Flopsy

I have just rung up to pay the balance for my cruise- it was an Indian call centre.I was subjected to a waiting period and the loudest 'music' you can imagine!

Then a lady answered and subjected me to the hard sell- extra legroom seats, then, as I turned down the opportunity to buy those, she told me that I had failed to pay the extra to book seats sitting together and unless I did so 'we would not be able to sit together on the plane'- how ridiculous is that statement!

I had declined both options so she put me on hold- listening to that horrible loud music again- I had to hold the phone well away from my ear! She then came back on and said the system was running slow and I should ring back in two hours!

Oh to be able to pay the balance on line!

Flopsy

Yes I've been to that hotel- very impressive.A huge bedroom/lounge and the biggest balcony I've ever seen complete with sunbeds.

I agree- superb food and very professional entertainment.

I think it may be Platinum- but I'd need to check!

Flopsy

DH says he wouldn't fly with them if you paid him :rolleyes::rolleyes::D:D

Nor me!

Flopsy

Thanks Ormy. Although this one is in the brochure it is not coming up online. I checked Trip Adviser as you suggested and the reviews are fantastic! When you look at the hotel on Thomsons site you have to travel on a Monday but the cruise ends on Friday. Think I'll try the travel agent tomorrow and see what they can do. Maybe I should just book the hotel for 2 weeks and forget the cruise!:)

Hey Sheila don't miss out on Adriatic Explorer- it's a fantastic cruise with such a variety of ports.

This itinerary was my very first cruise back in 2008- I went with my cousin as hubby had announced that 'a cruise was the worst type of holiday he could imagine' and I got fed up of trying to persuade him.

Needless to say the following year he thought he'd like to try a cruise so yet again it was Adriatic Explorer, and two years later I took a friend on the same one.

Athough we have since done various itineraries hubby wants to go on Adriatic Explorer just one more time so it's booked for 2 May 2014- followed by 3 nights at Louis Corcyra Beach which we have never been to so it's interesting to read this thread.

I went in Thomson shop yesterday to get the new brochure Nov 2014 onwards- and the lady there said 'free all inclusive on various Thomson cruises ends this weekend'! I don't know how true this is!

Go on book it!

Flopsy

You can do the API from six months to 24 hours before your cruise.Click on the API box on Thomson website.

Sorry I can't help you with booking excursions as we always do it as soon as we get on the ship.Try the Thomson website- it will tell you when you can book, hopefully.

Flopsy

Thankyou for the information about Malaga - unfotunately we fly back at 11.05 so we won't be able to visit the new shops etc.

Flopsy

I have just booked this Spanish itinerary.

Sounds really good- fly to Palma, then Barcelona, Valencia, Cartegena, Gibraltar, Malaga and fly home from there.

No sea day!

We went on a 5 night last year on the same date,Corfu to Cyprus, and had really good weather.Just didn't like the longish flight back from Cyprus so the flight back from Malaga sounds much better!

This seems to be the only 5 night cruise in November 2014.

Free all inclusive too, at the moment. (I delayed booking last year and missed out on the free all inclusive by one day- but I've got it this year yippee)

Anybody else booked this cruise?

Flopsy

Just bouncing this up the board for new cruisers, and old cruisers who may have forgotten!

Just done mine for the May 2014 cruise.

You must do it before you go to the airport according to my booking email.

Flopsy

Hi Jakanne

Yes I realise we will have to do something to aquaint ourselves with the emergency procedure- I just anticipated that it would not involve donning the lifejackets and standing out on deck for ages!

So what happens in the disco- do you have to take the lifejackets and put them on?

No pudding! Now you've really upset me ha ha.

Flopsy

Me too!

We fly from Doncaster on 2 May 2014 to join the Majesty for Adriatic Explorer.

Our outbound flight was originally 7am but we recently had an email advising us that our flight has now been changed to 14.10, arriving at Corfu at 19.25 -which means we won't be onboard till after the lifeboat drill- so that's one plus point!

I was going to book into the airport hotel for the night before but that won't be necessary now!

The return flight has also been changed to 20.25 so at least we get a full day in resort on the last day (we are on cruise and stay).

