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nanabo
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10-02-2007 05:21 PM
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Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 566
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| Anyone booked on the new ship Thompsons Caypso this year, I have an extra week off work in May so I have just booked up, the itinary looks great the price is brilliant, what more can I ask for. Its only a very small ship but it will be cosy. I will let you know what its like.
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Renaissance Harbourside Hotel, Vancouver (10/10)
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John
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13-02-2007 11:23 PM
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Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1125
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| Yes it does sound brilliant being adult only!
The calypso had its moment of fame on cruises from hell with its former operator. Maybe tenpin will remember this also with the passengers being airlifted off in the north sea due to a fire or something engine related onboard. At least thats the incident i remember anyway, i may be getting confused.
Any publicity is good publicity as they say! Thomsons have had a lot of bookings through it!
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My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
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tenpin
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14-02-2007 03:26 PM
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Joined: 19 Nov 2004
Posts: 1578
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Can't really tell you too much about this ship as she is today, but I think Thomson will have made sure she exceeds expectations for an adult market.
She started out as the Southern Cross built by Harland & Wolff in 1955, and one time was being considered a contender for a try at the Blue Ribaud of the Atlantic but speed trails proved she was far too slow. I saw her during a transit through the Panama in 57 and a super sight she was too. By taking a look at the Shaw Savill site you could no doubt find out much more about her change of owners. Thomson chartered her for a few years in the late 70's from Ulysses Line.
During one of her re-furbishments most of the teak woodwork was removed due to H&S at sea regulations which is such a shame, but she was up until the start of this century a grand old lady and I am sure she remains so.
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My Latest Review: Jun 2008 Grand Princess Cruise Ship (9/10)
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Sweetie
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09-04-2007 09:16 AM
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Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 25
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| Just returned from the Ancient Empire Cruise.
As a small ship it does feel the weather more (understatement). I don't know if we were unlucky but we had a force 7 and only 60 or so made it the the Captains dinner.
We didn't know it but we were the first passengers on board. The entertainment was really good, the food was good - good selection, really large portions (well larger than we have had before) but not always as hot as it could be. Breakfast in the main room was waiter drinks but buffet for the food. The staff were very attentive and we had a good holiday. Our cabin was an inside superior and it was fine.
Some people were moaning about everything and vowing never to go on this ship again. If you read reports from them don't be too bothered.
If you want to know anything more specific let me know. Hope I haven't put you off!
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Continental Hotel, Sirmione (9/10)
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mm4143
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09-04-2007 11:24 AM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
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| Just returned from the the same holiday
I agree with them
We did feel the weather quite bad on the sunday everyone was in bed. But its a flat bottomed boat. I'm still swaying now.
The food got better as the week wore on. But they did have an issue with it being cold.
Entertainment and staff were fantastic and made it for us. Try to book a cabin middle and deck 3. We were on six and boy did it rock.
Don't expect large or fancy cabins there not.
I enjoyed the holiday but I know a lot of people vowed never again.
I do think we were guinea pigs and most of the problems will be ironed out.
If anyone has got any questions then fire away
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mm4143
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09-04-2007 11:27 AM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
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| Bye the way sweetie
do you still feel like your on the boat or is it just me!
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Sweetie
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09-04-2007 12:08 PM
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Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 25
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| Just been to put the washing out and its jolly rough in my garden! No its not just you my head is still whirling and my body is swaying. Still enjoyed my destinations though apart from Antalya. They must have run out of ideas for a final destination!
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Continental Hotel, Sirmione (9/10)
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mm4143
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09-04-2007 03:50 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
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| We went to the waterfalls and they were wonderful.
I bet they are inudated with complaints, they had already had loads at reception. I felt sorry for the Birmingham flight they waited from 1.00pm at the airport till about 7.30pm got on the plane another 30 mins then whisked to an hotel for the night. It was bad enough that we had a 3 and half hour delay.
I was going to go back with mum and try the crimean one but I don't think my balance could cope.
I thought the last day and limassol was a let down. Rhodes was beautiful.
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Sweetie
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09-04-2007 04:05 PM
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Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 25
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| The only thing we thought about Limassol was that we wouldn't want to spend a week there, although maybe there are better bits than where we were dropped off the coach.
We went into Antalya by taxi 25E walked around for a bit, found the pretty harbour and then came back.
Our best bit was Athens, we went on the Metro to do the trip and enjoyed every minute. Everyone was so helpful. In Kusadasi we hired a taxi, on board they hold us it would cost 80E but at the Tourist Information they said 40E. We went to Marys House and Ephesus for 45E. Our taxi driver, Alladin, was very informative, stopped to give us photo opportunities etc. Had a great day. We also went on a donkey ride up the hill at Lindos after catching the bus. We have been to Rhodes Old Town before so though we would do something different.
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Continental Hotel, Sirmione (9/10)
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mm4143
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09-04-2007 04:14 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
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| You weren't the lady with her mother who we met. Had lunch one day in the restaurant when all our food was cold
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Hephaestos
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09-04-2007 06:12 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 30
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| 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???
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My Latest Review: Apr 2007 Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship (10/10)
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Hephaestos
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09-04-2007 06:19 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 30
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| 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 Societą 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.
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My Latest Review: Apr 2007 Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship (10/10)
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Sweetie
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09-04-2007 06:23 PM
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Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 25
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| 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?
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Continental Hotel, Sirmione (9/10)
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Hephaestos
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09-04-2007 06:33 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 30
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| 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.
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My Latest Review: Apr 2007 Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship (10/10)
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Sweetie
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09-04-2007 07:45 PM
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Joined: 27 Feb 2007
Posts: 25
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| 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.
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Continental Hotel, Sirmione (9/10)
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mm4143
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09-04-2007 07:52 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
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| 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
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Hephaestos
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09-04-2007 08:01 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 30
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| 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
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My Latest Review: Apr 2007 Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship (10/10)
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Hephaestos
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09-04-2007 08:09 PM
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Joined: 09 Apr 2007
Posts: 30
My Profile
| 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.
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My Latest Review: Apr 2007 Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship (10/10)
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