are more services, such as TUI branded bike tours of destinations, including – for the first time – the option to hire a modern, electric bike, making the ride much easier and accessible to more customers.

Not only is the Discovery the first Thomson ship to bear the TUI brand, but she will also be the first all-inclusive ship in the Thomson fleet from next summer. Next May, she will be joined by another former Royal Caribbean ship, Legend of the Seas, which will be rebranded TUI Discovery 2.

In 2018 and 2019, Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 from TUI Cruises will join Thomson’s UK fleet, replacing Spirit and Majesty, which will leave the fleet at the end of next year.

Live auctions of celebrity memorabilia are held onboard

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

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