Thomson Cruises has announced that at the end of this month, the UK's third-largest cruise company will begin the biggest transformation in its history, rebranding itself as Marella Cruises. This move coincides with Thomson's merger with TUI later this month.
The name change will accompany the company to new horizons with modern and elegant fleet additions, such as the Marella Explorer next year, as well as exotic routes yet to be announced.
With Marella Cruises now part of the TUI universe, guests will continue to enjoy fantastic itineraries, excellent service, and onboard entertainment aboard the six ships with the friendliest crew at sea. The word Marella, meaning “bright sea” in Celtic, was chosen by the company to reflect its spirit of exploration and discovery across the oceans. Those who choose Marella Cruises for their holidays will benefit from flights available to 22 regional airports, as well as the Cruise & Stay program, which combines a cruise vacation with stays at more than 140 hotels in 10 destinations worldwide, including the luxurious TUI Sensatori collection.
All the extras that guests know and love about Thomson Cruises will continue with Marella Cruises, such as gratuities and service charges included in the price, All Inclusive on the Marella Explorer, Marella Discovery, and Marella Discovery 2, and cruises departing later from ports of call. The renowned Thomson Cruises crew will also be an important part of the vacation experience, ensuring that passengers receive the warmest welcome and friendliest service at sea during their time on board.
Helen Caron, Director of Distribution and Cruises, said: “This is an incredible time for our business. We are truly proud to offer an experience that guests can, and want to, repeat time and time again. Moving forward as Marella, we will have new and modern additions to our fleet and more destinations, options, and experiences than ever before, which truly reflects our spirit of exploration and discovery with the new brand.”
To celebrate the launch of Marella Cruises, the company has unveiled exciting new itineraries in Asia as part of its 2018 winter program. The renowned Marella Discovery will sail to 18 exotic new ports of call on 14 adults-only routes, including Colors of the Far East, departing from Bangkok, Thailand, and Charms of the Far East, departing from Langkawi, Malaysia. The Marella Discovery's Southeast Asian adventure will take you to vibrant destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the Marella Discovery will also sail to India, visiting fascinating ports such as Mumbai, Mangalore, Mormugao (Goa), Cochin (Kerala), and Colombo (Sri Lanka), and to the Middle East, with calls at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat.
Helen Caron continued: “I am absolutely delighted to unveil our destinations for winter 2018. Asia is an incredibly diverse part of the world, and I have no doubt that our guests will love their adventures along the way in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Oman, to name just a few. These captivating destinations, along with our new ships, friendly service, and excellent value, make this the perfect time to look forward.”
For the first time in the company's history, two ships will be based in Barbados for winter 2018. The Marella Explorer will sail its first winter season from this paradise alongside the Marella Celebration.
