just back from Thomson Dream 08/12/10

[Bikerpair]

Hi all

Just made it back from Thomson dream relocation to caribbean

Well here we go as promised...My first try at a short review of our cruise on the Thomson Dream transatlantic run december 2010.

 

First impressions of the ship are that it is a dated and well used ship. It is clean and tidy and our cabin (7194) was in a good state apart from corrosion around the window and a crack in the sink unit in the shower room.

 

Leaving southampton we lost one engine and continued on the remaining one arriving late at our first stop where spares and engine specialists were waiting to work on the broken engine as we continued on to our second stop. We also arrived late here and both crew and passengers were concerned that we would not be doing the transatlantic crossing because the capeain had said he wold not even try it with only one engine.

 

We had force 10 winds and waves crossing Biscay but for a small ship dream handled it well with a bit of rolling but nothing too bad.

 

Before we reached Madeira our Third stop and the last before the Atlantic Motor 2 was on line and working well.

 

There was plumbing issues in various places around the ship, flooding on deck 5, deck 10, water not working in some cabins.

 

These of these problems are been worked on but will take time to find others. The bottom line is that the ship was not looked after when in service with Costa and the problems are showing up now.

 

On the positive side the entertainment staff were great friendly and approachable as were the ships officers. The cleaning and waiting staff were great once they had all arrived ( some did not arrive until stop 3) the shows entertainment were great if a bit repetitive.

 

The excursions were well organised and went without a hitch but please remember IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO WEAR ANY KIND OF COMBAT PATERNED CLOTHING EVEN SHORTS ON ANY OF THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS AND YOU WILL BE STOPPED AND CLOTHING CONFISCATED.

 

The trip home was a trek. We had to be out of cabins by 9.00am but due to the weather planes were late we did not leave the ship till after midnight and did not fly till 4.00am.

 

The organisation on leaving was not good the queueing to get off was not good and when we got to Barbados airport all drinks were taken off us as we went through security and because the airport usually closes at 8.00pm there was nowhere to purchase any drinks in the lounge and we still had 3 hours to wait for the flight. It was only people power that got one of the shops open because there were no reps from Thomson in the airport which was well out of order.

 

All in all a good cruise made that way more by the staff than the ship. We would go on the dream again as a bargain cruise but not if we had to pay full price then we will go with someone else.

 

If anyone has any questions then feel free to ask

[Steveystar]

Thanks for your review Bikerpair. We went on the Dream on a med cruise in June. We experienced problems with sewage smells on board due to flooding and also public area toliets constantly out of order. Also, air con in theatre area and shopping areas not working. However, we enjoyed the entertainment and excursions and the staff were great. Can you tell us if there are problems like this remaining on the ship still? Many thanks!

[edwardteach]

Thanks for the update Bikerpair.

It sounds like some fundamentals seem to have been overlooked (esp. the plumbing)during the period in dry dock. If this continues, it could have serious consequences for Thomson if publicised again. I would have thought that after the public hanging earlier this year, they would have pulled out all the stops to prevent these issues.

 

ET

[Bikerpair]

Thanks for your review Bikerpair. We went on the Dream on a med cruise in June. We experienced problems with sewage smells on board due to flooding and also public area toliets constantly out of order. Also, air con in theatre area and shopping areas not working. However, we enjoyed the entertainment and excursions and the staff were great. Can you tell us if there are problems like this remaining on the ship still? Many thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

they are still having problems in some areas with aircon and plumbing but had been getting things sorted as we went along. it seemed that maintenance had been badly neglected when with costa and that is showing up now.

[Bikerpair]

Thanks for the update Bikerpair.

It sounds like some fundamentals seem to have been overlooked (esp. the plumbing)during the period in dry dock. If this continues, it could have serious consequences for Thomson if publicised again. I would have thought that after the public hanging earlier this year, they would have pulled out all the stops to prevent these issues.

 

ET

 

I think that even though we did enjoy the cruise it is going to take time to sort the ship properly but people will enjoy being onboard if onlybecause of the crew and entertainment staff

[Goldryder]

they are still having problems in some areas with aircon and plumbing but had been getting things sorted as we went along. it seemed that maintenance had been badly neglected when with costa and that is showing up now.

 

JMO here but that is a little unfair.

 

Her last two inspections with Thomson, May & September 2010...

