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How come no-one has posted anything from the present cruise? I would have expected an update/complaint/praise from someone before now. There must have been plenty of free Wi-Fi onshore for someone to comment

Come on guys, tell us what you think and let me know what the draught lager is.

Yes, I know that's selfish.....but vital!

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Not a live review but cruise critic review....

 

 

 

Adam Coulter, U.K. Editor

Thomson Cruises launched its newest and biggest ship -- TUI Discovery -- in Palma de Mallorca, in a glittering ceremony featuring professional dancers and popstar Jess Glynne on June 9, 2016.

 

The 1,830-passenger ship set sail on its maiden voyage on June 11th, and will operate weekly Mediterranean itineraries from Palma to ports including Corsica, Rome, Livorno and Barcelona.

 

TUI Discovery is not a new ship; in fact it's 21 years old and had been sailing as Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas. It went through a $53 million refit in 2011; and subsequently went into dry dock in Cadiz in April, for another substantial refit to be reborn as TUI Discovery. (Incidentally, the name TUI rather than Thomson in the ship's name is a look ahead to the end of 2017, when a company-wide rebrand is due to take place).

 

The ship has been given a brand new look and feel during its refurbishment, with a modern wave design on the hull, a brightened up interior and a number of new features including specialty restaurants, extensive kids' facilities, new bars, a puzzle room and redesigned public spaces.

 

Though a minnow by modern ship standards, the purchase of this ship is a big move for the German-owned U.K. line, which has previously opted for relatively small ships with limited entertainment, dining and outdoor recreation options.

 

It becomes the largest in the Thomson fleet (by about 300 passengers) and offers a glimpse of the line's future. Thomson Cruises has also acquired Splendour's sister ship -- Legend of the Seas -- which joins the fleet in 2017; as well as two ships being retired from the TUI fleet: Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

 

Here's what we know:

 

Cabins

Dining

Entertainment

Bars and Lounges

Pools & Recreation

Services

Spa & Fitness

Family

Itineraries

Cabins

The ship has 915 cabins, broken down into: 357 with balconies; 230 outside and 328 inside. There are numerous cabin types in different styles and designs, including suites, solos, family and accessible.

 

The percentage number of balcony cabins may not be high (39 percent) by modern-day cruise ship standards, but it is very high for Thomson -- the next highest, Thomson Celebration, has just seven percent.

 

Standard cabins are comfortable, and even the smallest feature have sitting areas with sofas and coffee tables. Storage space is generous, with plenty of hanging racks and shelves in the wardrobes, deep drawers and more shelves in the desks and bedside tables. All have also been refurbished in bright Thomson colours (light blues and pastels), which extends to the carpets, furniture and décor. However, although they superficially look and feel new, 21 years is a long time in the cruise ship world, and there are aspects that feel old, such as the the wood panelling and bathroom fittings which look and feel old; and other aspects such as the fact there is no socket in which to put your key card to activate the lights, just switches (which some may welcome).

 

All cabins come with the following features as standard: air-conditioning, hairdryer; flatscreen TV; tea and coffee-making facilities and a safe. Suites have a number of additional features (see Suites, below).

 

Bathrooms have ample storage, though each shower only has one shelf and a dreaded clingy curtain. Toiletries are limited to hand soap and a mystery substance (Shampoo? Body wash? Who knows?) in an unmarked dispenser fixed in the shower.

 

Plug sockets are U.S.- and European-style (not U.K.-three pin), so bring an adaptor.

 

Note on all Thomson ships you can reserve a specific cabin for £45.

 

Inside: There are three types of inside cabins ranging from 12 to 15 square metres (132 square feet to 165 square feet). The smaller ones are on decks 2 and 3 and sleep up to four people. They have twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed and a shower room. The three- and four-berth cabins have upper berths that fold down for extra sleeping space. At the upper end in terms of size are the Inside Plus cabins on Decks 7 and 8. They have the same features but sleep just two people.