The brochure says flight times are for guidance only and cannot be guaranteed- the brochures are printed so far ahead

Flopsy

Just wondering, has anyone been on Majesty and The Emerald. Did The Emerald the year it left Thomson, and that also had similar issues that the Majesty seems to have, but we really enjoyed our cruise on it! Everyone on that one had to take their food from the buffet upstairs to a bar because of limited space and the show lounge was small. Anyone who has been on these two ships, how do they compare? Are they quite similar or is Majesty significantly worse?

Hi Sailaway

I was on the Emerald the year it left Thomson- that was my first cruise.When we went on the Majesty in November we had the same cabin steward we had back on the Emerald!

I loved everything about the Emerald but at that time I had nothing to compare it with! We went on the Majesty- me with trepidation because of what I had read on here, but hubby innocently had no concerns because he doesn't look on here! We both loved it.I know some think the theatre is inferior in some respects but I found it quite appealing- it'a almost a 'theatre in the round', withe seats almost all round the circular thrust stage.I liked it.There was never a shortage os seats in November- in fact I believe that there are more seats in this theatre than on the other ships.

Now as to restaurants- I have never been able to drag hubby into the waiter service restaurant at night- he always wanted to go into the informal buffet, which has limited seating numbers wise.However we always went at 6pm as it opened and it was never crowded at this time.Yes, you can take your food down to the deck below bar if there are no seats left.On the Emerald I was with my cousin and we were much more inclined to join others on the large round tables they had in the buffet restaurant.

We have booked to go on the Majesty again in May and I have no worries this time.

I hope this puts your mind at rest.

Flopsy

Hi there

You made the right choice- I've been to the Son Matias twice- great each time.Restaurant has had a cool makeover.Rooms are superb with kettle etc! Cuppa on the balcony first thing in the morning overlooking that clear blue sea...

The shows in the hotel in the evening were surprisingly good.I don't think you will be disappointed.

Flopsy

Hi Sailaway

I've been on all the Thomson ships now- we went on Majesty in November for the first time - expecting not to like as much as the others but we were very pleased with everything.The shows were just as good- even better in some respects as the resident band did a half hour warm up before the showteam came on with their show.

We had a plus cabin but really you spend so little time in them....The staff on the Majesty are lovely- we even had the same cabin steward that we first met on our first cruise on the Emerald way back in 2008!

We have booked Adriatic Explorerer yet again for May 2014 (it will be my 4th time and hubby's 2nd), on Majesty this time, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the places again.

Thats my recommendation!

Flopsy

We went on The Majesty for the first time last month.We used to go to The Four Seaons for breakfast and didn't mind being shown to a shared table- it was nice having a chat.We observed another couple insisting on a 'table for two' and the waiter quickly obliged.

In the evening we always went to Cafe Royale on Deck 10 for the informal buffet as soon as it opened at 6pm and the tables are all for two, or three, or four.We always got a table and never had to share.It is laid out nicely in the evening with crisp white tablecloths and flowers on the tables.We loved it.

Booked again for May 2014!

Flopsy

We made friends with a lovely waitress. Myla.on the Greek Retreats cruise.

She is 36 and told us that she is an only one and is on her first 6 month contract, so she was worried about leaving her mum alone back home.This was before the disaster happened.

She served on the far right side of the show lounge each night.

She told us that her 78 year old mother lived on Cebu Island in the Phillipines- which was later devasted in the disaster.I keep wondering if Myla's mum survived, or if Myla is still on the ship? It would be lovely if someone on the Majesty could pass a message on please and let us know if she is OK.

Flopsy

We are off to Benidorm 14 December for a week of sunshine!

Good to hear that One Vision are still on at Morgans! I will be there- and more than once lol.Such a polished performance of 'Queen'- I love the girl in boots stomping round the stage!

But my favourite was Lucy Bunn & Reg- now back in UK for the panto season- so I will miss them sob.

Flopsy

so are we but we are just doing the first week

We are too- Adriatic Explorer!

Flopsy

Hi there

Cafe Royale is not a big restaurant- it only has about 20 tables.But when the tables are all full we noticed people took their plates down the stairs within Cafe Royale to Royal Observatory bar which has much more seating- with tables and chairs suitable for eating meals.Cafe Royale is open all day and evening- breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening meal,etc, and during the day you can take your food to the tables and chairs on deck alongside the pools if you wish- it would be a bit chilly at night to do this though.

