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A Cruise Ship History: Marella Dream

• October 17, 2020

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marella Dream is being retired by Marella Cruises and now faces an unknown future.

The 54,760-ton vessel launched in 1986 under he Home Lines banner and also spent time in the Holland America Line and Costa Cruises fleets before sailing for Thomson Cruises in 2010.

Early 1980s: Home Lines orders a new ship at Meyer Werft . Named the Homeric, the vessel is planned as a replacement for the 1963-built Oceanic.

1985: As the very first cruise ship built by Meyer Werft, the Homeric is constructed in the open and launched in a traditional way, slipping sideways into the water. Meyer’s covered docks were built a year later.

1986: The Homeric is delivered to Home Lines in May. A few weeks later, the vessel arrives in New York City to start a program of summer cruises to Bermuda. Longer itineraries to the Caribbean are planned for the winter. 

1987: After buying Home Line’s Oceanic for its Premier Cruise Lines brand, Greyhound Corporation negotiates to buy Homes Lines and its remaining fleet. The deal was expected to be concluded by the end of the year but it ended up falling through.

1988: Only two years after its debut, the Homeric is sold to Holland America Line , along with the Atlantic.  

1988: While Home Lines ceases operations, the Homeric is delivered to Holland America in November. Renamed the Westerdam, the vessel begins sailing for its new owners with alternating seven-night Eastern Caribbean and seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

1989: The former Homeric returns to Meyer Werft for  big update, that includes lengthening. At the time, it became the first ship to return to the shipyard.

1990: A longer Westerdam returns to service in March. The vessel is now 40 meters long, featuring more cabins, restaurants and sports facilities.

1990s: In service with Holland America, the ship usually spends its summers in Alaska, sailing in the Caribbean during the winters.

2001: After buying Costa, Carnival Corporation announces it is transferring two ships to the Italian brand fleet. The Westerdam was one of the vessels, along with Carnival’s Tropicale.

2002: Following a major refit, the ship is renamed Costa Europa and enters service for Costa in April. The work included the addition of balcony cabins and a new night club.   

2000s: Costa deploys the ship in Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Middle East. The Costa Europa was also one of the first vessels to sail Costa’s new program in the Indian Ocean, embarking passengers in Mauritius. 

2009: After seven years sailing for Costa, the Europa is chartered to Thomson Cruises . The British cruise line signs a 10-year bareboat charter agreement with Carnival Corporation, with the option of buying the ship after the period.

2010: In February, two months before its delivery to Thomson, the Costa Europa is involved in a accident in Egypt. Attempting to moor in bad weather, the vessel collides with the dock in Sharm-el-Sheik.

2010: In April, the ship is delivered to Thomson Cruises and renamed Thomson Dream. Under the cruise line, the vessel joins two former fleet mates from its Holland America Line years, the 1983-built Thomson Spirit (former Nieuw Amsterdam) and the 1984-built Thomson Celebration (former Noordam).

2012: The vessel goes through another significant refit. To launch its new “Platinum Cruises” product, Thomson decides to upgrade the Dream , refurbishing cabins, lounges and bars.

2017: As part of Thomson Group’s rebranding, Thomson Cruises becomes Marella Cruises . As a result, the former Homeric is now sailing as the Marella Dream.  

2020: In January, Marella announces plans to retire its so-called “classic fleet.” According to the cruise line, both the Marella Celebration and Marella Dream will leave the fleet within the next five years.  

2020: A few months later, in September, Marella decides to get rid of the ship immediately .

Future: The ship remains docked in Croatia and a buyer has not been named.   

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Marella Cruises – What to expect from TUI’s new cruise brand

Cruising enthusiasts have probably heard it through the grape vine by now that Thomson Cruises in the U.K. has changed its name to Marella. But why the change, and what can you expect from this brand new name?

Firstly, there’s no need to panic. If you’ve already booked a trip with Thomson Cruises your itinerary and ship will stay exactly the same – only the name on the boat has changed. Even so, such a big alteration will undoubtedly impact the way TUI’s cruises are advertised, and the overall feel for the brand over time. If you have questions regarding the all-new Marella Cruises fleet, keep reading to find out more.

What’s in a name

Quite a lot actually. The name Marella means ‘shining sea’ in Celtic, which the TUI Group describes as being the essence of their cruise fleet, reflecting their spirit of exploration and discovery .

The name change will take place across all Thomson Cruise ships, apart from Thomson Spirit who will be known simply as Spirit until her retirement next year. Although the name has changed, the great service of Thomson Cruises will remain the same.

Why the change

The simple reason behind the change is that Thomson are undergoing a rebrand themselves, changing officially to TUI. As such, Thomson Cruises and its associated ship names just had to go.

TUI Cruises already exists in the European market as a joint venture between TUI and Royal Caribbean, meaning TUI in the UK and Ireland needed a fresh new name. This new identity captures their vibe perfectly, while also adding a hint of luxury to the brand.

What to expect

All ships will continue to be All Inclusive, meaning tips and service charges are included in the price. Cruises will also still leave at night, giving you fewer sea days and more time at your favourite ports enjoying the shore excursions.

