Thomson Cruises are expanding into the Eastern Mediterranean with a new itinerary running from Marmaris in Turkey.

From May 2010, Thomson Celebration fly-cruises will cover destinations including Izmir, Santorini, Alexandria in Egypt and Ashod on the coast of Israel.

Thomson Spirit is also relocating to Corfu in 2010, visiting Venice, Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Athens and Rhodes.

Thomson Destiny will also cruise three different itineraries from Palma, and depart on a Saturday as opposed to a Thursday.

David Selby, Director of Cruising at TUI UK & Ireland which run the cruises believe the Eastern Mediterranean option gives customers a new and exciting destination to choose from.

Selby confirmed that they are extremely excited about the new 2010 cruise programme, stating “it reflects our ongoing commitment to our customers and what we believe they are looking for when booking a cruise holiday”.

Thomson’s smallest cruise ship, the Calypso, will retire after the end of the 2009 summer season.