Thomson Celebration - Bad weather leaves 1,200 cruise passengers in ... Bootle

[Goldryder]

More here...

Holidaymakers stranded in Liverpool dock after cruise is cancelled (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1080429/Holidaymakers-stranded-Liverpool-dock-cruise-cancelled.html)

[kruzseeka]

It says in the report that Thomson are refusing to give passengers their money back - which, given that the reason is due to the weather is what I've always understood to be the case. Failure due to Thomson (break-down etc.) results in compensation of some kind - but not for weather (conditions beyond the Company's control).

However, it says further down they have been offerred 80% off another cruise! If that's the case I'd be absolutely delighted! Enjoy the ambience of the ship, Gala dinner, entertainment and a trip off into Liverpool (although I realise locals wouldn't rate this trip) and still have another cruise to look forward to!

Do you really think it is 80% off the cost of another cruise, or 80% off what they paid for this cruise set against another one? If it's the former - imagine getting 80% of a two week trip to say, the Baltic when you'd only had a weekender in the first place!! It will be interesting to get the details eventually.

[Goldryder]

I can see a passenger sit-in coming on this...

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/10/25/stranded-cruise-passengers-refused-refund-100252-22113741/

I am against such actions normally but this behaviour from Thomsons is a disgrace. A cancelled cruise is a cancelled cruise, makes no odds as to how long it is. 80% off a future cruise using the calculations for this cruise is equal to a drop in the ocean (no pun intended) if used against another cruise....not to mention if there are any restrictions for use..such as specific cruises only etc.

Thomsons should refund plus cruise credit, just as other lines do.

[ISS]

More here...

Holidaymakers stranded in Liverpool dock after cruise is cancelled (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1080429/Holidaymakers-stranded-Liverpool-dock-cruise-cancelled.html)

Yes I was one of them!

It was very infuriating to see the scheduled sailings to Dublin go back and forth and even the weather disruptable Isle of Man Steam Packet Fast Craft sail past on Friday. I have crossed the Irish Sea regularly as a passenger over the years in all sorts of weather from flat calm to storm force conditions and would not have expected a 33000grt ocean going vessel to have been seriously influenced by the conditions.

On the Friday there was a clear weather window in which the ship could have made it to Dublin, though I would accept that the Cobh call cancellation was wise.

However, what is the really annoying thing is TUI's attitude - basically 80% of the value of this booking off your next Thomson Cruise and take it up with your insurance company to see if you qualify for a refund.

(Incidentally they are not sailing from Liverpool again!).

A token gesture would have been much more acceptable.

They put on a free shuttle bus to the Albert Dock, Liverpool.

But as many passengers were from the local area, and at least one who I spoke to lived at the Albert Dock, it was not acceptable.

The coach driver taking passengers back to the car park this morning said "You would have thought they would have taken you on a trip to Chester"

Sounded like a resonable suggestion considering the cost of fuel, pilotage and tugs fees that had been saved.

I am an easy going person and accept things can go wrong but there wasn't enough effort put in to putting things right.

It is as though they gave up as it is the end of the current season today - the ship sailing later this morning for refit at A&P Falmouth.

However, I will end on a positive note - she is a well turned out ship, the passenger accomodation was comfortable - (Perhaps I was a little more fortunate that most in that having a cabin on deck 7 I could see over the transit shed and had a view of the river!)

The crew were excellent - very curteous and friendly - the food good.

[ISS]

"or 80% off what they paid for this cruise set against another one?"

It is 80% of the value of this cruise NOT 80% off any cruise which as you say would be generous.

However, I would imagine some of those sailing may have chosen this trip because a large number were from Merseyside or adjacent counties.

TUI have already stated that they will not be originating any more cruises from Merseyside and none are scheduled for 2009.

[slhw]

I was also on the cancelled cruise - we had an absolutely brilliant time - the crew couldn't do enough for us - the food was good, the entertainment excellent and we just had a really good laugh! Very few people actually left the ship early which says it all really.
I, personally, didn't speak to anyone who thought that the wrong decision had been made but did speak to a number of people who had experienced bad weather on other cruises - one sailing from Liverpool last year - and they described very graphically just how awful it was and how dangerous. The Captain explained to us just why it was a different situation for the ferries than for the Celebration and, after all, he has sailed on ferries in the North Sea for, I think it was, over 11 years.
He also explained to us that the reason that Thomson isn't sailing from Liverpool again is the attitude taken by the Liverpool Cruise Terminal people. Apparently, they consider that a cruise starting and finishing at Liverpool doesn't bring any revenue into the City and so have consigned Thomson to the unlovely Langton Dock. There were people on board from all over the British Isles and certainly some Americans and Japanese. What an advert for Liverpool - own goal!!!!!
As long as Thomson now honour their promise of 80% of value of this cruise off another cruise then I won't be disappointed. After all, where else would you get three days and nights of good accommodation, good food and first class entertainment for, in my case, approx. £74? You can't even stop in a Travel Lodge for that!
With typical Liverpool humour, one passenger remarked today - 'We're all having a reunion on the docks this time next year'. That's the spirit - we had a brilliant weekend!

[SwissLe]

I think Thomson have offered a pretty generous terms, they don't legally have to offer you anything. If passengers are unsatisfied with the outcome they should try being onboard a plane when it is cancelled due to 'weather conditions'. Instead of a cruise ship with full service you will find yourself in a closed airport without food or beds and a flight when they can find the resources and conditions to attempt it!

[ISS]

[quote=SwissLe;16787514]I think Thomson have offered a pretty generous terms, they don't legally have to offer you anything. quote]

Whilst the quality of the ship was not in question the failure to sail clearly was.

Despite the assertion of the captain comparing the ships performance with that of the local ferries - I have seen correspondence in the light of this incident from a gentleman from Florida who undertook a trans-Atlantic on her shortly before she ended her HAL career. Apparently she handles rough weather very well.

Having sailed on may passenger ships across the Irish Sea from mill pond to to verging on storm 10 - I have no doubt TC would have delivered her passenger safely to the othr side.

However, what is more annoying was there was a clear "weather window". If the ship had sailed in the moderating conditions of Friday moring direct to Dublin - passage time would have been around 7 hours - she would have been safely tucked up in Dublin Port by the time the heavy weather hit.

