Need help from cruisers who have been on Thompson AND other cruise liners

[twonga]

First post so would appreciate any advice

 

Need help from cruisers who have been on both Thompson and the other big cruise liners like royal carribean, NcL, princess etc

 

Basically planning our first cruise and kind of had our heart set on the royal carribean holy land cruise but then seen the Thompson 7 day cruise to Egypt etc which does fit my itinerary and is also quite a bit cheaper!

 

I am obviously expecting Thonpson ships to be maybe a class below the rest but I just wanted the opinion from cruisers who have done both!Is the difference in ship size, rooms, food, entertainment etc that much different?

 

I once heard the Thompson cruises are like a boat version of the Comedy show Benidorm and I now can't seem to get this picture out of my head :)

 

Any help would be much appreciated!! Thanks

[kruzseeka]

First post so would appreciate any advice

 

Need help from cruisers who have been on both Thompson and the other big cruise liners like royal carribean, NcL, princess etc

 

Basically planning our first cruise and kind of had our heart set on the royal carribean holy land cruise but then seen the Thompson 7 day cruise to Egypt etc which does fit my itinerary and is also quite a bit cheaper!

 

I am obviously expecting Thonpson ships to be maybe a class below the rest but I just wanted the opinion from cruisers who have done both!Is the difference in ship size, rooms, food, entertainment etc that much different?

 

I once heard the Thompson cruises are like a boat version of the Comedy show Benidorm and I now can't seem to get this picture out of my head :)

 

Any help would be much appreciated!! Thanks

 

Hello twonga - and welcome! :)

 

Well i haven't got extensive experience of other cruise-lines only having travelled on NCL in addition to Thomson but I think it really all depends on what your preferences are in terms of cruising. My thoughts are that with cruiselines with modern 'glitzy' ships you get:

 

More facilites (e.g. attractions like outside cinema, climbing wall, putting course, etc.)

More modern, wow factor design (atrium, shopping mall style central areas)

More eating areas including quite a few payable ones (about half of those on NCL were speciality ones)

More modern cabins and balconies available although you would have to make a call on how much you might use one - certainly not much on a Egypt cruise - long excursions - not so much time on board compared with many itineraries.

 

With Thomson you get:

Fantastic atmosphere - warm, friendly

Amazing crew - they remember you and create a family feel

Excellent entertainment (not just my opinion - considered to be a feature of Thomson cruises and you hear very few who challenge this)

Generally thought to be cheaper for drinks/excursions as compared with other cruiselines (and some levy a 18% service charge on all drinks served too).

Tips included (some people do tip a bit extra but it is very much up to the individual - but there is no $10 p.p./day type charging)

Fantastic attention to hygiene (not as evident on some ships from reports we read and certainly true of my limited experience of other ships).

Usually local airport departures which is useful to some

And for me an important one - very port intensive itineraries (I'd rather be off exploring than lots of sea days).

 

If we assume the food is good on most ships (it is on Thomson). There's no doubt the Thomson ships are old - but very comfortable nevertheless. For me it's a bit of a crude comparison but it's almost 'ambience' v 'hardware' (warm, friendly atmosphere or more facilites and modern).

 

On NCL we found the decor very modern (garish even! - but just a personal thing), more choice of areas on board, a wonderful theatre and we did enjoy our cruise - fantastic itinerary and at the price, good value. But the entertainment was very poor compared with Thomson, the service very impersonal and not very good, the self-service was dire in terms of finding a seat and not being well serviced by staff and just not as friendly and warm with so many people you hardly ever saw the same people twice!

 

I always say Thomson's is like an old pair of slippers - comfortable, welcoming and giving a feeling of being 'at home'. If that would appeal to you (it's all a 'people' thing on Thomson) then it would be worth giving it a whirl at a good price.

 

Celebration (I assume that's the ship you have in mind) is having a re-fit and this involves cabin up-grades and quite a lot being spent on the public areas so should be an improvement to the aesthetics but of course they can't create the wow factor type attractions as there isn't the space.

 

As for a 'class below' I suppose in terms of ship that may well be justified but the common (misplaced imo) perception of being a Butlins/Benidorm experience is just not the case. It would be interesting to know just how many people holding those views have actually been on a Thomson cruise!

 

We have met lots of lovely people from all walks of life on Thomson - many having cruised with a variety of cruiselines but still happy to return to Thomson. We don't relate to a Benidorm-style experience at all but find Thomson relaxed but very civilised. (That's not to say we haven't witnessed some behaviour very occasionally we would rather not see on a cruise ship but I'm sure that's true of whichever cruiseline you go with - being able to afford a cruise even on a 'Premier'cruise line doesn't necessarily mean that the people behave in a way which is acceptable to the other 99% of travelllers!)

