Anyone else on Thomson Dream cruise with Gold - 26 May 2012

[Essexlass2]

Hi

 

We have just booked to go on the Thomson Dream cruise with Gold on 26 May 2012, all inclusive for a bargain price too good to miss. So this is my first posting on this forum as we've not cruised with Thomson before and we're wondering what its going to be like :confused:

 

What are the best and perhaps not so good points of this ship?

 

Any tips or advice?

 

Anyone else going on this cruise?

 

Bet we shall have heaps of questions before next May! :)

[kruzseeka]

Hello and welcome to the world of Thomson! :D

 

Best points: friendliness, ambience, great staff, service and excellent entertainment - for all tastes I'd say - ranges from classical duo/trio to jazzy ensembles, bands, easy-listening pianist to game shows, quizzes, lido deck demonstrations (you know the kind of thing - ice carving, cocktails, napkin folding), afternoon play and great evening shows which you don't have to book to see. Relaxed but civilised would be my description. Also reasonably priced excursions and drinks compared with some cruise lines (not that the drinks bit will concern you with AI - another plus!), no restrictions on buying drinks to bring on board or from their own Duty Free which is very good value (although these would be for consumption in cabin only). Retain tradition of a Buffet Magnifique, formal evening each week, but no need to go if you don't want to - and they don't ban you from certain areas (bars etc) on formal night if you aren't involved/dressed in evening wear. Oh, and Destinations Services are pretty good at helping passengers who want to adopt a DiY approach - they don't opt out if you're not going on their excursions and will do their best to give advice, maps - and for example, if you ask, will even give you a Metro map for Athens to help you get in on your own.

 

And of course, as I'm sure you know, it isn't a new ship. It's kept really clean - they are strong on hygiene - and many areas have been refurbished with modern fabrics and look good but it would benefit hugely from carpet replacement in some of the cabin corridors where it's rather worn. This is probably an area for up-grading in time but does look a bit shabby in part and gives those who want to critise some ammunition!

 

Weaker points: no 'attractions' (skating rinks etc), no 'Wow' atrium, no multiple dining options - one main dining room and two self-service and one payable evening restaurant, no balconies (well 6 cabins only), sun lounger hogging (problem everywhere I suspect!), no coffee shops - and until people try it, a rather unfair perception of being rather second rate! (Not in the opinion of many though - including those who have travelled with other cruise lines!)

 

This thread will generate some interesting responses I think - I look forward to reading them! :D

[Essexlass2]

Kruzseeker thank you so much for all that interesting and useful information. We are really looking forward to the cruise and obviously we too will be very interested to see if others put forward their views too. :cool:

[stevedeccaman]

saves me a job doing a review

 

Stevie :D

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Well said Kruzseeka. Our friend said, when hearing we had booked with Thomson, "Oh you are going on the Cattle Boat then!!" Cheek!! he has only ever been on Princess, so I think he should "button it"

[lynwood92]

Kruzseeka - very information and interesting answer. Have been on the Celebration twice and are booked on the Dream 12th May. As i'm keying this reply, from your info, I can nearly visualise ship. Thanks.

[Essexlass2]

Kruzseeka, are you able to help us with some info about what we can do at our ports of call please? We prefer to DIY rather than pay ship excursion prices if possible.

 

Ajaccio, Corsica - an island tour would be nice

Livorno - hoping to get to Pisa and Florence somehow from here

Cannes - hoping to get to Monaco and Monte Carlo

Toulon - open to suggestions

Barcelona - open to suggestions

 

Nothing toooo expensive would be great! Hoping you can help us and anyone else on this cruise. Thanks! :)

[Jim The Scot]

Kruzseeka, are you able to help us with some info about what we can do at our ports of call please? We prefer to DIY rather than pay ship excursion prices if possible.

 

Ajaccio, Corsica - an island tour would be nice

Livorno - hoping to get to Pisa and Florence somehow from here

Cannes - hoping to get to Monaco and Monte Carlo

Toulon - open to suggestions

Barcelona - open to suggestions

 

Nothing toooo expensive would be great! Hoping you can help us and anyone else on this cruise. Thanks! :)

 

 

Cannes -do not buy a coffee.Took a picture of our bill £7-50 a cup

 

Toulon - theres a touring choo choo type train at the port that takes you around Toulon,hop on and off at certain stops eg beach.Think it was 5 euros.Enjoyec that

 

Barcelona - walk up las ramblas,Nou camp tour

[Essexlass2]

Cannes -do not buy a coffee.Took a picture of our bill £7-50 a cup

 

Toulon - theres a touring choo choo type train at the port that takes you around Toulon,hop on and off at certain stops eg beach.Think it was 5 euros.Enjoyec that

 

Barcelona - walk up las ramblas,Nou camp tour

 

Thanks for that, Jim, we've made a note to take with us. We do hope you enjoyed that coffee in Cannes!!

 

Livorno is a problem port; its looking more and more like we shall have to take the cruise excursion into Pisa and Florence unfortunately unless anyone can give us some advice.

[nirmd01]

Hi

 

We have just booked to go on the Thomson Dream cruise with Gold on 26 May 2012, all inclusive for a bargain price too good to miss. So this is my first posting on this forum as we've not cruised with Thomson before and we're wondering what its going to be like :confused:

 

What are the best and perhaps not so good points of this ship?

 

Any tips or advice?

 

Anyone else going on this cruise?

 

Bet we shall have heaps of questions before next May! :)

 

Hi

We'll already be on the Dream when you join- we are doing a 2 week cruise with 2 friends starting 19 May. Hubby will probably be wearing the shirt you can see in our profile pic some night, so if you see him say hi. This will be our first time for Thomson too, but we have cruised on the Island Escape a few years ago.