Though the ships are staying the same, Marella Cruises is set to unveil some exciting new itineraries, 22 to be exact, starting with their winter 2018 routes launching in December. The fleet will also sail to 20 exotic new destinations and feature 14 new adult-only itineraries including India, Thailand, Malaysia and Oman. Marella Explorer and Marella Celebration will be in Barbados from 2018 too – the first Barbados base in the company’s history. Marella’s destinations will still include all the well-known favourites including the Caribbean and Mediterranean. All together this fleet will sail to 120 destinations across the world, giving you endless options on where to cruise to next.

Marella Cruises also have some extra unique features stashed up their sleeve. Because the line is still owned by the TUI Group, cruisers will be able to take advantage of their Cruise & Stay programme. This means you can book a TUI hotel for either the beginning or end of your cruise holiday. More than 140 hotels in the Cruise & Stay programme are located across 10 destinations, and also include those from the ultra-luxury collection.

So there you have it, a name change and a re-branding set to make Marella Cruises an iconic fleet. Boasting luxury alongside TUI’s already proven track-record of top quality hospitality, the future looks bright for this newly released line and its passengers.

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Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises ) is a British cruise line operated by TUI UK , offering cruise holidays around Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia.

Accidents and incidents

The company had initially entered the cruise market in 1973, but due to rising fuel costs the venture was terminated in 1976. In 1995, Thomson restarted their cruise line after their competitor Airtours had made a successful entry in the cruise business under their Sun Cruises brand. On 9 October 2017, TUI Group announced that Thomson Cruises would be rebranded in late October 2017 as Marella Cruises, with all of the existing Thomson fleet adopting the name change either from Thomson or TUI to Marella (except Thomson Spirit which will be renamed Spirit and Thomson Majesty which will be transferred to Celestyal Cruises ). The line also announced that it would base TUI Discovery in Asia for the Winter season of 2018, with the ship being based out of Malaysia, the first in the line's history. [2]

In 2012, Marella Cruises holds approximately a 1% market share of the worldwide cruise industry. [3]

In May 2021, with the cruise sector planning for revival following the COVID-19 pandemic , TUI were reported to be planning to merge Marella Cruises with their TUI Cruises joint venture with Royal Caribbean , as they had already done with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises . [4]

MS Island Escape was added to the Thomson fleet in April 2009, as a result of parent company TUI's acquisition of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 's share in Island Cruises that took place in 2008. [5] As of March 2013, Thomson operates the Island Escape under its all-inclusive Island Cruises brand.

In March 2015, Royal Caribbean International announced that they had agreed to sell Splendour of the Seas to TUI Cruises in the second quarter of 2016, and that TUI would lease the ship to Thomson Cruises to replace the Island Escape . [6]

In May 2015, TUI Group announced that as part of their modernization strategy, TUI Cruises ' Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 would be transferred to Thomson Cruises over the next few years. [7]

In October 2015, the Island Cruise brand was discontinued after the sole ship Island Escape completed her last scheduled cruise with Thomson Cruises .

In March 2017, it was announced that Mein Schiff 1 would join the fleet in May 2018, and would become the TUI Explorer .

In July 2017, Thomson had announced that they would be extending the Thomson Spirit Lease until October 2018, and she will be based out of Palma for 18 April and then based in Malaga from May 2018 with her last cruise being on 21 October 2018.

In March 2018, it was announced that Royal Caribbean Cruises and Ctrip were to close the SkySea Cruise Line brand and that the line's sole ship SkySea Golden Era would join the Marella fleet in place of Mein Schiff 2 which would stay with TUI Cruises. [8] [9] The former Mein Schiff 2 was renamed Mein Schiff Herz and joined the Marella fleet in 2023 as Marella Voyager .

In April 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced that Marella Celebration would be immediately retired from the fleet. [10] The same was announced for Marella Dream in October 2020. [11] Both ships were scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey, in 2022.

On 9 February 2013, five crewmen of MS   Thomson Majesty were killed in Santa Cruz de La Palma whilst checking a lifeboat. The lifeboat ropes snapped and it plunged 65   ft from the upper deck into the sea. It overturned as it hit the water, trapping them underneath. Three crewmen were taken to hospital, but five others - three Indonesians, one Filipino and one Ghanaian - drowned as rescue attempts were made. [ citation needed ]

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Royal Caribbean International ( RCI ), previously known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ( RCCL ), is a cruise line brand founded in 1968 in Norway and organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group since 1997. Based in Miami, Florida, it is the largest cruise line by revenue and second largest by passengers counts. In 2018, Royal Caribbean International controlled 19.2% of the worldwide cruise market by passengers and 14.0% by revenue. As of January 2024, the line operates 28 ships and has three additional ships on order.

Celebrity Cruises is a cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida and a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group, and merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1997. Celebrity's signature logo is an "Χ" displayed on the funnel of Celebrity ships, and is the Greek letter chi, for "Chandris".