 

There are quizzes, game shows which are popular but there are lots of areas to go if that doesn't appeal. The West End stye shows are excellent, there are several bar areas with live music (easy listening trios, pianist etc) and classical musicians too - something for everyone. The choice is good and far superior to that we experienced on NCL.

 

One thought about a Holy Land/Egypt itinerary, many excursions are very long with 10/12 hour trips not uncommon. Although in some cruise areas I'd recommend taking a DiY approach to explore lots of the destinations in this region you are almost tied into doing the ship's excursions if you want to see Bethlehem, the Pyramids, Petra (or whatever is available on your cruise). Of course you could look into getting private tour companies but security issues make me reluctant to do anything other than go with the ship's trips (they usually travel in convoy). These excursions are not cheap - but just try to compare Thomson prices with other companies (RCI in your case) and see if you think there is a big difference and whether that is something you'd want to take into account. A cheaper cruise price may go some way towards payin for the excursions (a necessary 'add-on' for this kind of itinerary if you want to see anything - and that's the reason you are going so must be factored in.)

 

Well I hope this helps and hasn't muddied the waters even more. Happy planning and I hope whichever you choose you have a wonderful time. :)

[geomagot]

I've cruised with Costa, Cunard, P&O and some other smaller ships haven’t been on Celebrity or Princess

 

Love the comedy show Benidorm BTW;)

 

have been on quite a few ships over the years, others on here please feel free to correct, as I find it difficult to remember all the details and some ships/cruises/itineraries have merged a little in my head:o

 

Cunard, tricky dress codes and the accommodation you book will dictate which restaurant you can go in...didn’t really like this idea, food/entertainment great, drinks expensive plus they add corkage, bar bill soars upwards very quickly:(

 

Costa, its Italian style, announcements are made in several languages inc English, excursions are divided in to languages there will be separate buses with an Italian/German/English etc speaking guide,

 

The big Costa ships have loads of facilities but its difficult to mingle, quite a few kids & families, entertainment not bad, food (international fare) not bad, good value IMO nice to have a balcony but people smoke (a lot) on their balconies and it wafts into your cabin, only went on Costa once

 

P&O: no real atmosphere on board, plenty to do in the evenings and again loads of facilities something for every-one, tips/service charges are added to your account daily, have to factor this into the price most usually tip in cash as well, entertainment/food great, we only go on P&O if they are offering an interesting itinerary that we cant get on Thoms (short breaks usually)

 

Thomson are not a class below, each line/ship have their own pros/cons, it really depends what you are looking for

 

We just love the small ship atmosphere on Thoms, its village like, a good mix of passengers, yep ships are old and they cant provide the same facilities as the bigger ships, still plenty going on tho and something happening to suit all tastes, food very much aimed at British tastes, entertainment as always on Thoms fantastic! Tips included in the fare most tip in cash as well

 

Thomson Holy Land cruise is a fantastic itinerary being done by the Celebration from Marmaris next year (have done this cruise from Paphos or was it Limassol? On the Spirit) I thinks Celebration might have been upgraded to platinum by then too?:cool:

 

Personally: We prefer smaller ships, we like to mingle and socialise (Thoms excel here) don’t really need loads of flashy facilities/cavernous dining rooms/atriums, fares on Thoms generally come out in my price bracket, I liked the OV and the old Island Star for the same reasons, Haven’t been on Fred

[ormy]

Sorry I do not have the time to write as much as Kruzseeka, but would agree fully with that post.

We have cruised with RCI and MSC - both ok but we do prefer Thomson, smaller ships, making it feel more intimate and friendly and of course predominantly English passengers as opposed to mainly Italian on MSC and Spanish on RCI. I enjoyed RCI but got the feeling that it was just a money making cruise - for them not me.

MSC was our first cruise - so it was very much the wow factor, but I have to say we did enjoy it, its not always the cruise line that matters, we think that the itinerary is also very important to any cruise and Thomson do have some great itineraries.

Get booking!

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Well, I think Kruzseeka has covered most things. I have just come back from a Celebrity cruise and will probably not cruise with them again. Likewise, RCI, who are part of the same company. The cruises are comparable in price, but when you get on board, that is when the hard sell begins. We are wise to this now, but I was once persuaded to have a massage and facial on RCI - $120 plus they expect tips and tried to sell me $300 worth of beauty products (too late for that I told them!:D)

 

I would recommend Thomson, Fred.Olsen and Princess as being quite similar. We have had good holidays on all of them. Not tried P&O yet, but have heard good reports of them.