This worst of this weather was well on its way through by late afternoon and perhaps if the 20:00 departure had been delayed a little we could have come back in acceptable conditions.

I, and I know some other people are a little suspicious that the desire to get the ship off to its dry docking slot at A&P Falmouth was more behind the motivation to avoid a slight late return than perhaps anything else.

There may have been a motivation to use weather as an excuse for operational convenience. One will never be able to prove it but I myself remain suspicious.

I'll admit I stayed to the end as I thought I would get at least the food and accommodation element of what I paid for.

However, you should remember that the company has retained all the money they would have spent on fuel, tugs and pilotage. A token refund would have been inorder and perhaps the provision of a quality coach trip.

The bus driver on one of the shuttle buses actually said "Whey didn't they take you off to Chester for the day?" - A good point!

The 80% refund of value about a future cruise is of little use if you wish to sail from Liverpool - as was pointed out in Captain's Q&A on Saturday - Thomson have no intention of returning until Peel Ports provide better facilities. I prefer to sail from my home port and have no desire to go trapsing off to Harwich or Newcastle. So the refund is of little use.

They also had a nerve to suggest people contact their travel insurance. I have - they have sent me a claim form - but the person I spoke to doubted that in the unusual circumstances I had a valid claim!

ISS

[slhw]

While I do not doubt that there may have been some consideration given to being able to leave for Falmouth for the refubishment on time, I still believe that the best and most sensible decision was taken.

I have been fortunate to always have had at least reasonable weather on previous cruises but spoke to several people on board who had been in bad weather. Unanimously, their opinions were that it was not much fun! Did we really want to risk a somewhat hairy passage to Dublin accompanied by people being sick, food and drink spilling everywhere, entertainment cancelled, possibly people being injured (as happened on a ship that sailed from Liverpool last year after starting out in a Force 6 that worsened). I certainly didn't. Instead, our little group had a really lovely time, a good giggle, lots of nice food and good entertainment.

Thomson did put on free shuttle buses to Albert Dock. We thought that this was good going at such short notice. Has anyone considered the logistics of arranging, say, 25 plus coaches to Chester together with parking at an hour or so notice? Anyway, Liverpool is a much better day out than Chester (and I live near Chester)! We also, unexpectedly, got free transport to the railway station from the ship on our departure day when we were expecting to hire a taxi.

I think that the attitude of most people was best shown when, at the question and answer time with the Cruise Director and the Captain, nobody mentioned the cancellation at all. We were all just getting on with it and having a good time. Those who went home in a sulk and those who stayed onboard and whinged about Thomson really missed out on a great few days. After all, it was just like having a couple of consecutive 'sea days' on a longer cruise.

As long as Thomson come good with their promise of 80% of what we paid off a future cruise I will be more than happy.

[Swerve]

While I do not doubt that there may have been some consideration given to being able to leave for Falmouth for the refubishment on time, I still believe that the best and most sensible decision was taken.

I have been fortunate to always have had at least reasonable weather on previous cruises but spoke to several people on board who had been in bad weather. Unanimously, their opinions were that it was not much fun! Did we really want to risk a somewhat hairy passage to Dublin accompanied by people being sick, food and drink spilling everywhere, entertainment cancelled, possibly people being injured (as happened on a ship that sailed from Liverpool last year after starting out in a Force 6 that worsened). I certainly didn't. Instead, our little group had a really lovely time, a good giggle, lots of nice food and good entertainment.

Thomson did put on free shuttle buses to Albert Dock. We thought that this was good going at such short notice. Has anyone considered the logistics of arranging, say, 25 plus coaches to Chester together with parking at an hour or so notice? Anyway, Liverpool is a much better day out than Chester (and I live near Chester)! We also, unexpectedly, got free transport to the railway station from the ship on our departure day when we were expecting to hire a taxi.

I think that the attitude of most people was best shown when, at the question and answer time with the Cruise Director and the Captain, nobody mentioned the cancellation at all. We were all just getting on with it and having a good time. Those who went home in a sulk and those who stayed onboard and whinged about Thomson really missed out on a great few days. After all, it was just like having a couple of consecutive 'sea days' on a longer cruise.

As long as Thomson come good with their promise of 80% of what we paid off a future cruise I will be more than happy.

That's the spirit, well done to you all.

[ISS]

After all, it was just like having a couple of consecutive 'sea days' on a longer cruise.

As long as Thomson come good with their promise of 80% of what we paid off a future cruise I will be more than happy.

I cannot agree with you for several reasons. That ship was more than capable of undertaking the crossing to Dublin. Whilst cancelling Cobh was probably sensible in the circumstances Dublin was not. I

f one buys a ticket for the Irish Sea at the end of October one must accept there is a likelihood of a bumpy ride. To compare two days in Langton Dock with sea days is rediculous. I sail because i like being at sea, the motion a few drinks, good food. If I wanted a residential holiday with entertainment I would go to Butlins or Pontins.

To do this cruise I missed my usual October holiday which would have been by car ferry to Ireland or to Devon and a minicruise to Santander. I really feel bad about this.

I travel by sea regularly and a bit of a gale does no harm its all part of the maritime experience.

Besides there was a clear weather window on the Friday morning through to late afternoon to have us over to Dublin before Saturdays bad weather kicked in. The captain's excuse about being stuck in Dublin bay is poor. If he had followed the Norfolk Line and P&O Ferries out the TC would have been in Dublin by 17:30 in good time.

The main weather event on the Irish Sea on Saturday had passed through by late afternoon and we could have departed for Liverpool in the evening.

As for Q&A I acknowledge most there were appreciative of the decision but that was probably because many of the grumblers had left.

I and some friends remaind and would have asked some awakward questions if we had not felt outnumbered. Besides one had to get some value out of the money paid out.

AS for the ship itself - she is very nice and comfortable - I just wished I could have sailed. She won't be back on Merseyside as was admitted - so the 80% refund of the fare paid against a future cruise is meaning less. I sail from Liverpool when I can because I live here, unless I can fit things into another holiday I am not travelling off round the country to other departure points.

