10 things you should know before cruising with Thomson. (Tour videos at the end of the post)
GUEST POST: Paul and Carole
1. Value for money
Breaking it down day to day, it has worked out cheaper than our other cruise experiences that we have had on RCCL, Cunard, P&O and Celebrity.
2. Interesting itineraries
Which was the reason we booked our first cruise on the Thomson Celebration. As the ships are smaller they can access some ports that the larger ships can’t. The ships are not as grand as the mega ships but what they lack in size they make up for in personality.
3. Cheap drinks!
Very cheap all inclusive drinks package the cost on our recent cruise was just £25 per day for the basic package which is excellent value and a lot cheaper than other cruise lines.
4. Entertainment
Superb entertainment in smaller theatres and lounges so you are really close to the action and feel like you’re part of the show.
5. Staff
Very friendly staff constantly mingling with passengers. This not only included the singers and dancers from the entertainment team but also the captain and his senior officers.
6. Chilled out cruising.
Great introduction to cruising for first timers. Very informal and relaxed if you don’t want to engage with any formalities it is not a problem.
7. British food
If you crave some home comforts you can get your fix of proper bacon, walls sausages and heinz beans for breakfast. They also do an excellent afternoon tea every day with scones and clotted cream.
8. More port days
On some 7 day cruises you may only get 3 or 4 ports of call but with Thomson it is normally 6 or 7.
9. Dining
Complete freedom dining in the main dining rooms, you can choose your time and whether you want to sit on you own or join others.
10. No kids! (If thats what you want)
Adult only cruises are offered by Thomson which may suit some passengers.
We have now cruised 11 times with various cruise lines but know that we will cruise again with Thomson due to the 10 reasons above.
Lido Deck: [wpdevart_youtube]YnnWf8wEhBo[/wpdevart_youtube]
Sun Deck: [wpdevart_youtube]OB3Zr8bqGNk[/wpdevart_youtube]
Tour of Deck 5: [wpdevart_youtube]p1v92W2u7b0[/wpdevart_youtube]
Emma says: Thanks for this one Paul and Carole! I have heard bad things about Thomson ships in the past but this as put my mind at rest. Not sure about some of the other ships but I would definitely consider a cruise on the Thomson Celebration having seen these photos and videos. I suppose it just depends what you would like from a cruise, price is always a big factor for me when considering a cruise line so I may in the future look for a Thomson cruise.
About Carole and Paul
Paul and Carole are a couple from Gloucester, England. You can find them at www.paulandcarolelovetotravel.com where they share their travel experiences to inspire others to travel. It certainly works for me, I love watching their travel videos and reading about all the interesting places that they visit (even if it does make me incredibly envious!)
Make sure you follow them on youtube here: Paul and Carole Love To Travel
Sanna Vegancruiser
Monday 15th of May 2017
It was a Thomson cruise 9 years ago for our 10th wedding anniversary (!) that got my hubby hooked on cruising too - even if he felt the ship was old and that the plumbing wasn't the best ( we ended up buying air freshners for the bathroom on our 2nd port of call to try combat the lingering odour). That was the old Spirit, which since then has had a refurb of some kind.
I agree on the great value though, as tips are included and drinks are either reasonably priced or included (with Discovery 1 & 2 and sometimes on other ships too if you book far enough in advance). Staff were fabulous too, couldn't fault them.
Ships are smaller and can get into smaller ports. And did I mention value? I've been looking at a Kotor itinerary for Sep and can book Thomson for about £800 with flights & xfers. Other cruise lines start from about £900 and I'd need to add flights and tips to the total cost. And drinks would cost me more.
It does sometimes make sense. Am looking forward to DIscovery2 as have been on Splendour and Vision :)
Emma Le Teace
Monday 15th of May 2017
So 9 years ago you had your 10th wedding anniversary and to me you are about 25 so you've been married since 6?! Ha ha....
I have honestly never considered Thomson at all, maybe I've been spoilt now with other lines and would notice the difference? Not sure! They do seem like brilliant value. I'm going to keep my eyes open for a good deal :)
Paul and Carole
Monday 15th of May 2017
Thanks very much for the opportunity to guest post, we are really pleased with it. We had a great experience with Thomson and are obviously happy to share our experiences. We are due on the Thomson Dream next month so really looking forward to that too!