 

Outside: Outside cabins can be found on decks 2 and 3, and have a picture window or porthole. They have twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed, a sitting area with a sofa, and a shower room. The three- and four-berth cabins have upper berths that fold down for extra sleeping space. They are 14 square metres (150 square feet). The second Outside category is "Deluxe", which are bigger (20 square metres; 215 square feet), and feature a floor-to-ceiling window. They also have a sitting area with a sofa-bed and shower room. They sleep up to four people and can be found on Decks 7 and 8.

 

Balcony: Standard Balcony Cabins are 13-14 square metres (139-150 square feet) and are on Deck 6. They have a small sitting area, a shower room and a small balcony, big enough for two chairs and a small table. Deluxe Balcony Cabins are 15-16 square metres (161-172 square feet) and are on Decks 6 and 7. They have all the same features, except that if there are four of you, you'll also get a sofa bed.

 

Suites. All suites enjoy a number of perks, including access to the Executive Lounge on Deck 8, which has concierge facilities and tea and coffee making facilities; a coffee-making machine, brand name toiletries in the bathrooms; express check-in; priority luggage delivery; free pressing service (up to three items per person in the first 24 hours onboard), and free Continental breakfast in bed (one per person, per week). All suites have bathrooms with tubs. Note: The Family Cabins are all classified as suites and so are entitled to the suite perks.

 

Junior Suite: There are 67 Junior Suites on deck 8 which come in at around 21 square metres (226 square feet), and can sleep up to four people. As well as twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed, there is a wide sitting area, with a sofa-bed, two chairs, a circular foot rest and a coffee table, which leads out to a square-shaped balcony, wide enough for two loungers. Back inside, you get ample wardrobe space, two bedside tables, a mini bar and a Nespresso-style (but not Nespresso), coffee-making machine. There is also ample shelving for books/laptop charging etc. The bathroom has a tub with shower. There are some variations on the Junior Suites, including an aft Junior Suite, which is a square room with no corridor, but a bigger balcony.

 

Grand Suite: There are 12 Grand Suites measuring 32 square metres (355 square feet) which have a 10 square metre (114 square foot) balcony. They have the same features as a Junior Suite, but the extra space means there is more distinction between the sleeping and sitting areas, with an L-shaped sofa and a larger corridor/foyer area as you enter. There is also a large mirror behind the bed, and a raised bar area as you enter.

 

Executive Suite: There are five Executive Suites, which come in at a vast 47 square metres (505 square feet). They have a separate living area, divided by glass doors, and which features a queen-size sofa-bed, a fixed desk, numerous chairs and occasional tables and a glass wall leading out to the balcony. The sleeping area has a queen-size bed.

 

Royal Suite: The ship's top cabin on deck 8 at the front right is the aptly-named Royal Suite which measures up to the size of a small flat: 90 square metres or 990 square feet. It comes with a separate living room with a sofa bed, a bedroom with a king size bed -- and a baby grand piano. The balcony is the size of an inside cabin -- 12 square metres (139 square feet). The bathroom features a whirlpool tub.

 

Singles

 

Inside single: These come in at 132 square feet and are on decks 2 and 3. They have exactly the same features -- and are in fact the same size -- as standard inside cabins, but are specifically for solo travelers (i.e. you don't have to pay the single supplement).

 

Outside single: These are on decks 2 and 3, and are specifically designed for solo travellers. A picture window or porthole offers sea views, and the cabin has twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed, a sitting area with a sofa, and a shower room. These cabins measure 14 square metres (150 square feet), and are the same size as a standard outside, just that you don't have to pay the single supplement.

 

Family: There are two types of Family cabin: Family Junior Suite and a Family Suite, both with balconies. The Family Junior Suite is on deck 8 and is 39 square metres (419 square feet) and sleeps six. It has one bedroom with twin beds (which covert to a queen-sized bed), and a living area with a double sofa-bed and twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed. The Family Suite is a touch bigger (40 square metres/430 square feet) and sleeps seven people, in two separate rooms -- one with twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed and another with a fold-down bed. There are two bathrooms, one with a shower, and one with a bath. Plus, there is a living area with a double sofa-bed.

