Thomson Cruises’ newly acquired Splendour of the Seas will be renamed Thomson Discovery when it joins the company’s fleet in summer 2016 and it will homeport in Palma.
Before setting sail under the Thomson name, the ship will undergo a re-brand and refurbishment.
The 915-cabin ship will replace Island Escape when it joins the fleet, keeping the total number of ships operated at five.
The vessel, which will be the largest in the Thomson Cruises fleet, at a passenger capacity of 1,830. It will offer 40% balconies which managing director Helen Carron believes will prove a popular unique selling point.
Under her new owners the interior of the ship will stay the same so you won’t have to ‘wave’ a teary goodbye to her fun features like the rock climbing wall, mini golf course, inside swimming pool or the flow rider.
Helen Caron, managing director of Thomson Cruises, said: “For me I’m very excited about the investment in Thomson Cruises. The acquisition of the Discovery is great news for us and we’re really very excited about it. I think it demonstrates that Thomson, with the benefits of the benefit of the merger as well, is really committing to investing in our ships.”
Thomson Cruises' 2016 itineraries, as well as those for Thomson Discovery, will be released on 23rd April.
Discovery is being bought by Tui Cruises, a joint venture between Tui Group and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, but will be operated by Thomson Cruises.