My wife Claire and I have just been on our first cruise,onboard the Thomson Spirit we did the colourful coasts cruise .Everyone was very friendly Staff,crew and fellow holiday makers,we took the all inclusive option however drinks prices seemed realistic and by no means over the norm.Ages on board went from small children(although not many) to a lady we met who was 91.Our standard outside cabin was larger than many hotel rooms and as you can see from my ratings everything was excellent.I am already looking to book another thomson cruise in the very near future.

The ships design left much to be desired. We have been on several cruises and this was the worst designed ship we have been on. Company has skimped with the luxuries one expects on cruises. However the food was acceptable although the desserts were extremely disappointing. The entertainment, though limited was of a good standard. The biggest plus factor of the cruise was the staff, they were the best staff I have seen on any holiday I have ever been on. Quick, courteous, friendly and always having a smile on their faces, nothing was a problem for them, we did not see a grumpy face or have a negative reaction throughout the week, the staff were simply tremendous. In spite of limitations of the ship and entertainment I do feel that the cruise was good value-for-money.

What can I say about the Thomson Spirit that hasn’t already been said? We had a brilliant week aboard from 5 November 2004 on the Colourful Coasts itinerary.

Our flight from Glasgow was delayed due to a technical fault, but we were kept advised throughout which made the wait bearable. We were even told at the outset that it would be a 3 hour delay and this prevented the anxiety of wondering when we would actually fly. The pilot made good time and we landed in Tenerife after 3h 50m instead of the 4h 30m expected.

After collecting our luggage we boarded the coach for the 40 minute journey to the port at Santa Cruz. At the quayside we received an envelope with our invitation to the Captain’s Cocktail Party along our cabin number on sticky labels. After the embarkation and boarding pass photos were taken we identified our luggage at the quayside by attaching the sticky labels. We finally embarked just before midnight and were shown to our cabin just as our luggage arrived.

We were impressed by the size, layout and décor of the cabin. It was slightly wider than ones we’ve had previously. The beds were in L-shaped formation with the TV above, there were two large double wardrobes with plenty of hangers, a large chest of drawers, a bedside chest and more drawers in the dressing table. There was a huge mirror, approx 8’ wide above the dressing table which made the cabin seem even bigger.

The only problem with the cabin was that the air con didn’t work. This seemed to be a common complaint among passengers we spoke to. However most complained that their cabin was too cold, but ours was stiflingly hot, enough to melt the chocolate that was left on our pillow every night.

We were impressed with the cleanliness and décor of the public areas, although the carpet was worn in some areas of the stairs which was surprising seeing as it was refitted only 18 months ago.

We found the choice, quality and portion sizes of the food to be good in the Compass Rose restaurant, especially the Surf and Turf on the formal evening. We mainly ate snacks in the Lido Café and again there was a good choice.

The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, apart from Reception where a smile wouldn’t have gone amiss.

We didn’t go ashore at any of the ports as we’d done the same itinerary twice before.

Apparently on the day at sea it was quite difficult to find a sunbed, but we didn’t notice as we were so busy going to Pilates, a short play, backstage tour, etc.

We had the all inclusive package, but drinks prices seemed reasonable at £2.35 for spirits with mixer, £2.20 for a pint of lager, £2.75 for a cocktail and 95p for cans of Coke, etc.

This was our first cruise on the Thomson’s Spirit, but I doubt it will be our last as we thoroughly enjoyed our week aboard.