 

The other problem with RCI & Celebrity is that they like to make you think you have to pre-pay tips even thought the brochure says it is discretionary. We always remove them and pay the waiters & cabin stewards personally. On Thomson they are included in the price, although as Kruzseeka says you can give more if you wish, but you don't have to.

 

The entertainment on Thomson is first class. On RCI you do not always get a late show, so if you are on late sitting for dinner, you either have to go to the show first or not go at all.

 

Thomson do not turn you off the ship on the last day. If you have a late flight, you are free to stay on the ship or go on a trip until it is time for you to leave for the airport.

 

Red Sea Magic on the Celebration was our first cruise and got us hooked. We have been on 13 cruises now, 5 of them with Thomson and two more booked with them. True the ships are older, but you will never find a friendlier bunch of people or better entertainment.

 

Regarding your remark "a class below" I would certainly not agree with this. As Kruzseeka says, any ship may have problems (When we were on Independence of the Seas, they had a police guard on one cabin, due to troublemakers!)

 

I would thoroughly recommend Thomson cruises. The only think I shall miss on Thomsons from the bigger ships is a balcony!

[Cymro1953]

Linda, Kruzseeka and the others have about already covered what I was going to say too.

We have sailed with Royal Caribbean and Princess. With both of them we had a late morning flight and were off the ship at 6 a.m. on last day :eek::mad:

While with Thomson on a similarly timed flight we had time for a leisurley breakfast before going to the airport at a sensible hour.

 

We would go with Thomson 1st every time

 

Berwyn

[kruzseeka]

Linda, Kruzseeka and the others have about already covered what I was going to say too.

We have sailed with Royal Caribbean and Princess. With both of them we had a late morning flight and were off the ship at 6 a.m. on last day :eek::mad:

While with Thomson on a similarly timed flight we had time for a leisurley breakfast before going to the airport at a sensible hour.

 

We would go with Thomson 1st every time

 

Berwyn

 

 

Yes, Berwyn that has reminded me of an example of someone who wrote that they had a 7pm flight from Istanbul at the end of their cruise (with another cruise line) and were taken to the airport mid-morning and just left!! Couldn't even go through to departures as the check-in desk didn't open until 2/3 hours before departure so there they were stuck with all their cruise luggage on check-in side of the airport for about six hours before they could even get through to departures. That's really bad isn't it? :(

 

I do agree with you, in this respect Thomson are great - they give you the run of the ship plus restaurants and even your AI until you have to leave and then they only take you to the airport at an appropriate time for your flight. They really do have the logistics of transfers really sewn up to the benefit of their customers. Full marks to Thomson on that score! :) (Need a thumbs up here!)

[CRUISIN LINDA]

When we were on the Spirit last year our flight from Corfu was an evening flight. We booked a trip round the Island as we had not been to Corfu and booked a cabin to have a snooze in the afternoon (about £35) but as Kruzseeka says you can just stay on the ship and it costs you nothing :)

[Cymro1953]

Yes, Berwyn that has reminded me of an example of someone who wrote that they had a 7pm flight from Istanbul at the end of their cruise (with another cruise line) and were taken to the airport mid-morning and just left!! Couldn't even go through to departures as the check-in desk didn't open until 2/3 hours before departure so there they were stuck with all their cruise luggage on check-in side of the airport for about six hours before they could even get through to departures. That's really bad isn't it? :(

 

I do agree with you, in this respect Thomson are great - they give you the run of the ship plus restaurants and even your AI until you have to leave and then they only take you to the airport at an appropriate time for your flight. They really do have the logistics of transfers really sewn up to the benefit of their customers. Full marks to Thomson on that score! :) (Need a thumbs up here!)

 

We definitely need a "like" button on here like on FB.

 

Berwyn

[kalos]

Maybe a look at another member of this forum who made films may help you get an idea,as he has just done a new ship

and the now Ex-Thomson Destiny .

 

Would like to point out the cabins in this Thomson film are not typical of the other ships in the fleet .(Others better size)

This is the film that inspired me to go on Thomson.

 

As for the new ship , well you decide .... ? Other posters have given you fair advice and Stuart has made some great films

which are here for you to see .

 

and

(And thanks to Stuart for making them;) Great films :D)

[WeeCountyMan]

Twonga.

 

We've sailed 3 times with Princess, in the Caribbean, Med and Far East, all great cruises.

