Is Thomson a LOT more formal than OV

[CarrpeDiem]

Hiya,

 

We have done Ocean Village for 4 years and LOVE it !!

 

We don't want to have to really dress up for meals - just smart casual - we're a middle aged couple - no kids travelling with us.

 

Is Thomson REALLY formal ?? how do they work the tips/gratuities (as OV always had them included in price) don't want a shock when bill comes :eek: we like to tip who we want to tip :)

 

I have been searching for a 14 day cruise but they all seem to be advertised as 7 :( do they not do 14 day or do you have to arrange it specially and pay the full price for the 2 weeks - surely not :mad:

 

Anyway - OV has dumped us for the aussies !! hubby wants to book a hotel :eek::eek: for next year - but I'll get withdrawal symptoms if I don't get my cruise - it's the only holiday we have !

 

Any comments would be appreciated.

 

Carrol

[Cymro1953]

Hi,

No they're not much more formal than OV.

As long as you wear long trousers and shirt in the main dining room in the evenings.

They do have 1 formal night each week, the Captain's Cocktail Party that gives those who want to dress up a chance to do so. But not compulsory like on PandO. Personally we'll be leaving my suit and DW's really formal stuff in the wardrobe at home. Unlike our Royal Caribbean Cruise this last June.

 

Tips are included in the price of the cruise.

 

To do a 14 night cruise just find 2 7 night cruises that go back to back.

Like us next September we are doing the Moorish Delights followed by the Mediterranean Renaissance. And the price is adjusted to allow for 1 lot of return air fare.

 

The thing you will notice is that the Thomson's ships are older than the OV ones all from around 1982 to 84.

 

Berwyn

[davecttr]

There is one formal night a week on Thomsons ships except for the Island Escape which is casual. On formal night you can either dress up and use the main restaurant or like me and many others dress smart casual and use the Lido buffet that evening. They even smarten the buffet up with tablecloths, laid cutlery, candles etc!. I have had no problem visiting the bars, casino etc on formal night so the dress code appears to apply only to the main restaurant.

 

Tips are included in the cruise price but I am sure your favourite crew member(s) would not be unhappy if you slipped them a few bob!.

 

Most Thomson cruises are rotating 7 night Itineries so if you want to go for 14 nights you can book back to back and take in a different set of destinations the second week plus of course you get a discount and a full day (with excursions) in your departure port.

[budgie1]

The back to back Cymro has booked for 2010 - We did this year in July.

One formal per Week. Trousers and Shirt the rest of the evenings in the main dining room. Failing that you can keep your shorts on and eat in the Lido 24hrs a day. Back to Back's are great. You do not have to do the emergency drills on the second week. Rather nice just lying there watching the newbies doing their life boat drills. Also nice lying there after the first week watching 90% of the passengers going home looking all de-jected. Mean I know. :D