Marella Cruises
Thomson Cruises, the UK’s third largest cruise line, has been rebranded as Marella Cruises. The move comes at the same time as Thomson in the UK changes to TUI. The word Marella was chosen by the company to reflect its spirit of exploration and discovery across the seas. The rebrand sees the cruise line renaming four ships as: Marella Dream, Marella Celebration, Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2. A new addition in summer 2018 is Marella Explorer. Spirit won’t take the Marella name as she leaves the fleet after her final sailing next summer. Thomson Majesty has left the fleet.
For the first time in the company’s history, two ships will be based in Barbados for winter 2018. Marella Explorer will sail its first ever winter season and will be joined by Marella Celebration, operating established itineraries. Marella Explorer, which joins the fleet next summer, will be their biggest ship yet with ten restaurants and bars, as well as an indoor cinema, sports and family deck. Other favourites will be there like Kora La and Snack Shack, plus brand new spaces like Indigo – a swanky bar, club and casino.
To coincide with the launch of Marella Cruises, the company has unveiled new itineraries across Asia as part of its winter 2018 programme from November through to March. The newly renamed Marella Discovery will sail to 18 new ports of call on 14 new adult-only itineraries. The 14-night ‘Enchanting Far East’ cruises departs from Langkawi and the 14-night ‘Colours of the Far East’ cruises set sail from Laem Chabang (the port for Bangkok). Ports of call are: Penang (Malaysia); Port Klang (for Kuala Lumpur); Singapore; Koh Samui (Thailand); Laem Chabang; Sihanoukville (Cambodia); Phu My (for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam); Malacca (Malaysia); and Langkawi. Flights from Birmingham, London (Gatwick) and Manchester are on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
In March 2019 the 14-night ‘Eastern Sunsets’ cruise sails from Langkawi to Port Blair in the remote Andaman Islands; Colombo (Sri Lanka); Cochin (overnight call); Mangalore; Mormugao (Goa); Mumbai and Dubai. In April the 14-night ‘Journey to Arabia’ cruise starts in Cochin and visits the same ports before sailing from Dubai (overnight) to Abu Dhabi; Sir Bani Yas Island; Bahrain; Khasab (Oman) and ending in Muscat (Oman).
Thomson's loyal customers can rest assured that the features they love about the cruise line aren’t going to change – with tips and service charges included. Although there will be a new name, the same friendly welcome and fun experiences can be relied upon. For more details of the new routings as well as information on the popular favourites speak to our experienced team on 0800 484 0370.
- 30th November 2017