Thomson Cruises Reviews

My partner and I are regular Thomson cruisers and would have to disagree with you on a number of points. Firstly they are not "Butlins" at sea. Bingo does take place - but when on the Celebration last June it was announced in the morning and then again shortly before "eyes down" which I think was about 5 p.m. Not even sure where it took place - it was that unobtrusive. Napkin folding is a quick demonstration by the waiters - nobody forces you to watch! There is a choice in the evening of entertainment. Horizons bar - jazz, another bar (name of which I forget) -classical, Hemingways - no entertainment (unless you want to watch the casino games), Broadway Lounge - shows and Liberties which had a live band and game shows etc. I would say something for everyone there! There is also a cinema showing a good choice of films throughout the day and evening. I have to follow a restricted diet but have never had any problem on Thomson ships. I agree that the Lido can be chaotic at popular times. Could I ask what your "type of people" are please. Surely if you had done a bit of research into prices on various cruise lines you would have seen that Thomson are at the lower end of the price bracket so therefore one would expect that you will get working class people like myself on board. However that does not mean that we are lager swilling, bingo lovers who like to fold napkins! We know how to behave and to dress appropriately. I have always found quite a good mix of guests on Thomson ships. In fact have spoken to many people who have cruised with the top end of the market cruise lines but come back to Thomson. May I say that it is also very unfair to single out one particular reviewer on this site. I know that North makes many contributions to this site and is very loyal to Thomson. Should that be a problem?

What a pity you spoiled a fairly good review with your opening comment! By and large it was a good subjective review EXCEPT how can you possibly reward the Entertainment section with 2 stars when you admit you only went to one show??? A tad unfair that!

Gosh, what an epic saga! My Hubby and myself were on a Red Sea Magic cruise in February and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was first time for us not to have a cabin with a balcony, but hey ho Why mention (twice) that you are on a restricted diet, my Hubby is also on a fairly restricted diet, but he never had reason to complain We note that you are new to cruising (!). On our same cruise, we met a couple who had crusied with Thomson F I V E times with no cause to complain. We have cruised at least 16 times with various lines and think what we paid for the Red Sea Magic cruise was good value Sandy & Huw of Worcester (OAP\'s)!!

I agree with Cross of Cambridge the people on Thomsons ships are a different clientele than Princess and P&O. They are friendlier not as stuck up and want to enjoy themselves. Most importantly they are not stuck up working class snobs

Out of curiosity what hotel did you stay at in Egypt? I am just about to book this cruise and stay holiday and dont know which hotel to choose in Egypt. I quite like \'hi de hi\' and have been on the celebration before but would like a bit of 5 star luxury in my hotel.

For a very good cruise go on Thomsons Nile Ritz it was fantastic on the boat there are aboute 100 people so its not crwded the food is out of this world and all drinks are all inclusive . Just sit back and watch the world go by. And by the way we had a great meal in Luxor

A shame that you did not enjoy your cruise.My wife and I cruised on the Celebration some 4 years ago and found the experience most enjoyable,the food at that time fantastic and the entertainment good.A lot depends on expectations of passangers; a point which cannot be emphasised enough. From your review I get the impression that you prefer the open spaces and understand that the confines of a ship can be claustophobic. I have travelled the world in many modes and classes of transport the most generous and hospitible of people have been those who have little but are only too willing to share what they had; There friendliness and hospitality at times was overwhelming.It also requires the guests have to bend a little.On occasions things are not 100% but why let minor faults ruin an whole experincee Varities of holidays are provided by tour companies because of the variety of tastes of individuals

I agree that some Thomson Cruises are like Butlins at sea but that is what some people enjoy. They also like the closeness and having to mix with people of different cultures and lifestyles. As this is the cheaper end of the market you expect a different clientele than say Princess or P&O. We have done both in the past but still come back to ships like Celelration. You can easily be alone on the bigger ships but you choose your cruise by the prices and itinieries that interest you and then as you have paid good money for your holiday you make the most of whatever situation you find yourself in.

I cant believe the wrath that this review has caused. The reviewer has offered his/her opinion whether you like it or not. The remark about North from Huddersfield is innocent enough - I cant believe how 'precious' people are on here. Perhaps they dont want to be associated with Butlins! The fact is Thomson cruises are at the lower end of the cruise market and by having all-inclusive drink packages unfortunately can attract the wrong type of passenger. If you dont like the review ignore it.