Is the Dream a nightmare?

[tjl75]

I am a first time cruiser and booked early in May 2010 to go on the Thomson Dream in June 2011 along with my wife and four friends. I knew the Dream was an old ship and became aware of the Watchdog programme but felt confident that the refit would sort out most of the early problems with smells and other engineering issues. Sadly it appears I was wrong judging by the latest round of comments from members who went on the Caribbean cruises in December following the refit.

We are due to pay the balance of our holiday in early March and because of the negative comments am considering either cancelling or asking the Travel Agent for an alternative, which would be costly. We are booked on deck 6 around the middle of the ship.

Should I wait and see if things improve. Any advice would be appreciated

[vwgolf]

The reviews of the Dream from people who have travelled on her are probably as reliable as political opinion polls! There seems to be as many negaitive ones as positive ones and even people who were on the same cruise come back with different opinions.

We were on the Dream last August and had a great time and encountered none of the problems that earlier cruisers had encountered. On that basis I would have no hesitation in recommending you continue with your booking. BUT...

...there seems to have been an increasing number of bad reports filtering in from those on the post-refurb Caribbean cruises. Are these a fair reflection of what the Dream is like? Hard to say as people who have bad holidays tend to be more vocal than those who have good ones.

I think you need to go with your feelings on this one. If peace of mind is what you're after, you may feel that jumping ship is the best option. If you're happy to go with an open mind and enjoy your holiday come what may, then stick with the Dream.

[kruzseeka]

I am a first time cruiser and booked early in May 2010 to go on the Thomson Dream in June 2011 along with my wife and four friends. I knew the Dream was an old ship and became aware of the Watchdog programme but felt confident that the refit would sort out most of the early problems with smells and other engineering issues. Sadly it appears I was wrong judging by the latest round of comments from members who went on the Caribbean cruises in December following the refit.

We are due to pay the balance of our holiday in early March and because of the negative comments am considering either cancelling or asking the Travel Agent for an alternative, which would be costly. We are booked on deck 6 around the middle of the ship.

Should I wait and see if things improve. Any advice would be appreciated

There are a number of us on this forum who are due to travel to the Dream on Thursday and there will certainly be a fair bit of feedback from us. So you really have nothing to lose by waiting until the end of this month to hear what the verdict is.

As you will also know, there was a similarly sticky spell after the Dream first went into service with Thomson but the reviews after a couple of months began to be really good - we are hoping the same will be the case following this second period of problems - again following a refit! :rolleyes:

As you can imagine - we have our fingers crossed!

[NorthWalesCouple]

The reviews of the Dream from people who have travelled on her are probably as reliable as political opinion polls! There seems to be as many negaitive ones as positive ones and even people who were on the same cruise come back with different opinions.

We were on the Dream last August and had a great time and encountered none of the problems that earlier cruisers had encountered. On that basis I would have no hesitation in recommending you continue with your booking. BUT...

...there seems to have been an increasing number of bad reports filtering in from those on the post-refurb Caribbean cruises. Are these a fair reflection of what the Dream is like? Hard to say as people who have bad holidays tend to be more vocal than those who have good ones.

I think you need to go with your feelings on this one. If peace of mind is what you're after, you may feel that jumping ship is the best option. If you're happy to go with an open mind and enjoy your holiday come what may, then stick with the Dream.

Yes we will be reporting back in Early February and you can bet it will be very un-biased a report as you can get but i must admit for the amount of people who have been traveling on the Dream I intend to agree with VWGolf the ones who have suffered with the problems tend to vent there frustration but the ones who don't stay silent? so in that vain i will hold council until i return.

[tjl75]

Many thanks to VW, Kruzseeka and NWCouple for your comments and advice. My initial thoughts were to hange fire until well into February before making a final decision but I must admit Im not impressed with Thomson over these problems. If there are significant issues to rectify then best take the ship out of service and get them sorted. To cap it all they have changed some of my itinerary but no word from them, I only found out when I looked at their website showing the revised route.

Thomson have previously built their reputation on good customer service and I have been on many holidays with them in the past and it is for this reason I chose them for my first cruise. I have never been really interested in cruising for a holiday but everyone I talk to loves it so I thought lets give it a try. Some of our other friends are going on the Spirit for their first cruise and reports from this ship seem encouraging.

If I do decide to keep my booking, I will certainly go with an open mind and report back my views middle June. Look forward to further reports from you all in January and February

[kruzseeka]

Many thanks to VW, Kruzseeka and NWCouple for your comments and advice. My initial thoughts were to hange fire until well into February before making a final decision but I must admit Im not impressed with Thomson over these problems. If there are significant issues to rectify then best take the ship out of service and get them sorted. To cap it all they have changed some of my itinerary but no word from them, I only found out when I looked at their website showing the revised route.

Thomson have previously built their reputation on good customer service and I have been on many holidays with them in the past and it is for this reason I chose them for my first cruise. I have never been really interested in cruising for a holiday but everyone I talk to loves it so I thought lets give it a try. Some of our other friends are going on the Spirit for their first cruise and reports from this ship seem encouraging.