 

May 2010 -

 

Deficiencies :

- Accident prevention (ILO147), Other (accident prevention)

- Crew certificates, Tables of working hours

- Life saving appliances , Lifeboats

- Life saving appliances , Public address system

- MARPOL annex I, SOPEP

- Structural safety, Closing devices/watertight doors

- Structural safety, Signs, indications

 

September 2010 -

 

Deficiencies :

- Crew certificates, Endorsement by flagstate

- Fire safety measures, Main vertical zone

- ISM related deficiencies, Certification, verification and control

- ISM related deficiencies, Maintenance of the ship and equipment

- MARPOL annex I, Oil record book

- Propulsion & aux., Cleanliness of engine room

- Propulsion & aux., Cleanliness of engine room

- Structural safety, Closing devices/watertight doors

 

 

Her two last inspections under Costa had just one deficiency in 12 months.

 

Something that needs to be remembered is that she has been stretched...and when that is done, it can (and usually does) cause extra problems with plumbing, aircon...essentially anything needing tubing or ducting that is cut in half, have extra lengths put in and then put back together is more liable to future problems such as leaking.

 

She was in drydock for 6 weeks or so and has only just come out, the amount spent on her included a new bow thruster...something she didn't have when she had her tragic accident prior to transferring to Thomson...had she have had this thruster she might not have been blown into the quay, killing 3 crew.

 

Dream is not owned by Thomson yet, she is on longterm lease with an option to buy after 5 years, if that option is not taken up, she goes back to Costa in 2019.

 

Thomson have not had a ship of her size before, so her first 12-18 months will inevitably have problems...taking into consideration the age of the ship, a crew still finding their feet and general running/maintenance issues associated with a ship that has been stretched.

 

I am not a Costa cheerleader but since they look after their ships incredibly well..even those that are older than Dream (Allegra - which I spent 34 days aboard this year & 15 days aboard in 2008 - & Marina are converted 1969 containerships), I really feel that it is unfair to accuse Costa of not looking after her. Maybe the Dream crew are saying these things cos they are on the receiving end of complaints from passengers and its a little bit of sour grapes...who knows. Maybe a cruise on a current Costa ship would allow you to see that their ships are far from badly treated, but that is something you will have to decide for yourself.

[Bikerpair]

I said it as I saw it and heard it I am no expert on ships but it seems that all the problems seem to be the type that occur gradually and not all of a sudden as soon as Thomson take over and As I have said I did enjoy the experience of being on board and the problems they are having now are ones that economically can only be fixed as they go wrong because the only other way would be a total strio out of all plumbing and aircon which is not feasable.

[Jim The Scot]

There was plumbing issues in various places around the ship, flooding on deck 5, deck 10, water not working in some cabins.

 

So affectively no difference to the issues some experienced from the day Thomson took on this ship.It appears the ship has basically been in dry dock having a bow thruster fitted and no other work ie plumbing,AC carried out.

 

These of these problems are been worked on but will take time to find others.

 

As above,something Thomson claim they have been working on since the took this ship way back in April

 

 

Thanks for the update Bikerpair.

It sounds like some fundamentals seem to have been overlooked (esp. the plumbing)during the period in dry dock. If this continues, it could have serious consequences for Thomson if publicised again. I would have thought that after the public hanging earlier this year, they would have pulled out all the stops to prevent these issues.

 

 

 

Spot on

 

 

 

Something that needs to be remembered is that she has been stretched...and when that is done, it can (and usually does) cause extra problems with plumbing, aircon...essentially anything needing tubing or ducting that is cut in half, have extra lengths put in and then put back together is more liable to future problems such as leaking.

 

So its irrepareable?

[Dysongs]

Many thanks for you objective and honest review Bikerpair. I guess we will just have to take pot luck with our cruise. I have read the other comments on the forum so many thanks to all concerned. Please keep your experiences and thoughts coming - always useful and pre-warned is to be pre-armed as they say.

 

Kev

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Something that needs to be remembered is that she has been stretched...and when that is done, it can (and usually does) cause extra problems with plumbing, aircon...essentially anything needing tubing or ducting that is cut in half, have extra lengths put in and then put back together is more liable to future problems such as leaking.

 

Well, we went on the Braemar this year, she has been "stretched", in fact we were in the new bit, and there were no such problems on there and it is only a few years newer than the Dream. The diference is that Fred Olsen own their ships, so presumably they take more care of them. I have been on both shops and know which one I prefer, which is why we chose the Braemar over the Dream for the Caribbean this winter.

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Sorry, I haven't been on both "shops" but I have been on both ships:D:D

[dizzy1948]

Hi all

 

My brother and wife have just come back from the Dream - and more or less have the same opinion as bikerpair - excepting any comments in relation to previous owner Costa.

