Solent Stevedores secures Thomson Cruises' TUI Discovery in Southampton for 2018

MAR 2017

TUI Discovery to be based in UK for the first time, sailing out of Newcastle and Southampton with 15 new ports of call added to the programme, including Monaco, Ancona and Skiathos Town

Thomson Cruises has today unveiled its summer 2018 programme which sees TUI Discovery based out of the UK for the first time, as well as the addition of 15 new ports of call, including Monaco, Ancona and Skiathos Town, and 12 brand new itineraries.

In September 2018 and in a first for Thomson Cruises, TUI Discovery moves to Southampton where it will finish its Summer sailing four itineraries; Fantastic Fjords, Baltic Treasures, European Experience and Seeking the Northern Lights. The new European Experience itinerary visits Germany, Belgium and France, with an overnight onboard stay in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Seeking the Northern Lights will take customers to the northernmost city in Norway to spot the spectacular natural phenomenon for the first time. 

Solent Stevedores will be on hand in Southampton to provide full turnaround operations to TUI Discovery, including mooring services, baggage handling, porterage, and provisions loading.

Managing Director of Thomson Cruises Richard Sofer said:

"We're really excited about our summer 2018 programme. We have a fantastic range of destinations on offer, with a real focus on hidden gems in the Mediterranean and a little closer to home in northern Europe.

The move to bring TUI Discovery to both the north and the south of the UK also shows our commitment to offering choice and flexibility to our customers, giving them the opportunity to sail from a region close to home, as well as offering flights to other destinations from local airports."