If I do decide to keep my booking, I will certainly go with an open mind and report back my views middle June. Look forward to further reports from you all in January and February

If you are wavering - I'd think about doing the Adriatic/Aegean on the Spirit - I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with that and the itinerary is stunning!

[tjl75]

Thanks, its worth a thought, our other group of friends are going 17th June, Adriatic Explorer cruise on the Spirit. Its their first as well but they could not get holiday same time as us and the rest of our party

[billmul]

Hi all. Not due to sail on the Dream till september, pre booked cabins 6080 & 6082,(would appreciate any info on cabins). We booked last year before all the reports started, didn't even know about this website then. Having never cruised before, we decided to give it a whirl, with the kids grown up, and no longer fully dependant on us, we figured our holidays could become a little more extravagant. The build up to this cruise is totally unsettling. I suppose I still have time to consider our options, so keep up the honest opinions guys n gals, and here's hoping those of you sailing have a great time.

[CRUISIN LINDA]

I seem to remember someone saying the plumbing problems may have been to do with the accident in Sharm, before Thomson took her over and the same problems can occur after a spell in dry dock - so maybe that is what is causing the problems now and will clear up as it did before. No consolation to those going at the moment, but perhaps it might be OK later on.:confused:

To all those going on Thursday, I really hope you have a good time with none of the problems. Don't forget, Kruzseeka, I want to know all about Havana:)

[kruzseeka]

I seem to remember someone saying the plumbing problems may have been to do with the accident in Sharm, before Thomson took her over and the same problems can occur after a spell in dry dock - so maybe that is what is causing the problems now and will clear up as it did before. No consolation to those going at the moment, but perhaps it might be OK later on.:confused:

To all those going on Thursday, I really hope you have a good time with none of the problems. Don't forget, Kruzseeka, I want to know all about Havana:)

Thanks, Linda :) - Agent K on the case!!!!! ;)

[NorthWalesCouple]

I seem to remember someone saying the plumbing problems may have been to do with the accident in Sharm, before Thomson took her over and the same problems can occur after a spell in dry dock - so maybe that is what is causing the problems now and will clear up as it did before. No consolation to those going at the moment, but perhaps it might be OK later on.:confused:

To all those going on Thursday, I really hope you have a good time with none of the problems. Don't forget, Kruzseeka, I want to know all about Havana:)

Hi Cruisin Linda, Havana is a fantastic place and the people are really friendly me and wifey always said we would go back to Cuba when we had the chance and it has come around quicker than i thought even though it's only for a day it's a great city.

Bryn

[claret n blue]

Hi Nwc we are on same flight and cruise so hope we are still smiling when we reach Havana. Done some research on Havana and it appears its very easy to explore on foot by yourself so any tips as to what we must see and do would be much appreciated. I have already booked the Bar Hop trip on Cozumel but other than the Maya ruins trip have not seen anything else that I feel I must do. By the way my TA today said the return flight time was still as my flight tickets 17:10. Jack

[kruzseeka]

Havana will be a first for us - but my neighbour has just got back from a cruise which called there and she went to the Tropicana which she felt was over-priced 'quite spectacular in part, but a bit repetitive, food was just a few cheesy bits'. (That begs the question as to whether you feel it's somewhere you just ought to go whilst in Havana - or what are the other options?)

Thomson price for this is £74 which sounds a lot - but this is the interesting bit. Her ship offered the excursion at £120 !!:eek: So she and a friend took a taxi and bought tickets independently. Cost : 90$ entry and 12$ her share of the taxi. I reckon that 102$ is only a few pounds cheaper than the Thomson price.

I'm not commenting on whether this is a good trip to do - I'm undecided about what to do myself but just wanted to pass on that it probably isn't worth trying to adopt a DiY on a financial level - the amount you save is small and at least you have the security of Thomson organising the transport - especially late at night. Just a thought.

[kruzseeka]

Just spoken to my T.A. who rang her customers who were on Dream last week. She had been apprehensive ringing them wondering what she was going to hear (imagine how we're thinking then!) as they are regular customers and 'quite particular'.

Anyway, she was quite pleasantly surprised. They said there were some problems but it did not affect their enjoyment of the cruise (but their cabin was not directly affected). The engine, air-con situation and problem with the Deck 8 public toilets were mentioned - the latter as a result of items being put down which caused a blockage. This was quickly dealt with - but clearly had created an unpleasant situation!!!!!! So they were aware of what had been causing problems on board.

The food, entertainment they said were good and there were clearly improvements as the week went by! Things were definitely a lot better by the end of their holiday and the air-con working.

Apparently there were passengers accosting people to sign things. Of course, there will still have been people on board who were in the thick of the worst of it so I suppose even with improvements they would still not be happy (with some reason).

That would of course affect the atmosphere - hopefully as more 'new' passengers embark who don't experience problems there will be a better feel - not least of all for the crew who will have been at the sharp end of passengers' frustration - and having to work in those conditions too.

