The Thomson Dream, the latest addition to the UK-based Thomson Cruises’ fleet of five ships, was launched in April 2010. It is Thomson’s biggest and most luxurious ship to date. It is 30% more spacious than the other ships of its class.
In February 2010, the vessel collided with a dock in Egypt while attempting to dock in bad weather. Three crew members were killed and four were injured in the incident. The collision created a 2m wide hole in the hull. The ship was sailing on behalf of Costa Cruises with 1,488 passengers.
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In July 2009, Carnival Corporation chartered the ship to Thomson Cruises for ten years, effective from April 2010. The agreement provides an option for Thomson to buy the ship after five years.
The ship has joined Thomson Celebration, Thomson Spirit and Thomson Destiny.
The ship joined Thomson Destiny’s sailing itineraries during the summer of 2010. The ship started its journey with three, seven-night itineraries in the Mediterranean calling at Rome, Florence and Barcelona. It also sailed through the new port of La Goulette in Tunisia.
Suites and cabin design
The ship accommodates 1,506 passengers in 753 cabins. The ship offers several suite configurations. The 377ft² suites feature a separate living area while the 431ft² Grand suites are more spacious and offer a separate balcony.
Deluxe cabins and standard outside cabins are also available. The 172ft² Outside Plus cabins are centrally located and are more spacious than the regular 161ft² Outside cabins. Passengers also have a choice of standard cabins of 129ft² and 140ft².
Decks
The ship has nine decks with different plans such as the Orion Deck, with the Orion restaurant, outside and inside cabins; the Perseus Deck; the Auriga Deck with suites and outside and inside cabins; and the Hercules which has access to the Atlante Theatre, Medusa Lounge & Bar, a library and internet lounge, the Ocean Bar, Argo Lounge, Beauty Salon, Delo Bar and the Ladonte Disco.
The Cassiopeia Deck provides facilities such as the Nereida Fitness Centre, saunas and cabins adapted for wheelchair users.
The Sirens Deck has the Sirens restaurant, the grill, the terrace grill, pool bar, main pool, whirlpool and grand suites. The Centaurus Deck includes sports facilities. The Sports Deck has courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis.
The ship also features beauty salons, night clubs, a casino and adults-only areas.
Restaurants and bars
The Orion restaurant offers six-course dinners, while the grill serves steaks, seafood and fresh fish. A gala night hosts the weekly Captain's cocktail party and dinner. The Andromeda restaurant serves buffets round-the-clock as well as organises themed nights twice a week. Sirens restaurant, a smaller eatery, offers British buffets. Pizzas and salads are served at the terrace grill.
There are five bars serving the passengers on board including the Medusa bar, Delo bar, Ocean bar and Lido bars.
The Ocean bar is centrally located for pre-dinner drinks. The pool-side Lido Bars serve al fresco drinks.
Thomson Dream history
The ship was built in 1986 by Meyer Werft in Germany for Home Lines. Costing $150m, it was named MS Homeric. The ship was sold to Holland America Line in 1988 and was renamed as MS Westerdam. The ship was renovated in 1989. It joined Coast’s fleet as the Costa Europa in 2002.