 

Accessible: 12 cabins are wheelchair-accessible and are available in two categories: insides (251 square feet) and outsides (257 square feet). They have open bed frames, wider entry doors, space to turn, lowered desks and wardrobe hangers, bathrooms with wide doors, roll-in shower with a fold-down bench, support bars, a raised toilet and a lowered sink.

 

Dining

The ship has the largest number of dining options in the Thomson fleet, with four breakfast venues, seven lunch venues and seven dinner venues. There are two speciality restaurants which require an additional charge: Kora La and Surf & Turf.

 

The line has also linked up with a celebrity chef for the first time -- former executive head chef at Harrods and TV personality Ian Pengelley, who will oversee the menu at Kora La, Discovery's Pan-Asian restaurant and sushi bar.

 

Free Dining

 

In keeping with the Thomson Cruises' ethos, most of the dining is free onboard, with just two exceptions (three if you count a dining "experience"), detailed below. Thomson has upped the quality of dining on this ship, perhaps with an eye on current food trends and also strong competition from other British brands such as P&O Cruises, which boasts a huge roster of name chefs.

 

47° (Deck 4): The lower half of the main dining room is a wonderful light-filled space, with huge glass windows, a large atrium, lots of shiny stainless steel girders and plenty of glass. A chandelier hangs over the grand piano and shards of inlaid green glass are fixed to the ceiling; a semi-circular staircase leads to the upper half of the room. Tables are available in various sizes from two to eight seats. It's a bold, dramatic space which has been redesigned well.

 

The menu is not necessarily radical (and nor should it be), but it's certainly a departure from what you might expect on a Thomson ship. Starters might include goats cheese salad, honey and clove basted York ham, cream of chicken and tarragon and Mexican bean salad, which is certainly a move away from prawn cocktail and Caesar salad. Mains might include roasted cod fillet, chicken gougons, Greek-style vegatable kebabs and a Reuben sandwich (which we think is a pretty odd choice as a main dish in the MDR). Always available is a jacket potato with a variety of fillings including chicken korma or chilli con carne; and a create your own burger. Desserts might include apple crumble, orange chiffon pie, peaches or a selection of ice creams. The menu features icons denoting vegetarian, gluten free or a dish which can be made gluten-free. What is very nice is that unlike on pretty well all non-luxury mainstream cruise lines we can think of, wine is included. The wines are from a selection on the menu (you can order off it at a charge), and are unlimited by the glass.

 

Gallery 47° (Deck 5): Thomson surveyed its guests at the start of the TUI Discovery process about what they would like to see onboard the new ship, and when it came to dining one cuisine stood out (no not Indian, astonishingly): Italian. And that is what Gallery 47° is. It's still part of the MDR (the galleried upper half), but the menu up here is exclusively Italian (and free). As with the MDR, the design and amount of light is lovely, and on the upper floor you have the added bonus of being able to survey the whole space. The menu includes typical Italian antipasti ("while you wait"), wonderful for sharing; as well a lovely selection of breads. Starters might include arancini (fried balls of cheese risotto), calamari or carpaccio; mains might include a mixed fried fish dish, veal escalope and a slow-braised pork shank. There is also a selection of pasta and calzone dishes. Desserts include tiramisu and a lemon meringue tart. None of this is going to trouble Jamie Oliver much, but it's a great move by the line to accommodate directly the wishes of its past passengers -- and not charge for the privilege.

 

Islands (Deck 9):. The ship's buffet occupies a privileged position right at the front, with lovely views. There are a number of food islands serving a wide range of different food, and at breakfast a cooking station for made-to-order eggs.

 

Snack Shack (Deck 9):. On the pool deck and themed around brightly coloured, iconic British beach huts. It serves grill foods such as quesadillas, and nachos during the day and popcorn and cocoa on film nights.

 

The Glass House (Deck 9): This area is primarily an indoor pool (and can be found in the Activities section of this review), but Thomson has also designated it a dining venue, and you'll find a variety of tapas and snacks served throughout the day. Note on selected evenings it is given over to the line's "hot stone" dining experience, which carries a £9.95 cover charge.