 

Likewise 3 times with Thomsons, including the Red Sea Magic that you fancy, and have absolutely no complaints apart from the ships lacking balcony cabins, which is not absolutely critical.

 

Thomsons don't do free ice cream cones, milk and cookies and don't have a climbing wall etc. - but the food is just as good, the staff are gems, the entertainment is West End stage quality, the drinks are reasonably priced (no added on gratuities) and you can buy cheap duty free booze for cabin consumption if you are that way inclined.

 

You won't regret booking the RSM.

[twonga]

wow thank you all very much for so much information! especially Kruzseeka's post!! It has helped me greatly!

 

The actual cruise i want to do is Pharaohs & the Promised Land.

 

Has anyone done this before? Just wondering whats the chances of Egypt getting cancelled as a stop? I know that other cruise liners quite often cancel last minute due to safety concerns. Now i know the cruise liners do this for the passengers own good, but i get the feeling that British cruisers will still visit unless its absolutely necessary to cancel?

 

Thanks all in advanced!

[kruzseeka]

wow thank you all very much for so much information! especially Kruzseeka's post!! It has helped me greatly!

 

The actual cruise i want to do is Pharaohs & the Promised Land.

 

Has anyone done this before? Just wondering whats the chances of Egypt getting cancelled as a stop? I know that other cruise liners quite often cancel last minute due to safety concerns. Now i know the cruise liners do this for the passengers own good, but i get the feeling that British cruisers will still visit unless its absolutely necessary to cancel?

 

Thanks all in advanced!

 

 

You are welcome! :)

 

As far as 'problems' are concerned you are right the British are far more likely to go to Egypt than especially the American traveller. Its about 18 months since we did this itinerary when I think the situation was perhaps a little more tense than at present (although it was part of a relocation so didn't include Alanya as it ended in Marmaris).

 

Our guide in Cairo began as soon as she got on the coach by giving us the most heart-rending thanks for coming to her country and saying how grateful they were to the Brits for sticking with them saying we were the only people who were! Her emotional comments were very moving and made us realise just how important the tourist trade was to her and her country and how decimated it was as a result of the troubles.

 

Having said that we weren't able to go to the Museum in Cairo which I believe was closed (still could be) because it's located next to Tahrir Square where the demonstrations tend to take place. Thomson just didn't offer the Museum as part of any excursion.

 

However we went on a trip to Cairo visiting the Pyramids, the Pyramids at Sakkara and to Memphis too. We were passing through the city (an experience in itself) for some considerable time - it's quite a revelation - and saw absolutely nothing of any problems. I suppose we were quite near to Tahrir Sq at some point but there was no evidence of any problem other than not being able to go to the Museum because of its proximity. There is no doubt that Thomson wouldn't take you in should there be concerns about safety. The Foreign Office post alerts in terms of trouble spots and I don't think any holiday company would ignore those.

 

On the plus side the Pyramids were very quiet - because of fewer tourists you could get around easily - it wasn't at all crowded and probably a much better experience than when these places are heaving with visitors.

 

Alex and the other ports don't seem to have any issues at the moment. We went to Jerusalem on Good Friday when it was busy and I was amazed by the mix of religions and nationalities there but with no feeling of tension and just a most up-lifting experience - as you would wish such a visit would give.

 

They actually took us to Haifa for two days instead of Ashdod and Haifa (can't remember the reason) but they put on all the same excursions - it just took a bit longer to get to some from Haifa than it would have done from Ashdod.

 

But it is an amazing itinerary and quite an experience to actually be at places you've heard of since you were a child and have such a history.

 

Enjoy your planning - it's all part of the fun for me and makes the anticipation all the more exciting!

 

If like many of us on here just one cruise has made us addicts! It's a fantastic way of seeing such a lot in a short time and the quest to see more and more keeps us coming back. Enjoy! You have a treat in store. ;)

[twonga]

thanks again:)

 

Its certainly helped me a lot!

[davecttr]

Twonga.

 

We've sailed 3 times with Princess, in the Caribbean, Med and Far East, all great cruises.

 

Likewise 3 times with Thomsons, including the Red Sea Magic that you fancy, and have absolutely no complaints apart from the ships lacking balcony cabins, which is not absolutely critical.

 

Thomsons don't do free ice cream cones, milk and cookies and don't have a climbing wall etc. - but the food is just as good, the staff are gems, the entertainment is West End stage quality, the drinks are reasonably priced (no added on gratuities) and you can buy cheap duty free booze for cabin consumption if you are that way inclined.