ISS

[slhw]

ISS

So sorry that you have such a negative attitude - we just had a good time and no regrets. Would suggest that you now widen your horizons and travel to a distant U.K. port to try another Thomson Cruise - I think that you would find it worth it! I was brought up in Liverpool, love it dearly, but am prepared to venture further afield. Come on! We Liverpool folk have always been adventurous!

Your comment to my remark about 'sea days' being ridiculous is your opinion only. I stand by what I said and I would compare the enjoyment that our party had to that of the two and a half sea days we spent on Queen Mary 2 earlier this year on the voyage from New York to the Caribbean (oh no, the Thomson entertainment was much better than Cunard).

Agree that most of the moaners had probably left before the Captain's QA session - but can't have been that many because of the huge number that stayed on board. However, don't quite understand why you felt outnumbered because nobody mentioned it at all so how could you have known what people's opinions were?

I can't agree with your opinion that a gale is all part of the cruise experience - it certainly wasn't for the fellow passenger who told me that, on a Med cruise, the only thing that didn't fall in her cabin was the television set. Another passenger told me of the man celebrating his Diamond Wedding last year on a ship out of Liverpool who then fell in the shower during a gale and had to be airlifted to hospital. I suppose that's all part of the cruise experience too - not for me I am afraid and I have done considerable dinghy sailing on the Mersey in the past in quite bad weather.

However, I bow to your experience of weather/navigation etc. for the passage to Dublin as the Captain did tell us that there were a number of Master Mariners aboard.

If you are absolutely certain that you will not use your Thomson vouchers when they arrive, just get in touch, I can give them a good home - we're going to the Caribbean in January on the Destiny and wouldn't mind another one as well!

[SwissLe]

Whatever holiday you go on there are going to be those who will strive to find something to complain about, it's almost part of the 'holiday' experience for some people. There will also be those who will find humour and battle along with whatever is thrown at them, they are on holiday after all.

Whilst I can see both viewpoints I do disagree about the comments made that the crew should've attempted a crossing in a clear patch of weather. This is purely speculation clearly without any evidence of weather mapping and port organisation. It isn't quite as simple as 'stick ye head outta port hole and feel fa' the rain', if it's dry let's make a run for it. It's also much easier for a regular service with fixed route such as a ferry to operate such a maneuver.

These short cruises are designed and marketed mainly to those who wish to have a 'taster' or trial of a cruise, throwing them into adverse weather conditions is not only going to ensure they never board a cruise again, but also pose many health and safety issues.

[kruzseeka]

Just a thought for ISS - have you considered a fly-cruise with Thomson to use your voucher? I notice the trains from Liverpool to Manchester Airport take about half-an-hour and this would open up a lot of Thomson holidays or cruises to many more destinations for you. (After travelling hundreds of miles over the years to get to airports and ports, this journey time would be a bonus for us - I can tell you!)

I'm pleased you managed to make the most of your weekend, shlw. We recently missed Bruges because of the conditions - and sometimes it isn't just the sea conditions, the pilotage was suspended at the port on our trip and sometimes getting into and out of harbour safely can be an issue. (I had been slightly concerned the night before about how long our cabin kept disappearing under water before resurfacing to see huge waves towering over us - so was mightily relieved when they came to batten down our port-hole at midnight!) We've also 'done' the Baltics 3 times because we kept missing ports - it was the perfect excuse for me to plan to go again!! (Don't need much persuading though! :D ) Happy planning on using your vouchers. Any ideas yet?

[ISS]

Whatever holiday you go on there are going to be those who will strive to find something to complain about, it's almost part of the 'holiday' experience for some people. There will also be those who will find humour and battle along with whatever is thrown at them, they are on holiday after all. These short cruises are designed and marketed mainly to those who wish to have a 'taster' or trial of a cruise, throwing them into adverse weather conditions is not only going to ensure they never board a cruise again, but also pose many health and safety issues


This is the first time I have had a holiday I can remember where I have ever had a complaint and at 49 years of age I have had quite a few!

I am generally easy going and can usually see the good in anything. But to buy a ticket and expect at least some sort of sailing experience and not get one is disappointing.

Yes but staying in dock isn't a good taster either! Pay to sail and stay in dock! How you can suggest a static ship is a good cruise experience is beyond me.

ISS

[slhw]

It's not that nobody was disappointed - it was just that we shrugged our shoulders, accepted what had happened was beyond Thomson's control and got on with making the best of it. Yes, we anticipated a sailing experience but not 'some sort of' sailing experience which could have covered a very unpleasant experience.

Our cruise was a 'treat' for my sister-in-law's birthday. It was to have been her first cruise. No, she didn't get a taste of actually sailing but she did get a taste of life on board - the food, the service, the amenities, the entertainment. All of which makes her extremely keen to go again!! Staying in dock might not be a good taster but it's a much better taster than rolling around in the agonies of seasickness.

Kruzseeka - am just waiting for our vouchers to arrive - we are going on Destiny in January for 2 weeks but think that we will hang on to the vouchers to use on another one, perhaps the Baltic - but not in January!

Swissle - note that you are on Destiny very soon - have a good cruise - wouldn't mind a review when you come back!

slhw

[ISS]

[quote=slhw;16832834]It's not that nobody was disappointed - it was just that we shrugged our shoulders, accepted what had happened was beyond Thomson's control and got on with making the best of it."

It wasn't beyond their control.

I have been making some enquiries and have discovered that the Liverpool tugs were cancelled at around 11:30 on Thursday Morning for Thursday evening. For 24 hours i.e. Friday evening - therefore missing the weather window Friday day time.

Cobh had been cancelled on Wednesday and as we had been informed on board they had looked to sail to Belfast.

I have found out that Belfast was cancelled around 12:00 on Thursday.

Can you tell my why they chose to tell passengers that the Thursday departure was cancelled at 17:30 when they clearly had no intention to sail BEFORE they embarked passenger?

Furthermore they tried to create the impression that they would sail on Friday morning if the weather was okay. As the tugs had been deferred until Friday evening morning departure would not have been possible.

I am now awaiting information on when the Friday tugs were cancelled.

The information I have obtained has come to me through sources in the maritime industry.

[ISS]

[quote=slhw;16832834]It's not that nobody was disappointed - it was just that we shrugged our shoulders, accepted what had happened was beyond Thomson's control and got on with making the best of it."

It wasn't beyond their control.