Royal Caribbean Group , formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. , is a global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida. It is the world's second-largest cruise line operator, after Carnival Corporation & plc. As of March 2024, Royal Caribbean Group fully owns three cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises with 65 ships in the current fleet and 5 ships on order until 2028. They also hold a 50% stake in TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line ( NCL ), also known in short as Norwegian , is an American cruise line founded in Norway in 1966, incorporated in Bermuda and headquartered in Miami. It is the fourth-largest cruise line in the world by passengers, controlling about 8.6% of the total worldwide share of the cruise market by passengers as of 2021. It is wholly owned by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

MSC Cruises is a Swiss global cruise line based in Geneva, with operations offices in Naples, Genoa and Venice. It was founded in 1970 in Naples, Italy, as part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). In addition to being the world's largest privately held cruise company, employing about 23,500 people worldwide and with offices in 45 countries as of 2017, MSC Cruises is the third-largest cruise company in the world, after Carnival Corporation & plc and Royal Caribbean Group, with a 10.2% share of all passengers carried in 2021.

Marella Explorer is a Century -class cruise ship owned and operated by Marella Cruises. Before joining TUI she cruised as MV Galaxy with Celebrity Cruises, and later as Mein Schiff with TUI Cruises. She was laid down at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, on 25   May 1995, was launched in May 1996, and was delivered to Celebrity Cruises on 10   October 1996. She entered service on 21   December 1996.

Marella Discovery 2 is the lead ship of the Vision class of cruise ships originally operated by Royal Caribbean International. With a gross tonnage of 69,130 GT, the ship can carry 2,074 passengers. Its maiden voyage was May 16, 1995. The ship's facilities include a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, dining areas and bars, an atrium, two pools, a theatre and a fitness centre.

The MV Horizon was a cruise ship that sailed from 1990-2020, and was the first new build for Celebrity Cruises. She was sent for scrapping in Aliaga in 2022.

Island Cruises was a cruise line that was founded as a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and First Choice Travel PLC, each of whom owned 50% of the company. The company operated in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, aiming its products primarily at markets in the United Kingdom, Brazil and Argentina. First Choice was later acquired by TUI Travel. In 2008, Royal Caribbean sold its stake in the company to TUI, and the cruise line's only fully owned ship, the Island Escape , was transferred to TUI's Thomson Cruises. Island Cruises was discontinued in 2015.

Marella Discovery is a former Royal Caribbean International Vision-class cruise ship now sailing for Marella Cruises. The second in the line of the Vision-class ships, she features a seven-story lobby, rock-climbing wall, and a 9-hole miniature golf course.

The Vision class is a group of six cruise ships built by Royal Caribbean International, and operated by themselves and Marella Cruises. Although called a class by Royal Caribbean, the Vision -class ships were built as three pairs of sister ships, each pair differing from the others in size and design. Unlike other Royal Caribbean classes, the Vision class is not named for the first ship built; Vision of the Seas was the last ship in the class to be built. Royal Caribbean had been promoting "Project Vision" for some time before ordering the first two ships in the class in 1992, but Vision of the Seas was not ordered until 1994.

Marella Explorer 2 , formerly Celebrity Century and SkySea Golden Era , was the lead ship of the Century class of cruise ships for Celebrity Cruises, and the co-flagship of the Celebrity fleet, along with Millennium -class ship Celebrity Constellation , and the newest Solstice class, Celebrity Reflection . Other ships belonging to the Century class include Marella Explorer and Mein Schiff 2   (2011) .

Marella Voyager is the second of two Century -class cruise ships operated by TUI Cruises. Built for Celebrity Cruises at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, she was launched on 11   July 1997, and was christened and entered service as MV Mercury on 27   October 1997.

Pullmantur Cruises was a cruise line headquartered in Madrid, Spain. It began operations in the late 1990s as an offshoot of the Madrid-based travel agency Pullmantur. In 2006, Pullmantur Cruises, through its parent company, was purchased by U.S.-based Royal Caribbean Group, but Royal Caribbean later sold a 51% stake in the cruise line to Spain-based investment firm Springwater Capital, retaining a 49% stake.

Silversea is an ultra-luxury and expedition travel brand headquartered in Monaco. Founded in 1994 by the Vlasov Group of Monaco and the Lefebvre family of Rome, it pioneered all-inclusive cruising with its first ship, Silver Cloud . Since July 2020, it has been owned by Royal Caribbean Group.

P&O Cruises Australia is a British-American owned cruise line with operational headquarters as part of Carnival Australia, based in Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia.

TUI Cruises is a cruise line based in Germany. It was formed in 2007 as a joint venture between the German tourism company TUI AG and the American cruise line operator Royal Caribbean Group, both of whom hold a 50% stake in the company.

The Quantum class is a class of cruise ships from Royal Caribbean International, previously known by the code name Project Sunshine .

Paul Gauguin Cruises is a cruise line that was owned by Beachcomber Croisieres Limited until 2019, when it was purchased by French company Compagnie du Ponant. Paul Gauguin Cruises operates cruises with one ship, the Paul Gauguin , to Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.

