GaryT-UK

I sailed on Discovery 2 this summer and had a great time. I know everyone's idea of fun is different, but I really like the Thomson cruises for entertainment (I'm trusting Marella will be no different). I think it's a lovely ship.

I didn't do the solo events this time as they clashed with other things I wanted to do more, but they do have them, and I've met some great friends I'm still in touch with in the past - they're advertised in the cruise news.

At dinner I did the mix of tables for one, one - but in a row of 3 so you could chat to those next to you, and the big mixed tables. I'd definitely recommend Gallery 47, which is the upstairs restaurant.

I hope you have a great time. I've just booked for Discovery 1, which I believe is exactly the same.

Were going to venice, split, dubrovnik, pula, koper and zadar.

 

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Just my opinion, but:

Venice - I've both walked in and caught the monorail to Piazza Roma (I think!) and walked into St Mark's Square - you see so much just following the canals.

Split - I went on tour to the waterfalls at Krka National Park - good if you like nature.

Dubrovnik - first time I accidentally missed my tour & ended up walking into the city & round the walls on my own. By chance I found out how easy it is to explore on your own. Second time I went on the wine tasting mini-train - fabulous!! Though I did spend afternoon sleeping the morning's drinking off 😉

Koper - would highly recommend the Postojnska Jama cave tour!

Zadar - quite small and easy to explore on your own. Dont miss the sea organ on the opposite side of town from the port?

It's a fab itinerary. Enjoy!

I've always taken the Thomson website price to my non-Thomson TA and they have always at least matched it until this year, when they weren't allowed to. So this time I've saved over £300 booking online! (Admittedly in the new year sale). Plus I've gone through a cashback website, so may save a bit more too.

I haven't got to the travelling point yet, but my TA has never really added anything beyond the booking stage.

Bergen, Geiranger & Alesund are all easy DIY ports.

In Alesund I walked up the 400+ steps to the viewing point, only to see the tourist train waiting there - so you can do it the hard or easy ways.

As well as exploring Bergen & Geiranger on foot I've done RIB boat rides into the fjords on 2 different trips. If Thomson offer this I'd highly recommend it - great fun!

Geiranger is quite small, but I think there is a tour further out, can't comment on that though.

Just noticed you are also returning to Bergen. I went for the second time last year and had a RIB boat ride round the fjord - brilliant - if it's on offer I'd recommend that too 😎

Hi, I haven't visited these ports with Thomson, but I guess most cruise lines offer similar excursions.

Everyone has different tastes, but this is what I did on the ports I visited:

Stavanger - quite small and easy to explore. In my opinion not the most exciting of ports, but I passed that comment on another post and was told there are Anthony Gormley statues to see & plenty to do - maybe one to research!

Thorshavn - small and again nice to explore if only for the novelty of seeing houses with grass roofs!! I did an afternoon hike to a fjord - the scenery is stunning. If walking is not your thing go on a tour of the island.

Reykjavik - we had an overnight stay. I went to a hydrothermal plant, but regret not doing the Blue Lagoon as I heard good reports. I did have time to explore the city and the views from the cathedral are fab! Day 2 I went whale watching - what's not to like?

Akureyri - possibly one of my favourite cruise stops. Went on tour to the Godafoss waterfall, Thingellvir (probably not the right spelling) site of the oldest parliament & the place where Europe meets the American tectonic plate. I'd recommend a similar tour. Sailing out we passed through the Arctic circle & I was in my t-shirt & flip flops haha - it's apparently also good for whale watching, but I didn't see any.

Can't help with the other ports, but you have chosen a wonderful itinerary - enjoy!!

Hi, first cruise as a Solo Traveller on the Celebration, 13th March 2017.

A bit apprehensive, cabin 732 on deck 2.

Anyone any experience of being a solo traveller on the Celebration?

Hi, I haven't been on the Celebration, but have been on a few of the other Thomson ships as a solo traveller.

I've always had a great time. There are solo events, announced in the daily events paper, usually a get together on the first sea day, which always clashes with something else I want to do so I don't often go to that. They also usually have a solos dinner and if it's early enough in the week you can choose to meet up with the others for dinner later on. Alternatively I just turn up to the restaurant and asked to be seated with a mixed group. Couples are just as much fun to talk to and I have often been "adopted" 😀. On my first solo cruise I went to the buffet and ate on my own every night. A few cruises later I had fixed seating, so went to the main dining room & discovered the joys of multi-course meals & that's all I ever go for now, the food is one of the best bits of cruising for me!