I have been making some enquiries and have discovered that the Liverpool tugs were cancelled at around 11:30 on Thursday Morning for Thursday evening. For 24 hours i.e. Friday evening - therefore missing the weather window Friday day time.

Cobh had been cancelled on Wednesday and as we had been informed on board they had looked to sail to Belfast.

I have found out that Belfast was cancelled around 12:00 on Thursday.

Can you tell my why they chose to tell passengers that the Thursday departure was cancelled at 17:30 when they clearly had no intention to sail BEFORE they embarked passenger?

Furthermore they tried to create the impression that they would sail on Friday morning if the weather was okay. As the tugs had been deferred until Friday evening morning departure would not have been possible.

I am now awaiting information on when the Friday tugs were cancelled.

The information I have obtained has come to me through sources in the maritime industry on Merseyside and in Ireland.

Don't you consider that passengers should have had the facts much sooner - possibly before they chose to embark passengers?

ISS

[slhw]

Haven't a clue. Not even very bothered about the logistics of it all - just know that I wouldn't have wanted to sail in that weather at all. Am not too sure that the famous 'weather window' would have given us a completely smooth crossing in which to enjoy the facilities that we did. I don't agree that bad weather is part of the cruise experience. Me? I like my food on my plate, the furniture on the floor, the dancers on the stage and, if I can no longer walk in a straight line, it having nothing to do with the weather. It's just a shame that some people seem so bitter about it all.

This is just my opinion. We had a super weekend break - have no regrets and have all but forgotten that we didn't get to Ireland. I certainly can't be bothered trying to prove what Thomson would never admit to. We just had a really good laugh. I've been on a number of cruises before and find Thomson as good, if not better, than other companies. As said before, as long as promised vouchers arrive, will be quite happy with it all.

[monas queen]

I have been on cruises with several different companies over a long number of years, and never before have I come across one that has sailed nowhere and yet kept nearly everyone on board.

It is not a cruise if it goes nowhere (look up cruise in a dictionary!).

In this case, on the Friday, severely weather sensitive fast craft were operating between Dublin and Holyhead and the Isle of Man and Liverpool, in good clear sunny conditions. If they can go out safely, what was there to stop an ocean going cruise ship? On the Saturday, yes, the weather was initially bad (when we feel we should have been enjoying Dublin) but was forecast to (and did) moderate substantially, which would have allowed for a comfortable return crossing to Liverpool with what wind there was behind us.

Unlike many, perhaps, we do not go on ships for the entertainment - we go on them for the travel experience, and to visit different places. The Butlins style experience we were treated to while viewing the scrap heaps of Bootle docks therefore fell on stony ground. Had we wanted an experience like that, we would have gone elsewhere, with better views (our sea view cabin overlooked a brick wall and a pile of pallets).

Yes, we had the option of leaving nad going home - but.... we had a flight booked for the Sunday, and to get this changed during a school holiday period would either have been impossible due to full flights, or exhorbitantly expensive.

It must have suited Thomson to keep everyone on board - the crew were going to be there until Sunday, when most were to be laid off while the ship went to dry dock, and the ship was stocked with food for the "cruise", which would otherwise have gone to waste. Not only did they save on lock fees, tugs, pilots etc., they made a fortune out of the bar bills of people who were drowning their sorrows.

We wondered whether there was more to this than met the eye - Thomson were apparently having a row with Liverpool about the lack of facilities for turn-round passengers at the prestigious new terminal by the Pier Head. If by holding people at the back of beyond by the scrap heaps they thought they could bring the inadequacy of the new terminal to greater public notice, they certainly succeeded. It has just been announced in the local press that talks are to commence about whether/when the facilities can be upgraded.

But be fair, Thomson - we booked a cruise that was cancelled (and yes, that word was used). You know that insurance will not normally cover cancellations that are alleged to be for weather reasons. You will lose little by refunding everybody in full. You will lose more friends and future custom if you don't.

[ISS]

[quote=slhw;16884861] I certainly can't be bothered trying to prove what Thomson would never admit to. quote]

So you don't mind the possibility of someone being economical with the truth? As a ship enthusiast I perhaps take much more interest in operational matters than perhaps the average passenger. For the experience that you seek - perhaps a holiday camp would do? I book to travel by sea for the full package - fair or foul.

ISS

[ISS]

But be fair, Thomson - we booked a cruise that was cancelled (and yes, that word was used). You know that insurance will not normally cover cancellations that are alleged to be for weather reasons. You will lose little by refunding everybody in full. You will lose more friends and future custom if you don't.

HERE HERE!

Just as a matter of interest for those on this forum who think Thomson treated people fairly can I point out that Waverley Excursions - the trading company of the charity which operates the coastal cruise ships WAVERLEY & BALMORAL offer a full refund if sailings are cancelled due to adverse conditions.

This is a small company which often find trading conditions challenging but they do treat passengers fairly.

Of course I am not advocating that those who chose stay on board TC should have free accomodation and food - but they should have had a refund of the travel element.

By the way its almost two weeks now and still no vouchers!

ISS

[kruzseeka]

Monas queen - you and ISS obviously have the same perspectives on your recent experience; very similar analyses of the potential 'windows' of weather, savings on tugs, pilotage etc., lack of interest in the entertainment, interest only in the 'travel' aspect, both much travelled and certainly both making the point that Thomson should meet your demands for a full refund.

You have both only recently joined the forum with postings only about this issue - except for a couple of posts on the Fred Olsen forum - both having an interest and liking for Black Watch.

I think perhaps you should pool your resources in your furtherance of your complaint with Thomson - you have made the point here and although I'm sure many have sympathy with your 'cruise to nowhere' experience, there's little more to be gained by re-iterating the issues.

Others have the right to their point of view too - and the fact that they made the most of a disappointing situation and are positive about the use of their compensation vouchers attracts support too.

In response to ISS, people who choose to cruise for the 'whole' cruise experience probably wouldn't choose a holiday camp either - it's not the same kind of holiday at all - so I think your comment is somewhat inappropriate. As for the Waverley, it travels from local departure points from here each year - but only offers day trips - are there residential options, full board catering (inclusive), entertainment and other leisure facilities on board? If not, I don't see the relevance of the comparison as it isn't a cruise ship - more comparable to a ferry/train or bus service.

