Flopsy

So sorry to read on Facebook that Hazel has left the Dream and returned home.

I will miss her lovely voice on the Crew Show.

1.The girlfriend

2. The missus

:);)

 

Seriously...although we've not yet done the carribean. Far too many toiletries which are readily available on board and far too many 'if it rains', 'if it snows' - unneeded clothes!

I like your style Tarquin! That's cheered me up whilst I try to get all these dratted Tax Returns done by 31st!

What do I regret taking?-anything with a fixed waistband lol. Elasticated waist trousers are essential. Especially as the cabin boy shrinks your clothes after a couple of days.....

Flopsy

Last time we came back through Corfu Airport the Thomson reps had us form an orderly queue outside the terminal and we were only allowed into the terminal in batches which did help to avoid congestion inside. The outside queue was welcomed by smokers! But although standing outside in the evening wasn't too bad I would not have been too happy to stand there at midday with no shade.

Corfu airport is just too small and old fashioned for the amount of air traffic using it- and the Greek economy means there is little chance of improvement in the foreseeable future.

Cant believe that I never mentioned the trips. Over recent years I have done a number of different trips. Last year we paid for a Thomson trip to the beach. They collected us from the Dream and took us by taxi to Dickenson Bay. We were escorted to the beach and given sun beds and parasols(cost extra). There was as much rum punch as you could handle and the people were so nice and friendly. We were also entertained that day by a guy who turned up with home grown Aloe Vera and offered a back massage or hair massage with this not very nice green looking slop, he was so funny I cried laughing. All this for £25 each. Wow.

 

Now I have this image of you drunkenly staggering back to the ship with slurred speech, and dripping in green gloop ha ha!

 

Yes we always do the Thomson excursions. I recall waiting to sail from Venice when one couple were missing- with one minute to go a taxi sped up to the ship and a couple leapt out and ran on board. The lady later told me they had got on a vaporetto and then realised it was going in the wrong direction so leapt off in a panic -and then realised they were lost. Clutching the Cruise News (NB.take it with you folks!) they found the ship's phone number and rang the ship- a member of staff called a taxi and went to rescue the lost couple. The lady said when the staff member arrived 'I kissed and kissed and kissed her- I was so relieved'!

You are paying a premium price for 'ok' . Also for service. As I have said several times on here, Thomson are charging a premium price for a second rate product. 'Ok' is not good enough. Look elsewhere!

 

 

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Hi Shot to Bits

You often tell us to try elsewhere! We would if we wanted to! But I don't want to -because the Thomson product gives me everything I want from a cruise. Perhaps I'm easily pleased!

But flying from my local stress free airport (Doncaster) is so very important to me. I never want to use Manchester Airport again- we got lost driving there one year so the next year we got a taxi- and he got lost- we were sat in the taxi huddled over a big map (before sat navs!).

We can stay the night at the Ramada on the airport, plus 8 days parking, for £80, and just a few minutes walk over to the terminal.

The ships are old but that doesn't bother me. The cabins we have had over the years have been fine.

The staff on the ships are superb- great fun. I love seeing familiar faces year after year.

The shows are fantastic- the show team put so much energy into providing first class entertainment.

Booking early gives us free all inclusive drinks package- we really appreciate the freedom that affords. When I read on other boards about different drinks packages and which bars you can and cant use I am so glad I have the Thomson product.

The itineraries on Thomson cruises suit me fine- no other cruise line attracts me on itinerary.

I realise that you think I may be paying over the odds, but I really don't think that any other cruise line can give me the things that are important to me. except Thomson.

Hi Jax

I do hope that paulauds reply has put your mind at ease as the reply was so well written and to the point.

We have been on 11 cruises with Thomson and at first I used to do elaborate reviews- now I'm getting too lazy! Search under my name to read a few!

We love the relaxing atmosphere on Thomson cruises- the staff are so much fun- we look forward to seeing familiar faces from year to year and they are always happy, smiling. and so hardworking.

The shows are superb. The first few times I went to the shows on my own as my hubby 'didn't like musicals' but one year he came to a show, and now he can't stay away!

We love waking up in a new port every day.The itineraries on Thomson are so interesting.

I think people who have had a bad experience are much more inclined to post a thread- the rest of us who had a good time are less inclined to post a message.I do hope that you will enjoy the experience as much as we do.

Hi there

Quite a few people who post on here have been on the Island Escape and really like the ship.

No doubt some will be along soon to give you more information.

But you will get the best response if you post on Island Cruises.

Come up here to North Derbyshire Gill- we've got 5 inches of the white stuff.Took ages to clear the drive, but the road is still thick ice!

Thanks Linda

Just returned from sunny Benidorm yesterday- glorious sunshine every day. Back to the coooold! I have to say staff in hotels are nowhere near as happy and chatty as the wonderful crew on board Thomson ships!

Happy Christmas to everyone- just on my first whisky- cooks perks....

Flopsy

Perhaps, along with steerage, we should bring back workhouses to put us poor old souls in when we can no longer cruise :rolleyes::rolleyes::D

Well Linda, if you will deliberately squander your hard earned cash instead of saving it for your old age tee hee.....

