written by on 28/03/2009
Good Points
Virtually every person you chatted to on the ships, had nothing but praise for the the Thomson cruises, yes, perhaps the ships could be newer, but newer doesn't mean a friendly, entertaining time.The food for what you pay is great,and you cant beat the staff. We had just got back from a 15 hour excursion,and were shattered, to be greeted by a group of waiters singing their heart out,drinks and hot towels were supplied to all while we made our way back on board.
Bad Points
We did three excursions on the Thomson Spirit on the Red Sea Magic cruise, Petra,the Valley of the Kings including Luxor and The Pyramids Light show. On the last two,we were taken to see how Papyrus was produced and surprise surprise,the souvenir and jewellery shop (approved by Thomson) and on the Valley of the Kings trip, via an alabaster factory annexed to a shop packed with souvenirs.You are supplied with tea and the use of their toilets, but nothing is priced and if you make the mistake of lifting an item from a shelf, the staff, leapt on you. Finally, the constant harrassment from hawkers in Cairo has to be seen to be believed, they really spoil a trip to the sites and now I've seen some of the main ones, I will never go back to Egypt again,even if it was a free.
General Comments
This is the 3rd Thomson cruise that my wife and I have been on in 24 months, firstly the Calypso, small, a little tired but great atmosphere, did the Greek coast, Corfu and the Corinth canal, Truly great!
The second was the destiny, cruising the Canaries and Madeira, lovely ship, much larger than the first, but food ,staff entertainment spot on.And lastly the Spirit, which we got back yesterday (26th March 2009) on the Red Sea Magic trip.Lovely ship, not new but stylish,with same standards of friendly ness from the staff, with decent food and good entertainment.