Nannyannie

Have flown from Gatwick to Barbados three times in the last three years with Thomson and it has always been Dreamliner. A fabulous plane. It flies higher and faster than others

My husband has mobility problems. Tui have been brilliant and have had no problem at airports, but we have had to book assistance during the last few years. We now take a folding mobility scooter which he has been able to drive into restaurants on the ship and the waiters are only too pleased to park it for him when he is seated. Everyone on the ship we met were very helpful and it has been a relief as you always worry you will inconvenience others. Do have to say this has not been the case. I would be inclined to book assistance to be on the safe side and save you worrying.

Yes, it was amazing. There was a name to it but can't remember what. Would love the recipe.

Well size wise it will be. Marella ships are not enormous. The

Discoverys are around 70.000 I believe. Everything is well proportioned and as I have said before a very friendly crew and atmosphere. Good entertainment on board and good restaurants.

We have cruised with RCI. Food was exceptional but that was it IMO. Drinks were very expensive and crew were not as friendly as Marella. The entertainment left a lot to be desired. Everyone enjoys different things. You usually have more ports with Marella and we find a great atmosphere on board. The food is good and the speciality restaurants are extremely good. No cruise is perfect for everyone, and you speak as you find, but we have enjoyed Marella more than other lines.

We were on Discovery this Feb in the Caribbean with our DD and SIL.we all had a great time. We have all been on RCI and others lines. My daughter and son in law have booked Explorer for next Feb and if it wasn't for my husbands age we would have booked again. The facilities and ambience knock the other lines into a cocked hat IMO. You will never find anything perfect but Marella are a line to feel comfortable on. As regards to three courses. You can order just what you like from what I saw. A young teenager with his mum ordered three starters, two dinners and cheeseboard. No problem.

I would like to know how irons have suddenly become safe to use in cabins.

Yes, Emerald and Destiny. I believe there was show time with Adrian on Destiny after dinner. Oh dear am getting old but they were good. Nothing wrong with freestyle dining but we do miss the fun we used to have with the waiters. The Discovery is a beautiful Ship. Had no complaints at all.

We have just returned from Discovery and had a great cruise as we have in the past. There are always things that are different to and nothing is perfect. I think the atmosphere may be a bit different now that there is freestyle dining. When you had early or late sittings you would usually have the same waiters serving you for your entire cruise, and a wine waiter. Most people prefer to dine when they like so you don't always see the same waiters which for some people makes a difference. The ship was immaculate and saw no sign of illness. Some people just have to look for problems. We may have low standards but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Have a look at my review of the Discovery 2 to get some idea of what people were complaining about.

Yes. So glad you had a good cruise and noted your comments about people whinging. You always seem to get them. There were a young couple I remember on Dream when we were in the Caribbean a few years ago complaining that they had got sunburnt on deck and Thomson should have warned them this could happen. Unbelievable.

I do understand you speak as you find, but if I found a cruise line to be so awful wild horses wouldn't drag me on to it regardless of price. All being well we will be on Discovery in a week or so. Will see how we find this ship. Have done this cruise on Emerald, Destiny, Dream and Celebration and have had a wonderful time on every one. Will report back.

Don't kid yourselves with excuses, go and read the reviews on Cruise Critic and other review sites. The majority of reviews say that Marella Cruises are awful and they will not go with them again. In my opinion unless you get a cruise with Marella, (all inclusive) for less than £80 per night inclusive of flights, go elsewhere, as you are being overcharged for poor quality.

Am so sorry you had such a terrible cruise last year but do you really think it is necessary to keep criticising on so many threads. Many people from all walks of life wealthy or not have had wonderful cruises with Marella or previously Thomson. Nothing is ever perfect regardless of how much is paid. The class of passengers has nothing to with the way they behave on board. You will find cut backs on most cruise lines during the last few years. Good luck with your next cruise. Most of us will continue to enjoy Marella.

Well that settles it,no esta. We have a great itinery, good weather and a wonderful cruise to be had by all.

Sadly their not top of the class for customer service but their cruises are very good.We haven't received any notification of change in the itinery yet but obviously we will all be doing the same from 4th March.

Well do we or don't we get the ESTA? Though of ringing Tui but doubt they will know, and it takes ages to get through anyway.

Thanks for advice. Will do the ESTA this week and will see what happens. Like many of you, we enjoy the varied islands in the Caribbean and just glad to get away from this awful weather.

We are also doing the cruise on 25th Feb for 2 weeks. We have yet to apply for our ESTA. What do we do.?

I don't this behaviour is by any means confined to Thomson/Marella. Sadly it appears to occure on many other lines. When you go on a cruise you are in the lap of the gods as to how well mannered your shipmates will be. I remember not so long ago I believe a Pando ship had its Christmas tree set on fire by a rowdy mob. We have perhaps been lucky and never had problem on our 15 cruises with Thomson and for that matter nor our cruises with other cruise lines. Probably the all inclusive doesn't help but the great majority of passengers no how to behave and want a relaxing holiday. The crew on Thomson/Marella are the best you will get and give there all to ensure your enjoyment.

I have never heard of them. Where do they fly from? Am surprised at Thomson using such an airline.

I have never heard of them. Where do they fly from? Am surprised at Thomson using such an airline.

I think it's all done to make life more complicated. It will be something else soon. Just getting used to Tui now this. What next!

Thank you Dysongs for your information. Think we may now consider doing this. My husband does have a small mobility scooter and is also ok with a few steps. Also love Spirit so will try an take the plunge. Do you no if they are doing the same itinery next year.

Loved this review of Spirit and your wonderful cruise. This is an itinery that I have wanted to do but my husband is disabled and I am concerned that mobility would be difficult. Do you agree.

Thanks for bar information. Can't wait to go.

Sounds good but my DH says any info on whiskey??