He was on deck 5 and there were four flooded cabins - and those occupants were given other cabins. There was a lady on board who contacted watch dog as soon as she got on and they advised her to collate all the info she could - video's, statments etc to justify her "complaints". She duly set of doing this. By day three my brother was pig sick of the harrasment in relation to this exercise. He said it was taking over what should have been a "holiday". One instance was a man telling him his sausage and bacon was cold - and the man was busily telling everyone in his louder than normal conversational tone/pitch assuring himself of an audience. My brother finished up telling him that both he and his wife (my brother) were anjoying themselves - their breakfast was fine - and he should go and speak to someone at the buffet - not passengers - as passsengers don't do the cooking - and he would get a hot breakfast - and to leave them alone. He said after that - the "watchdog" people left them alone. So I suppose it all boils down to how you personally want to enjoy your cruise. Old ship/new ship they are all what you make of them. There are people who pay a small fortune to say they have stayed in a nice "character" hotel - where it could do with a bit of "refurbishment" but are quite happy with the experience. What's the difference? Everything is what you make of it. Cold "hot food" - speak to the catering staff and ask for a hot one. Address your concerns to the appropriate cruise staff. You get the fly with sugar - not the vinegar.

Be interesting to see if "watchdog" do run the ladies concerns. Personally - I think they will finish up in the "green filing cabinet" OR.............. I could be eating humble pie in big slices. Let's wait and see

 

My brother said he would go on the dream again - but wouldn't book so early next time - he would wait as long as possible and pick up a bargain.

 

Nearly forgot: The "watchdog lady" was one of the one's complaining about her "flooded" cabin - and was allocated another one straight away

[Bikerpair]

Hi all

 

My brother and wife have just come back from the Dream - and more or less have the same opinion as bikerpair - excepting any comments in relation to previous owner Costa.

He was on deck 5 and there were four flooded cabins - and those occupants were given other cabins. There was a lady on board who contacted watch dog as soon as she got on and they advised her to collate all the info she could - video's, statments etc to justify her "complaints". She duly set of doing this. By day three my brother was pig sick of the harrasment in relation to this exercise. He said it was taking over what should have been a "holiday". One instance was a man telling him his sausage and bacon was cold - and the man was busily telling everyone in his louder than normal conversational tone/pitch assuring himself of an audience. My brother finished up telling him that both he and his wife (my brother) were anjoying themselves - their breakfast was fine - and he should go and speak to someone at the buffet - not passengers - as passsengers don't do the cooking - and he would get a hot breakfast - and to leave them alone. He said after that - the "watchdog" people left them alone. So I suppose it all boils down to how you personally want to enjoy your cruise. Old ship/new ship they are all what you make of them. There are people who pay a small fortune to say they have stayed in a nice "character" hotel - where it could do with a bit of "refurbishment" but are quite happy with the experience. What's the difference? Everything is what you make of it. Cold "hot food" - speak to the catering staff and ask for a hot one. Address your concerns to the appropriate cruise staff. You get the fly with sugar - not the vinegar.

Be interesting to see if "watchdog" do run the ladies concerns. Personally - I think they will finish up in the "green filing cabinet" OR.............. I could be eating humble pie in big slices. Let's wait and see

 

My brother said he would go on the dream again - but wouldn't book so early next time - he would wait as long as possible and pick up a bargain.

 

Nearly forgot: The "watchdog lady" was one of the one's complaining about her "flooded" cabin - and was allocated another one straight away

 

I think that we can agree to differ on the costa point but I have to agree with everything else. Our Thomson experience on the Dream was a good one and you can enjoy it as we did or pick faults and spoil it for yourself and whoever you come in contact with

[jojo67]

I was under the impression that the spell in dry dock was to specifically sort out the problems with the a/c, plumbing & to fit a new engine! I can't believe that after all the problems during the summer, even after 6 weeks in dry dock the first review I read has had the same issues experienced by 1000's during the summer.

[dizzy1948]

Sorry Bikerpair - what I mean't to say was - Costa was never mentioned (I don't make myself clear sometimes - I re read my posting - and it is the way I have worded it - WRONGLY)

[Ashby]

Thanks for review. We fly out on 13/1/10 and have just picked up our tickets. Its concerning that the ship is still having problems and I feel Thomson is going to lose customers if this carries on. Can you advise me as whether we will be able to take Duty Free brought at B'ham onto the ship and into our cabin for use there. The Thomson TA said no (although they have been usless during our booking peroid and will we never use them again) but I can't find any ruling on this in my documents - did you see anyone taking drink onboard.