MSC Bellissima is a cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises. She was constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.

• ↑ "Thomson Cruises to Rebrand as Marella Cruises and Base Ship in Asia" . www.cruisecritic.com .
• ↑ "2012 World Wide Market Share" . Cruise Market Watch. 20 November 2011.
• ↑ Kutowski, Timo (28 May 2021). "TUI beginnt mit Verkauf von Hotels ("TUI starts selling hotels")" . Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). Archived from the original on 31 May 2021 . Retrieved 1 June 2021 .
• ↑ "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to Sell Its Interest in Island Cruises to First Choice Holidays Ltd" . Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 6 October 2008. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012 . Retrieved 7 October 2008 .
• ↑ "Splendour of the Seas Sold to TUI for Thomson Cruises" . cruiseindustrynews.com . 2 March 2015.
• ↑ Mathisen, Monty (13 May 2015). "TUI: Thomson to Get Mein Schiff 1 and 2" . www.cruiseindustrynews.com .
• ↑ Mathisen, Monty (20 March 2018). "Royal Caribbean and Ctrip to Kill SkySea Brand" . www.cruiseindustrynews.com .
• ↑ Mathisen, Monty (20 March 2018). "SkySea Shutdown Sparks Ship Transfer Shuffle" . www.cruiseindustrynews.com .
• ↑ "Marella to Retire Celebration" . Cruise Industry News . 29 April 2020. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021 . Retrieved 1 June 2021 .
• ↑ "Marella to Retire Marella Dream" . Cruise Industry News . 1 October 2020. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021 . Retrieved 1 June 2021 .
• ↑ "Lloyd's Register Vessel Search" . Retrieved 31 May 2023 .
• ↑ "Mein Schiff Herz: Premierenfahrt mit spektakulärem Programm" . Mein Schiffsexperte - TUI Cruises .
• ↑ "Marella Cruises Debuts New Ship, US Itineraries in 2023" . www.cruisecritic.com.au . Retrieved 14 October 2021 .

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Marella Celebration

Marella discovery, marella discovery 2, marella dream, marella explorer, marella explorer 2, marella spirit.

Thomson Celebration

The stylish Thomson Celebration is the perfect place to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine 24 hours a day in elegant, relaxing surroundings. The Meridian Restaurant offers attentive waiter service for a memorable and relaxing dinner. You can choose when you would like to dine, apart from Captains Cocktail night when early or late set dining times apply. Look out too for the weekly Buffet Magnifique. The Lido Restaurant is more casual but just as appealing. Self-service buffets are available 24 hours a day and the menu is as varied as it is appetising. International theme nights twice a week and magnificent midnight buffets also make a welcome change. Mistral's is the one place on Thomson Celebration where you'll need to reserve a table. This sophisticated a la Carte restaurant is worth the effort because the cuisine is superb, as is the wine list. Room service is also available 24 hours a day, an extra charge applies

Thomson Dream

Thomson Majesty

Thomson Spirit

Formerly Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam, this elegant, classic cruiseliner brings you 21st century cruising pleasure. It has all the modern facilities you could wish for - from a two storey show lounge to the fantastic health club overlooking the ocean. Hungry? You'll find everything from 24-hour dining to a sophisticated à la carte restaurant for that romantic occasion.

Tui Discovery

Tui Discovery 2

Tui explorer.

Thomson cruises offer you variety, as well as unbeatable value and are a great way to introduce you to cruising. With UK Cruises Newcastle plus fly and cruise holidays from a huge range of airports.

Thomson Cruises sail in the Mediterranean in the summer, Dubai andCanary Islands in the winter months - there are nearly 100 different destinations to discover and explore aboard Thomson's 5 ships;Thomson Spirit, Thomson Celebration, Tui Discovery,  Thomson Majesty and Thomson Dream.

With Thomson Cruises you can also choose a cruise and stay holidayat a Thomson hotel or apartment to have the best of both worlds. Stays can either be taken at the beginning or end of your cruise, the choice is yours. Cuisine on board offers everything from healthy options to hearty British fare and exotic local specialities, with culinary choices on offer right around the clock.

Thomson cruises are great for the whole family with daytime entertainment, a selection of different activities and children's clubs on board plus specially chosen children's menu for junior diners.

Each evening features first class entertainment with shows, singers and comedians, as well as a range of different bars and lounges where you can relax and make the most of your Thomson cruise. By pre-booking the Thomson Cruises all inclusive drinks package, you can also make your holiday stress free with no bar bill as part of aThomson Cruises all inclusive holiday.  Note: All-inclusive drinks packages must be added at the time of booking.

Departures are available from over 20 different UK airports including Bournemouth, Glasgow, Norwich & Belfast. We have a great selection of Thomson cruise and stay and 2016 deals on offer, for the ideal Thomson cruise and stay experience.

Family cruises, people who wish to fly from their local airport, winter-sun cruises to the Dubai or Canary Islands, cheap cruises and first time cruisers.