I've also met people on trips, or even just sat in the theatre for the shows. If you go with the attitude that you'll talk to anyone you tend to find people are glad to have someone different to talk to as well.

The entertainment is the other good bit of cruising, there's always something to do. I've been on other cruise lines, but I think the Thomson show teams are the best - maybe just my opinion, but I've already booked on the Tui Discovery 2 for this summer as I found the entertainment on the ship I was on last year disappointing in comparison.

Hope you have a brilliant time!

What reason do p&o give for swapping ports in the fjords, I don't imagine it's because sea state etc, we recently done a cruise including Guernsey and was told we could not stop at st peters port due to the sea conditions, spent 24hrs anchored up at sea although it seemed very calm I respected the captains decision, I've read a number of complaints about p&o recently swapping ports and wondering what excuse they could give for swapping ports in the fjords.

My July cruise was changed in April "due to the volume of ships in the area" of Olden & Flaam.

I was on the Iberia cruise the week before and they did the same ports, but in a different order - I believe that was for a similar reason, but by changing it meant we were the only ship in on most days.

In fairness I hadn't done much research & really just walked around the town - I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw though, but for me it was a (happily) lazy day. Maybe there's a tip there to do some research beforehand.

I'm just back from Norway on Britannia (my first P&O cruise - I did a back to back with the week before in Iberia, so had 2 weeks to explore the ship).

It's not my first cruise and I'd read some of the negatives too. Trouble is once you've cruised a few times you can't help but compare with others. But whilst it's not my favourite ever, it was all good and I'm certainly glad I went - I'd sail again with P&O and Britannia is a lovely ship with great venues, despite some of its quirks.

I booked with a travel agent, but still got on board credit & coach travel - think there was a deal on when I booked so it was cheaper overall to have the select fare, rather than the saver.

I was on my own, but had an obstructed view balcony cabin (G531) - the lifeboat didn't really block the view. It was my first balcony and I was enjoying lying in bed watching the sail ins anyway, but it paid for itself in Bergen when we had a 7am "bing bong" to say there was a pod of pilot whales next to us - you could hear the squeak of 100 balcony doors as everyone dived out of bed to look! Definitely my best cabin ever.

I picked the cruise purely for the itinerary. We went to Stavanger, Alesund, Andelsnes & Bergen. The weather in July was mixed, warm, sunshine & showers, then it poured down in Bergen. I'd recommend taking layers, shorts & waterproofs.

I went on a ship's tour in Andalsnes, which was really well organised (actually the ones I did the week before were too - so that's a P&O plus!) and having done Bergen previously on my own I did the ship's RIB boat ride round the bay and fjords - lasted 45 mins and was great fun. The other ports were fairly small, but easy to explore on your own.

Overall I had a relaxing week, Norway is beautiful, dodgy weather just gives you an excuse to enjoy the ship in the afternoons. There are faults to find if you want to look for them, but nothing that spoilt it for me. I'd go and try it - I met loads of people who only ever sail P&O and love it. Sure you'll have a great time!

I'm just back from the Fjords. We had Olden & Flamm substituted for Alesund & Andalsnes, but never having been to any of them that was fine for me.

Stavanger was very nice to walk around. Not much there, so you can see it in a couple of hours. There is an oil museum, which I didn't visit.

I've been to Bergen before and last time walked round the UNESCO Bryggen Wharf and went up the funicular railway to the viewing point myself - all easy to DIY (but there were queues for the railway). This time I did the ship's RIB boat ride tour round the wharf & out into the fjords - lasted 45 mins, but was great fun.

Word of advice - it poured down in Bergen, but was hot or showery other days - much like a UK summer. I'd take layers, shorts & waterproofs. Also make sure you watch some of the sail in/outs - the fjords are lovely.

My week in Norway was very relaxed - I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Thanks for the reply, that is very helpful.

I am keeping the same cabin both weeks. My first balcony :D albeit an obstructed one on G Deck, but that looks fine to me.

I'm travelling on back to back cruises on Britannia in July.

Its not my first cruise, but it is my first time with P&O.

I have noticed that I have had to log into each cruise separately on the Cruise Organiser and add all of my passport details etc twice. Is there a way to link multiple cruises to one user?

Also do they treat each week as a very distinct cruise? I have on board credit for both weeks, so will I have to use it all up in the relevant week? I'm sure it will not be an issue, but just nice to know.

Thanks,

Gary

Glad to hear you enjoyed it [emoji3]

I enjoyed the little tourist train here, which you can catch just up from the "cricket pitch" across from the fort.