We sailed on the Fortunate Islands Cruise from 25 November to 2 December, we left the Spirit the day before the Ship began its journey to Gibraltar to dry dock. We embarked on Thursday evening at about 10pm. (most people seemed to come and go on Fridays) Luckily it was not raining and there were not too many people embarking at the same time as the wait for security photo taking was on the dockside and took about half an hour. We identified and put our cabin number stickers on our luggage and we made our way on board, we were shown swiftly to our cabin, soon to be followed by our luggage. The cabin was a four birth, outside, Deck 3.
The cabin was comfortable, clean and neat. There were two single beds, and two bunks above (one folder down as there were three of us in the cabin), four good sized wardrobes with plenty of hangers. Three full sets of draws t.v in cupboard, a vanity table and chair. Ice bucket filled twice a day. Fresh towels when ever you needed them. Our cabin stewardess came twice a day, she seemed to materialise from thin air, made the cabin ready for the day by making beds etc. turning sheets up, then ready for the evening by turning sheets down and placing chocolate on pillows, even turned the lights to a relaxing dimness. Had a towel swan and flower made during the week, this was a nice touch. In the shower room there was plenty of space to store things, complementary toiletries and a never ending supply of loo rolls and tissues. However our sink had the gell coat peeling off which looked messy. The water for the shower was sometimes red hot sometimes freezing cold in a split second with no warning, this is something that should be sorted out, it does say check the water temperature before getting in the shower, but when it changes so quickly checking did not really come into it.
The rest of the ship seemed clean, although there was a smell most of the time, especially up on the sports and sun deck, which seemed to be coming from the air conditioning and/or venting pipe up there. We spent quite alot of time up on those two decks as our son enjoyed playing table tennis, also it was quiet and peaceful to sit and read. Around the Lido deck and the area out side the fitness suite got very busy on the hotter days, on one day the ship ran out of towels for use on decks. We did see staff clearing towles off un-ocupied sun beds.
The gym was nicely equipped, the sauna's were ok although the changing rooms felt a little used and looked abit tired.
The films on in the cinima could have been better, only one was suitable for family veiwing, the others seemed to be more for the older guests.
We enjoyed the Explorers lounge, it was relaxing, no smoking, the waitress was friendly and cheerful, the piano and violin music played there in the evening was gentle and calm.
We used the Internet lounge, to e-mail as this was much cheaper than the phone.
We ate in the Lido it was relaxed and informal, the food was good, soup and main course had a selection for vegetarians, the desserts however could have been more clearly labelled to say if they were suitbale for vegetarians or not. I really did not like the coffee from the machine in there, it was not nice. My husband and son said the tea was ok. My son had pasta most evenings in the Lido, the chef was great and knew what he liked after only one visit! The food waiters were good, clearing away quickly. The wine waiters however were very slow. They seemed only to look in the main dining area, if you sat around the edge, which sometimes we did through choice, sometimes because they were the only tables available we were lucky to get a drink before the end of the meal. On one occaison we waited so long my husband went to the bar only to be told to 'sit down and wait as we will be served'. We did wait we did not get served though! Other people seemed to be having the same problem.
The evening entertainment in the Show Lounge was very good, the team were great, dancing, singing giving it their best even when the sea was rough (which it was on probably 4 out of the 7 nights) There was also a guest comedian who was funny as well as observant. The two bands playing around the ship were ok,looked and sounded like they had played and sung their songs alot of times though, which was a pity.
The staff at reception were curtious, helpful and always looked too busy, not realy much time left for smiling.
We went on two excursions, one to Funchal, this was good, enjoyed the cable car ride, could have done with more time at the Gardens and less at the lace shop. The other trip was on the submarine on Lanzarote, good fun, lots of fish, two ship wrecks and no locusts! Everyone on board the ship had heard that there were millions of them at Lanzarote, it had even been the news, we saw some, but they were not everywhere and not the plague reported.
On board ship we went on the bridge tour, it was interesting, it was during a rough crossing to Agadir. The 2nd officer explained in detail what everything was and how it worked. He explaned that the ships stablizers were only used if it was force 4 or above, they were out a couple of times during this cruise!
The Cruise News was useful, appeared under the door in the evenings. One day we did not get one, but picked one up from reception.
We booked early so got all inclusive free, we are not big drinkers but it was nice not having to pay for anything at all on ship. Coffee (Not from the machine in the Lido), hot chocolates, juice, the occasional shandy etc. We did buy bottled water on two occasions from the bars on ship but mostly bought it when we went ashore as it was a fraction of the price.
We could hear some noise in the cabin, but that was the air conditioning, we did not hear noise from the bar's or disco's, nor from the engines and we slipped into port with no sound, we woke up in a new place every day.
The weather was not as good as was expected by us or the staff, it rained in Funchal, then all day at sea it was raining, windy, cool and rough, at one point the elevators were out of use and the doors to outside were locked! the next day in Agadir it rained the whole time.
On the day we disebmarked, we had to leave the cabin by 9am. We had to put the luggage out side our door the evening before. We had to make sure we had all we would need for the day in hand luggage as we did not leave the ship until 6.30pm. The hand luggage was kept in a watched room, a few cabins were made available for guests leaving that day to freshen up in. (Fifteen to twenty minutes use.) We could use our all inclusive up until one hour before we left, which was good.
Throughout our stay on the Spirit we felt secure, the embarcation cards were scanned as you went off and came aboard ship. We hired a safe deposit box at reception for passports etc (this cost £10 for the week).
Having to sign slips everytime we ordered a drink was a pain, ordering for three meant three slips a time. A mass of paper at the end of the cruise. It was good to get a running tab mid week,(again pushed under the cabin door) then a final one on the morning of leaving.
We would sail again on the Spirit, but we would also like to give some of the other Thomson ships a try over the next few years.

