Speaking at the launch of the line’s newest addition in Palma, Helen Caron, managing director of Thomson Cruises said the ship had embraced modernisation, while still “protecting all the things we know customers love about our cruises”.
As a result of customer feedback, the former Royal Caribbean ship – previously known as Splendour of the Seas – has incorporated more balcony cabins and public spaces.
But to ensure that the changes are received favourably by its loyal customers, Caron said the line would be conducting focus groups with them over the next three months.
Appealing to a broader market is also a key focus. “It’s about offering something for everybody,” Caron said. In particular, families and millennials are targets. To reach these two demographics Tui Discovery has more technological features, a broader range of food options and an expanded entertainment programme.
Despite the new additions, Caron insisted that the customer’s preference for a maximum of one sea day per cruise and the inclusion of gratuities within the package price had remained non-negotiable.
In line with the brand’s signature “Tui smile” Caron also stressed good customer service would remain crucial to the cruise line’s success. “What’s central is our friendly staff. [Customer feedback shows] the crew is a real standout,” she said.
She also referenced the size of ships in the Thomson Cruises fleet. With a total capacity of 1,830 passengers she acknowledged that Tui Discovery is “slightly larger” than the company’s other vessels but was still small enough to visit ports that bigger ships cannot.
“Our customers like the smaller ships and that’s why they like to travel with us”
When asked whether she felt confident that the cruise line could fill the extra capacity on Tui Discovery, Caron insisted: “The one thing that gives me absolute confidence we’ll fill the ships is the strength of our distribution network. It’s about educating and investing in our team.”
One person from every Thomson shop across the country was hosted onboard Tui Discovery for three nights during the launch.
The company’s extensive provision of regional UK departure points will also provide added incentive to choose Thomson Cruises, she said, adding: “Because of our integrated tour operator offering we do cruise and stay better than anybody else.”
The official launch of Tui Discovery comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Tui has acquired another Royal Caribbean ship – Legend of the Seas – which will operate from May 2017 under the name Tui Discovery 2.
Thomson cruises will launch a further two ships (Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 from its German sister line) in the following two years.
Caron added: “It’s a pivotal point in Thomson Cruises’ history. It’s hugely exciting.”