Most willl have decided what their 'take' is on this matter by now.

I wish you well, but perhaps the matter has now run it's course on here.

[monas queen]

kruzseeker, you seem very keen to put your own view on every Thomson thread - are you in their pay - if not, you should be ;-)

I don't recall having mentioned Black Watch in my postings, though I have been on her a few times, and will sail on her again. Do you perhaps mean Black Prince? I have been on her several times, and will be sorry to see her go.

I have been with a lot of different cruise companies, and travelled on a wide variety of ships from big and glitzy to small and basic.

Never before has any company failed to sail anywhere and still tried to rip us off for a "cruise" experience.

Whilst I have before found that companies can be economical with the truth when it comes to the reason for missed calls, Thomson appears to have outdone all of the others with this particular "taster".

I have joined this forum because I want to make their treatment of us public, yet after only one posting by me, you appear to take the view that this topic has "run its course".

You, in contrast, have managed 3 posts on this topic, plus no less than 5 posts on the subject of Thomson's baggage allowances!

Yes, the matter has been taken up direct with Thomson, and will be pursued outside the public forum. This does not make me feel that it is any less important to advise others about our recent bad experience with the company.

[kruzseeka]

[quote=monas queen;16903035]kruzseeker, you seem very keen to put your own view on every Thomson thread - are you in their pay - if not, you should be ;-)


If only!!!!!

I don't think making (hopefully) helpful suggestions to others who raise queries, how often frequently, is quite the same thing. However, you are entitled to your view.

I just feel that the same points are being raised now and that there is little more to be said - save of course the eventual outcome which I would be pleased to hear about, especially if you receive satisfaction in your queries about operational issues, or a variance in the compensation offered.

I still wish you luck with this!

[monas queen]

there is little more to be said - save of course the eventual outcome which I would be pleased to hear about, especially if you receive satisfaction in your queries about operational issues, or a variance in the compensation offered.

I still wish you luck with this!

Many thanks.

I am sure there is more to this issue than has been aired. Like ISS, we have heard nothing from the company since we left the ship, which seems to make it more and more sinister by the day. (Hope it's not just me getting paranoid in my old age!)

[slhw]

[quote=slhw;16884861] I certainly can't be bothered trying to prove what Thomson would never admit to. quote]

So you don't mind the possibility of someone being economical with the truth? As a ship enthusiast I perhaps take much more interest in operational matters than perhaps the average passenger. For the experience that you seek - perhaps a holiday camp would do? I book to travel by sea for the full package - fair or foul.

ISS

I did not say that I didn't mind economy of truth - don't put words into my mouth.

More importantly, you are extremely insulting with your remark regarding holiday camps and, as such, I do not intend to reply to you again. For the record, I can enjoy all types of holiday from our own caravan with our dog to five star hotels (twice this year) and the QM2 last January for the historic meeting of the three Queens in New York.
Other posters - please excuse the name dropping but I dislike being condescended to!

We had a great time and a really good laugh on the Thomson Celebration in Bootle, overlooking the scrap heaps! You didn't? Tough!!!!!!

[monas queen]

[We had a great time and a really good laugh on the Thomson Celebration in Bootle, overlooking the scrap heaps! You didn't? Tough!!!!!!

:eek: Ha, ha, ha!!!!

That gives me a great idea to pass on to Thomson - cruises for people who don't want to do cruises - send a ship around the British Isles, and let people book for a week in Dover, or a week in Southampton, a fortnight in Holyhead, a fortnight in Bootle, etc..... Brilliant. Perhaps they could cover the fuel costs by letting a few people join the vessel for positioning trips between ports.

[SOOTY SUE]

Monus Queen

Give it a rest now will you - I think you've made your point.

[ISS]

If not, I don't see the relevance of the comparison as it isn't a cruise ship - more comparable to a ferry/train or bus service.

I wish you well, but perhaps the matter has now run it's course on here.

Here is the online definition of a cruise from dictionary.com

"to sail about on a pleasure trip".

I would say that fits Balmoral / Waverley to Independence of the Seas quite well. All that differs is facilities and duration.

[ISS]

:eek: Ha, ha, ha!!!!

That gives me a great idea to pass on to Thomson - cruises for people who don't want to do cruises - send a ship around the British Isles, and let people book for a week in Dover, or a week in Southampton, a fortnight in Holyhead, a fortnight in Bootle, etc..... Brilliant. Perhaps they could cover the fuel costs by letting a few people join the vessel for positioning trips between ports.

In many ways the TC experiece reminded me of that old 1950s Ealing Comedy film starring Alec Guinness "All At Sea" - where on retirement from the Navy Guinness buys a semi-derelict pier -revamps it and has it registered with a banana republic as the RMS (Really Motionless Ship) Arabella for people who get seasick on cruises!

[ISS]

If one wishes to read a full report on this cruise and my feelings you may visit:

http://www.irishseashipping.com/voyagereports/2008/tastettcjl1008/tastettcjl1008.htm

[ISS]

I have since received, after over three weeks wait, the letter confirming the credit.

I am afraid the letter adds further insult to injury - just look at how time limited the offer is. I would have at least expected say 5 years.

To expect someone to find something that suited their wishes, fit that in with work vacaction dates etc is just totally unrealistic.

I wanted to go to Ireland not the Red Sea or Mediteranean.

Totally unacceptable

We are writing to you as a follow up on our promise to give you 80% of the cost of your "Taste of Ireland" cruise on Thomson Celebration towards one of our cruises in the future. Based on the cost of your holiday, we are pleased to inform you that you may redeem a total cost (not per person) of £535.20

This amount may be redeemed against any cruise departing up to April 2010, including those cruises departing during the winter season of 2009/2010, which will be released on December 18th.

For your information, Thomson Celebration will be operating from Sharm El Sheikh around the Red Sea between Egypt and Jordan, Thomson Destiny will be operating from the Dominican Republic around the Caribbean, and our latest acquisition the Island Escape, will be operating around the Canary Islands, North Africa and Madeira. The booking must be made by February 28th 2009 for the discount to apply.

In order to make your booking, please visit your travel agent or call us on 0844 871 0872 and we will be pleased to process your discount.
Whilst it could not be much worse, we hope the weather on your next cruise is considerably better. Yours sincerely

David Selby
Director Of Cruising - TUI Travel Mainstream Division

[ISS]

I thought I would post an update on this cruise. Despite having written to the company's director of cruising I have as yet to receive the courtesy of a reply!