 

You won't regret booking the RSM.

They had a free ice cream machine in the buffet on Dream, have they removed it?

 

I found it rather complicated to work but some little kids soon showed me the correct procedure :D

[CRUISIN LINDA]

They had a free ice cream machine in the buffet on Dream, have they removed it?

 

I found it rather complicated to work but some little kids soon showed me the correct procedure :D

They had it in February :) The first time I used it, it was watery, like a sorbet, but after that it was fine. OH had trouble using it and nearly had it all over the floor until one of the waiters came and helped him. He probably thought "Poor old soul!"

[Grez]

That ice cream machine has a mind of its own!

[highlandlassie]

Just back from a RCC, and to be honest, I intend going back to Thomsons.

 

Hubby drinks cider - on RCC it was small bottle, cost ing around $5 then 15% gratuity was added and also a Spanish tax was added as well, as the ship left from Spain - if hubby got 2 btls to make a pint of cider it cost just under $16

 

You also can't take any drink onboard, like we could with Thomsons

 

Room service is free on RCC for food, with Thomsons you had to pay

safe is free on RCC - thomsons you had to pay

washing as much as you can put in a bag and you paid around $15-$20 thomsons you pay for each item of clothing

[geomagot]

I found it rather complicated to work but some little kids soon showed me the correct procedure :D

 

yep, kids explained the correct procedure to me too

 

.....you get a plate (biggest one you can find) you open the nozzle, then you leave it swirling for about 20 mins until it runs out, then you artfully add some cookies/fruit/cakes/jelly/yoghurt/umbrellas/plastic swords from the buffet

 

Et Voila!:D:D

[kalos]

yep, kids explained the correct procedure to me too

 

.....you get a plate (biggest one you can find) you open the nozzle, then you leave it swirling for about 20 mins until it runs out, then you artfully add some cookies/fruit/cakes/jelly/yoghurt/umbrellas/plastic swords from the buffet

 

Et Voila!:D:D

 

And not forgeting a Big Spoon :);) Now yer sorted :cool:

 

Also eating more than 5 plate fulls of the above in one go,could cause sea sickness symptoms :eek:

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Just back from a RCC, and to be honest, I intend going back to Thomsons.

washing as much as you can put in a bag and you paid around $15-$20 thomsons you pay for each item of clothing

That's good! They wanted $40 for a bag of washing on Celebrity :eek: I brought it home and washed it :D

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Just back from a RCC, and to be honest, I intend going back to Thomsons.

 

Hubby drinks cider - on RCC it was small bottle, cost ing around $5 then 15% gratuity was added and also a Spanish tax was added as well, as the ship left from Spain - if hubby got 2 btls to make a pint of cider it cost just under $16

 

You also can't take any drink onboard, like we could with Thomsons

 

Room service is free on RCC for food, with Thomsons you had to pay

safe is free on RCC - thomsons you had to pay

washing as much as you can put in a bag and you paid around $15-$20 thomsons you pay for each item of clothing

I think your view mirrors mine highlandlassie, see my post "back from the Eclipse" $49 dollars for a bottle of wine and that wasn't anywhere near the most expensive :eek: is ridiculous!

[ekco]

They had a free ice cream machine in the buffet on Dream, have they removed it?

 

I found it rather complicated to work but some little kids soon showed me the correct procedure :D

 

It was there in April and I didn't know how it worked so pressed something and the ice cream came out and it kept on coming and I didn't know how to stop it, lol. Something had to come and use brute force to knock it off and I had an enormous plate of ice cream.:eek:

 

Jan

[geomagot]

Also eating more than 5 plate fulls of the above in one go,could cause sea sickness symptoms :eek:

 

ahh well......y'know.......ship happens:D:D

[twonga]

Hi thanks for the reply, can I ask what you did not like about RCCL? ( apart from the alcohol situation?

 

I don't drink that much so it's kind of not an issue. What about the rest if the ship/ service etc?

 

Thanks :)

 

 

Just back from a RCC, and to be honest, I intend going back to Thomsons.

 

Hubby drinks cider - on RCC it was small bottle, cost ing around $5 then 15% gratuity was added and also a Spanish tax was added as well, as the ship left from Spain - if hubby got 2 btls to make a pint of cider it cost just under $16

 

You also can't take any drink onboard, like we could with Thomsons

 

Room service is free on RCC for food, with Thomsons you had to pay

safe is free on RCC - thomsons you had to pay

washing as much as you can put in a bag and you paid around $15-$20 thomsons you pay for each item of clothing