Says md Peter Rothwell:

"This latest addition to the fleet is perfect for those who have a real passion for discovery. Its smaller size will enable her to venture off the beaten track and cruise to lesser-known gems around Greece and the Crimea. Our strategy over the last three years was to increase our fleet size, offer a diverse range of cruise itineraries and also have a ship cruising from UK ports. The Calypso will offer some new, exciting and adventurous ports of call."

The Calypso will be Thomson's first adult only ship, offering cruises out of Cyprus during April and October and she will operate three itineraries out of Greece's second city of Thessalonika from May to September, with cruises around Greece and the islands, Turkey, Black Sea and Albania. Her size will enable her to sail through the Corinth Canal, making a variety of destinations easily accessible.

Although fairly small, the Calypso will carry 486 passengers, she offers a wide range of facilities. There are four lounges and bars, including the show lounge, two restaurants, casino, library and card room with an internet cafŽ, shopping arcade and boutique, hair and beauty salon, fitness centre with sauna, gym and massage.

For entertainment there will be greater emphasis on repertory theatre and drama, a full day-time programme including UK guest lecturers, port information talks and a range of lifestyle classes. Evenings will be taken up with live classical concerts on deck as well as murder mystery plays and review shows.

There will also be the opportunity to cruise and stay with an extra week in a selection of hotels in the Halkidiki region of Greece. Flights are available from seven UK airports.

Cruises in April and October start from Cyprus and as well as visiting Turkey and Egypt, revisits the Mediterranean coast of Israel.

Prices start from £649 for the seven night Pharaoh's and The Promised Land cruise departing October 24 from Cyprus, or £699 for the Ionian Treasures cruise from Thessalonika. Flights, transfers and tips included.

The Thomson Spirit for the first time ever will now be based in the UK, offering cruises from Southampton, The Port Of Tyne near Newcastle and Harwich. Iceland is a new country for Thomson Cruises and will be featured from Harwich next July.

The Thomson Celebration (formally UK based) and Thomson Destiny will be based in Palma, each offering four different itineraries and the Emerald will continue to offer her popular cruises out of Corfu, sailing the Adriatic one week and the Greek islands and Turkey the next.