Thomson Celebration Review

Overall Rating

Everything. We really did not want the cruise to end, and we are busy looking at our next one for 2007.

None whatsoever (and no, I don't work for Thomson)!

The Thomson Celebration Fjordland cruise was our first cruise, and it certainly won't be our last. We went on excursions each day while in Norway, which were very professionally organised and friendly. The sights of Norway are breathtaking, and the Norwegians are very friendly and helpful. We even had a rendition of opera on one excursion by our Norwegian tour guide, which was excellent. I would recommend going on the excursions, but if you go to Mount Dalsnibbia, which is an excellent excursion, be aware the coach ride up to the top of the mountain is a bit scary. Also, make sure you take some warm clothes and rain protective coats, because when it rains in Norway it RAINS! I enjoyed the Flam tour the most, and the train ride back down was really enjoyable.

With regards to the cruise itself, I have to say that all of the crew from the Captain to the galley crew are all incredibly friendly and helpful. The crew are Filipino and have a constant smile. They were always saying hello whenever we met any of them. I recommend Meridians restaurant to eat in of an evening. It is as good a restaurant as I've ever eaten in. I went on the cruise with my wife, mother and father-in-law, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the Meridian experience every night. The LIDO restaurant situated at the rear of the ship is self service, and it is constantly open and provides all you would need to eat, from sandwiches and pizza's to a 3 course meal. Drinks on the ship are very reasonable. A pint of beer is about £2.20 and a bottle of wine is about £12.00, although you can get more expensive wines if you wish. Don't miss the chocolate buffet and the midnight buffet in Meridians. It has to be seen to be believed! The gym is fairly well equipped, and you can get a massage or other health/beauty treatments if you wish at varying costs. There is also a sauna on the ship.

Our cabin was very comfortable, and we had a powerful shower. The room was kept immaculate by our Cabin boy. The entertainment on the ship is absolutely excellent. The entertainers are very talented, be it doing a version of "Pirates of Penzance" or doing Elvis nights. All of the entertainers could quite easily fit in the best Broadway shows. The musical director was so talented and hard working. If you get a chance, go and see him do his solo act in Horizons, great singer, very funny and an excellent musician. The entertainment team are quite honestly brilliant. I can't think of a better way to describe them.