At the other end of Deck 10 is Piazza San Marco serving a limited range of buffet food during the day- salads, chips, jacket potatoes,minute steaks, hotdogs, sweets,tea & coffee, etc.

Yes Deck 6 is where the Jubilee Lounge is- where the shows take place.

I think the other bars are on Deck 5- for Royal Fireworks (game shows), casino, Rendezvous-a quiet bar, etc.

Flopsy

Red Cross and Oxfam are collecting for this disaster.

Just done my bit.It's the least we can do.

Flopsy

I've just sent a donation to the disaster appeal via Paypal the Red Cross as they are active in the area.Takes seconds!

Flopsy

Just had to get my brochure out to see what bar you were talking about. Is it me? I never remember names of bars or staff names :o:o

 

If I'm meeting DH somewhere we always say "meet in the bar by the library/ up on deck 10/ by the pool" etc. :o:o

 

Hi Linda

Here's my tip- I get a small bit of card and make a list of decks 1, 2,3,etc.Against each Deck number I write the name of bar/restaurant etc, and whether at front or back of ship! This goes in the outside pocket of my handbag for quick reference.

Only problem I have on Majesty is which is front and which is back! In daylight when we are at sea I can look out of the window to establish which direction it is to the front- but in the dark???? There was one ship with dolphins on the carpet which all swam forward, but not on the Majesty lol.

Flopsy

Great review campo.

Just tell hubby you have already booked the next one (a little white lie) - then if you get a favourable response go ahead and book it ha ha! Thats what I do....

Flopsy

Bounced up the board for Dorothy!

Flopsy

This 5 night cruise on Majesty was from Corfu Town to Limassol Cyprus, calling at Mykonos, Rhodes Town, and Alanya in Turkey.

We stayed the night before at Thistle Hotel at East Midlands- great to arrive and know that the journey to the airport was completed.Relax and unwind- the holiday had begun!

At the airport next morning it soon became obvious that, unusually, everyone on the flight was on the cruise! This was because package holidays to Greece ceased 31 Oct!

Met Chesh (Cruise Critic member) Kevin & Helen on the plane.We saw them a few times on board and they are now Thomson fly cruise converts!

On arrival at Corfu three planes arrived st once, everyone Majesty bound, so over 600 passengers to process.Thomson staff worked extremely hard and we were all soon on board with minimal delay.

We had Outside Plus cabin 444 on Deck 4.It was very roomy- well worth the extra.Plenty of storage space, slimline TV,comfy beds, huge window,fridge,etc.

The bathroom was quite small and the shower curtain tried to wrap itself round you but this was counteracted by clipping a few clothes pegs to the hem- a Cruise Critic tip!

Our cabin steward Sherif looked familiar - we had him on the Emerald in 2008- and he remembered! He did some brilliant towel animals!

Up on Deck 10 in Topsiders bar we recognised another familiar face- Jun (now Junior) from Raffles on the Destiny! How do these guys remember us!

That evening we ate in Cafe Royale- a small but very pleasant buffet restaurant.Most people headed for the waiter service in Seven Seas or Four Seasons but we prefer informal.

At 7.45 it was the lifeboat drill, which is now completed before sailing following the Costa Concordia disaster.Our muster station was the Jubilee Lounge!

Later that evening we went to the show 'Piano Men' in the Jubilee Lounge- the show team put on a brilliant performance.

The Jubilee Lounge does have a low ceiling but we didn't feel that this detracted from our enjoyment.The thrust stage is almost circulated by seating, for over 600.

Then it was up to Deck 10 for the sailaway deck party.

The CD was Paul Evans from Bolton.We remembered him from when he started back in 2008 on the Spirit,followed by time on Destiny, Celebration, Dream, and now promoted to CD on Majesty.He is now a confident and mature leader of the entertainment.He is assisted by Gareth Rockwell from Essex as Assistant CD-a fun loving chunky guy who brought comedy and hilarity to every role he undertook from hosting the fashion show to compering game shows!

