Destiny - Renaissance / Jewels 14/5 -> 28/5

[MrsBroon]

My husband and I have just returned from 2 fantastic weeks onboard Destiny. This was our first cruise with Thomson so we had no expectations but everything was absolutely superb.

 

We were in cabin 2014 which is right at the front of the ship. Although we had some noise -either from the propellers or the anchor I'm not sure which - it only lasted a few minutes while the ship docked or left port. The cabin was comfortable with plenty of storage space and a good shower. We chose to keep the beds as a twin as we felt that making a double would have been too imposing. In future we have decided to go for a L shaped inside cabin, mid ship on Deck 3 as we didnt feel that having a porthole added anything to the cabin.

 

The food was fantastic, we ate most nights in the Seven Seas and enjoyed the company and the wonderful service from Charlie, Gary and Kumar. A couple of nights we ate at the Lido and were really pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food at the buffet. Watch out for their special theme nights, friends raved about how good the indian buffet was. During the day we switched between the pool bar and the lido for lunch both of which provided a great choice of food especially salads.

 

We were All Inclusive which was definitely worth while as we had no problem about getting plenty of cold drinks during the day as well as plenty of cocktails etc in the evening.

 

The entertainment was fantastic; my husband and I both enjoy musical theatre and we were astounded by the talent in the Entertainments team. Gavin Murray has a fabulous voice and we really enjoyed the night he performed.

 

We only took 2 of the organised trips; Puccini & Pisa and Pompeii. Personally I didnt think Puccini's lake and house was all that exciting, the boat trip was particularly disappointing I thought as there wasn't all that much scenery. Pisa was great, we were escorted to the city wall and then given time to look around ourselves. Its so funny watching everyone getting the photo with them holding the tower up - it looks like a big Tai Chi exercise when everyone is on the lawn! The Pompeii trip was very interesting however we had a very pompous guide who kept telling us he was the best in Pompeii however would cut off what he was saying to answer his mobile! It was fascinating to see and I would recommend it as long as you take a bottle of water and hat as it was very very hot.

 

We got off the ship at every opportunity to look round the Ports and were never disappointed. My favourite places were Villefranche and I was pleasantly surprised by Palermo which is a beautiful place.

 

One point to note for anyone heading off is always to check carefully what time the ship leaves Port as on our trip 3 ladies nearly missed the Boat and had to be raced out on a boat to catch the ship!

 

The staff onboard were all very friendly and very focused on ensuring that all the passengers had a great holiday. The cruise director Keith Maynard was excellent and always had a friendly word for everyone. He is a great ambassador for Thomsons. Captain Psarrakis was very friendly and seems to be a real character, we really enjoyed the chat he did with Keith as he was very open about his career and his life as a Captain.

 

One last thing I cant forget is to mention the wonderful Top Men, they are fabulous! Loved being out on deck with them playing and a cocktail in hand - that's what holidays are all about!

 

Overall we had a great time and we are already working out when we can do our next cruise.

 

Gillian

[sobral]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise! Could you tell me what the shows were on the 2 week cruise please, thanks

[budgie1]

Mrs Broon,

A very good and well detailed report. You get 10 out of 10 for that.:D

One thing.

What is the group like in the casino bar. Last year the threesome were from Russia and they were awful.

On Destiny this July so it would be nice to know who Thompsons have booked.

Thanks in advance

Colin B:p

[MrsBroon]

There was a piano player in the Clipper Bar at the side of the Casino however I dont remember there ever being a band. The Top Men either played in The Oaklahoma lounge or out on deck and as I previously mentioned they were very, very good.

 

MrsBroon