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No. of Ships 16

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Where Is Thomson Dream Cruise Ship Now

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Laetitia Denney

• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome aboard the Thomson Dream cruise ship, where adventure and relaxation await you on the high seas. Embark on a remarkable journey and explore stunning destinations while enjoying the luxurious amenities offered by this magnificent vessel. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Thomson Dream cruise ship, including its history, current status, and possible future destinations.

The Thomson Dream is a renowned cruise ship that has been captivating passengers with its elegance and charm since its maiden voyage. With its distinctive design and top-notch facilities, the Thomson Dream offers a remarkable experience for travelers seeking a memorable cruise vacation.

From its sleek exterior to its tastefully decorated interiors, the Thomson Dream exudes sophistication and comfort. Step on board and be greeted by a warm and friendly crew ready to cater to your every need. Indulge in a wide array of entertainment options, relax by the pool, savor exquisite culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this floating paradise.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embark on your first voyage, the Thomson Dream is sure to surpass your expectations. With its impressive range of activities and amenities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From thrilling water sports to rejuvenating spa treatments, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities to create cherished memories.

But before we dive into the exciting details of this magnificent vessel, let’s take a glimpse into the history of the Thomson Dream cruise ship and how it has evolved over the years.

Overview of Thomson Dream Cruise Ship

The Thomson Dream cruise ship is a majestic vessel that offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an exceptional vacation at sea. With its impressive size and luxurious amenities, this ship provides the perfect blend of comfort, entertainment, and elegance.

Measuring approximately 214 meters in length and capable of accommodating over 1,500 passengers, the Thomson Dream ensures ample space for relaxation and exploration. Its sleek design and contemporary interiors create a welcoming and sophisticated ambiance.

Onboard the Thomson Dream, you’ll find a wide range of facilities and services designed to enhance your journey. From spacious and well-appointed cabins to exquisite dining options, this ship caters to all your needs. Unwind in the luxurious spa, take a dip in the swimming pools, or hit the state-of-the-art fitness center to stay active during your voyage.

When it comes to entertainment, the Thomson Dream offers a variety of options to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your cruise. Experience thrilling live performances in the theater, test your luck in the casino, or dance the night away at the vibrant onboard nightclubs. The ship also features various bars and lounges, providing the ideal setting for relaxation and socializing.

Food lovers will delight in the culinary delights available onboard the Thomson Dream. From international buffet options to specialty restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, there is a dining experience to suit every palate. Indulge in a mouthwatering feast and savor a wide variety of flavors from around the world.

The Thomson Dream also offers a range of exciting excursions and activities at each port of call. Whether you prefer exploring historical landmarks, embarking on adventurous expeditions, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, there is a shore excursion suited to your preferences.

With its exceptional service, world-class amenities, and diverse entertainment options, the Thomson Dream guarantees a truly memorable cruising experience. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as we delve into the fascinating history and current status of this remarkable cruise ship.

History of Thomson Dream Cruise Ship

The Thomson Dream cruise ship has a rich and fascinating history that has contributed to its current status as a beloved vessel in the cruising industry. Originally known as MS Homeric, this iconic ship was built in 1986 by the respected shipyard Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany.

Initially, the Homeric operated under the prestigious Holland America Line, offering luxurious cruises to various destinations around the world. This elegant vessel quickly gained a reputation for its opulent interiors, impeccable service, and unforgettable voyages.

In 2003, the Homeric was acquired by Thomson Cruises, a British cruise line known for its exceptional itineraries and outstanding customer service. As part of the Thomson fleet, the ship underwent an extensive renovation and modernization process to meet the high standards set by the company.

Following its refurbishment, the Homeric was renamed the Thomson Dream in 2010. The ship’s transformation was not just limited to its name. It underwent renovations to enhance its facilities, including the addition of new restaurants, bars, cabins, and entertainment options.

The Thomson Dream quickly became one of the most sought-after cruise ships in the Thomson Cruises fleet, attracting passengers with its elegant design, spacious accommodations, and diverse range of activities. Whether cruising through the sun-kissed Mediterranean or exploring the captivating sights of the Caribbean, the Thomson Dream offered unparalleled experiences to its guests.

Over the years, the Thomson Dream continued to impress passengers with its exceptional service and unforgettable voyages. It became renowned for its outstanding itineraries and the ability to create lifelong memories for those on board.

However, in 2017, Thomson Cruises underwent a rebranding and became Marella Cruises, leading to a change in the ship’s name. The Thomson Dream was renamed the Marella Dream, but its exceptional features and legacy remained unchanged.

Today, the Marella Dream continues to sail the seas under the Marella Cruises banner, offering incredible itineraries and fulfilling the dreams of passengers around the world. Its rich history, extensive renovations, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences make the Marella Dream a cherished vessel in the cruising industry.

Current Status of Thomson Dream Cruise Ship

As of the time of writing, the Thomson Dream, now known as the Marella Dream, continues to sail the seas under the esteemed banner of Marella Cruises. This beloved cruise ship offers a wide range of captivating itineraries, ensuring that passengers can embark on unforgettable journeys to various destinations around the globe.