We went on the Colourful Coasts cruise departing 19.11.04. This was our first cruise but it won't be our last. We booked via the net and got a great deal. including the free all-inclusive deal.

Our transfer from the airport and onto the ship was fast and trouble-free, waited only about 5 minutes for our photos and cabin details. We spent the first couple of hours working our way down from Horizons Bar, stopping for a drink to try out our AI cards at every bar we found. Cocktails were wonderful!

Our cabin was on Deck 3, and was fine. Plenty of storage space, and clean and well-kept. Our cabin maid was always around, and although a bit lacking in English, she was always helpful and friendly.

We ate every night in the Compass Rose, and the food was superb. French night was especially good. It was a great idea to work it so that you got to sit with different people as the tables were filled up. We met some delightful people, everyone seemed to have entered into the spirit and wine and conversation flowed every night. (Far more civilised than the Lido, which was fine for a quick lunch or breakfast a couple of times.) We also used the Compass Rose for most breakfasts & lunches. The waiters were amazing. Some would ask your name as you sat down, and never forget it - even 3 days later!!

The afternoon teas and midnight buffets in the Lido were good, but the Buffet Magnifique was quite spectacular. You have to see it to believe it, what talent those guys have.

We used most of the bars, our favourites were Raffles, for a pre-dinner cocktail or two, and the Explorers for a relaxing drink in the daytime. Horizons was nice in late afternoon, especially if we were approaching port, and their cocktails were the best.

We did not take any of the excursions as we prefer to make our own way, which was easy and much cheaper. Some people said they were expensive for what they were, especially in Agadir. (One woman said the dinner there was the worst meal she had ever eaten! Probably camel was the conclusion.)

The shows in the Broadway Show Lounge were the unexpected highlight of the trip. Having expected Butlins Redcoat style, how wrong could we be? Every show was quite superb, the performers were extremely professional and worked so hard to keep the standard high. Special mention for the 2 best singers, Mark and Lauren, who were exceptional. We did the backstage tour and when you see the tiny space they work in it is even more amazing. Particularly liked the Queen tribute, and Rock & Roll, although the costumes from Moulin Rouge were fantastic.

So, the food, service, entertainment and destinations were excellent. The organisation of the whole operation was superb, (rather better than Thomson package tours) and even the weather was good. Any criticisms? Well, the photography was a bit of a shambles, and the pictures were scandalously expensive. So many prints were simply wasted due to price. Why not charge a fiver and sell ten times as many? A real shame, as the photography staff all seemed a bit clueless too. A minor irritation though.

Advice? Take the AI option if you can. Even if you book too late for the freebie, it is often £49, a bargain. Enter into the cruising spirit, dress up on Captain's night, and use the Compass Rose. You can eat in a cafeteria anytime. And get a good seat for the shows.

We are now cruise converts. Not every holiday, but hopefully one a year. And Thomson, never my favourite company in the past, excelled themselves. Why pay more? Go for it!!

My wife and I joined the ship in Tenerife and as this was our first cruise we were expecting a wonderful time. The ship was clean and tidy and our cabin steward was fantastic. We were expecting fantastic food but found it was no better than any 3 star spanish hotel. The dining arrangements need to be changed as you could end up sitting with some extremely boring people, after 2 days we ate in the Lido. The ships staff were excellent, always cheerful and helpful. We thought the entertainment was dreadful, the reps thought they were special but we have seen far better shows in 3 star hotels. This cruise has put me off cruising for ever.

The wife and I took a cruise to celebrate our 40th birthdays, and everything on board ship was first class. From the cabins, food, entertainment and of course drink. We went all inclusive which meant our drinks were included in the price. I would like to moan about something, but I can't. It was fantastic.
On the wifes birthday, I had breakfast brought to the cabin, and for £50 not only did she have breakfast in bed. This came with champagne and chocolate strawberrys,and if that wasn't enough, the waiters sang to her during dinner whilst presenting her with a birthday cake. For those of you unsure whether to try a cruise or not, all I can say is you wont be dissapointed. We are hooked and will be doing it again soon. On board the Thomson Spirit was the best holiday we have ever had, and we both strongly recommend you do it.