It takes you out into the wider town, past Prince Philip's birthplace, a few small archaeological sites and churches, and I think you get a bit of a commentary on the history of the town too. You probably see a few things that wouldn't be so easy to walk to.

I agree its also quite a nice old town to wander around as well.

Hi Gary

 

We've done Gibraltar to death but never walked down. Did consider it but haven't been able to find anyone who had done it until now.

 

Just a couple of questions: 1. How long did it take? and 2. Is it a reasonable pathway or is it dodge the mini buses on the way?

 

We're off in six weeks.:D

 

Thanks for any info.:)

Hi,

I followed a map very similar to this one: http://www.gibraltarinfo.gi/images/gibraltar-attractions.jpg

I caught the cable car up, and tried to get there reasonably early, there was a queue.

I had time to see the apes, St Michael's cave, the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle (not much to see), but didn't have enough time for the WW2 tunnels.

I can't remember how long it took, its a long walk, but I was back in plenty of time and didn't really have to rush and I do remember having time to look in some of the shops too on the way back - we were there all day though.

You are walking on the roads a lot of the way, so do have mini buses passing, and apes too, but I don't remember it being a big deal and they are at least easy to walk on.

Have a great time whatever you decide to do.

I've been to both Gibraltar and Casablanca twice now.

In Gibraltar I took the cable car up the Rock, then walked down visiting the Caves etc on the way. Second time I was content to wander around the town.

First time in Casablanca I did the ship's tour to the Hassan mosque - we also had a great guide who explained about their culture in a really interesting way.

Second trip I did the tour to Rabat, which was equally fascinating, I'd recommend that too.

I guess it depends what you like, but even if you hate the places at least you can say you've been - then again you might love them [emoji3]

Was the entrance to Dead Sea extra or included in the Tour price ?

My tour was the ship's Masada & The Dead Sea and cost £99.

It included the tour & cable car at Masada, lunch in the Lot Hotel at the Dead Sea, then we used their beach to go in the sea - you could use the hotel facilities too. It was all very modern, but didn't spoil the experience at all.

I have heard of people going just to the Dead Sea, but they seemed to just scramble down the rocks into the sea, so presumably not at a resort - so it may be worth checking what you are actually getting for your money.

This is a Baltic cruise so might be cooler. I think I will plan for jeans, light and regular and layers otherwise, as well as capris/skirts for dinners in the dining room.

I went to the Baltics in July 2012 and the weather was fantastic (as was the trip!) - shorts & t-shirts every day. I guess it depends when you sail, but I'd definitely plan for some good weather too - layers is a good idea.

Enjoy!

I was on a couple of weeks ago and saw a group turned away from the restaurant at night because the guys were wearing shorts.

Personally I like to eat in the main restaurant at night and have the 5 course meal treatment. I wore nice jeans and chinos though, apart from formal night when I had taken my suit, and never had a problem.

I went on the trip to Troy & the Museum. Troy was interesting and worth seeing if you like that kind of thing (I do :))- though not as spectacular as the ruins in Ephesus which you can do later in the week. The museum wasn't really worth the extra hour of the tour in my opinion, as its a fair drive from the main site and not very big.

When I got back there was plenty of time to look round the fortress and there was a market on too - it was a nice place to wander round.

Hi, they were all orange.

I was being a bit flippant because I saw loads of sunbeds reserved with orange towels and never saw any actual people use them for hours in some cases. Really annoying when people are wandering round trying to find a space, especially on sea days.

For anyone interested my ports of call were:

ISTANBUL - did the ship's Easy Istanbul tour as I wanted to go to the Asian side. It was more of a photo stop before coming back to the historic centre for 2 hours on our own. I did the cistern & Blue Mosque - both well worth it. This trip worked perfectly for me, but I'd definitely have a DIY trip next time.

BOZCAADA - Ship's tour to Troy. The ruins aren't as spectacular as say Ephasus, but definitely worth ticking off the to do list. The museum wasn't worth the extra hours travel, although we did get a view of Gallipoli on the way there.

KUSADASI - been 3 times before, so this was a lazy day wandering the market then grabbing a sun bed.

ATHENS - thanks everyone who recommended the X80 bus. 4 euros return, walked through the Plaka (paid 2 euros to visit a couple of ruins, think it was 12 euros for the lot including the Acropolis ), then paid 6 euros for the Happy Train tour of the big sites, including a hop off at the Acropolis if you wanted. A great day for less than 20 euros.