 

Fee Dining

 

Both of the two for fee restaurants appear on other ships in the Thomson/TUI fleet: Kora La is on Thomson Dream; and Surf & Turf, interestingly, is lifted from the TUI Cruises' fleet, where it's very popular among the German clientele. Both can be found high up on Deck 11, either side of Bar 11, and have a £19.95 cover charge.

Kora La (Deck 11): This restaurant proved so popular on Thomson Dream, the line decided to install it on TUI Discovery. The Pan-Asian menu is designed by Ian Pengelly, the man behind the popular London restaurant House of Ho. It's a lovely space, subtly designed and ranged around a circular spot with views over the main pool deck. Again, bathed in swathes of light from the large windows. There is also a small sushi bar. It's a small menu, but it ranges across the entire region with consummate ease, picking the best dishes from each. Starters include prawn satay and duck and watermelon salad (which we tried in a tasting and can attest to its deliciousness), both from Thailand; pork gyoza and vegetable samosas. Mains include Thai green salmon curry, Punjab-style roast chicken, shaking beef and stir-fried noodles. There is also a selection of speciality curries -- cooked to order and as spicy as you like! They include chicken Kashmiri, lamb madras, beef panang and prawn vindaloo.

 

Surf & Turf Steakhouse (Deck 11): Imported from the Mein Schiffs, but "tweaked" for the British palate, the Surf and Turf Steakhouse does exactly what it says on the tin. We did not get the chance to eat there, but sampled the beef, which was superb: succulent and tender. Starters include beef carpaccio, crayfish and prawn cocktail, pan seared diver scallops and a crab bisque. Mains include signature 28-day aged Angus steaks in various cuts, as well as lamb chops, pork chops, chicken and fish dishes including lobster tail, which you can combine.

 

Entertainment

A team of big names has helped create 11 new West End-style shows, including choreographer and dancer Tara Wilkinson, who has worked on hit shows, Motown and The Full Monty, and Martyn Ford, a musical arranger and conductor who has worked alongside musical legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The ship's 800-capacity Broadway Show Lounge (Deck 11) showcases these new shows, which include Legends Live, Homeward Bound, featuring the songs of Simon & Garfunkel; and LED-lit dance performances in Beatz Interactive. Other new shows include Medieval Madness, complete with jesters and jousting; and The Mentalist, who performs various mind-bending tricks. During the day, the lounge is given over to interactive quizzes.

 

Thomson Cruises is bang on trend with the line's first ever Breakout & Escape Room, pioneered by the previous owners of this ship (but on two much larger models -- Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas). The idea is simple: get together with a team of pals and answer a series of clues to "break out" of the room.

 

Discovery sees the introduction of a new entertainment programme, with everything from innovative virtual bands to interactive quizzes and music from the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. You'll find live music every night in the Atrium Bar. Movies by Moonlight are screened on the line's first outdoor cinema screen on deck 9. The small Casino, which features one table and various slots, is in the Live Lounge.

 

Bars and Lounges

Atrium Bar (Deck 4): The Atrium Bar is probably the most dramatically-situated of the ship's bars, with views from below of a soaring, four-storey space, complete with views of glass lifts heading up to a glass dome. During its incarnation as Splendour, acrobats performed from steel girders across the top of the space; Thomson has decided to remove the girders. You'll catch the Captain's address here and also a live band most evenings.

 

Live Room (Deck 4): The Atrium leads into the Live Room, which is billed as Discovery's "flagship bar" and home to the ship’s largest selection of beers on-tap. The room was once home to Splendour's casino, but this has been dramatically reduced in size to just one gaming table and a handful of slots in one corner, and the blackened-out windows now let the light pour into what was a dark space. It's also billed as a room for families, with a grand piano, dance floor and a virtual band on a large screen behind the dance floor.

 

Venue (Deck 5): This hi-tech bar has LED screens which also show virtual performances and the ship's new Splash Live! Interactive show for children. It's also the spot for game shows, with audience voting pads.

