07 July 2009

Thomson Cruises adds Costa ship

Thomson Cruises is adding the current 1,500-passenger Costa Europa to its fleet next year.

The addition will bring the company’s fleet back up to four vessels for summer 2010.

The 54,000 tonne ship will become Thomson’s biggest vessel and will be named Thomson Dream.

The ship, built in 1986, has been in service with Costa Cruises since 2002 and previously operated for Holland America Line.

The vessel will offer fly-cruises from Palma on three different seven-night itineraries, joining Thomson Destiny in operating from the Majorcan port. Destinations will include the ports of Rome and Florence as well as Barcelona and La Goulette in Tunisia, a new destination for Thomson Cruises.

Cruise prices lead-in at £729 per person in a dedicated brochure which goes on sale on July 16.

Thomson Dream will have five restaurants, a Broadway show lounge and other areas for cabaret and entertainment.

The ship will have two swimming pools, one under a retractable roof.

Cruise director David Selby said: "This latest addition to the fleet reinforces the importance of the cruise market to Thomson and our commitment to its growth."

Winter itineraries for 2010-11 have yet to be revealed.

by Phil Davies