A LUXURY liner has a new name and a new look thanks in part to a specialist firm based in Hampshire.

Marine refurbishment firm Trimline transformed areas of the Splendour of the Seas, a 1995-built, 866ft cruise liner into TUI Discovery, easily the largest ship in Thomson’s fleet.

TUI Discovery, which will be based in Malaga, is a new type of ship for Thomson with a stronger focus on high-specification luxury.

Andrew Richards, Trimline’s CEO, said: “When we began discussions with Thomson about TUI Discovery, it was clear Trimline were well-equipped to embark on this major refurbishment for this world-renowned customer.

"Our rich heritage has earned us the unique adeptness at finding innovative solutions to any refurbishment challenge, which has proven invaluable in this project.”

Founded in 1965 Trimline was this year’s winner of The Southampton-based company’s team of 180 skilled tradesmen completed the massive refurbishment at Cadiz within the six-week timescale.

This was one of Trimline’s largest contracts to date and involved refurbishing all 915 cabins, re-upholstering the furniture and installing new carpets in many of them, as well as replacing bathroom mirrors and shower curtains.

During the work Trimline replaced 2,500 headboards, added 2,696 scatter cushions, hung 1,100 curtains and fitted almost 4,000 metres of wood trim.

Trimline transformed Live Room on Deck 4, which was previously split into two parts, into an open space and the focal point for passengers, fitting an acoustic ‘floating’ deck and a raised drinking area complete with grand piano.

The Hampshire firm also refurbished the Venue entertainment area and the two-tiered restaurant and dining room Gallery 47, which involved removing the Asian-themed décor – including a six-metre high pagoda – fitting new lights, carpets, wall coverings and table tops, and re-upholstering the dining chairs.

The team also installed glass screens and a polished stainless steel surround for the waiter stations.

Elsewhere on board Trimline’s tasks included building an outside stage on Deck 9 and recarpeting alleyways throughout the ship.

The Thomson Cruises fleet will be expanded further by the acquisition of another Royal Caribbean vessel, Legend of the Seas, which will be renamed TUI Discovery 2. She is due to come into service in May 2017.

Helen Caron, managing director of Thomson Cruises, said: “It’s an exciting time at Thomson Cruises as we bring to life our modernisation and transformation strategy to benefit UK cruise customers.

"This investment is another sign of our cruise business being a focus for driving growth in TUI UK and the wider TUI Group.”