One could be charitable and consider the letter could have been lost in the post, but then it is rather strange that another passenger who I know has not received a reply either!

One can, therefore, gauge TUI-Thomson's customer care or lack of it. They could at least have the decency to reply.

However, on Thursday I had the local Thomson Cruise Deals office (Where I had made the original booking phone me. They wanted to let me know that Thomson did other hoidays as well as cruises.

I am sure unless one lives up a away from all forms of media advertising one would be aware of this fact.

They also asked would I like to use the 80% discount of the cruise fare value against a future booking - I had great satisfaction in telling them they must be joking!

Yesterday I received information from a maritime contact who suggested that the ship had "rudder problems" which reaffirms ones suspicions that this was really a technical cancellation which prevailing weather conditions enabled them to dress up as a weather cancellation.

[slhw]

ISS - can't you get over this? Life's too short! We have just had a brilliant cruise on the Destiny to the Caribbean (loved every minute of it) and, now, thanks to our 80% voucher from the Celebration cruise, we are able to book the Caribbean cruise for 2010 at a much lower price than we paid this year - plus the added benefit of 'all inclusive'. And we often have a good giggle about what happened with the Celebration! Winners all the way!

Slhw

[capasamari]

So slhw did you book for the Caribbean (with that all-important A.I.) next year after all?!

I like your "glass half-full" attitude!!

Carol x

[slhw]

Hi Carol

Yes, we have done it!!! Went yesterday afternoon and have booked for 10th January next year. Have managed to book the same cabin as we had this year which is a 2/3 and I think is rather larger, or at least better planned, than the 2 berth.
We did get AI. Will never be off this site now. Wonder how Kruzseeka is getting on! Can't wait for her to come back!

Sandie
x

[ISS]

ISS - can't you get over this?
Slhw

No I can't!

I have had many holidays in my life time this was my first experience with Thomson (and my last).

At the age of 49 I can honestly say I have NEVER had any complaint about any holiday I have had.

I am not a habitual moaner and I will find the greatest effort to forgive or understand.

But I must ask how you defend a company who cannot respond to a written complaint?

I have today had contact today from a former Thomson employee who informs me that the failure to respond to a written complaint within 28 days puts in them in breech of ABTA rules.

Not only have I failed to receive a response, friends on board have also failed to receive a reponse as well as this contact.

I think this is clearly indicative of the quality of TUI-Thomson's customer care.

As I originally pointed out I was happy to pay for the accomodation - the ship was fine, but they failed to deliver on the transport element of the cruise, saved a signiifcant amount from fuel / towage / pilotage fees and did not offer this element as a cash reimbusement.

For a booking for two persons three segments as a ferry foot passenger on the Irish Sea is worth around £120 out of season. Therefore, I would not have deamed it unreasonable to have received a cash refund of around £240 against a fare of over £700.

John

[slhw]

No I can't!

Shame!

Sandie

[djmutters]

Sorry to hear about being stuck at Liverpool I personally couldent think of anything worse.

We travlled on the Celebration last year and apart from the lovely places we visted the ship is dreadfull unless you enjoy Bultlins on the sea ?

Ok the service from the staff is 10/10 but the entertainment sucked :(

I for one would save your money and book with a decent cruise line.

Thomson wont be getting our money this year :)

[john_l]

I was also on this cruise and would like to add my experiences. We had just come back from another Thomson cruise with the children, and the wife and I enjoyed it so much that we decided to sneak off on our own for this mini cruise.

We also took the view to just “shrug our shoulders,” and make the best of a bad situation. In the end we had a great 3 days, fantastic accommodation, food and drink.

I have previously cruised on the Thomson Destiny and Spirit. The spirit is the sister ship of the Celebration and is Identical. The only difference is the name. Now on my two previous Spirit cruises, I have only encountered 1 day’s rough weather, and believe me, it was not a pretty sight on board. I was not too bad, but most of the passengers were confined to their cabins being violently sick. There were sick bags placed around the ship and evidence on the floors that they were needed. The Celebration would not have handled the weather well. In my opinion, the captain took the right decision not to sail

I love cruising and would have preferred to have had great weather, visited some lovely Irish ports and tasted the famous Guinness. As it stands I received a letter offering £400 discount and have just taken them up on it this week. We are due to cruise the Canary Islands on the “Colourful coasts” itinerary in March and it felt great getting the discount knocked off the final price.

So all-in-all, the cancelled “Taste of Ireland” cruise cost me £80 for 3 nights accommodation, fantastic food and entertainment for me and the wife. A bargain in my opinion.

Me and the wife often joke with each other that we had such a good time stuck in Langton dock overlooking the scrap yard, that we will have to do it again some day.

[monas queen]

Sorry to hear about being stuck at Liverpool I personally couldent think of anything worse.

We travlled on the Celebration last year and apart from the lovely places we visted the ship is dreadfull unless you enjoy Bultlins on the sea ?

Ok the service from the staff is 10/10 but the entertainment sucked :(

I for one would save your money and book with a decent cruise line.

Thomson wont be getting our money this year :)

Hi, thanks for confirmaing that there ARE other people out there with a similar opinion of (a) the place, (b) the ship, (c) the on board expreience.

I booked on this mini trip specifically for a cruise to Ireland. The weather was NOT so bad that she could not sail, as everything else around us seemed able to go out to sea. There were, as we are coming to find, other factors involved, which the company (through its captain) did not wish anyone to know about. We were told a load of cock and bull stories.

Could it be that the fact that there were so many people on board who have not complained be an indication of the proportion who were actually company employees and their hangers on, who were getting the "jolly" for next to nothing/nothing?

The company seems at best unwilling to answer any correspondence.

We will not be using the short term voucher offer - this is derisory, and would obligate us to go on another trip with this company and pour good money after bad.

What we DO want is a decent offer of financial recompense.

And no, we will not forget about it.

The more they procrastinate and try to fob us off, the more we will tell anyone and everyone around us to avoid booking anything with the company.