So, all in all sounding better! :)

P.S. She hasn't heard anything about further cancellations for the 13th departure (the 50 'spares' would cover 30th -13th) and we both felt she would have done by now if it was on the cards - but then again!!! :rolleyes:

[NorthWalesCouple]

Hi Nwc we are on same flight and cruise so hope we are still smiling when we reach Havana. Done some research on Havana and it appears its very easy to explore on foot by yourself so any tips as to what we must see and do would be much appreciated. I have already booked the Bar Hop trip on Cozumel but other than the Maya ruins trip have not seen anything else that I feel I must do. By the way my TA today said the return flight time was still as my flight tickets 17:10. Jack

Hi Claret n Blue The flight from Havana has been changed coming back to 16:30pm had to go and pick tickets up yesterday. Make sure with them as it haas deffo changed. If you see a overweight bald guy and a blonde lady were in are 50s n 60s come and say hi. Our flight number is TOM157 coming back must be the same. Hope the beer is cold lol.:D:D

[NorthWalesCouple]

Havana will be a first for us - but my neighbour has just got back from a cruise which called there and she went to the Tropicana which she felt was over-priced 'quite spectacular in part, but a bit repetitive, food was just a few cheesy bits'. (That begs the question as to whether you feel it's somewhere you just ought to go whilst in Havana - or what are the other options?)

Thomson price for this is £74 which sounds a lot - but this is the interesting bit. Her ship offered the excursion at £120 !!:eek: So she and a friend took a taxi and bought tickets independently. Cost : 90$ entry and 12$ her share of the taxi. I reckon that 102$ is only a few pounds cheaper than the Thomson price.

I'm not commenting on whether this is a good trip to do - I'm undecided about what to do myself but just wanted to pass on that it probably isn't worth trying to adopt a DiY on a financial level - the amount you save is small and at least you have the security of Thomson organising the transport - especially late at night. Just a thought.

Hi Kruzseeka, Yea the Tropicana is not worth the money but don.t miss out going into Havana it is a great place aand the history there is fantastic tag along with me and the missus we will no doubt taking in the sights like we did a couple of years ago, the prices i feel are well overpriced but that is Thomsons for you. Hemingways bar thingy is overpriced and so are the drinks when you get there.;)

[NorthWalesCouple]

Hi Nwc we are on same flight and cruise so hope we are still smiling when we reach Havana. Done some research on Havana and it appears its very easy to explore on foot by yourself so any tips as to what we must see and do would be much appreciated. I have already booked the Bar Hop trip on Cozumel but other than the Maya ruins trip have not seen anything else that I feel I must do. By the way my TA today said the return flight time was still as my flight tickets 17:10. Jack

The about highlighted sounds just down my street.

Bryn:D

[Jim The Scot]

I am a first time cruiser and booked early in May 2010 to go on the Thomson Dream in June 2011 along with my wife and four friends. appreciated

What date in June tjl,is it the child free cruise?Were also going in June our second time.We were on her in June of last year.Prior to our cruise last year we seriously contemplated on cancelling after reading reviews similar to the reviews at present.We bit the bullet and went and had a great time.As I said on a previous thread apart from a few days with no AC(compensated for) we experienced none of the other problems reported at the time and what are being reported now..I said last year when the the poor reviews/reports were coming back,why did nobody go to the newspapers and expose the problems on the ship?Yes there was a small bit on watchdog but that was it.

Anyway,prior to going last year I thought I would go prepared so bought this http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/IGS/IGS396/IS252-020.jpg...Its free to a good home as It was unused :D

[tjl75]

Hi and thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. In response to Jim the Scot (the Phantom!) we are due to travel 4th June flying to Palma from Newcastle, Treasures of the Med cruise. Our party of 6 are booked in outside plus cabins 6100, 6106 and 6108 so if anyone is around that area in the near future let me know the worst (or hopefully the best!):)

[aprilfool01]

Hi Nwc we are on same flight and cruise so hope we are still smiling when we reach Havana. Done some research on Havana and it appears its very easy to explore on foot by yourself so any tips as to what we must see and do would be much appreciated. I have already booked the Bar Hop trip on Cozumel but other than the Maya ruins trip have not seen anything else that I feel I must do. By the way my TA today said the return flight time was still as my flight tickets 17:10. Jack
Please could you tell me where you booked the Bar Hop trip - sounds good.

[infoqueen]

If you are wavering - I'd think about doing the Adriatic/Aegean on the Spirit - I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed with that and the itinerary is stunning!
we did this last august after jumping ship from the dream and it was stunning, I have no regrets but you will be charged an amendment fee to do it, I certainly slept better after I made the decision to change.

[NorthWalesCouple]

Please could you tell me where you booked the Bar Hop trip - sounds good.

Yea and me sounds a good one:D

[Jim The Scot]

Hi and thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. In response to Jim the Scot (the Phantom!) we are due to travel 4th June flying to Palma from Newcastle, Treasures of the Med cruise.:)

Our paths won`t cross as were the 25th June

[Chaffesbird]

Hi there Tjl75
We are in Cabin 6100 on the transatlantic crossing back to Majorca at the end of March. We were in the same cabin last October and didn't have any problems and am hoping it will be the same this time.

