United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Thomson Cruises returns to Caribbean with biggest ship
Thomson Cruises is returning to the Caribbean next winter after an absence of eight years while continuing to maintain a presence in the Red Sea.
The line’s largest ship Thomson Destiny will sail from the Dominican Republic on two different seven-night itineraries taking in a total of 10 islands each fortnight – unlike a number of cruise lines that only feature 14/15 night itineraries.
Islands featured include Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia, as well as the lesser known St.Kitts, Guadaloupe, and St. Maarten.
The Caribbean fly-cruise programme for winter 2008-09 will feature a full 14-night voyage, the itinerary split into seven-night sailings, as well as a variety of cruise and stay options.
The return to the Caribbean follows Island Cruises, Thomson’s sister line under the TUI Travel umbrella, previously announcing its first Caribbean sailings from December 2008 offering three 15-night itineraries from Barbados.
Meanwhile, Thomson Spirit is taking over from Thomson Celebration next winter after two seasons in the Red Sea region. Flights to the home port of Sharm El Sheikh will be from 10 UK airports.
After a period of dry-dock refurbishment in November 2008, Thomson Celebration will operate itineraries around The Canaries, North Africa and Madeira.
David Selby, programme director for Thomson Cruises, which carries approximately 170,000 passengers a year, said: “The question I am asked more than anything else by agents and customers alike is ‘When is Thomson returning to The Caribbean?’
“Well, I can now say that the answer is next year just in time for Christmas.
“Thomson Destiny is our largest ship and the array of facilities and sun-deck space make it the perfect ship for the operation. I think the 14-night cruises and cruise and stays will be particularly popular.”
Flights will be with in-house carrier Thomsonfly’s new long-haul aircraft, with 33” seat pitch as standard, together with 7” seat-back TVs with choice of six films, five TV stations and interactive games.
“Premium upgrades are available which offer real luxury. Flights are planned to operate from Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff, Stansted and Bournemouth,” added Selby.
The programme goes on sale September 27.
by Phil Davies
Related News Stories:
Phil Davies
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled