The latest addition to the fleet of Thomson Cruises, TUI Explorer (former Mein Schiff 1), will join line's TUI Discovery and TUI Discovery 2 to offer All Inclusive as standard. Entering as Thomson Cruises' largest ship yet, TUI Explorer will provide even more space, choice and flexibility for holidaymakers, including 2 new cabin types and a wider choice of dining and entertainment.
A new feature bar, Indigo, which will offer stunning ocean views from its prime position at the top of the ship and will be home to the casino and nightclub when the sun goes down; Aperitif, an intimate speakeasy-style bar perfect for pre and post dinner drinks; Scoops, an ice-cream parlour with quirky bicycle-themed seating, and The Lounge, a new venue complete with colour-changing bar and signature brightly coloured piano, where customers can relax and listen to live music.
Based in Palma, Majorca from May 2018, TUI Explorer will also showcase 10 dining venues including the ever-popular Surf and Turf, Kora La and Snack Shack, as well as new addition Umi Sushi, a showcase sushi counter. Also joining the line-up is The Mediterranean, a dining area featuring glass roof inspired by open air terraces and local tavernas which will house two inclusive restaurants – a pizzeria and tapas restaurant – plus the Hot Stone Grill at an additional cost.
The ship will also feature an extensive onboard spa hosting 11 different areas including a Finnish sauna with floor to ceiling windows, a couples room and two luxury treatment suites, and The Veranda, an adults-only sunbathing area with padded sun loungers, pod chairs and day beds.
New cabin types on TUI Explorer will include 14 family balcony cabins which will measure 20m², sleep up to five people and have a balcony of up to 9m², and a balcony cabin with more external space. Standard inside cabins onboard TUI Explorer will be16m², bigger than any other standard cabin in the fleet.
Managing director of Thomson Cruises, Richard Sofer, said:
"We've got 10 restaurants and 10 bars, as well as more onboard activities and spaces for families including an indoor cinema and a fantastic new Kids' Club with children's pool and slide. I'm also really excited about our new flagship entertainment venue, Indigo - a huge space with incredible ocean views, sat right at the top of the ship."
The old-new ship will sail from homeport Palma Majorca from May 2018, visiting Western Mediterranean highlights such as Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Florence and Lisbon. On sale from April 20, TUI Explorer will sail four itineraries: Cosmopolitan Classics, Highlights of the Mediterranean, Magic of Spain and Mediterranean Secrets.