11 August 2017
News that Thomson Cruises has announced that its award-winning ship TUI Discovery, which joined the fleet in summer 2016, will move to Southampton in September 2018 has been welcomed by ABP Southampton.
The move to Southampton will be a first for Thomson Cruises as it continues its pledge to position choice and flexibility for customers at its heart.
Director, Alastair Welch, said: “As Northern Europe’s leading cruise turn around port, we have seen the appetite for cruise holidays continue to grow. In 2017 we will welcome over 500 cruise calls and it is estimated the local economy is boosted by £2.5 million every time a cruise ship turns in Southampton.
“We are very pleased that Thomson have chosen to base their new ship TUI Discovery in Southampton in Autumn 2018, to offer increased choice to their guests, and allow them to experience first-hand the benefits of cruising from Southampton.”
Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, Richard Sofer, said: “We’re excited to have TUI Discovery based in Southampton next September, as one of the country’s busiest and most successful ports Southampton seemed like natural choice and the perfect hub for TUI Discovery. The move will offer customers more choice and flexibility with the opportunity to sail from a region close to home.”