Tui adds another ship to fleet

Tui Group has expanded its Thomson Cruises fleet with the acquisition of Royal Caribbean’s ship Legend of the Seas.

The 1,832-passenger vessel, which was acquired for an unnamed sum, will be renamed Tui Discovery 2 and operate from May 2017. It has 915 cabins, around 40 per cent of which have balconies.

The vessel is the second Royal Caribbean ship that Tui has acquired in recent years, following the purchase of Splendour of the Seas, which is set relaunch as Tui Discovery this year.

The latest acquisition will bring Tui’s Thomson Cruises fleet to six, and there are plans to add a further two ships during the next three years – ‘Mein Schiff 1’ and ‘Mein Schiff 2’ will be acquired and added to the fleet in 2018 and 2019,

David Burling, member of the Executive Board at Tui Group responsible for the Northern Region said: “We continue to grow and invest in our own hotel and cruise portfolio. The introduction of Tui Discovery 2 in May 2017 will accelerate our transformation programme for Thomson Cruises.

“We are moving quickly to renew our fleet. With this ship, Thomson Cruises will be able to capitalise on strong growing demand. It is also our goal to enhance earnings opportunities in the future.”

Nick Longman, managing director of Tui UK and Ireland added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming ‘Tui Discovery 2’ to our growing fleet in 2017 as we bring to life our modernisation strategy to benefit UK cruise customers.

“This ship will offer something for everyone, helping to attract a broad and new customer base. At the same time, we will ensure our cruise holidays maintain their friendly intimate feel, delivered by the friendliest crew at sea, not forgetting the focus we place on sailing to unique destinations that Thomson Cruises are well known for.”