The Marella Dream features a plethora of amenities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. With a capacity to accommodate over 1,500 guests, this ship offers a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience for travelers of all ages.

Onboard, guests will find a variety of cabin options, ranging from cozy interior cabins to luxurious suites with private balconies, providing the perfect home away from home. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed and furnished to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation.

The Marella Dream boasts a range of vibrant dining venues that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From casual buffets offering a variety of international dishes to specialty restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, the ship’s culinary offerings are sure to tantalize the taste buds of even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Entertainment options on the Marella Dream are abundant, with a wide range of activities and shows to suit every interest. Guests can enjoy live performances in the ship’s grand theater, try their luck at the onboard casino, or dance the night away at the various bars and nightclubs available.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Marella Dream features a luxurious spa where passengers can indulge in a variety of treatments and therapies. Additionally, there are swimming pools, fitness centers, and sports facilities on board, ensuring that guests can stay active and enjoy their time at sea.

Like other cruise ships, the Marella Dream’s current status is influenced by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. During this challenging time, the cruise industry has faced temporary suspensions and changes to itineraries to prioritize the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members.

Marella Cruises has implemented stringent health and safety protocols in accordance with the guidelines provided by health authorities. These measures include enhanced sanitization procedures, social distancing measures, and regular health screenings to ensure a safe environment for all onboard.

As travel restrictions continue to evolve, it’s advisable to check with Marella Cruises directly for the most up-to-date information regarding the Marella Dream’s current status, itineraries, and safety measures being implemented.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Marella Dream is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to welcome passengers back on board for an unforgettable cruising experience.

Possible Future Destinations

As the Marella Dream continues to explore the world’s oceans, there are numerous enticing destinations that passengers may have the opportunity to visit on future itineraries. The cruise line, Marella Cruises, is known for its diverse selection of destinations, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveler.

One possible future destination for the Marella Dream is the breathtaking Mediterranean region. With its picturesque coastlines, historic cities, and vibrant culture, the Mediterranean offers a treasure trove of experiences for cruisers. Passengers on the Marella Dream may have the chance to explore iconic destinations such as Barcelona, Rome, Santorini, and Istanbul, immersing themselves in the rich history and culinary delights of this enchanting region.

The Caribbean is another popular destination that the Marella Dream may venture to in the future. With its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmospheres, the Caribbean islands provide the perfect setting for a tropical getaway. Passengers can experience the vibrancy of Jamaica, the beauty of St. Lucia, or the charm of the Bahamas, all while enjoying the luxurious amenities and services available on board the Marella Dream.

The Northern European region is also a potential destination for the Marella Dream. Passengers may have the chance to explore the picturesque fjords of Norway, marvel at the stunning landscapes of Iceland, or immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Baltic capitals. Whether it’s witnessing the Northern Lights or visiting historic landmarks like St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, the possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless.

Other potential future destinations for the Marella Dream include the exotic islands of the Indian Ocean, the enchanting cities along the Danube River in Europe, or even transatlantic voyages to North America. The cruise line continuously evaluates the preferences and interests of its passengers to curate exciting itineraries that offer unique and memorable experiences.

It’s important to note that future destinations and itineraries are subject to change based on various factors such as global events, weather conditions, and travel restrictions. It is advisable to check directly with Marella Cruises for the most up-to-date information on possible future destinations and itineraries for the Marella Dream.

Whether it’s the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, or other fascinating regions, the Marella Dream sets sail to provide passengers with unforgettable adventures and the opportunity to create lifelong memories at sea.

The Thomson Dream, or now known as the Marella Dream, is a remarkable cruise ship that continues to delight passengers with its luxurious amenities, outstanding service, and captivating itineraries. From its inception as the MS Homeric to its current status under the Marella Cruises banner, this vessel has a rich history that has shaped its reputation as a sought-after cruise experience.

With its spacious cabins, diverse dining options, and a range of entertainment and leisure facilities, the Marella Dream offers a truly immersive and enjoyable cruise experience. Passengers can relax in comfort and style, dine on delectable cuisine, and participate in a variety of activities tailored to their interests.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to the cruise industry, including temporary suspensions and changes to itineraries, Marella Cruises has taken stringent measures to prioritize the health and safety of passengers and crew members. As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, the Marella Dream eagerly awaits the opportunity to welcome guests back on board to create unforgettable memories at sea.

With a vast array of possible future destinations, there are endless opportunities for passengers to explore the world’s most awe-inspiring regions. From the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean to the exotic islands of the Caribbean, the Marella Dream offers an unmatched range of itineraries to cater to every traveler’s preferences.

As the Marella Dream sails into the future, passengers can look forward to embarking on voyages filled with excitement, relaxation, and discovery. With the exceptional service, top-notch amenities, and unforgettable experiences provided by this remarkable cruise ship, it’s no wonder it continues to capture the hearts of cruisers around the world.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or aspiring to embark on your first voyage, consider the Marella Dream for an extraordinary cruising experience. Let this magnificent vessel be your gateway to a world of adventure, relaxation, and lifelong memories.