 

The Coffee Port (Deck 5): Not a bar, but a café selling speciality coffees for slightly more than the High Street prices (£2.50 regular/£2.95 large).

 

Pool Bar (Deck 9): Ideal for poolside refreshments.

 

Bar Eleven (Deck 11): A contemporary cocktail bar by evening, with an extensive menu; which transforms into a late-night disco later on.

 

Pools & Recreation

There are two pools, both on deck 9, one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor pool has a kids splash area gated off from a deeper swimming area. It is flanked by two hot tubs. At one end you'll find a large outdoor cinema screen. There's lots of space all around, and plenty of sun loungers. On the same deck you'll find the indoor pool in the Glass House area, which doubles as a restaurant. This is designed in faux-Roman style, with various columns, and there are two whirlpool tubs either side. It's heated and there is a retractable roof. In terms of Recreation, the ship features the fleet's first climbing wall; as well as mini golf, both on Deck 10. You'll also find quoits and shuffleboard up here too. There is an adults-only sunbathing area called The Veranda, at the back of the ship on Deck 9. It's limited space-wise, and there is no fee, so it fills up quickly. There are loungers and large hanging chairs. The Veranda also features a by the seat call button -- which guarantees service within 30 seconds.

 

Services

All the guest services can be found on deck 5, just above the Atrium. Here you will find reception, and shore excursions desk -- "Destination Services". The Broad Street Shops, which include Duty Free and logo products, adjoin here, as does the Photo Gallery. Wi-Fi charges start from £3 for an hour, £8 for 3 hours, £10 for 3 days, £20 for 10 days and £40 for 30 days, but be warned it's extremely slow.

 

Spa & Fitness

The Oceans Spa & Beauty Salon offers a full range of spa treatments, as well as a salon for hair, manicures and pedicures. The Oceans Gym adjoins the spa. There is a running/jogging track on deck 10.

 

Family

The kids' area can be found on deck 11, at the front of the ship. It is split into three sections: Baby Centre, a space equipped with changing facilities, a food preparation area and somewhere safe to play, complete with soft toys and games; and the Kids' Club, for ages three to 11-years old, which has small sofas and chairs and tables, lots of activity books and stimulating games. The third part is for teens and includes The Hideout, a teen room complete with karaoke booth, a dance floor, a DJ booth and lots of sofas to hangout. Next door is the Gamer Zone. A brand new children’s show, 'Splash Live!', debuts on Discovery and which sees animated characters come to life to take children on a journey under the sea.

 

Itineraries

The ship will be based in Palma, Majorca, offering 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries during the summer, and it will homeport in Barbados in the winter.

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I don't like what that review says about the casino. One table :eek:

 

 

My experience of Thomson casinos is that there are plenty of players to keep a roulette table, blackjack table and 5 card poker table busy.

 

Hopefully the reviewer is just wrong. :(

 

ps - the deck plan on the Thomson site shows all 3 tables.

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I don't like what that review says about the casino. One table :eek:

 

 

My experience of Thomson casinos is that there are plenty of players to keep a roulette table, blackjack table and 5 card poker table busy.

 

Hopefully the reviewer is just wrong. :(

 

ps - the deck plan on the Thomson site shows all 3 tables.

 

When I read that Dave thought it must be a mistake as well,one table for 1800 guests :eek:

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When I read that Dave thought it must be a mistake as well,one table for 1800 guests :eek:

 

Yes, 3 tables is what P&O have for ships of a similar size. I did find an image online at travelmole which has a photo of part of the new casino showing at least two tables so maybe no need to panic.

 

I also found out that the casino will be managed by century casinos, based in Las Vegas, they will also manage the TUI newbuilds. However from the deckplan it appears Mein Schiff 3 only has a tiny 'casino' with what appears to maybe be one table and the rest electronic machines. apparently the germans basically don't gamble.

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I don't like what that review says about the casino. One table :eek:

 

 

My experience of Thomson casinos is that there are plenty of players to keep a roulette table, blackjack table and 5 card poker table busy.