Every night the band Muzzik Unlimited did a half hour slot on stage in the Jubilee Lounge prior to the show so get in an hour before the advertised time of 8.45 or 10.30 if you want a good seat!The day at sea passed pleasantly under the hot sun on deck.We even got sunbeds!

The show at night was 'Hollywood'- hits from the silver screen.A great performance- strong voices, gorgeous costumes and such energy!

We reached Mykonos early on Sunday morning.Hundreds of houses crowded together,all painted white,and numerous ancient wind towers, formed scenic Mykonos Town.

Transfer was by tender to shore- two stairwells were in use- one for trips and one for independent travellers, which worked well.

We went on the trip 'Easy Panoramic & Wine'.A qick photo stop at Aghios Stefanos- a beautiful beach,then back on the coach to Agios Ioannis- the beach where Shirley Valentine was filmed- no sign of Tom Conti though....

Next stop was the island's capital Ano Mera-just a village really with a small square surrounded by tavernas, a monastery to visit, and a the odd souvenir shop.We had coffee here 3euro a cup.

The next stop was the highlight of the trip- a visit to the winery at Assimomitis to sample the wines,and a buffet of traditional snacks-ham, cheese,salad, bread.Many of us purchased bottles of the wine at 6euro a bottle.Suitably inebriated we all piled back onto the coach for the noisy and giggly return journey to the port.

After an aftertoon in the sun the ship sailed at 5pm.The show that night was 'Sunday Night Live'- the aging UK comedian Carl Schofield from Hull- an evening of comedy and song.Sit on the front row if you want to take part in the show!

Later at 11.30 the show team performed 'ABBA Party Cabaret'- a singalong to all the favourite anthems.

Monday we docked in Rhodes Town- an easy walk to the walled Old Town with it's numerous shops, bars & restaurants- and inflated prices! We walked along to Mandraki waterfront where all the boats line up.

We found an optician as hubbys glasses had come apart when a screw dropped out and he was lost without them- the guy mended them there and then- and refused to take payment- saying 'it's my treat' - what a kind man.

We tried to find a bar we freqented in years gone by in the new town but most of the bars had closed up for winter so we gave up and got a taxi back to the ship 6euro.

In Jubilee Lounge that night the show 'Killer Queen' was superb- don't miss this one.Then we moved to Rpyal Fireworks for 'The Perfect Couple'- the ships version of Mr & Mrs.Gareth managed to draw the most amazing and embarassingly funny confessions from the three couples taking part- that guy is a natural! It was non stop laughter.The winners won a meal in the Bistro.

Later it was 'Majesty's Got Talent' otherwise known as the crew show- brilliant and humbling as always- those guys are so brave to get up on stage and perform.They went down a storm- brilliant.

Tuesday we docked in Alanya,Turkey.It was a superb resort- lots of typically Turkish boats moored up- what an amazing sight they are.There are numerous shops selling fake designer tops- La Coste tee shirts @10euro! The town is surrounded by mountains, with houses dotted all the way up.Taxis touted for business- trips up to the castle etc.

We set sail at 5pm.

The show that night was 'Moulin Rouge'-the Parisien revue of song, dance ans can can.A fantastic energetic performance.

Over in Royal Fireworks Kevin was leading a team in the 'Ultimate Sporting Challenge' which by all accounts was an evening of madness as Kevs lot shouted and jumped up and down on their seats creating mayhem.The British at play lol!

Later the comedian returned to do his late night slot- packed out and very entertaining.

On Wednesday we arrived at Limassol- we berthed a long way from resort but there was a local bus.

Be aware that you are only allowed to take 200 cigs into Cyprus- cases are scanned.So if you want to take more cigs home then wait till you get to Paphos Airport to buy more! Many passengers are caught out by this rule- it was highlighted in Cruise News.

As the day wore on we all left the ship for the journey to Paphos Airport- we had a clear view of Aphrodites Rock from the coach.

Another wonderful cruise.Can't wait till next time.

Flopsy

Help- I typed this review in numerous paragraphs.Now it appears in one huge block.

Can someone tell me what I need to change on this ancient computer?

I've just changed setting to basic editor- seems to have worked for this post.But is it too late to alter the review?

Flopsy