[tjl75]

Our paths won`t cross as were the 25th June

Well hope to meet in the future, thanks again

[tjl75]

Hi there Tjl75
We are in Cabin 6100 on the transatlantic crossing back to Majorca at the end of March. We were in the same cabin last October and didn't have any problems and am hoping it will be the same this time.

Hope all is good as before, is deck 6 ok as a first timer was not sure where to book but advice given was middle of ship high deck it cost more but may be worth the extra cost

[claret n blue]

Hi NWC Booked the barhop trip via their website www.cozumelbarhop/bus (http://www.cozumelbarhop/bus) after seeing many glowing reviews on tripadvisor with not 1 BAD ONE. The cost $49 for 5hrs and 4 different beach bars seemed good value plus you get a free taster at every bar. This is our 1st time in the Carribean so any advise on our ports of call will be much appreciated especially Havana. We are on the same flights as you but I think you are flying premium class we are in cattle class seats 25 by the window on the RH side facing forward so if we dont meet before come and say hello. Heres looking forward to a great fortnight on the Dream. best regards Jack

[Jim The Scot]

Hope all is good as before, is deck 6 ok as a first timer was not sure where to book but advice given was middle of ship high deck it cost more but may be worth the extra cost

Hi tj,

Deck 6 is ideal..Are you midlde,front or back?

I posted this on another thread

We were in 6013 last year and 6017 this year which are basically across the landing from yours.Same type cabins, Outside plus,large cabins,decor a bit dated,big comfy bed,two seater type sofa/sitting area,small TV,toilet with bath and a shower..Cabins are kept spotlessly clean by your cabin steward.Bed turned down every night

Your fine and near the lifts/stairs...2 stops up the way in the lift you`ll find all the main bars/entertainment..3 stops,pool, buffet restauraunt and if your smoker the nearest spot for a cig..2 stops in the lift downwards for the Orion restaurant,recommend it,food excellent



edited to say: Noticed you have already stated middle

[tjl75]

Hi Jim

We are in 6100, 6106 and 6108 so hoping they are good cabins with no smells:(.
As a first time cruiser hope Im not affected by the dreaded sea sickness. Heard varying cures including just go to ship's doc as opposed to buying anything beforehand. Whats your view:confused:



Hi tj,

Deck 6 is ideal..Are you midlde,front or back?

I posted this on another thread

We were in 6013 last year and 6017 this year which are basically across the landing from yours.Same type cabins, Outside plus,large cabins,decor a bit dated,big comfy bed,two seater type sofa/sitting area,small TV,toilet with bath and a shower..Cabins are kept spotlessly clean by your cabin steward.Bed turned down every night

Your fine and near the lifts/stairs...2 stops up the way in the lift you`ll find all the main bars/entertainment..3 stops,pool, buffet restauraunt and if your smoker the nearest spot for a cig..2 stops in the lift downwards for the Orion restaurant,recommend it,food excellent



edited to say: Noticed you have already stated middle

[Jim The Scot]

Hi Jim

We are in 6100, 6106 and 6108 so hoping they are good cabins with no smells:(.

Hope so too but again as I`ve stated previously,we never experienced smells in June of last year

As a first time cruiser hope Im not affected by the dreaded sea sickness. Heard varying cures including just go to ship's doc as opposed to buying anything beforehand. Whats your view:confused:

Sorry tjl,can`t help on that one as its something thats never affected me...That could be down to the AI mind :D..However,I would suspect it would be a damn site dearer to visit the ships doc than to purchase something beforehand

[Chaffesbird]

Cabin 6100 is in the middle of the ship and very close to the lift, stairs etc. We didn't suffer from seasickness but I alaways take some pills away with me. Someone said that the doctor on board charges £50 per visit.

[Jim The Scot]

Someone said that the doctor on board charges £50 per visit.

Thats just to knock on his door

[janflan]

Hi, we did the tropical transatlantic last year on Destiny, and had some pretty rough weather, but we just bought some Stugeron from reception for £2.50. Notice them in a pharmacy when we got home and they were more expensive, but as it's unlikely to be too rough the Stugeron should do it!

[vwgolf]

Cabin 6100 is in the middle of the ship and very close to the lift, stairs etc. We didn't suffer from seasickness but I alaways take some pills away with me. Someone said that the doctor on board charges £50 per visit.

My wife had to use the doctor on the Celebration a couple of years ago. It was around £50 but she said it was the best £50 she'd ever spent. The doctor (a female but I can't recall her name) was excellent.

[snave]

I,m also booked to sail on Dream in April 2011, getting a bit nervous after reading so many negative reviews.We are taking 2 close friend with us to celibrate our ruby wedding who have never sailed before,so dont want nightmare cruise!! as a lot of reviewers have said it has been.

[tjl75]

The reviews remain mixed but hopefully most of the problems will be sorted sooner rather than later. I have looked at Thomson website and realised my itinerary has been changed without notice (not a word yet from Thomson). Originally the Treasures of the Med cruise in June was Palma, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, Ajaccio, Mahon and back to Palma. Now it is Palma, Trapani, Naples, Civitavecchia, Ajaccio, Palamos and back to Palma.

