JonSchick

The MX-1 was a massively under-rated camera when it came out, with a lovely lens and sensor combination shared with a similarly-specced Olympus model. You might consider looking out for a Fuji X30 if you can find one at the right price - it's got a larger (2/3") sensor and a nice fast lens. Also a great viewfinder which is a bonus, and nice tilt rear LCD like the MX-1. To be honest the Pentax punched above its weight with image quality so I don't think you'd notice a massive improvement but the Fuji is also a lovely camera, and mine - which has been requisitioned by my daughter who is using it as part of her graphic design degree - has lasted unscathed for quite some time now (I may regret saying that.....).

I took the X30 with me on my first cruise to the Baltic a couple of years ago, and left all my more capable gear at home. I posted some thoughts and images on my blog, which may be of interest: https://thephotographersblock.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/leaving-the-gear-at-home/

Cheers,

Jon

The Circumvesuviana local train service runs frequently between Naples and Sorrento, and stops near Herculaneum. You can probably check the timetable on line to check it would work for you. Have a great trip ... Herculaneum is s fabulous place to visit.

Well Occitane is the fave here but I suspect we won't escape this cruise without products from the Dead Sea....

Mrs PC informs me we have to change our booking from Discovery with Clarins in the suites to Spirit!!

 

Sent from my VF-895N using Forums mobile app

I've no idea whether Clarins or Elemis is better but both sound more than good enough to me! I'll just leave mine with the expectation that it'll be no name shower gel and then anything will be a positive!

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

I think the better half will be very happy with Elemis toiletries but I may just take a supplementary supply just in case! Any thoughts on what the suites are actually like? I've seen only one review.

Looking forward to the trip (Ancient Affairs/Eastern Med) and hoping/expecting the ship will be a little more relaxed and friendly than the Queen Victoria - not to mention with more affordable prices and avoidance of hefty service charge on everything! We don't need to be on a glitzy mega-liner and, to be honest, although the 'hardware' was obviously newer and better, there were more similarities than differences between the Queen Victoria and Magellan than your average Cunarder might want to admit! The entertainment was definitely better on Magellan though with a talented group of dancers and great choreography but less flashy set design; I get the impression the same may be true of Thomson although I wonder if going on the last cruise of the season on the oldest ship they have may be a bit of a risk!

Keep the info coming....

Cheers,

Jon

Hi,

Not quite new to cruising (been on CMV Magellan and Queen Victoria over past couple of years) but first time with Thomson coming up when we do the Ancient Affair trip around the East Med on Thomson Spirit in November. I'm expecting an experience closer to CMV than Cunard, and TBH we had a great Baltic trip on the Magellan which was vastly better than the reviews led us to expect, so that's fine.

I've one or two questions though. First is that we've splashed out on a Suite (119 to be precise) on the Spirit but I've seen very few reviews of these - any feedback from someone who's been in one? I also wondered what kind of toiletries are currently included - is it the same across the whole ship (I'd expect unbranded shower gel in dispensers) or do suites get something different? I'm wondering whether to buy my better half a little gift of goodies to take on board depending on the answer to this question!....but the Thomson rep on the phone didn't know the answer.

I also wondered whether, like CMV, there may be some piano or classical music somewhere in the evenings, as well as the livelier bands? We like both but on the Magellan it was fabulous relaxing in the late evening with a brandy while the superb classical duo (piano/violin) were playing in one of the quieter bars.

I also wonder about whether Thomson prioritise passengers on their own tours when organising disembarkation from the ship? Some lines do this so you have to wait if you're doing your own thing (and we are considering organising a separate tour in Israel).

And final question - what's the food like in the Compass Rose? Not seen any example menus but I'm curious to see what's on offer - especially in the evening as I think we're much more likely to eat in the buffet or on shore during the day (perhaps a picnic grabbed at breakfast time on occasion!!!).

I know the Spirit is probably a little tired by now, but like the idea of a smaller and friendlier ship - especially when the crew seem to come in for unanimous praise. I'm keeping my expectations in check, but hope to be pleasantly surprised!

Thanks to anyone who's read all this and can help with some of the answers.

Jon