[slhw]

I was also on this cruise and would like to add my experiences. We had just come back from another Thomson cruise with the children, and the wife and I enjoyed it so much that we decided to sneak off on our own for this mini cruise.

We also took the view to just “shrug our shoulders,” and make the best of a bad situation. In the end we had a great 3 days, fantastic accommodation, food and drink.

I have previously cruised on the Thomson Destiny and Spirit. The spirit is the sister ship of the Celebration and is Identical. The only difference is the name. Now on my two previous Spirit cruises, I have only encountered 1 day’s rough weather, and believe me, it was not a pretty sight on board. I was not too bad, but most of the passengers were confined to their cabins being violently sick. There were sick bags placed around the ship and evidence on the floors that they were needed. The Celebration would not have handled the weather well. In my opinion, the captain took the right decision not to sail

I love cruising and would have preferred to have had great weather, visited some lovely Irish ports and tasted the famous Guinness. As it stands I received a letter offering £400 discount and have just taken them up on it this week. We are due to cruise the Canary Islands on the “Colourful coasts” itinerary in March and it felt great getting the discount knocked off the final price.

So all-in-all, the cancelled “Taste of Ireland” cruise cost me £80 for 3 nights accommodation, fantastic food and entertainment for me and the wife. A bargain in my opinion.

Me and the wife often joke with each other that we had such a good time stuck in Langton dock overlooking the scrap yard, that we will have to do it again some day.

Hi John 1

I'm glad that you shared our experience and our views. After returning from the Caribbean on Destiny in January, we were only too happy to book for next year and this time our friends are going too. We're well aware that Destiny is not as asthetically beautiful as some of the larger, newer ships but we had more fun on her this year than we did on the beautiful QM2 last year. You only have to read reviews of some of these new ships, i.e. Ventura, to find that 'all that glistens ......' etc.

We are delighted to be able to use our voucher for next January and we are so thankful for the sensible approach of the Captain of the Celebration - I am so glad that he valued my life and comfort as highly as I do! Just to think of everyone being sick etc., is enough to give me nightmares! My husband has sailed to Ireland on a ferry from Liverpool in rough weather and says that it definitely is not to be recommended!

Enjoy your new cruise - that's what life is all about - getting on with it and enjoying it!

Sandie

[ISS]

So all-in-all, the cancelled “Taste of Ireland” cruise cost me £80 for 3 nights accommodation, fantastic food and entertainment for me and the wife. A bargain in my opinion.

Me and the wife often joke with each other that we had such a good time stuck in Langton dock overlooking the scrap yard, that we will have to do it again some day.

I am glad it cost you so little!

I booked this trip when it was first advertised in 2007 and it cost me and my mother over £700 to sit in a dock I could visit any time I wished as I only live up the road and have a dock access pass.

Sorry but TUI - Thomson are rip off merchants. I wanted to go to ireland and ended up not leaving my home town!. If I had sailed by ferry as I would normally have done at this time of year I would have been there and back.

TUI-Thomson have never replied to my letter of complaint.

Never again would I book with Thomson and I suggest anyone with any sense finds another cruise line which does sail or if they are frighetned of scratching the ship's painwork on a lock wall - will give you a refund at least of the travel portion if not the accomodation.

There are other operators out there which are 100% better such as Fred Olsen Line - go with them!

Not this apology!

[vwgolf]

Just finished reading this thread and I am amazed at the moaning on it.I wasn't on this particular "cruise" so can't comment but I will say that I have been on the Spirit (identical to the Celebration) in bad weather and it is not a pretty experience. The captain will do whatever he thinks is right for the safety of his passengers and crew and should be commended for his stance.

We will be taking our fourth cruise on the Celebration in July and we're really looking forward to it. And anyone who compares the Thomson entertainment to Butlins has clearly never been to Butlins - I holidayed there every year when I was a child and wouldn't wish it on anyone!

[ISS]

The captain will do whatever he thinks is right for the safety of his passengers and crew and should be commended for his stance.

Yes but if the cruise does not operate a refund should be given. Or for those passengers choosing to stay on board a refund of the travel element.

However, in the case of the Celebration the vessel did not sail when other passenger ferries on the Irish Sea did sail.

I note that Thomsons are not sailing ex UK after this season.
Perhaps that is to avoid the British weather?

Last Friday I was on Fred Olsen's BLACK PRINCE bouncing round Land's End in a Force 8 to 9 - great fun so I am sure if a ship one third the size of the THOMSON CELEBRATION can operate safely I am sure the TC could have done last October.

John

[davecttr]

Yes but if the cruise does not operate a refund should be given. Or for those passengers choosing to stay on board a refund of the travel element.

However, in the case of the Celebration the vessel did not sail when other passenger ferries on the Irish Sea did sail.
If there was a high wind I am not surprised, I would think fitting a 90 foot wide ship through a 125 foot wide lock gate is tricky enough in calm weather.

I note that Thomsons are not sailing ex UK after this season.
Perhaps that is to avoid the British weather?
The Calypso retires this year leaving Thomsons with 3 ships for next summer. With the arrival of the Dream maybe ex UK cruises will resume in 2011

Last Friday I was on Fred Olsen's BLACK PRINCE bouncing round Land's End in a Force 8 to 9 - great fun so I am sure if a ship one third the size of the THOMSON CELEBRATION can operate safely I am sure the TC could have done last October.

John

did anybody sue Thomsons?

[slhw]

Can't believe this has reared it's head again. We are still happy with the outcome of the 'Cruise that never was'. We had already booked our Caribbean Destiny for last January when we received our vouchers so was unable to use them for that holiday. But we did book immediately, as we had such a brilliant holiday on Destiny, for next January. Result - early booking meant that we received free drinks package and avoided the, so far, three price increases. The cruise next January that we have paid just over £1100 each for is now being sold for over £1900 each - not to bad!!! Can't wait for next January. Seems like the 'Cruise that never was' did us a favour. And we still have a giggle about it.

Sandie

[davecttr]

Apparently the captain at the time is no longer with the company so perhaps there was at least one corporate victim?

[john_l]

Can't believe this has reared it's head again. We are still happy with the outcome of the 'Cruise that never was'. We had already booked our Caribbean Destiny for last January when we received our vouchers so was unable to use them for that holiday. But we did book immediately, as we had such a brilliant holiday on Destiny, for next January. Result - early booking meant that we received free drinks package and avoided the, so far, three price increases. The cruise next January that we have paid just over £1100 each for is now being sold for over £1900 each - not to bad!!! Can't wait for next January. Seems like the 'Cruise that never was' did us a favour. And we still have a giggle about it.