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Bella Fortuna

Former names: celestyal olympia, louis olympia, thomson destiny, ms sunbird, song of america.

Cruise line Small Cruise Lines

Bella Fortuna current position

Bella Fortuna current location is at Aegean Sea (coordinates 38.32366 N / 26.29249 E) cruising en route to CESME. The AIS position was reported 9 minutes ago.

Specifications of Bella Fortuna

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Bella Fortuna Review

Review of bella fortuna.

The 1982-built Bella Fortuna cruise ship (fka Celestyal Olympia/Louis Olympia) was initially named "Song of America" and owned by RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines . Until 2024, this traditionally designed passenger liner was owned by Louis Group and operated by the Greek travel brand Celestyal Cruises (2014-rebranded from Louis Cruises).

The vessel (IMO number 7927984) is currently Liberia- flagged (MMSI 636023663) and registered in Monrovia . Before 2020, it was Cyprus-flagged (MMSI 209691000) and registered in Limassol .

History - construction and ownership

In April 2012, after operating as "Thomson Destiny" (under charter for Thomson Cruises UK ), the ship was given a new name (Louis Olympia) by the shipowner Louis Cruises. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, Louis ship Olympia served as a floating hotel. In 2014 Louis Cruises announced the launching of a new authentic Greek-experience cruise travel brand.

Olympia's debut improved Celestyal's identity as a domestic travel brand and a specialist in Greek and Turkey passenger shipping operations.

In November 2023, Celestyal Cruises acquired AIDAaura/renamed Celestyal Discovery  and announced that the ship will replace Celestyal Olympia, starting revenue voyages in March 2024. The company soon confirmed that the 41-year-old Olympia is sold for  scrapping .

In January 2024, the vessel was renamed to "Bella Fortuna" and its flag state/registry was changed from Malta/ Valletta  (MMSI 229051000) to Liberia. Reportedly, it was acquired by a Turkey-based cruise company.

The 41-year-old Celestyal Olympia left her homeport in Greece ( Lavrion ) on January 8th and arrived in Turkey ( Cesme ) on January 9th.

Decks and Cabins

Bella Fortuna/Celestyal Olympia staterooms (724 total) include 9 Balcony, 298 Inside, 2 wheelchair-accessible. The ship's max passenger capacity is 1664. Of all cabins, 9 are Suite-grade accommodations, each with a private step-out balcony.

The boat has 418 outside staterooms (including the 9 suites) and 298 Interior cabins. Because of the vessel's old design, rooms as sizes and types vary greatly. The total number of cabin categories is 15.

The boat has 10 decks , of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

With three eating outlets to choose from, cruisers might enjoy the sumptuous Greek and Mediterranean kitchen as well as 24-hour room service.

Aegean Restaurant is the main dining room onboard Celestyal Olympia. The venue is complimentary, offers traditional Greek cuisine specialties, and also has an a-la-carte menu for dinner. The MDR restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Leda Casual Dining is a buffet-style venue for alfresco dining with an outdoor seating area. Continental Breakfast (7-8:30 am) and Afternoon Tea (4-5 pm) are also served here.

Another Dining Room is the Aura Grill.

Passengers might also enjoy a huge array of facilities and diverse onboard activities, all with the relief of a modern and sophisticated cruise liner.

Celestyal Olympia Lounges & Bars include Mast Bar, Horizons Bar, Eclipse Bar, Argo Bar, Helios Pool Bar, Muses Lounge, Selene Lounge, Internet Cafe.

The Muses Lounge is the theater/main show lounge with tiered seating and a dance floor. The grand-style entertainment program offers live music and dance shows, as well as a magician and acrobatic performances.

The Casino Royale, served by the Argo Bar, offers gaming tables and several slot machines. There is also a Video Arcade, two large swimming pools and five bars securing full amusement at sea.

A completely equipped Olympian Gym, badminton, basketball and table tennis are accessible together with the Ocean's Spa for treatments and saunas.

The Kids' Club, duty-free stores, travel value shop (Agora), library and Internet corner complete the superb experience offered on board this stylish cruise liner.

The ship also has an Infirmary/Medical Center, Sana Beauty Center, Photo Gallery.

Itineraries

Celestyal Olympia's itinerary program was based on 3 and 4-day cruises to the Greek islands and Turkey. For Celestyal, Olympia operated roundtrips leaving from homeports in Greece ( Piraeus-Athens ) and Turkey ( Kusadasi-Ephesus ).

In 2019, the liner started year-round operations for Celestyal Cruises, as opposed to the previous charter options.

The company's/ship's Eastern Mediterranean deployment included two new itineraries - "Eclectic Aegean" and "Three Continents" ( Holy Land and Turkey/ Istanbul ) - in addition to the Adriatic Sea voyages (7-day roundtrips from homeport Venice Italy ) which were scheduled only seasonally (during winter).