The changes are Trapani instead of Palermo for Siciliy and Palamos on the Spanish mainland instead of Mahon Menorca, which I really wanted to visit.

Anyone any knowledge of this cruise and the revised ports in particular.
Thomson have yet to inform anyone of the change but it has been confirmed by my TA after several calls and denials by Thomson

I realise that they can change itinerary without notice but they are doing the original route 9th to 23rd April and the revised route May onwards. Is it down to cost or has anyone any other ideas? Thomson unwilling to give any reason according to my TA except "its up to the Captain!":confused:

[billmul]

The changes are Trapani instead of Palermo for Siciliy and Palamos on the Spanish mainland instead of Mahon Menorca, which I really wanted to visit.

Anyone any knowledge of this cruise and the revised ports in particular.
Thomson have yet to inform anyone of the change but it has been confirmed by my TA after several calls and denials by Thomson

I realise that they can change itinerary without notice but they are doing the original route 9th to 23rd April and the revised route May onwards. Is it down to cost or has anyone any other ideas? Thomson unwilling to give any reason according to my TA except "its up to the Captain!":confused:


tjl75, You echo my thoughts exactly. Not had any notification of the changes above either. Particularly dissapointed with missing out on Mahon.

[tjl75]

tjl75, You echo my thoughts exactly. Not had any notification of the changes above either. Particularly dissapointed with missing out on Mahon.

Hi Bill

Yes disappointing, one of the main reasons for choosing this cruise was the inclusion of Mahon. I find it really annoying that cruises can be changed like this in advance and there is not a lot you can do about it. As a first time cruiser, the mixed Dream reviews and this alteration is not a good start to life on the ocean waves or am I expecting too much!

[billmul]

Hi tjl75. Same situation as yourself. 4 of us booked this cruise, last year, before reading all the bad reviews, and none of us have cruised before. The build up to any holiday should be an exciting time. Sadly, so far it has not been the case. To say i'm regretting the decision to book this cruise, may be a premature judgement, and hopefully, all will be well before we sail. I am surprised, to say the least, that changes in itineries are not communicated to thomson customers. You would think they would be obliged to do that, even just as a matter of courtesy. Hope you have a great time when you go.

Regards,
Bill.

[tjl75]

Hi tjl75. Same situation as yourself. 4 of us booked this cruise, last year, before reading all the bad reviews, and none of us have cruised before. The build up to any holiday should be an exciting time. Sadly, so far it has not been the case. To say i'm regretting the decision to book this cruise, may be a premature judgement, and hopefully, all will be well before we sail. I am surprised, to say the least, that changes in itineries are not communicated to thomson customers. You would think they would be obliged to do that, even just as a matter of courtesy. Hope you have a great time when you go.

Regards,
Bill.

Hi Bill

According to my TA,Thomson will be advising us of the change. However I'm not sure when, probably after the date we have to pay. We going 4th June, what about you

Regards

TJ

[bankiegirl]

Hope so too but again as I`ve stated previously,we never experienced smells in June of last year



Sorry tjl,can`t help on that one as its something thats never affected me...That could be down to the AI mind :D..However,I would suspect it would be a damn site dearer to visit the ships doc than to purchase something beforehand

I did the Transatlantic in both directions on the on the Destiny a couple of years ago and we had some really rough weather, especially on the westbound crossing. The stugeron had no effect at all , so I went to the doctor, had an injection. felt great after about an hour and experienced no problems after that for the rest of the voyage. Cost £10.
Don't hesitate, have the injection , it's well worth it.

[billmul]

Hi Bill

According to my TA,Thomson will be advising us of the change. However I'm not sure when, probably after the date we have to pay. We going 4th June, what about you



Not sailing till 24th Sept. Seems an age away, but time flys. Goin on the Spirit with a mate in March, to Red sea. Really looking forward to that one:D:D

[p24296]

Hi, we are going on our 1st ever cruise on Thomson Dream on 16 July, the itinerary is Treasures of the Mediterranean and I noticed the changes on the Thomson website the other day(still haven't been formally told), doesn't cause a major problem at the moment because we haven't been to any of the places so it'll all be new but I hope they don't change any more. I would have thought that they would change Menorca judging by the reviews last year as they never seemed to be able to go there, ship too big for port apparently but not sure if the other change is for the same reason

[snave]

The reviews remain mixed but hopefully most of the problems will be sorted sooner rather than later. I have looked at Thomson website and realised my itinerary has been changed without notice (not a word yet from Thomson). Originally the Treasures of the Med cruise in June was Palma, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, Ajaccio, Mahon and back to Palma. Now it is Palma, Trapani, Naples, Civitavecchia, Ajaccio, Palamos and back to Palma.

The changes are Trapani instead of Palermo for Siciliy and Palamos on the Spanish mainland instead of Mahon Menorca, which I really wanted to visit.

