Thomson Spirit Ship Visit & Official Drawing Presentation

Harry Cotterill, with Thomson Spirit behind

On September 1st 2012, Dream Designs Colchester had the privilege of visiting Thomson Cruises’ Thomson Spirit whilst the vessel was berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port.

During the summer of 2009, Harwich International Port were kind enough to agree to present our drawing of Thomson Spirit to the Captain on our behalf. We were later invited by the Captain to visit the ship on August 28th 2009, where we had the opportunity to visit the bridge before touring the ship and enjoying lunch on board in the Lido Restaurant. The visit then ended in the ship’s reception area where we had the surprise of seeing our drawing displayed.

After such a successful drawing presentation and visit aboard the ship in 2009 when we realised Thomson Spirit was returning to Harwich International Port in August 2009 we immediately wanted to visit the ship again. We therefore took the decision to contact the ship to request permission to visit the ship again and officially present the Captain and his crew with our brand new especially assigned drawing.

Sue Stewart, Thomson Charter Manager, Thomson Spirit responded to our request and agreed to grant us permission to visit the ship whilst at Harwich International Port. After corresponding with her we arranged to visit the ship twice, once to present our drawing and the second to see it officially displaced aboard.

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The first of these two visits on board was on September 1st 2012. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined by Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester for the visit. They arrived at Harwich International Port at approximately 07:30. They then took the opportunity to take a number of photographs of the ship, before enjoying breakfast in the Café adjacent to the Cruise Terminal.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his brand new especially assigned drawing of Thomson Spirit, together with Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester

Before boarding the vessel Harry and Gavin were required to collect their passes from the passes desk inside the Cruise Terminal. They were then informed by a member of the ship’s crew outside the Cruise Terminal their scheduled time of boarding the vessel at 10:00 was now delayed and would be at 10:15 instead.

At approximately 10:05 were met by one of the ship’s Security Officers who escorted them through security at the Cruise Terminal before taking them aboard Thomson Spirit. Once aboard they were given their shipboard passes by the Security Officer and were then met by Sue Stewart, Thomson Charter Manager, Thomson Spirit.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester seen boarding Thomson Spirit

After welcoming Harry and Gavin aboard Thomson Spirit, Sue then invited them to visit the bridge and escorted them there personally. On the bridge they were met by Captain Ioannis D.Notarakis. Harry was then given the opportunity to officially present his brand new drawing of Thomson Spirit. In return the Captain presented him with a commemorative inaugural plaque, in return for his drawing.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his brand new especially assigned drawing of Thomson Spirit to Captain Ioannis D.Notarakis and Sue Stewart, Thomson Charter Manager, Thomson Spirit on the bridge

Captain Ioannis D. Notarakis presents Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with a commemorative inaugural plaque in return for his brand new drawing of Thomson Spirit

Once the official presentation was complete, Harry and Gavin enjoyed a drink together with Sue on the bridge and then took numerous photographs on the ship’s starboard bridge wing overlooking Harwich International Port. 

Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester on the starboard bridge wing of Thomson Spirit

Sue then invited Harry and Gavin to tour the ship and escorted them to the ship’s reception where they were introduced to Vicky, Future Cruise Adviser, Thomson Spirit. Although their tour of the ship was very brief it gave them the opportunity to view the majority of the ships passenger amenities, including The Compass Rose Restaurant, the Lido Restaurant and the swimming pool as well as many of the entertainment venues, such as the Broadway Show Lounge. They were lucky enough to view many of the ships different cabin categories, including the Presidential Suite on Deck 9.  

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester on the starboard bridge wing of Thomson Spirit

The tour then ended back at the ship’s reception at 11:15 where Harry and Gavin disembarked Thomson Spirit together with Vicky who was then kind enough to accompany them back to the Cruise Terminal. 

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

“Our visit aboard Thomson Spirit and the official presentation of our brand new drawing to the Captain was a fantastic way for us to continue our friendship with Thomson Cruises” 

He added:

“I very much look forward to visiting Thomson Spirit again with my parents on September 12th 2012 to see the brand new drawing on display.”

• You can see more photographs from the ship visit and drawing presentation on the new 'September 1st 2012' page in the'Our History' section of our website!

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk