skioncruises

Just to clarify...

 

The dress code given in the FAQs (as posted by skioncruises) doesn't appear to be enforced and Pensioncruiser's answer is correct.

 

Although many passengers stick to the long trouser rule there were, on our cruise, many passengers in shorts and t-shirts (me included after the first evening) eating in The Lido self service restaurant.

 

Even on the formal night, which I didn't attend because I hadn't taken suitable attire - or so I thought, the dress varied from black tie to long trousers and open neck shirts.

Hi HappyYellowTShirt

You're right in what you say about the Lido. Thomson's omit the bit about being able to wear shorts. The dress code does only apply in the Dining Rooms.

I can confirm this because, although we were 8 hours late arriving from the transatlantic crossing to Madeira a few years back and only had two hours on shore my OH was refused entry to the dining Room in dress shorts. At that time it was set dining and they had started serving and our table was the second one at the entrance bit it made no difference.

They are also a bit lax when it comes to saying it is casual dress during the day although covering up is required when entering the dining room and self-service areas. :)

HI, first cruise in just over a week, looking forward to it. My question is whats the dresscode at any of the mealtimes? Can i wear shorts, smart ones obviously. I dont reaally wear trousers and dont fancy buying as i wont wear again i dont think.

Thanks in advance

Hello trappa

The following is taken from Thomson FAQs on Dress Code for Cruises:

Except for formal night, the dress code is smart casual, which means full length trousers and an open-necked shirt/polo shirt for men and equivalent attire (e.g. casual separates or dresses) for ladies. There is one formal night on each seven night cruise – normally the Captain's Cocktail Party.

Hope this helps.:)

Credit Cards have a charge. Can't remember whether it's 2 or 2.5%.

A fair number of passengers register a Debit Card or pay £200 up front to avoid the charges but don't know which option would be best for you as you work with Euros.

Just found out Santiago de Cuba has been dropped. According to TA both in December 2014 and April 2015 and website upto a few days ago it was a MISPRINT. Without contacting TA we still wouldnt habve had any notification from Thomsons. Has anyone else had any notice from Thomsons going on this cruise. No compensation to be provided.

Hi HCN1955

We booked this cruise, plus the week before, way back in November. We were originally going from Gatwick but changed to Birmingham in February. No mention of any changes to the itinerary was made and neither have we had any notification from Thomson.

Could be because of the distance between Santiago de Cuba and Grand Turk that they have decided to drop it. Santiago de Cuba was a departure time of 15.00 with arrival next day of 10.00 at Grand Turk. Only a thought.:)

Hi dogsbowlucks

Don't worry about not having an iron - you're on holiday.

I've re-read your first post and notice you have a balcony cabin. As the balcony cabins are one deck below the buffet you could always pop up for your cuppas (and even your brekkie if you fancied) and take them back to the cabin.:D:)

Hi All,

 

Just booked a last minute cruise on the IE for a 'Taster' of the cruising world.

 

I know its not the most luxurious cruise ships you can go on but i truly believe it is what you make it. I have paid for a balcony cabin as i am not sure what i'm going to be like at sea. I was wondering what is included in your cabin please?

 

Tea and Coffee making facilities would be great but a travel kettle would have to do if not.

 

Thomson's website are saying they now have T&C in all cabins but the travel agent is saying not on the IE.

Hi dogsbowlucks

Although Thomson has upgraded their ships, Island Escape has not been included as it is operated under the Island Cruises brand and as it stops sailing at the end of October there is no way they will spend money on it now.

Travel kettles and irons are not permitted for safety reasons.

We always take a thermos flask (one of the stainless steel ones which keeps water hot for 12-18 hours). We top it up with hot water at bed time and it is plenty hot for a cuppa in the morning. Teabags/sugar/milk are available in the buffet plus mugs which can be taken back to your cabin. We also take our own insulated mugs which are handy for on deck.

You say it is not the most luxurious but it is smart casual and very friendly, just no "dressy up" formal nights. Still the same operating format as Thomson's other ships.

Enjoy - you will come back for more in the future.:)

135 ;)

284 in Leaning Tower of Pisa. :D

If Sattva is looking at a Caribbean cruise they would want to fly from their nearest airport in Georgia (Atlanta ?) - not from the UK.

 

That means the cruise only option - the issueI believe is the method of paying, as he won't have UK residential status or an address here.

Dream doesn't go to Caribbean until late December so they must be coming to Europe to join the ship in Palma.

We might have a new Queen of Scots by Friday - Nicola The First !!!:D

It was very cold here today but I hope it was not a forerunner to Hell freezing over.

I've known about their new paperwork since beginning of March.:eek:

In mid-February I changed our booking for April 2016 from Gatwick to Birmingham for our Transatlantic crossing. After numerous phone calls (just waiting for the phone bill to come:eek:) to get a replacement invoice and ABTA certificate took forever.

When the paperwork arrived they had decided we were no longer ABTA protected, no drinks package, no diabetic meal on flight, no transport, our telephone number was theirs, and our address was incorrect.:eek: It took another two lots of paperwork before it was sorted out.

The new paperwork, as Pensioncruiser has said, is not easy to read and is broken up in sections with parts of the booking not even mentioned which, according to Thomson when I phoned, are all ok as they are on their system. Fat lot of good that is to the customer.

Hello campolady

The following numbers were taken from "How to Contact Thomson - Contact Numbers"

0871 231 5938 (queries, book a holiday or check availability)

0203 451 2725 (enquiries about existing bookings and to make a payment)

I used 0203 451 2725 to contact them last month when I wanted to change airports for our cruise next year.

I also have an alternative number 0203 450 2682.

Both numbers were extremely helpful.

Best wishes to you both.:)

Just heard that when Thomson take on the Spendour of the Seas it is to be renamed Thomson Sailaway in recognition of the great contribution made by Sailaway in his blog....

 

What date is it again ...........?

Flopsy - You're cruel.:D:D

Dear campolady

I'm so sorry to hear your husband has been taken ill. Everything seemed to be falling into place for you both in the last few weeks. My heartfelt thoughts, along with hugs, go out to you both.

Thank you skioncruises for your kind words (though I often feel embarrassed when I realise how much I've rabbited on!!!! Yes you have loads of experience to share so please keep chipping in too.

Hi kruzseeka

"Chipping" is about all I can do. It's amazing how often I turn to your fantastic threads for inspiration. We, like you, do a lot of oyo but are not quite so adventurous although have managed to do some of what you recommend.:D I feel I tend to rabbit too much and it looks like I have written a book hence the lurking in the background for weeks on end until something gets me.:eek::)

I stay signed in all the time - there's no reason why not to Skion. At least you can post when you want then without having to keep signing in & out.

Hi Jules

I know I can stay signed in and post when I want but I usually just browse and give my tuppenceworth occasionally. Also, in some instances, it is as well I am not signed in all the time as I might be thrown off - then where would I be.:eek:

There are those who are far more eloquent than me when giving information (kruzseeka springs to mind :D) although I do appear to have been cruising far longer than others. (26 years - started with Thomsons in 1989 when they only had several berths on other ships which were multi-lingual).:)

Thanks everyone.

 

Have just booked a week on IE from 26th May.

 

Going with a totally open mind fully intending to enjoy the experience - we really wanted to visit Elba.

Hi campolady

Just read you've booked IE. I know I suggested way back in February that you try Island Cruises forum for more information on IE and have been waiting on you booking. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I booked for October just a couple of weeks ago just before it was announced that this would be IE's last season.:D

Hope you're now settled in your new home and everything is going ok for you both.:)

Just ignore the trolls & daft answers - you can block people on here so you don't have to read any of their comments (or failing that just ignore them) it's worth doing - makes it a much more peaceful site......

Blocking trolls is a wonderful thing but unfortunately since doing this I have to sign in every time I want to just browse. I've also noticed this week that there are a couple of other sites they invade. Just wish people would stop feeding them.:eek:

Lovely to see you posting again. Have thought about you a lot over the last few months. Hope you are well. Jan:)

Here is a copy of a post I made in 2013:

We did Rome on Your Own and had a thoroughly enjoyable day. We left the ship at approx 8.30. Had a stop on the way for a short comfort break then straight into Rome with the guide pointing out all the sites on the way. We were given a comprehensive map which we found exceptionally good and although it looked far between the sites it wasn't.

We arrived outside the Basilica just before 11am and were told to be back at the same point just before 5pm. Toilets were pointed out in one of the shops then we were given directions to the metro before the guide left us to our own devices. The metro was about a 7 minute walk straight up the main road. On arrival we found there were queues for the booths but there were self service machines just round the concourse. It was 2 euros each to take us back to the Colisseum but, having no change, inserted 10 euros only to find that it would not give change over 4 euros. Back to booth to find that they had no change. Someone kindly gave us change and we were on our way. When we arrived at the Colisseum it was raining so ran over the road to a little cafe for a panini and liquid refreshment. It was midday and we thought it would be a good idea to have a bite to eat and then go walkabout.

Rain went off so we walked round all the various sites by following the map. We found things were literally about 10 minutes or so from each other. We eventually got to the Spanish Steps with the intention of taking the metro back to our meeting point but it was just after 3pm so had plenty of time. Now, if you are in for walking here goes...

We walked up the Spanish Steps, turned to the left and stayed on the left hand side of the path until we were walking slightly down hill. There was a square with an obelisk in the centre so we went down the steps and had a look around. Continuing over the square we kept to the right hand side and walked up and over the bridge. We continued to walk straight down the road (popping into a shop for an ice cream) and suddenly recognised the road that we had walked up for the metro in the morning. We turned left and round the corner was the Basilica. It was only 4pm so we had a walk round the shops, had a comfort break, and spent some time in the square just soaking up the atmosphere before meeting the guide. We were quickly taken to the coach and out of the rush hour traffic back to the ship without stopping. Another party behind us got severely delayed but the ship waited for them. That's the beauty of going on an organised trip - the ship will wait.

Another tip, if you are interested in the Sistine Chapel I believe you can buy tickets on line before you leave the UK and it enables you to by-pass the enormous queues. Can't help with entry to the Basilica but the queues go right round the square. You can also book the Colisseum tickets in advance.

Hope this is not too long winded and helps.:)

Linda .....

Another one has just popped up. My blocking list is getting longer.:eek:

You don't provide a source for that quote, but no it isn't. It will be sailing under the Thomson brand.

Google "Splendour of the Seas" - Article "Tui Cruises Acquires Splendour of the Seas". "The 1,830 capacity vessel will replace Island Escape, currently operated by Thomson Cruises’ sister company Island Cruises, so that the overall UK fleet will continue to be comprised of five ships".

Seem to be a few of these about lately. IMG]http://i58.tinypic.com/rm73oh.jpg[/img]

Totally agree Linda. My blocking list in the last couple of weeks has grown. The only annoying thing is that to avoid them I have to log in instead of my usual "lurking".

I must have been psychic last week because I booked our autumn cruise on IE on Thursday.:D

I googled CEO email addresses for UK companies - used to be a free site, think you have to pay now or email the site and tell them why you want the email address - wish you could PM on here - or get me via FB page and will send by PM that way - have the email address for all the directors at thomsons

Only have to donate £1 if using used for commercial purposes. As has been said, Google ceo email addresses and you will find all the information you need.:)

I posed the question in my earlier post about complaining. Obviously you did not in the case of your meal. Why would you pay £20 per person and walk out half way through the first course? The waiters will bend over backwards to fix the problem and would have if you had only but pointed out it was not to your liking.

Came off it yesterday. Redeeming features? Well its clean, the carpets are fairly new, err it floats and that's about it really for redeeming features.

 

As for negative ones, how long have you got?

You appear to not be too happy about your cruise but can I ask if you actually made any complaints onboard whereby they may have had a chance to rectify them.

We had a problem immediately on arriving at our cabin and the problem persisted for most of the first week. This was on another Thomson ship, but after reporting the problem to reception, the matter was dealt with within 30 minutes but had to take several days to completely fix. We were kept informed at all times of the progress. On all our cruises with Thomson since 1989 we have never found them to be anything but helpful.

We were on the Majesty in October and are going again in May. Others on the forum are also frequent travellers on the Majesty and perhaps if you shared your negative points they could perhaps agree/disagree with your comments.

As a final point, I would say that frequent cruisers have their favourite ships but we go for the itineraries first.:)