Well said Kruzseeka I agree with everything you wrote.

I think he is a bored American troll- best ignored lol!

Oh how magical!

Must get some headphones....

I always think that there is more to Thomson than just the price.

For me, being able to fly from my local airport is crucially important. If I had to fly from Manchester or London for example, then I would rather stay at home.

Having read the P & O forum I would not like to have to witness such snobbery!

Give me the friendliness of Thomson clients in preference any day- I will willingly pay the extra.

Flopsy

Oh we are starting early ho! ho ho!

A happy Christmas to all of you.

Hope to see you all on board one day!

Flopsy

I wish I hadn't Dave :D:D:D

Linda don't worry it's only a bit of fun!

But it's livened things up on here and I've learned that there are some really nice people sailing on the Island Escape- I am reconsidering my reluctance to go on it, so I am glad you started this off lol.

Flopsy

Sorry to but in Flopsy, but we enjoyed our drinks on Island Escape without paying any supplements. We started asking for my Vodka and Pineapple and Ray's Whisky and Ginger 50/50, and they were coming in half pint glasses. I believe they do a premium supplement that can be paid when you go on board, but we didn't have that. Someone who is a regular can probably answer that one. We loved IE when we went October 13.

Thanks for the info Gill. 50:50 drinks- wow!

Flopsy

Hi Flopsy. We went on the IE for the 3rd time in September. Myself my husband, daughter & granddaughter shared a cabin. We had to upgrade to the premium drinks package as my daughter drinks cider & that wasn't included. The only downside to this was, as we were all sharing a cabin all 4 of us had to upgrade. You couldn't just upgrade my daughter (so 1child 3 adults) I suppose it's so that people don't misuse the cards. I like the odd Baileys which wasn't included in the AI and my husband does like a change from lager to cider as well. Plus all the special coffees are free too. I think it cost around £200 for all of us for the week as was much cheaper than a bill at the end as individual premium drinks are quite expensive xx

 

 

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Hi Hazel

Thanks for all that information -much appreciated.

As I can't get hubby into the formal dining room on Thomson ships I feel that perhaps we are paying for that facility but have no intention of making use of it.

At first I couldn't get hubby to even consider a cruise because he didn't fancy 'getting dressed up for captains night', or having to wear a collar and tie, jacket, etc, on other nights- although I accept that for many cruisers 'getting dressed up' is regarded as an enjoyable part of their cruising experience.

The fact that hubby can avoid such formality means that he can relax and enjoy the buffet restaurants (the food is not that different from the MDR).

I just wish the Island Escape would do the Adriatic as a change from the Med!

Flopsy

Marmite also available on P&O at breakfast, in those little tub thingies. I find it useful to liberate a handful or so for those savoury midnight drinks. :D

marmite in a drink! Jackanory Dave! at midnight you would still be in the casino (with fingers crossed) lol....

Flopsy

Hi Linda, my name is Mrs Bob because my husband is called Bob. My picture is the same one I use on facebook, why wouldn't I be who I am lol?

I think this poll has caught everyone's attention whether it was meant to or not. We are not slobs or anything like that simply because we like eating in a relaxed atmosphere. I chose my cruise on the I.E because I don't have an endless bank account, I like to eat when I want to, not to be told when I can eat, or with whom. I found a facebook page dedicated to the ship after I had booked my cruise, & the people on there were really helpful to me with tips about what to expect so I felt at ease about going, where previously I was apprehensive. People love the ship, probably because she has so much character & is so much fun to be on. She has a great A.I drinks package & brilliant entertainment. You don't have to pay any 'extras' for anything, yet you still get everything you want. She is a budget cruise ship, & the people who sail on her are not expecting 5* anything. I have to know exactly where I stand with my money, so for me she is perfect. I respect your choice of cruise ship, please respect mine. :D

Hi Mrs Bob- I, for one, have found it interesting to read about the Island Escape- thank you. We once booked to go on it but I got cold feet and changed to the Spirit. But now I'm wondering whether to give it a try.

We have been on many Thomson cruises and always book well in advance to get the 'free all inclusive' which early bookers get. But now there are more and more supplements for certain drinks so we tend to stick to lager or whisky so as not to end up with a bar bill at the end of the cruise! Can you tell me if there are any supplements for certain drinks on the Island Escape?

Flopsy

Ah I see. Thanks Linda.

Keep a little white coaster to pop on the table till you are ready to be served. They will likely think someone else is serving you. Pop in back in your bag when ready to be served.

Never thought of that but now you have mentioned it I am very impressed Gill!

Good news about the move Brenda.

 

We nearly booked for Nerja over Christmas but have ended up in Beni :eek:

Hope the weather is OK.

 

 

I think Beni was the wisest choice in December Joe- I've been to Nerja....

Are they selling the bears????

I've just noticed that the dates November 2015 through to April 2016 are on sale.

Flopsy

Fuerteventura has an extensive naturist beach up near Corralejo - if you are into that sort of thing !!!

 

:D

Oh that's a relief.I just thought I had come across an exhibitionist when I wandered through the sand dunes there once- I had to take detour on the way back to avoid him lol.