Thomson Cruises is replacing one of the four ships in its fleet this summer as part of the line’s modernisation plans.
Larger and newer vessel Thomson Majesty is coming in this summer in place of the 1982-built Thomson Destiny.
Currently operating as Louis Majesty, the 20-year-old ship is being chartered for an indefinite period from Louis Cruises with Thomson Destiny returning to the Greek firm.
The 1,462-passenger new addition will operate four itineraries originally scheduled for Thomson Destiny from May 4 calling at ports such as Corfu Town, Venice, Sanatorini, Dubrovnik and Split in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as Atlantic islands sailings to Santa Cruz, Funchal, Las Palmas and Agadir in Morocco.
The company said: “Thomson Cruises understands that some customers due to sail on Thomson Destiny in summer 2012 may be disappointed by this news – and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“But would like to reassure customers that Thomson Majesty is a great addition to the fleet and will give customers a fantastic cruise experience.
“All customers set to travel on Thomson Destiny are being contacted directly by our dedicated customer service team to arrange their transfer to Thomson Majesty.”
Thomson Majesty offers more ocean view cabins, a spa with 17 treatment rooms, and five restaurants.
The line’s managing director Fraser Ellacott said a “significant” number of passengers who had booked Thomson Destiny were being contacted about the switch of ships.
But he said Thomson Majesty, which offers 12 additional berths, had a range of facilities which would appeal to those transferring vessels including more modern cabins, an a la carte restaurant and a couples’ massage room.
“Majesty is a fantastic ship with great onboard facilities, more outside cabins and the same first-rate service you’d expect from Thomson Cruises,” said Ellacott.