Calypso

[mm4143]

You weren't the lady with her mother who we met. Had lunch one day in the restaurant when all our food was cold

[Sweetie]

No I was with my husband.

[Hephaestos]

Well, I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to our cruise on this ship as we depart on 21 April. My wife gets seasick so I think we'll visit the doctor before we go to get a jab or something. We are flying in from Manchester and don't land until after 8pm, so I doubt we'll make dinner on the first night. Did anyone else experience that? Did they serve dinner late for late arrivals? Did they even give a toss? My experience so far with Thomson customer support (which ofers about as much support as a snapped jock strap) leads me to believe that they don't have much of a clue. We usually cruise with P&O or Royal Caribbean so I think we might be in for a shock. We only booked it as an alternative to a long weekend in Sorrento. Was the weather suitable for sunbathing or do I read between the lines that this was more a survival test than a cruise? We haven't pre-booked a cabin and we have a superior outside plus, all of which I think are on decks 6 & 7 if I'm not mistaken? Already I get the impression that Thomson are not a cruise company at all, but a cheap package holiday company that has hired some boats. How did you guys find the flights? Anyone fly from Manchester? Why do I keep hearing the 'Love Boat' theme tune in my head???

[Hephaestos]

Not sure that the above description refers to the same ship. Here is the description from a web site that refers to Louis Cruise Line, the actual owners of the vessel and from which Thomson simply charter. Sad that a sister ship, the Sea Diamond sank last week with the probable loss of two passengers.

Built in 1967 by Italcantieri S.p.A., Castellammare di Stabia, as the Canguro Verde. Entered service for Navigazion Traghetti Sardi between Genoa-Barcelona-Cagliari-Porto Torres. In 1974 Canguro Verde was sold to Societ� Linee Canguro. In 1981 she was sold to Saudi Arabian owners as the Durr, for service between Suez and Jeddah. In 1989, Durr was sold to Strintzis Lines as the Ionian Harmony, for a Patras-Dubrovnik-Ancona service. In 1990 Ionian Harmony was sold for use as Sun Fiesta between Puerto Rico and St Thomas, but did not enter service. Instead, she was sold in 1992 to A.Lelakis for conversion to a cruise ship for his Regency Cruises. She began cruising in 1994 from New York as Regent Jewel, but Regency Cruises folded shortly afterwards. Regent Jewel was sold again to Jule Cruises, and chartered to Transocean Tours as the Calypso. In 1998 she was laid up, until sold in 2000 to Louis Cruise Lines, retaining the name Calypso.

[Sweetie]

Don't know where you are going to. We have cruised on the Celebration before and really enjoyed it, no problems. We were I think unlucky with the weather this time. We were Deck 4 inside, cabin ok but don't expect to have a dance in there.

We flew from Manchester and landed late and had a meal in the Bistro but I think for the cruise this week they were opening the main restaurant.

We had a lovely time, doing our own thing, and the entertainment was great. We were the 1st passengers on so there were teething problems which I expect will be ironed out before you go.

One thing though if what people are saying is right and it is flat bottomed then you will need tablets if the sea gets rough.

We did sunbathe on the top deck on the last day. Quite a few loungers but not 400!

Have to report when you get back. Anthing else you want to know?

[Hephaestos]

We're doing exactly the same itinerary as you did. I'm not bothered about the size of the cabin, but cold food I can do without. What was the flight like? I've heard bad reports about Thomson flights. As far as I can remember we would have had to pay a supplement for a meal but I don't think we paid the extra. On RCI we take suits and dresses for formal dinners, but I believe there's only one 'dress up' night. Is that right? If so, which night was it? It's St George's Day when we are on board and I like to celebrate my national day in style.

[Sweetie]

We have flown with Thomson many times and had no delays for ages until we came home this time. This was due apparently to fog at Manchester on Saturday morning which had a knock on affect. The flight out was on time. It costs �12 extra for the meals. We used to book them because we found if you didn't you were sat at the back of the plane.

There was more hot food than cold but I wouldn't worry too much as I think it was more teething problems. We had our Captains dinner on the Sunday night (at sea all day hence not many appeared as it was rough). As so many missed it they held a Gala dinner on the Thursday so people could wear their DJs and dress up.

We enjoyed the cruise and am sure that some of the problems we encountered will be sorted by the time you are on.

[mm4143]

The flights were fine honest. Good film going out.

We had nearly a four hour delay going back, which wasn't pleasant when you land in manchester in the wee hours.

The formal dinner was on the Sunday night but nearly everyone was ill so they held it again later in the week but without cocktails.

You can pre book your cabin for an extra charge.

A little hint I am really sea sick and this is how I coped. I went to reception got some sea sick pills took these half an hour before we sailed. We then moved to early sitting. This meant we were getting ready before she sailed. Then by the time she was far at sea, we were in the lounge. Its easy to get queasy when your in your cabin moving.

I would take a tablet Saturday night before she sails and you maybe OK.

I had the injection on board and felt fine later in the week. But it costs �37.50.

Hope this helps

[Hephaestos]

I'm sure the fog excuse was genuine on Saturday as it was quite foggy here and the start times at my golf club were all put back half an hour. There's probably loads more I'd like to know, but I'll just go with the flow. I notice that the cost of our cruise has come down, which is the exact opposite of what happens with the big cruise lines. I just need to get some reliable seasickness remedies for my wife. Thanks

[Hephaestos]

Thanks mm. I think I may just pay for her to have an injection the day before we go at the doctor's. I think they last for a week. I don't get seasick, but I may take some tablets with me just to be on the safe side.