Sandie

Hi Sandie, you are right, I think this has become the thread that never dies. To be honest, it does not sound that pleasent "Bouncing around Lands end" in force 9 gales.- :eek: I am so glad the captain decided not to put us through that experience.

I prefered using my Thomson discount for another wonderful cruise around the "colourful coasts" from tenerife rather than let it be wasted.

We also still laugh about our "Bootle scrap yard" cruise. We had a great time without the kids, had some wonderful food, got merry and had a good laugh.

However, I am a Thomson regular so the discount was as good as cash to me, and I did not mind because I knew it would be used. I do Sympathise with ISS and I think a refund or partial refund should have been a option for those that wanted it to maintain good relations.

[vwgolf]

Apparently the captain at the time is no longer with the company so perhaps there was at least one corporate victim?

Was that Captain Alan Leach? I wondered why he wasn't the captain of the Celebration this year. How sad - he was a nice man.

[davecttr]

I don't know if he actually left the company for another reason so I suppose we should not speculate.

Funny how difficult it is to find out about senior staff eg captains, obviously everyone in the business knows what is going on but nobody ever talks!

[mtt]

Got alan as a friend on facebook, think he left to have a job on land

[davecttr]

Got alan as a friend on facebook, think he left to have a job on land
Pass on the good wishes of all the greatful cruisers who have had the pleasure of having him as a captain. Can you persuade him to come back!

[monas queen]

Pass on the good wishes of all the greatful cruisers who have had the pleasure of having him as a captain. Can you persuade him to come back!

At least on dry land he won't need to be afeared of a gust of wind!

I will continue to try my best to put anyone off having anything to do with this (non) cruise company.

After a number of letters they have produced nothing. They have ignored the factual evidence that not only were the Liverpool to Ireland ferries running as normal, and on time, even a fair weather only fast craft was out on the Irish Sea that weekend. So why couldn't we go out?

They are hiding something, and laughing all the way to the bank in the process.

[slhw]

I, too, wish Alan Leach all the best having met him and found him a really nice guy. As he comes from the same part of the world as I do, I doubt that he is afraid of very much. Sensible - yes, frightened - no! We are now 13 weeks from our cruise on the Destiny - we can't wait - and we're laughing all the way to the bank because the deal that we have, thanks to our vouchers and early booking, is now £850 each dearer - yes, you did read that correctly. Plus, we can still have a real good laugh about last October. Come to think of it, it's nearly the anniversary - is anyone organising the reunion at Langton Dock that someone mentioned?

Sandie

[vwgolf]

At least on dry land he won't need to be afeared of a gust of wind!




I remember going to a question and answer session with Alan Leach and he described the worst experience he'd had at sea was in the approach to the English Channel where gale force winds very nearly capsized his ship. I think he knows a thing or two about a gust of wind and when it is safe to take a ship out to sea (or not, as the case may be). I suspect you would have been one of the first to moan if the ship had got into difficulties on the Irish Sea :(.

[monas queen]

I suspect you would have been one of the first to moan if the ship had got into difficulties on the Irish Sea :(.

But it was never going to be in trouble - none of the much smaller ferries found it necessary to hide in port that weekend, and they ran to schedule.

If there was a perceived problem, then it had to do with the seakeeping capabilities of the Celebration itself, which is very worrying, as it is still taking lots of people around the world over seas potentially a lot worse than that between Liverpool and Ireland.

[GM0NJl]

This topic just seems to rumble on and on, with it would seem a lot of people giving there own reasons as to why the ship did not sail. All speculation as the did not and still have not got the expertise that the ships officers have.
Remember by law the first thing the Master has to consider is the safety and well being of his passangers and crew.

Let the matter settle and you can get on with life.

[monas queen]

The way Thomson dealt with this was disgusting.

I can't understand why so many people on here are so supportive of this company.

Have a look at another forum thread on this topic.

http://tiny.cc/3J0NF

And no, I won't be forgetting it - I was fleeced.

[jenny wren]

The way Thomson dealt with this was disgusting.

I can't understand why so many people on here are so supportive of this company.

Have a look at another forum thread on this topic.

http://tiny.cc/3J0NF

And no, I won't be forgetting it - I was fleeced.

It is interesting to note that the last post on the above forum was in November last year........so perhaps its time to move on now...

[GM0NJl]

Monas Queen
How apt is that.

Ooops sorry it just slipped out.

[ISS]

So all-in-all, the cancelled “Taste of Ireland” cruise cost me £80 for 3 nights accommodation, fantastic food and entertainment for me and the wife. A bargain in my opinion.
.

I had had only paid £80 it wouldn't have bothered me either - but my mother and I paid one hell of a lot more than that for a junior suite. I booked 13 months before departure.

Incidentally this is the first anniversary of the cruise to nowhere!

For my autumn holiday this year I am staying ashore and heading off to Portmeirion - otherwise "the village" in the Prisoner! ;-))

They have a "stone boat" there - doesn't leave the shore!

[john_l]

I had had only paid £80 it wouldn't have bothered me either - but my mother and I paid one hell of a lot more than that for a junior suite. I booked 13 months before departure.

Incidentally this is the first anniversary of the cruise to nowhere!

For my autumn holiday this year I am staying ashore and heading off to Portmeirion - otherwise "the village" in the Prisoner! ;-))

They have a "stone boat" there - doesn't leave the shore!

lol - I love Portmerion, it is a great and highly unusual place and well worth a visit. regarding the stone boat and it not leaving shore, at least you wont have that ugly scrap yard to spoil your view this time ;)

[ISS]

lol - I love Portmerion, it is a great and highly unusual place and well worth a visit. regarding the stone boat and it not leaving shore, at least you wont have that ugly scrap yard to spoil your view this time ;)

The first visit to Portmeirion had me hooked - been back a second time and off again in May!

The scrap yard wasn't too much of a problem on the TC - cabin 148 was high up and at least I could see across to New Brighton!

Some friends were less fortunate and were only able to look at the quay wall!