Tips 4 Thomson Cruises

by **HW tenpin** on Mon Jan 30, 2006 1:59 pm

To try to answer a few points raised in Thomson's Cruise reviews.

The all-in drinks package does not mean it's all free, there is a supplement for most Premium drinks and bottles of wine.
Examples, Becks, Fosters, Heineken, Kronenbourg, Budweiser, 1664, Corona and the like you will be charged at the rate of �1.60. Per bottle.
Premium Spirits are the same but around 80 pence extra.
You can have as many glasses of wine you like, but are charged for a bottle.
Check the bar list, figures in red alongside the price indicate what you will be charged, this also applies to Liqueur Coffee, and water.
So what is free? Stella or Boddingtons, Most Cocktails run of the mill Spirits, wine by the glass, Hot Beverages (coffee/tea) and most soft drinks.

Drinking water on board is available, but you need to seek this out, usually just one machine tucked away, (they want you to buy it,) look behind the grill on the Lido deck, or ask where the ice machine is, normally there.

Suitcases can be stored under the beds most times, now who thought of looking under there, it will take all but the largest of cases.

Tours can be examined before you go, ask your TA or contact Thomson for list of tours for your Cruise. These are certainly expensive so be selective if you take them. Mostly you can do your own thing at half the price, a good guide is the time the ships tours take, if it is over six hours, this will mean places to visit are far away, Rome is an example, nine hours, check the time taken by the coaches.

Hope this helps some. I am always here if you require any help. I will try to answer within three days, even when I'm Cruising.

by **HW tenpin** on Mon May 15, 2006 9:48 pm

Hope this helps some. I am always here if you require any help. I will try to answer within three days, even when I'm Cruising.

Just pulled this up again, as I know several of you are trying the Thomson Cruises this year,

by **linda dee** on Thu Jun 29, 2006 10:38 pm

hiya linda and sammi here we are 1st time cruisers going on the thomson spirit in October, we are looking for some questions to be answered if you could help?

1.is it hot in oct?(we are going to italy and france)
2. any wheelchair users if yes how did you find it?
3. is the shops on board reasonable? what kind of thing do they sell?

and any other wee tips you could tell us?
thank bye:p

by **HW tenpin** on Sat Jul 01, 2006 12:47 pm

Hi sorry missed this one.

Yes it will be warm to hot in October

Using a wheelchair is fine and the crew help you board and dis-embark, however you MUST check with Thomson that the chair in question is suitable and your cabin will allow access of it. If using a Thomson's chair make sure on your last night you tell staff collecting luggage that you require it for the following morning, sometimes they have a habit of disappearing then, if left outside in the corridor.
If taking tours they are limited to wheelchair users but can handle all types of fold-up chairs very few coaches have lifts, but again it's easy to check with tours desk once on board. You may not be able to go ashore in any Ports served by tender, that will depend on the Sea conditions, other than the above wheelchair users can get about the ship as easy as the able-bodied.

The shops on board are tax free selling Perfume, Spirits, Jewellery, Clothes, and the like there is also a small chemist shop. Do however check prices ashore as they are cheap enough in Italy and France. The shops are open whenever the ship is at sea, but not while in port. Good buys on board are watches and yard of Gold sales. (Gold chains)

Early morning tea is available from room service, no charge, but better bet is to go to buffet and collect it yourself, that way it's hot and how you like it and at a time you want it. Room service does tend to be earlier than you have put on the ticket up to 30 minutes, which is a bit off putting if you are still in bed. You may take whatever you like from the buffet back to your cabin to eat there if you prefer.

Any other questions just ask, and have a fantastic time.

by 50 on Wed Nov 01, 2006 6:11 am

hi going on the Destiny over christmas / new year 06
my wife seems to be concerned about the creases that will be in our clothing due to suitcase travel.
now this is because she has been told that there is no use of irons on board, please can you help with some info???
Then i can start to look forward to my holiday with peace
many thanks and kind regards
tom.

by **HW tenpin** on Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:30 am

Hi Tom,
Welcome to the cruise forum where I prowl the corridors trying to put new cruiser's minds at rest.

Never let it be said that I would try to change a woman's mind, but here are my tips. First take only half of what you think you need, packing soft items at the bottom and top of both cases with creaseable dresses and the like placed between plastic sheets in the middle. (Cut up carrier bags) if you don't have suit or dress holders.
Irons are available in the laundry room on board, but far better is to have items pressed or re-cleaned & pressed by the ships laundry service. This is about half the price of the cost ashore, a large bag of washing was �6, hang any creased clothes up in the bathroom while taking a shower, this removes most of the folds.
You will have perhaps three or four formal nights during a two week cruise, while it is very nice to get dressed up, you don't have to, most other nights are smart casual. On formal nights about 25% of men wear a Tux the remainder a jacket & tie. There is no snobbery on board the Destiny

One other thing, in all my years of cruising, I can never remember turning to Mrs T and saying, �look there is a crease in that gentleman's jacket' I guess we are all on the same boat. LOL.

Gladly answer any questions you have before your trip. Hope this helps.

by 50 on Wed Nov 01, 2006 4:09 pm

hi & thank you for such a prompt reply.
I have now put my wifes mind at rest with the info you gave,

by **HW Chris** on Wed Nov 01, 2006 4:20 pm

"One other thing, in all my years of cruising, I can never remember turning to Mrs T and saying, �look there is a crease in that gentleman's jacket' I guess we are all on the same boat. LOL."

Oh dear, I actually did laugh out loud. Nice one tenpin.

by **bettyboo_debbie2** on Fri Nov 03, 2006 9:27 am

Hi I am due to go on the red sea curise with Thomson soon and was wondering what the prices are like on board for alcholic and soft drinks, I have been told that it could be as high as 10 pounds for a pint of larger is this true.

Many Thanks

by **HW tenpin** on Fri Nov 03, 2006 12:52 pm

Hi Betty/Debbie,
Welcome to holiday watchdog.

No thats not true!

Bottled beers from �2.20. Wine by glass �2.75. Soft drinks and coffees served in the bars �1.20 Cocktails �3.50 up. Draft beers �2.80 up Draft was Boddingtons and Stelars but this was being changed last I heard.

Depending on how much you drink of course, but Mrs T & I expect our bar bill to work out about �450 for a 7/8 day cruise for the two of us.