[Jim The Scot]

Thanks for review. We fly out on 13/1/10 and have just picked up our tickets. Its concerning that the ship is still having problems and I feel Thomson is going to lose customers if this carries on.

 

Ashby,these problems being reported are similar/same as reported earlier this year.However,outwith a few days AC not working(compensated £75pp on board credit)we never experienced any other probs in June.We had a great time

 

Can you advise me as whether we will be able to take Duty Free brought at B'ham onto the ship and into our cabin for use there. The Thomson TA said no (although they have been usless during our booking peroid and will we never use them again) but I can't find any ruling on this in my documents - did you see anyone taking drink onboard.

 

Not permitted but many on our cruise managed on with Duty Free ;) even though luggage was scanned.Worse case scenario is,if found its taken from you and returned at the end of your cruise

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Oh dear, another bad review:( What are Thomson up to??:confused:

 

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/thomson-cruises/thomson-dream/read_review_26678/

[c gazzzer]

Hi every one, has anyone got help on prices onboard the dream, cost of trips and which trips are good to go on. I'm leaving from east midlands on the 6th of jan for a 2 weak hol so any advice would be great.

[Jim The Scot]

Oh dear, another bad review:( What are Thomson up to??:confused:

 

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/thomson-cruises/thomson-dream/read_review_26678/

 

Rearrange..With,Salt,Take,Pinch,Of ;)

 

 

Kinda like some reviews from way back early this year.We must have been the lucky ones as we never had the plumbing issues

 

 

 

 

Been there,seen it,got the t-shirt :D

[NorthWalesCouple]

Thanks for review. We fly out on 13/1/10 and have just picked up our tickets. Its concerning that the ship is still having problems and I feel Thomson is going to lose customers if this carries on. Can you advise me as whether we will be able to take Duty Free brought at B'ham onto the ship and into our cabin for use there. The Thomson TA said no (although they have been usless during our booking peroid and will we never use them again) but I can't find any ruling on this in my documents - did you see anyone taking drink onboard.

 

Yes us too we will hold on to any thoughts until we board and see for ourselves even though the reviews are appreciated looking forward to seeing you all on board. :D

[edwardteach]

Oh dear, another bad review:( What are Thomson up to??:confused:

 

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/thomson-cruises/thomson-dream/read_review_26678/

 

This is becoming such a joke that I'm not even going to mention any more of these reviews to my other half. If this should get into the hands of the media then Thomsons are going to get their come-uppance.

I want to remain positive but's it's niggling me that I may have to go into battle once on board and that's the last thing I want to do on a Holiday. :(

 

ET

[blueboys24]

Its sounds like some people have had their cruise cancelled on the dream for the upcoming cruise not sure how many but in the region of 60 or so cabins because aircon not working im going in a couple of weeks and have 2 young children and done want the hassle of no aircon as it is i dont like sleeping in the heat they dont either hope they get it sorted soon

[kruzseeka]

Thanks for review. We fly out on 13/1/10 and have just picked up our tickets. Its concerning that the ship is still having problems and I feel Thomson is going to lose customers if this carries on. Can you advise me as whether we will be able to take Duty Free brought at B'ham onto the ship and into our cabin for use there. The Thomson TA said no (although they have been usless during our booking peroid and will we never use them again) but I can't find any ruling on this in my documents - did you see anyone taking drink onboard.

 

 

I'm not aware of passengers reporting problems w.r.t. carrying duty frees on board - in fact I think we've been offered 1L duty free bottles of spirits on the plane to purchase on the outbound leg - I'm assuming they don't think you're going to drink it all before you get there! :eek: :D

 

There certainly isn't a culture of confiscating what you buy on board to 'save it' for you until the end of your cruise (unlike some cruise lines). And I've never seen them take it off people when they buy local hooch and bring it on board - either for gifts or to consume in your own cabin (although I've seen the crew have their bags looked at carefully!). I'm sure there would have been some feedback on here if that were the case.

 

Incidentally, in our experience we've always found the prices of spirits in the duty free shop on board to be very good value - and always much cheaper than the airport prices. The aircraft prices are good too but generally the ship prices are better.

[marine engineer]

Its sounds like some people have had their cruise cancelled on the dream for the upcoming cruise not sure how many but in the region of 60 or so cabins because aircon not working im going in a couple of weeks and have 2 young children and done want the hassle of no aircon as it is i dont like sleeping in the heat they dont either hope they get it sorted soon

This has just come up tonight on another forum,cruise cancelled at very short notice for about 100 cabins due to air conditioning probs. Great !