Thomson Spirit

This afternoon Thomson Spirit called at Bergen on the final stop of her current cruise. Here is a selection of photos taken from the quay at Bontelabo.

Thomon Spirit alongside at Bontelabo this afternoon
Thomson Spirit was built in 1983 in France for Holland America Line. After serving as Nieuw Amsterdam for 17 years she was sold in 2000 to the newly formed America Classic Cruises and renamed Patriot. At this stage an agreement with the American government allowing her to operate out of Honolulu led to her becoming the first US-flagged passenger ship since 1958.

Thomson Spirit alongside at Bontelabo 
Unfortunately America Classic Cruises declared bankruptcy shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and Patriot was re-bought by Holland America Line.

Thomson Spirit's angular stern and aft superstructure
Following a short period laid up and out of service, Thomson Spirit has been chartered to Thomson Cruises since 2003. Her current passenger capacity is around 1300, served by a crew of 520.

Thomson Spirit slipping her moorings ready for departure
Thomson Spirit pulling away from the quay
Thomson Spirit continues to cruise through the summer seasons, spending winters in lay-up. She recently served as a hotel ship at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Thomson Spirit departing for Newcastle
Thomson Spirit heads towards the north sea on the final leg of her cruise
After slipping her moorings she continued out of Bergen towards Newcastle to complete her current cruise.
Location: Bergen, Norway

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