In April 2021, Celestyal scheduled for Olympia to restart voyages in the Eastern Mediterranean starting with the new "Legendary Archipelago" itinerary in the period June 28th - August 30th (2021). The 7-night roundtrip from Lavrion -Athens visited Thessaloniki , Mykonos , Santorini , Crete ( Agios Nikolaos ), Rhodes , Cyprus ( Limassol ). All-inclusive prices started from USD 1020 (EUR 860) per person with double occupancy.

Following this Aegean mini-season, after August 30th, Olympia's itinerary program had to continue with the prescheduled 3-4-night (Lavrion roundtrip) itineraries "Iconic Aegean" and "Iconic Discovery".

Celestyal's new/exclusive cruise terminal at Port Lavrion (homeport) is just ~25 km (16 mi) from Athens Airport.

However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, the Celestyal ship Olympia was paused for two years (March 2020 through April 2022) restarting on April 29th.

The next table shows Olympia's last voyage for Celestyal, in November 2023. The ship's entire schedule for 2024 was transferred to Celestyal Discovery.

4-day "Iconic Aegean from Kusadasi"

Bella Fortuna - user reviews and comments

Photos of bella fortuna.

Bella Fortuna ship related cruise news

Celestyal Cruises adds Celestyal Discovery (fka AIDAaura) to its fleet

Celestyal Cruises has officially received the former AIDA's ship AIDAaura, now rebranded as Celestyal Discovery. The vessel will be reflagged from...

Celestyal Cruises commences the 2022 cruise season with Celestyal Crystal

Celestyal Cruises announced the beginning of the 2022 cruise season on Monday, April 18, on Celestyal Crystal. The cruise ship set sail from Port...

Celestyal Cruises' majority stake taken by Searchlight Capital Partners

Searchlight Capital Partners (USA-based private equity investor) has taken an undisclosed stake in the Greek company Celestyal Cruises (part of Louis...

Celestyal Cruises (Greece) allows passengers fully vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V COVID vaccine

The Greek company Celestyal Cruises will allow fully vaccinated passengers with the Russian "Sputnik V" COVID vaccine to board the ships. Starting...

Celestyal Cruises ship Experience sold to an undisclosed buyer

Piraeus Greece-based company Celestyal Cruises sold a ship it had acquired from Carnival Corporation's subsidiary Costa Cruises in July 2020...

Celestyal Cruises pauses operations on Celestyal Crystal and Celestyal Olympia beginning August 28...

Celestyal Cruises announced the line had decided to postpone its fall & winter sailings and will resume operations in March next year, as per the...

Celestyal Cruises suspends sailings until March 2021

Celestyal Cruises extended its sailing suspension into 2021, saying it will restart operations in March.  Celestyal Crystal is the first of the...

Celestyal Cruises extends suspension of sailings until July 30

Celestyal Cruises is the latest passenger shipping company to extend cruise suspension due to the pandemic until July 30, 2020. Operations are...

Celestyal Cruises announces new 2021-2022 itineraries

The leading Greek cruise company Celestyal Cruises (fka Louis Cruises) released details of its new itineraries for 2021 and 2022, with new call ports...

Celestyal Cruises Introduces 2020-2021 Itineraries

Celestyal Cruises released company's 2020-2021 brochure featuring extended itineraries as the once seasonal-only operator is looking towards sailing...

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Bella Fortuna Wiki

The vessel (Wartsila Hietalahti yard/hull number 111180) has volume 37773 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 5000 tons, max draught 7 m. The powerplant is based on Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 8ZL40/48) with combined output 16,48 MW (22095 hp). The registered shipowner is DESTINY TRADING OPCO LLC, while the registered manager is OPTIMUM SHIPMANAGEMENT SERVICE.

MS Celestyal Olympia ship was built as "MS Song of America" for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines . In April 2012, after the Thomson Cruises charter operations (as Thomson Destiny), the ship was renamed Louis Olympia and operated by the owner Louis Cruises.

Fun fact is, that during the Winter Olympics 2014 in Russia, Louis Olympia ship served as a floating hotel- together with Thomson Spirit and Grand Holiday (now Magellan) .

In September 2014, Louis Cruises announced the company is launching a new brand with an authentic Greece cruising experience. In 2015, the two ships, Louis Olympia and Louis Cristal, were branded Celestyal Cruises and renamed, respectively, Celestyal Olympia and Celestyal Crystal .

In 2015, a new (chartered) ship was added to the fleet - Celestyal Odyssey (now Blue Dream Star) . In 2016, the company purchased Celestyal Nefeli/MS Gemini .

Celestyal Olympia refurbishment 2016 review

During the ship's drydock refurbishment in 2016 (done in Piraeus-Athens Greece ) to a total of 21 Oceanview cabins were added balconies and the staterooms were upgraded to Junior Suites (category SBJ-Balcony Junior Suite). The ship also has 9 Balcony Suites (SB). Each of the new cabin verandas extends 1,4 m (4,5 ft) from the ship's bulkhead and has a length between 2,8-5,8 m (9-19 ft).

All cabins and all public areas were also renovated and upgraded. Hotel amenities upgrades were also implemented, along with general maintenance works.