Reviews of Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship, Thomson Destiny, Thomson Cruises

Just arrived back after our...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Colourful coasts

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss Sa Else

Comments:

Just arrived back after our first cruise! Overall it was a very pleasurable experience. The cabin, although small suited all our needs as we didn’t really spend a lot of time in there!!



The food was excellent. Top notch. Whether dining in the seven seas restaurant, or eating a midnight/lunchtime snack in the lido cafe up on deck!

The waiters and bar staff were also fantastic and the service were second to none! Cocktails were amazing :)



Entertainment onboard. Although I enjoyed it immensely was a bit like "Butlins on a boat!!" The shows were good, and I enjoyed the quizzes and game shows, although I must say my partner and I didn’t care for the resident band Club 5 at all. The band were talented but the singer lacked charisma and didn’t have a powerful enough voice to be night time entertainment (daytime possibly) However after the third night and we had heard the same songs repeatedly (sometimes in the same order) it became a little tiresome. And put us off staying in the Oklahoma Lounge after the game shows had finished.



Ports of call were good. Although excursions too expensive!! We didn’t do anty of them and made our own way around the different towns!



Only other gripes are that the coffee and tea facilities were up on deck 9. Which was a long trek from our cabin on level 2 for our early morning drink. There should be a machine or facilities on each deck!



Embarkation took far too long. And there are queues for everything (we British seem to like them!)



Also I didn’t like the fact that the luggage had to be outside the door by 3am on the last day. And we had to be out of our cabin by 9am .only for our luggage to sit on the quayside for around 12/14 hours!!!!!!! And for us to get 15 minutes to freshen up!



But all in all the cruise was lovely and I would recommend it. Although the actual Thomson reps were not as great (we were never told our flight had been transferred to a different airport!!)



It hasn’t put me off cruising. Although I still feel as if I am swaying now (as if still onboard) :)

Ship was absolutely excellent....

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs Sandra Parker

Comments:

Ship was absolutely excellent. Service was wonderful and food was of a very high quality. The service from the staff was first class.



This was our first cruise but will not be our last. Entertainment spot on. Only negative feedback is power points totally inadequate in cabins.



Cost of trips disgraceful for what they were but overall wonderful experience and would certainly recommend it.

This was our third cruise, first...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2006

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Mrs L Phillips

Comments:

This was our third cruise, first one on the Spirit, second on the Emerald. We enjoyed the trip on Destiny very much, but would place it as third in terms of choice.



The food, as on all the ships, was excellent. As was the entertainment, staff on board and our general holiday experience.



Not so good, were the dreaded toilets, which operate on a vacuum system. I do wish they would replace it! And the reception staff! Obviously not employed by Thomsons!

My wife and I took our first...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Atlantic Sunsets

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr J.V Edwards

Comments:

My wife and I took our first ever cruise on the Destiny. We enjoyed every minute on board. The ship was immaculate. The staff were superb, always happy and friendly.



The shows were brilliant. The all inclusive option is a must with a selection of drinks to suit every taste. The cabins are small but we were hardly ever in it so it did not matter.



To sum up, a nice ship with good staff who cannot do enough for you, superb entertainment, good food and a good on board atmosphere. I shall be going on her again. Well done everyone on the Destiny for giving us such a good holiday.

Romance Romans And The Riviera....

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr T Tweddle

Comments:

Romance Romans And The Riviera.

This was our first cruise and my wife was nervous about going to sea. Day 1 was at sea and the wind caused some discomfort for some of the people on board, but we were fine (Lucky for us). However the over all holiday was a cruise and stay. The second week being in Can Picafort. The Destiny spoiled us for our second week in a very nice hotel simply because of the shear high standards of every thing about the cruise.



Crew were 100% helpful and nothing was too much trouble for any one. The singing waiters in the restaurant made every one thoroughly enjoy a relaxed atmosphere whilst experiencing first class food.



Entertainment was faultless and it was plain to see by every one, that all of the cast worked exceptionally hard during the performances of every show (and we never missed one)!



Food was so varied and every dish superb. Whether it was a snack, a full evening meal or a midnight feast, it was great. Only complaint is the tightness of the waist on the trousers and skirts which was self inflicted.



We met some wonderful people and would like to pass on our regards to all (7th July to 14th July 2006).



Many thanks to every one of the crew there are too many to mention each one individually.

We will be back same time next year, but hopefully for the two weeks



Well done Thomsons!



Tours were a bit pricey but we enjoyed every port. particularly Rome, Genoa and Marseille.

Absolutely fabulous. My Husband...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Not Specified

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Chesterman

Comments:

Absolutely fabulous. My Husband and my 11 year old Son again came back to the Destiny this year after traveling on the Ship last year in 2005, to say that I have booked again for 2007.