Anyone any knowledge of this cruise and the revised ports in particular.
Thomson have yet to inform anyone of the change but it has been confirmed by my TA after several calls and denials by Thomson

I realise that they can change itinerary without notice but they are doing the original route 9th to 23rd April and the revised route May onwards. Is it down to cost or has anyone any other ideas? Thomson unwilling to give any reason according to my TA except "its up to the Captain!":confused:
Hi am sailing on Dream 16th April for 14 days had letter on 14th Dec from Thomson that itinenary was changing Palamos instead of Mahon ship to big? awkward to manoeuvre in port,difficult to turn in tight spaces,especially in high winds !!!!!

[tjl75]

Hi am sailing on Dream 16th April for 14 days had letter on 14th Dec from Thomson that itinenary was changing Palamos instead of Mahon ship to big? awkward to manoeuvre in port,difficult to turn in tight spaces,especially in high winds !!!!!

Hi snave

Thanks for the info, seems strange though as they are still going to Mahon in April. Did they say why the change to the port in Sicily from Palermo to Trapani

Regards

TJ

[snave]

Hi snave

Thanks for the info, seems strange though as they are still going to Mahon in April. Did they say why the change to the port in Sicily from Palermo to Trapani

Regards

TJ
Hi, on thomson brochure it states Trapani on day 3 , on itinery i had with letter from thomson it says Cagliari (Sardinia)no mention of Palermo.We are going in April and are now going to Palamos instead of Mahon

[tjl75]

Hi, on thomson brochure it states Trapani on day 3 , on itinery i had with letter from thomson it says Cagliari (Sardinia)no mention of Palermo.We are going in April and are now going to Palamos instead of Mahon

Hi snave
Now Im really confused. When are u going and when did u book. I think originally (way back) this cruise (Treasures of the Med) used to call at Sardinia (Cagliari) but this was changed to Sicily (Palermo), which is what my booking letter of 12 May 2010 says . Now the website shows Trapani (Sicily) instead of Palermo and Palamos instead of Mahon and this has been confirmed by my TA via Thomson

Regards

TJ

[hols4us]

I am a first time cruiser and booked early in May 2010 to go on the Thomson Dream in June 2011 along with my wife and four friends. I knew the Dream was an old ship and became aware of the Watchdog programme but felt confident that the refit would sort out most of the early problems with smells and other engineering issues. Sadly it appears I was wrong judging by the latest round of comments from members who went on the Caribbean cruises in December following the refit.

We are due to pay the balance of our holiday in early March and because of the negative comments am considering either cancelling or asking the Travel Agent for an alternative, which would be costly. We are booked on deck 6 around the middle of the ship.

Should I wait and see if things improve. Any advice would be appreciated
we were on dream 23 /12 till 7/01...... this ship is not worth spending any of your money on........ the stories are all true and untill people stop going on this ship it will never get any better......

[tjl75]

we were on dream 23 /12 till 7/01...... this ship is not worth spending any of your money on........ the stories are all true and untill people stop going on this ship it will never get any better......

Hi and thanks for your advice. I must admit my view on this ship and crusie keeps changing from day to day depending on the reviews. As a first time cruiser the decision is becoming more and more difficult, particularly as I booked on behalf of four friends as well. In some respects I wish I had booked my usual package with good quality hotel. Decisions, decisions:confused:

Regards

TJ

[skioncruises]

Hi and thanks for your advice. I must admit my view on this ship and crusie keeps changing from day to day depending on the reviews. As a first time cruiser the decision is becoming more and more difficult, particularly as I booked on behalf of four friends as well. In some respects I wish I had booked my usual package with good quality hotel. Decisions, decisions:confused:

Regards

TJ

Might be worth a read of the review posted by tru29 on 1/20/11 who is a first time cruiser. Go to home page and scroll down to "Featured Member Cruise Reviews - Thomson Dream by tru29".

[vwgolf]

we were on dream 23 /12 till 7/01...... this ship is not worth spending any of your money on........ the stories are all true and untill people stop going on this ship it will never get any better......

All the stories may well be true, including those from people who had a great time on the Dream. I can't make your mind up for you but don't fall into the trap of only seeing one side of the coin - there are good and bad reviews from the Dream, probably in equal numbers.

[snave]

Hi snave
Now Im really confused. When are u going and when did u book. I think originally (way back) this cruise (Treasures of the Med) used to call at Sardinia (Cagliari) but this was changed to Sicily (Palermo), which is what my booking letter of 12 May 2010 says . Now the website shows Trapani (Sicily) instead of Palermo and Palamos instead of Mahon and this has been confirmed by my TA via Thomson

Regards

TJ
Hi Tj
Booked with TA in Nov.2010 sailing on 16th April 2011.This is getting confusing The itinery for sailing 16th April on website says Cagliari the only change to itinery i received from Thomson on 14th Dec ia Palamos instead of Mahon.Am now seriously thinking of changing holiday if it was my wife and myself we would bite the bullet and go but am worried about our friends who have never cruised before ,dont want them to have a nightmare ! holiday.