SANTORINI - ship's tour to Oia village, including a wine tasting stop, followed by free time in Thira. Didn't risk DIY due to the Greek upheaval at the time and this was the new place/highlight of my week. Loved it, was not disappointed at all.

MARMARIS - full day in port for changeover day. Just walked along the beachfront, bazaar and visited the fort, before a lazy afternoon on the ship.

ASHDOD - Day 1 ship's Jerusalem & Bethlehem tour - it's an early start and long day (10 hours), but is just fabulous. I'm religious enough to appreciate seeing the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane & places were Jesus was born & crucified, as well as the Western Wall & Dome of the Rock. The only downside after 2 days in Israel was that everywhere else felt like a bit of an anticlimax.

- Day 2 Ship's Masada & The Dead Sea tour. Another 11 hour day, but again well worth the long drive. Trip up the cable car to the Masada fort, our guide explained the story of the Zealots on the way. Then lunch at the Lot Hotel (like the ship's buffet) on the shore of the Dead Sea, before using their beach for our Dead Sea "float" - definitely an experience to tick off the list too.

LARNACA - ship's shuttle bus cost £5 return. 2 hours was enough to see the town, though there's a nice big beach if that's your thing. Was really just a rest day after Israel though for me.

ALANYA - nice seaside resort you walk into straight off the ship, with a big fortress that I wasn't tempted to climb. I did walk round the base though and visited the Caves (worth 5TL ~£1.25, but I'd have been disappointed if I'd paid for the ship's tour) and also the interesting small archaeological museum (again 5TL, worth it for the air con!). There are lots of shops here too.

RHODES TOWN - have been before and love to just walk off the ship and explore the narrow streets.

All my official tours were with the ship. I prepaid before I travelled which was a couple of pounds cheaper, but guaranteed the tours I wanted. Tickets were in my cabin on day 1 each week. All of the ones I went on were very good, but I don't mind being part of a larger crowd and our guides did a good job of avoiding crowds.

I'm back from my 14 nights Ancient Wonders and Aegean & the Holy Land cruise, my first time on the Spirit, but my 5th Thomson & 12th cruise in total.

I wondered how I'd feel going on my smallest ship after the last one (RCI Freedom of the Seas) was the World's 4th biggest at the time, but in fact I didn't notice the size difference much at all - in fact it was nice only having to walk 2 flights of stairs to get to food [emoji3]

I had single cabin 589 on deck 3, and asked for it to have a double bed layout, as I can only sleep in one bed. Cabin size was perfect, but the age of the ship showed with a constant rattle when in port (no chance of an afternoon nap, not that I had time), the loo didn't stop flushing & flooded the bathroom 3 times (thankfully I caught it or the cabin would have been next) and the phone was a 1980s original (I bet parents have fun explaining that's what phones were like in the olden days!) That said you could tell it had been decorated, housekeeping were quick to clean up the floods, my cabin stewards were superb and all in the faults were minor and problems resolved quickly which is what really matters.

I've been on the Majesty & Dream but I have to say I think the bars (Raffles, High Spirits & Horizons) and the theatre are my favourites of any ship. I understand now why so many people like this ship. It lacks a decent top deck pool, but they use what they have well, though your only chance of a poolside sunbed is if you are an orange towel!

I ate in the Lido for breakfast, discovered Chefs Corner for hot sandwiches or had high tea for lunch, and had the same table with Larry & Robert in the Compass Rose for dinner. I never had a bad meal and was spoilt for choice on all but one night, and even then I picked well.

For me cruises are all about the shows and as usual the show team were excellent, and the entertainment team were great as well and the bands in the bars were good singers and very entertaining. I didn't have time to see everything that was going on. I've seen the comedians before, they are good, but if Thomson are going to bring people back every year they should ask them to do a new routine at least, as it was the same act as last time too.

I did notice that although I met a few first timers this ship was full of people who'd done loads of cruises and kept coming back. I see a lot of criticism of Thomson on these boards, but the ship was full of people coming back, which is the real testament of how good they are.

As a single I also noticed this ship was full of singles. We were up to 10 at dinner on week 1 and had a whale of a time together. It was a different crowd on week 2 and I had a busier week of tours, so didn't join in as much, but I'd recommend this as a good choice for solos.

Overall I had a fantastic cruise once again. I'm a bit torn between the out dated cabins (especially as I've been spoilt by more modern ships), but I still don't think you can beat the entertainment and I'd happily visit these bars again.

Actually the best 2016 Thomson itinerary for me is on the Spirit, so I may well be back. [emoji41]

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