For the money savvy traveller who wants good times and great food. (Thomson Cruises in general)

Member Name: lmspinkprincess1

Product:	Thomson Cruises in general
Date:	15/06/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The a la carte restaurants, great staff and fab entertainment.

Disadvantages: The fact that you have to leave at the end.

From the age of 14 I was blown away with cruises after a trip on the very small SS Ausonia- a 7 passenger deck ship run by Louis cruises. Ever since then I have tried my upmost to make evry holiday I take, a cruise. I have traveled on huge royal caribean cruise liners down to ships that no longer exist such as airtours own the sunbird. Of all the cruises I have been on, my favourite are by far the Thomson ships.

I first cruised with Thomson in 2001 on the all inclusive ship 'The Topaz' Having, the previous year, been on the whopping NCL Norweigan Sea I was setting myself up for disappointment as I saw the Topaz's size. The ship, in my opinion, does not make the holiday. Thomsons ships do not come with an ice rink, climbing wall, or 9 hole pitch and putt as some of the American liners do but the atmosphere on board a Thomsons ship cannot be beat.

Predominantly passengers from the UK, the food, entertainment and daytime activities are very much geared toward the British. There is a wide mix of passengers, including families, young couples, working class and the stereotypical 'Blue rinse brigade' of elderly travellers. In my travel group there are myself and my husband, my mother (aged 70) my son aged 18 months, my gran who cruised age 80 plus and various other family members of various ages, and I must say none of us were ever bored.

The food is usually served in three sittings of breakfast, lunch and dinner but there is an 'open sitting' system whereby you eat when you wish from either the buffet restaurant or the a la carte restaurant. there is usually some another restaurant of some kind where a cover charge will apply, these are usually to a specific theme such as Itlalian, seafood or steak restaurants- nice for an extra treat or for celebrating a birthday.

The buffets are 24 hour, and not like what you are used to from a land based package holiday. Luke warm stodge with side orders of chips! They serve food to the standard of the a la carte restaurant with a huge range of soups, breads, curries, fast foods, fresh fruits and vegatables, potatoes, deserts, and much more. And if all this fails there are always plenty of chips.

The a la carte restaurants serve up to a massive 6 courses and the food is phenominal and to the standard of a top restaurant in the uk. The staff are quick and efficiant and can't do enough to keep the customers happy. They are mainly eastern european or filipini depending on where you travel and are full of smiles and charm. The cutlery and china are spotless and the food immaculately presented. My personal favourites are the tempura calamari (squid) and chilli sauce or the duck a l'orange. I also love the range of soup and the crustly rolls. Try new things on board, if you don't enjoy what you've ordered they will replace it with a new selection and a smile.

The entertainment on board a thomson ship is not a huge spectical as on some larger ships but is more intimate. The quality of the acts and entertainment staff is just as good though and even convinced me I wanted to get a job on a ship (which never transpired!) Usually the show is a musical of some kind in the main lounge or a quiz/ gameshow in the second lounge. There is also some kind of live music such as a group or piano player.

Daytime activities consist of quizzes and games by the pool, which if you are up for, can leave lasting memories. if not just laugh at the poor souls who have been dragged up to join in, for an equally good time.

Thomsons prices are reasonable and although they are no longer all inclusive (you can normally pay extra to be upgraded to this). They are for the more money savvy and laid back guests. If you are looking for a high end posh cruise then these are probably not for you but if you want a good time with excellent entertainment and food and a chance to dress up a bit. This is for you.

If you've never cruised before then do it, you won't regret it, you can barely feel the ship move and you wake up in a new place every day. What more could you want.

Summary: An experience you won't forget...holidaying will never be the same again.