03 September 2009

Ports more important than sea days

Port visits are more important than days at sea, according to research from the UK’s second largest cruise line.

As a result Thomson Cruises and Island Cruises will include more fly-cruises in its 2010 programme.

Thomson will also offer weddings at sea in the Caribbean for winter 2010/11.

Both brands will be offering ‘test-drives’ to other Thomson and First Choice holidaymakers when ships dock in ports that are also used as beach resorts by the operators.

Online access is currently paid for on cruises but from 2010 Thomson Cruises will offer free internet service on board for passengers who want to blog about their experiences.

Thomson Cruises launches new ship Thomson Dream - previously Costa Europa - next year.

The line’s five ships cover 130 ports of call and carry more than 200,000 passengers a year.

by Phil Davies

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Your Comments (2)

Glad I'm not the only one

I do have to agree with Leslie. I personally would prefer a few less ports and a bit more time at sea. I cruise because I love the relaxation and calm, along with the sense of being pampered. What I would like to see is visits to ports where the actual port is a nice place to spend the day, and perhaps a free shuttle to the nearest beach or to an area where there are nice restaurants. I find it awful that you can spend &#pound;20 to hop on a coach to take you to the beach for 2 hours. I know that this is unlikely, but we can all dream!

By Chris Lewis, Monday, September 7, 2009
I would like to see the research

As a regular cruiser myself, I find it suprising to see that passengers want more ports of call. I myself, and customers I transfer, often comment on how hectic crusing is becoming as ships call in to a new port everyday - often only having one day at sea on a 7 day cruise. Is it really the passengers, or are the cruise lines making more money on excursions etc, and having lower food costs in turn. To me, the modern day cruise ships are brilliantly equipped (although getting to big for my liking), so much so I want to use there services, and explore these mobile resorts. It would be good to see the research published!

By Leslie Jefferies, Friday, September 4, 2009