 

Hopefully the reviewer is just wrong. :(

 

ps - the deck plan on the Thomson site shows all 3 tables.

 

Theres a photo on the Facebook group that shows at least two tables.

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Yes, 3 tables is what P&O have for ships of a similar size. I did find an image online at travelmole which has a photo of part of the new casino showing at least two tables so maybe no need to panic.

 

The Travelmole review referred to "two or three tables & a couple of machines in the corner" ... Sounds to me like less casino than the Dream :eek:

Cannot reason why Thomson believe Brits do not like casinos when every time I am on an NCL ship I meet a small army of Brits at the slots that have been exiled from Thomsons due to their lack of casino facilities.

Hoping to see reviews with some photos of the Discovery casino and an actual slot count.

Will certainly not be booking any ship with a smaller casino than the Majesty. :mad:

. apparently the germans basically don't gamble.

They do in great numbers on NCL ships.

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Cannot reason why Thomson believe Brits do not like casinos when every time I am on an NCL ship I meet a small army of Brits at the slots that have been exiled from Thomsons due to their lack of casino facilities.

 

Could be the decline in smokers and that Casino's is the only place people smoke indoors. SO this has pushed the non-smoking gamblers away from the tables and hence the decline in numbers.

Either ban smoking everywhere on board or make casino's smaller. IMHO

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No smoking inside Thomson ships.

 

The casino can be very popular, especially that 5 card Caribbean stud. On one cruise they were almost fighting to get at the table. in fact I caused a lot of trouble because I wanted to play blackjack and they had closed the blackjack table and moved the dealer to a second 5 card table. Both 5 card tables were busy. Any way I said to the manager please open the blackjack table. I can't he said, we don't have enough dealers, there were 2 on the roulette table. Can't you deal I said, no he said I am the manager. Excuse me I said, you offer blackjack so please provide it, you can close one of the 5 card tables!

 

He did, I was not assaulted but there where a lot of unhappy 5 card players. when the blackjack table opened it was full within minutes.

 

As far as I am concerned if they don't have the game I like to play, blackjack, I ain't cruising on that ship.

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I found a video, probably from Thomson, of discovery's initial voyage to Barcelona.

 

The casino features from about 2 minutes in and shows 3 card tables with dealer seats and what appears to be an electronic roulette wheel. I won't be playing roulette then :rolleyes: The nearest bar seems to be about 12 feet away from the tables :)

 

I can see the logic of not having a dealer for roulette because at busy times a manual table needs 2 dealers, meaning they would need 5 dealers to cover all the tables. Wth an electronic table they only need 3 dealers.

 

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this on Discovery FB Page :rolleyes:

 

Martine Bound Don't stress over dress codes anyone. Literally anything goes. Even shorts in evening waiter service restaurants. There is no dress code so to speak. Just wear clean clothes lol

:confused:

do you think I will get away with wearing my shirts twice and avoiding the laundry fee ;)

 

and no, I am not going to be washing them in the bathroom.

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I found a cruise critic 'first impressions' review of Discovery

 

quote...."And despite some griping on the Cruise Critic Message Boards about the drastically reduced in size Casino, most people seem to be happy with the fact that what was an entire room given over to gambling and indoor smoking, is now a lounge for live and virtual music and dancing, and during the day, coffee and pastries."

 

come on Cruise Critic, what griping? We were expressing fear that our favourite card games would not be available, not about the size of the casino.

 

quote.... "The Atrium leads into the Live Room, which is billed as Discovery's "flagship bar" and home to the ship’s largest selection of beers on-tap. The room was once home to Splendour's casino, but this has been dramatically reduced in size to just one gaming table and a handful of slots in one corner, and the blackened-out windows now let the light pour into what was a dark space. It's also billed as a room for families, with a grand piano, dance floor and a virtual band on a large screen behind the dance floor."

Perhaps Mr Coulter if your original piece on the Discovery had been accurate the 'problem' would not have arisen at all

 

get your facts right, Discovery has 3 card tables :mad:

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