[Jim The Scot]

All the stories may well be true, including those from people who had a great time on the Dream. I can't make your mind up for you but don't fall into the trap of only seeing one side of the coin - there are good and bad reviews from the Dream, probably in equal numbers.

Spot on vw

[tjl75]

Hi Tj
Booked with TA in Nov.2010 sailing on 16th April 2011.This is getting confusing The itinery for sailing 16th April on website says Cagliari the only change to itinery i received from Thomson on 14th Dec ia Palamos instead of Mahon.Am now seriously thinking of changing holiday if it was my wife and myself we would bite the bullet and go but am worried about our friends who have never cruised before ,dont want them to have a nightmare ! holiday.

Hi Snave

My apologies, you are absolutely correct the April cruises do go to Sardinia (Cagliari) whereas May onwards go to Sicily (Trapani instread of Palermo). All cruises go to Palamos (Costa Brava) instead of Mahon (Menorca). Two islands I really wanted to visit were Menorca and Sardinia but I will just have to settle for Costa Brava and Siciliy

[tjl75]

All the stories may well be true, including those from people who had a great time on the Dream. I can't make your mind up for you but don't fall into the trap of only seeing one side of the coin - there are good and bad reviews from the Dream, probably in equal numbers.
Hi VW and Jim

I agree with you both that there are two points of view here and that is why I still have an open mind and will not make a final decision until end February. I have read the latest review by tru29 and there are indeed a lot of positives. However, the issues surrounding the cabin bathrooms and toilets (floods, smells etc) have been happening since launch in April 2010 and should have been sorted by now.

It does not bother me that the Dream is an old ship and a little tired in parts. There appear to be lots of positives such as quality of food , staff, entertainment but its the bathrooms and toilets and AC problems which really concern me. Some people take the view that because they do not spend a lot of time in the cabin, they are not too bothered if there are a few problems and I can understand this viewpoint. However, I take the opposite view in that if I book a hotel and the accommodation is nice and a decent standard then it helps the overall holiday experience.

It disappoints me that some of the problems have been happening since launch and Thomson have so far been unable to solve them. Do these type of problems happen on other ships (possibly yes I dont know) for this length of time.

Thanks again for your replies

Regards

TJ

[feederfil]

:DI'm going on the 3rd Feb this will be my 5th with Thomson! Know more or less what to expect going out to enjoy ourselves and try to ignore the negatives.Some people go on holiday looking for a claim sad as far as I can see!This isn't only with cruises though but probably werever they go.
I've checked what trips I want to go on and look forward to reviews next week.We've booked AI because I believe otherwise it's a no brainer:cool:.
So roll on and whoever's going look forward to meeting you yippee!!

[tjl75]

:DI'm going on the 3rd Feb this will be my 5th with Thomson! Know more or less what to expect going out to enjoy ourselves and try to ignore the negatives.Some people go on holiday looking for a claim sad as far as I can see!This isn't only with cruises though but probably werever they go.
I've checked what trips I want to go on and look forward to reviews next week.We've booked AI because I believe otherwise it's a no brainer:cool:.
So roll on and whoever's going look forward to meeting you yippee!!

Hi feederfil

Hope you have a great time. I am pretty tolerant regarding the negatives and certainly will not be going looking for a claim. The friends going with us are pretty positive people (like a laugh and a good time) so Im hoping there are more +ves than -ves.

Look forward to your feedback

Regards
TJ

[Jim The Scot]

However, the issues surrounding the cabin bathrooms and toilets (floods, smells etc) have been happening since launch in April 2010 and should have been sorted by now.

Hi TJ,

Exactly my point....As I said previously,the reviews prior to my cruise last June were what you are reading now.Apart from 3 days intermittent AC we experienced none of the other problems



Posted today on another thread from someone who is on the Dream at the moment

"Currently on the Dream we lost an Engine during the night and are slowly on our way to Cayman Islands, A/C has been fixed and all is well except for Engine. But people are turning up on the Dream with Notepads at the ready which is so annoying we are having the most fantastic time but it is in danger of being spoiled by our fellow passengers moaning. Example the bread for the Toast is not the correct size and the glasses for the Orange juice etc are too small for god sake get a life all and enjoy the Dream. The Entertainment is also a Dream. will write for Review on our return"

[tjl75]

Hi TJ,




Posted today on another thread from someone who is on the Dream at the moment

" people are turning up on the Dream with Notepads at the ready which is so annoying we are having the most fantastic time but it is in danger of being spoiled by our fellow passengers moaning. Example the bread for the Toast is not the correct size and the glasses for the Orange juice etc are too small for god sake get a life all and enjoy the Dream. The Entertainment is also a Dream. will write for Review on our return"

Hi Jim

I agree some people need to get a life, I reckon they need a differnet size toaster! Ive said before my main concerns are with the cabin facilities and hopefully the problems, whichever level they are on will be resolved. Look forward to the reviews from those returning towards the month end

TJ

[snave]

Hi Jim

I agree some people need to get a life, I reckon they need a differnet size toaster! Ive said before my main concerns are with the cabin facilities and hopefully the problems, whichever level they are on will be resolved. Look forward to the reviews from those returning towards the month end

