Fred vs Toms

[Little Nell]

Nell, I didn't realise you were back. I thought you were away at the same time as Jak.

 

Did you get to see everything, and did you enjoy it?

 

Hi Happy v :)

 

We went on 25th July and had a fantastic time. It is the best cruise we've done. We loved the Eclipse! It is a really beautiful ship and the all round product was first class. Our tour in St Petersburg was wonderful and we can't wait to go back and see some more.

[happy v]

I've suggested on the other thread that you might try Boudicca on a day port visit, V. I'll soon be able to tell you my opinion. ;). I think Braemar is sailing from the Tyne next year or it could be Balmoral. Not got the brochure handy to check.

 

They are definitely worth a try Vee - I can't remember which area you are from in the UK but they do sail from many ports all around including Dover, Tilbury, Southsmpton, Liverpool, Falmouth, Glasgow, Newcastle & Edinburgh.

 

Ships are similar in size to Thomson, lovely deck & internal areas. Cabins are good too with tea & coffee facilities, safes on most ships (not all but not sure which ones don't have them), bathrooms were a good size with a nice shower - we had a superior 4 berth on Balmoral which was slightly larger than standard 4 berth on Spirit / Celebration. Loads of storage space.

 

Waiting & bar staff are mainly Filipino, Thai & Indian - all SO friendly & always smiling. The drink package whilst not fully inclusive we felt was very good & we did buy cocktails but our bar bill at the end of the 2 weeks for 4 people was not big!

 

No 'sell, sell, sell' on Fred & photos were a reasonable price too - £6.50 for a 7x5 picture.

 

No constant broadcasts over the tannoys; just generally the Captain's speech at midday & the CD usually in the morning detailing any information for the day.

 

Try them out - we started off with 2 mini cruises but we had already booked the 2 week cruise!

 

It might not be for everyone & whilst it has a reputation for being 'full of old people', age is a number, yes there were a lot of elderly onboard but a lot of the elderly can party hard - and there were all ages on too! The group I was with consisted of my 2 teens (15 & 18) & the rest of us are in our 40's & we all had a great time! I would also go onboard with just my husband too with no worries.

 

I made a special trip to get a brochure today. Made a cup of tea, started reading and found the girl had given me this years :(. I still read it and the itineraries are fabulous. I'll just have to try somewhere else tomorrow for the new one.

 

Jak have a great time:), I thought you were already there, I'm a bit out of touch at the moment:o.

[Malch_uk]

Give Fred a ring on the 0800 number in the brochure and they will send you a new brochure.

 

 

 

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

[happy v]

Give Fred a ring on the 0800 number in the brochure and they will send you a new brochure.

 

 

 

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

 

Thanks Malch.

I had a look on the web last night and it said a new brochure was coming out in september so I'll wait for that.

[stevedeccaman]

omg at this rate this Thomson thread will close by next year:eek:

 

Stevie ;)

[Julessmiles]

Thanks Malch.

I had a look on the web last night and it said a new brochure was coming out in september so I'll wait for that.

 

I have one for 2015 already - it's orange coloured!

[Malch_uk]

We've got a 2016/17 brochure and have had it for some time. Came through the post from Fred. That's how I knew about the Scottish Lochs cruise.

 

 

 

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

[CRUISIN LINDA]

I have the orange one too :) It came through the post.

 

I feel a bit responsible for all these people defecting to Fred, Stevie :o:D:D

[happy v]

I have one for 2015 already - it's orange coloured!

 

Mine's light blue, so I'll have to get the new one.

 

I think I'll order it as we have our granddaughter all week so definitely won't be going into town ;):D

[Malch_uk]

Just realised no one has mentioned the Fred loyalty scheme which is set out in writing and not just a random thing like the odd bottle of fizz (if you are lucky!)

 

On return from your first cruise with Fred you receive a membership number and card for the Oceans Cruise Club and are entitled to 5% off any bookings made at least 12 months in advance, plus newsletter and advance notice of new offers etc.

 

Silver - When you have spent a total of more than 30 nights cruising with Fred it's 5% off for bookings made more than 9 months in advance, 5% off on-board spend and an Oceans cocktail party.

 

Gold - Exceed 100 nights cruising and it's 5% off bookings more than 6 months in advance, Silver benefits as above, plus 5% off pre-booked shore tours and welcome aboard gift.

 

There is also an on-board Rep for members and a land based Administrator for any enquiries.

 

Pity Thomson don't read this site any more. They could pick up lots of tips.

 

Malc.