• Thomson Cruises challenges avid adventurers and foodies to find as many interesting Cruise Mates as possible on Caribbean islands. The group of explorers documented their journey around the Caribbean islands on their social channels.

[20 April 2017]

Over the past two weeks six keen explorers have been island-hopping around the Caribbean with Thomson Cruises, on a mission to meet as many fascinating people who live and work in paradise as they can. Using the hashtag #CruiseMates on their social channels they have shared their journeys from ship to shore highlighting the interesting people that you can cross paths with on a Thomson Cruises holiday.

The team of adventurers, which includes best-selling author, Gizzi Erskine, and midwife and mother of four, Clemmie Hooper, were onboard Thomson Cruises' latest addition to its fleet, TUI Discovery, visiting a selection of the Caribbean's most vibrant islands including Barbados, St. Kitts and Grenada. On their travels they stepped ashore to meet the locals, sharing stories and exploring what each island has to offer. Among the #CruiseMates were successful restaurant owners and chefs, Grenada's local rum expert, birding experts, local artists and the mastermind behind St Lucia's hottest sauce, all of who are easily reachable for Thomson Cruises customers. As well as sharing pictures and videos of their Cruise Mates' stories, they were also able to unwind and enjoy the ship's wide range of onboard facilities which includes an outdoor movie screen, rock climbing wall and eight bars and lounges.

The campaign aims to challenge perceptions of cruising and show that couples, friends and families alike aren't restricted with the people they meet on their trip – there is a wealth of amazing people from different cultures and backgrounds that cruise-goers can meet when stepping ashore on a Thomson Cruises holiday.

Joining Gizzi and Clemmie were vegan foodie Niki Webster; travel and lifestyle instagrammer, Jessica Lemaitre; fashionista Dress like a Mum, Zoe de Pass; and Devon-based Adam Partridge who between them shared their Cruise Mates stories to more than 1.3 million people.

Following her trip, Niki Webster, said: “Having never been on a cruise before I wasn't sure what to expect or who I would meet. The cruise gave me the opportunity to meet so many Cruise Mates, listen to their stories and experience so much culture! I loved the adventure of being able to step ashore and experience new places and new people every day – I can't wait to meet more Cruise Mates on my next cruise”

Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, Richard Sofer, said: “Our #CruiseMates campaign is a fun way to showcase the mix of fascinating locals you can meet on a cruise holiday. At Thomson Cruises we want our holidaymakers to make amazing memories, have adventures and enjoy the culture of each of our destinations and meet their Cruise Mates – these are experiences that really enrich our lives.”

Images and videos captured by the six explorers are currently showcased in one vibrant album at https://cruise-mates.co.uk/ and will be used as part of a wider marketing campaign across the UK.

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For more information please contact pressoffice@thomson.co.uk or call 01582 642 100.