Just got back from our first cruise and WOW what a fantastic time we all had!!! Cleanliness: I saw a member of housekeeping on his hands and knees cleaning the edge of the carpet with a toothbrush what more can I say. Food: They'll have to roll you down the gang way, great selection, Lido is great for informal but Compass Rose is something special. Captains dinner is a great occasion. The scones at 4pm are a must! Staff: Housekeeping:- our maid was Natalya she gave a five star service, our daughter was so excited with the shapes she made out of towels, swans, roses etc
Restaurant: The waiters were fantastic and wanted to be friends with you throughout your stay, special mention to Rudy and Ludy. Bar staff & Wine Waiters:- You have waiter staff at all the bars and restaurants excellent service special mention to Stephen wine waiter Compass Rose and Lorenzo bar staff in the High Spirits bar. Ent team: Fab - For us Matthew had the best voice and a great personality. But all the ents team are great the quizzes and games are great fun and the ents hosts are very comical. Special mention again!! for Eden who made us play the games and for being great with our daughter. Shows in the Broadway are brilliant and the comedian was great. Kids are ok to watch comedian even the late night one. Kidszone: Jo and Lou have this mastered, our daughter was so happy during this holiday she didn't want to leave, they had two sessions per day, 2 hours at a time and twice during the week they even eat together in the evening (movies and munchies nights) giving parents the opportunity for a romantic meal together.

We were on the Med Renaissance cruise calling at Cittavechia, Livorno, Santa Marguerita, Toulon, Mahon & Palma. We prebooked two tours initially (very expensive) we booked Rome on your own, which was basically coach there and back and 1/2 day trip to Pisa which was a guided tour but we left the party on arrival, the cost was £170.00 for 2 adults and 1 child. You can do all the trips very easily without paying a fortune. In Cittavechia there is a train station which takes you into the centre of Rome and the same for Pisa. Costing no more than 10 euros. Santa Marguerita is a very beautiful little town, we spent a couple of hours there and then caught the bus (10mins) to Portofino for 1 euro each, the price for this with TUI is £29.00 each!! this includes a little boat ride to Portofino but it is a little boat and not worth it. Its our first time in Italy and won't be our last, the history, people and music! I certainly fell in love with Italy. We were due to sail into Toulon but due to the problems with the port blockades in France we had to sail into Villefranche another beautiful town, from there we got a taxi with Matthew from the ents team to Monte Carlo 50 euros one way, this was only because the train was cancelled which cost 8 euros. Worth ever penny what a fantastic place we saw the group U2 and Cat Deeley on the quay side. How the other half live! Very exclusive resort Aston Martin's everywhere and the Saudi Millionaire Khasaggi's yacht was in the harbour, it was half the size of the Spirt (slight lie maybe) and it even had a helicopter on the top deck. Don't miss the ship sail into to Mahon it's something else, lots of shops to look around, Palma shopping however is unbelievable, we've been to Majorca many times but have never visited Palma before.

The week was fantastic wish we'd been there two, the only disappointment that we had was that we didn't know where the photo's were been taken on the Captains dinner so we missed out, having read the reviews I now know, don't make the same mistake as the photo's are great. The highlights of the holiday for us were the sail away party on the Lido Deck from Palma, Rome, Pisa & Monte Carlo. But most of all the service, staff and attention to detail that Thomson provides throughout the holiday. What a great way to see the world. Asta la Vista.

Jean & Bob from south Manchester.Having seen how Oday rated the thomson spirit after his/her nov 2005 trip, I felt I had to even out the balance so to speak.We returned last tuesday from the "Flavours of the past" cruise,we really loved the cruise (our first but not last)although it was a very intensive itinery we survived and returned ready for a holiday !! Regarding the Spirit,the only problem I had, was the engine vibration which was felt in most areas of the ship and this should be sorted out with the refurb in early 2006. The ship was kept spotless,entertainment excellent (I even had a singing lesson with two of the entertainers). The staff could'nt do enough for you and the food,well,too much to cope with but we managed! good quality in all three restaurants.The icing on the cake for me were the sunsets, to see the sun setting on the horizon is a sight to behold.

hi i think that the cruise was brillant the staff was very helpful you didnt have to do any thing the
entertainment team was fantastic and out of all of them danny was the fittest by any chance does any one no his last name i would recommend a cruise to any one