TJ
Hi Tj
My thoughts exactly my concerns are also the cabins and smells both my wife and i and our 2 friends will go with an open mind and enjoy,but the thought of sewerage smells constantly like some of the reviews state are playing on my mind hence making me consider changing to different cruise

[tjl75]

Hi Tj
My thoughts exactly my concerns are also the cabins and smells both my wife and i and our 2 friends will go with an open mind and enjoy,but the thought of sewerage smells constantly like some of the reviews state are playing on my mind hence making me consider changing to different cruise

Hi snave

My thoughts exactly, I know that if smells continue to be a problem in either cabins or corridors, then this will spoil the whole experience for me and the rest of our party, irrespective of how good the staff, food and entertainment is!

[finngriff]

Look someone is daft enough to think there is a wave of people planning to go on hoilday to then try and seek compensation- ludicrous! People on deck 5 and elsewhere had a really torrid time. We go away 3 or 4 times a year and have never complained before but OMG we will on this occasion. Some postees on this site are not adequately warning people of the unfit state of this ship. Please do not be conned!

[snave]

Hi snave

My thoughts exactly, I know that if smells continue to be a problem in either cabins or corridors, then this will spoil the whole experience for me and the rest of our party, irrespective of how good the staff, food and entertainment is!
Hi Tj
After lenghy discussions over the weekend(and a vote) our party has decieded to change our cruise so today went down TA and changed to Thomson Spirit sailing in July. We could,nt take the chance with the dream, to many negatives i,m afraid.Hope everyone that does sail on Dream has a great holiday and everything goes ok will be keeping looking here for more updates and maybe next year the Dream will see us sail with her.

[tjl75]

Hi Tj
After lenghy discussions over the weekend(and a vote) our party has decieded to change our cruise so today went down TA and changed to Thomson Spirit sailing in July. We could,nt take the chance with the dream, to many negatives i,m afraid.Hope everyone that does sail on Dream has a great holiday and everything goes ok will be keeping looking here for more updates and maybe next year the Dream will see us sail with her.

Hi snave
I guess everyone is disappointed in some respects but relieved also. I think our party will have the same decision to make before our balance is due early March. When were you due to travel, had you paid your balance and what was the cost to change?

Regards

TJ

[snave]

Hi snave
I guess everyone is disappointed in some respects but relieved also. I think our party will have the same decision to make before our balance is due early March. When were you due to travel, had you paid your balance and what was the cost to change?

Regards

TJ
Hi Tj
We were due to travel in April,and balance was due in Feb so had,nt paid balance yet.Cost of change was £35 per person admin.+we we had to re book cabins at £39 per cabin +of course the difference in holiday costs

[tjl75]

Hi Tj
We were due to travel in April,and balance was due in Feb so had,nt paid balance yet.Cost of change was £35 per person admin.+we we had to re book cabins at £39 per cabin +of course the difference in holiday costs

Hi snave

Presumably the new holiday cost on the Spirit was more expensive than the holiday you had originally booked on the Dream so you had to pay the difference.

TJ

[snave]

Hi snave

Presumably the new holiday cost on the Spirit was more expensive than the holiday you had originally booked on the Dream so you had to pay the difference.

TJ
Hi Tj
Yes new cruise is more expensive(going in summer)but i think we now have peace of mind as most reviews of spirit are very good.Had to pay the difference but its a special occasion so not worth the risk of staying with Dream,and we are going to Greek Isles not Med.

[tjl75]

Hi Tj
Yes new cruise is more expensive(going in summer)but i think we now have peace of mind as most reviews of spirit are very good.Had to pay the difference but its a special occasion so not worth the risk of staying with Dream,and we are going to Greek Isles not Med.

Hi snave

I hope it all goes well for you. Some of our other friends who could not get same holidays as us are going on the Spirit 17th June Adriatic Explorer cruise, which is the alternative to your Greek Islands. You have really set me thinking!

[neildfc]

Can anyone tell me wether or not you can upgrade to the AI drinks package whilst on board the ship

[Jim The Scot]

Hi Neil,

No can do.You need to take the AI before you sail

[hols4us]

Hi all. Not due to sail on the Dream till september, pre booked cabins 6080 & 6082,(would appreciate any info on cabins). We booked last year before all the reports started, didn't even know about this website then. Having never cruised before, we decided to give it a whirl, with the kids grown up, and no longer fully dependant on us, we figured our holidays could become a little more extravagant. The build up to this cruise is totally unsettling. I suppose I still have time to consider our options, so keep up the honest opinions guys n gals, and here's hoping those of you sailing have a great time.
it's allways up to the individual to !!more to do with the complete lies we told by every thomson adviser we spoke to in the months before we travelled.........two other travel agents where i stay are both now not selling thomson dream cruises they say its not worth the hassle to let customers go because they know they will be back complaining so why bother....... we 've book "oasis of the seas" next xmas think we will be ok this time good luck

[Jim The Scot]

......two other travel agents where i stay are both now not selling thomson dream cruises

Who are they?