The Ship is spotless, the food and entertainment is fantastic, the service overall is excellent. All staff are friendly, the entertainment staff are brill especially Matt, Jay and Corey, all the staff make you feel so welcome. Upon walking on the Ship you feel at home.



The places we have visited over the last 2 years have been lovely, but I agree that booking the organised tours are slightly expensive, that's why we do our own thing and find our own way around the different cities, still a great time and experience.



ALL staff work so hard, pleasant and are a credit to Thomson's.

Good news first:

...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Itinerary:

Idyllic Iberia

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr S Nash

Comments:

Good news first:



The food was up to cruising high standard. The waiters and bar staff were obliging, polite and, in the case of the restaurant waiters, very entertaining. However, I would not return to this ship because the cabins are unacceptably small. I was genuinely shocked when I opened the cabin door on arrival. The brochure showed two beds in parallel with room to walk in between decked out in gold and brown livery. In reality most of the cabins have the beds at L shape with one of the beds stowing into the wall when not in use and ours was a drab grey and blue.



I went to the reception desk and witnessed scores of passengers complaining, but they were all fobbed off with the stock answer that the ship was full and that they couldn't change cabins. I queued to complain too, expecting the same reply - and got it. I overheard one man in front say that he had paid extra for a sixth deck cabin only to find that it was the same size as all the others. Another said that he had paid for a window but hadn't received a cabin with one. These individuals were given the same reply that the ship was full and told to complain when they returned to the UK at the end of the trip.



However, when it was my turn, having seen what was happening I had an ace to play. I had declined Thomson’s flights and found my own way to the ship on a no frills airline. I was an independent traveler and with the money saved by not taking Thomson's flights I had already been in Majorca for two days in a hotel before meeting the ship. So, I told the receptionist that unless I got a cabin like the one in the brochure I was going to fill in an official complaint form and then disembark and go back to the hotel. I expected a full refund for the accommodation which I was not going to take. That did the trick.



The manager was called and my wife and I were relocated to a cabin like the one in the brochure - still far too small, but better than the first one. A few days later I asked the steward who cleaned the cabin where the people from this second cabin had gone. I assumed that they hadn't arrived due to illness or something unforeseen at home. I was amazed to be told that this cabin was one of several 'spare' cabins which Thomson holds back for 'eventualities' (like me standing my ground). So, the staff were lying when they were telling passengers that the ship was full. They were hoping that the Brits would complain then accept that they had no choice - and they were getting away with it too. Furthermore this relocated cabin had a window just like the one the man at reception had paid an extra £100 for but didn't get. Further deceit by Thomson's was witnessed on arrival at Lisbon.



An announcement came over the public address that Thomson's had laid on a shuttle bus service from the port to the city centre. Tickets needed to be purchased at reception before disembarking. Thomson apologized that there would probably be a long queue for this shuttle service and recommended that passengers bought their tickets early. When I saw the queue for tickets I decided I would walk or hail a taxi to the city centre. However, when I disembarked I asked a security guard which way the centre was and he pointed to a bus about thirty yards from the Thomson shuttle bus. He told me it was a free service operated by the Lisbon port authority.



I checked with the driver. It was indeed free of charge and a return service every day at fifteen minute intervals. There were just four people on this bus. My wife and I and two French tourists who weren't on our ship. As the bus pulled away I looked back at the enormous queue of fare paying Thomson passengers snaking across the port waiting for the next shuttle bus to arrive. I find it hard to believe that Thomson didn't know that there was a free bus service in Lisbon. It does seem rather suspicious that they made passengers buy their tickets before disembarking rather than merely paying the driver. Finally, a word about the entertainment. The dancers and singers are obviously talented, but it's a bit of a 'same horse, different jockey' every night. The alternative is cheap entertainment like Karaoke and a Miss Destiny competition.



The comedian's delivery was good but his jokes were older than me and the intellectual level was set at hi-de-hi humor. Apparently he had been flown in especially from London - Big deal, so had half the passengers. I didn't talk to anyone who had ever heard of him. The compare was very good at her job, but her CV proudly announced that she had broken the record for appearances at the Blackpoll South Pier, or something. Not exactly the Talk of the Town or Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas. Speaking to other passengers throughout the week it seems that the vast majority of them only ever travel on the three Thomson ships. It hadn't occurred to them that there were hundreds of cruise lines out there.



Consequently I formed the opinion that they didn't know better and more readily accepted this shoddy accommodation. Do you fancy a Jacuzzi on your cruise? You won't find one on this ship. There is an adult’s only pool which for some inexplicable reason is carved into two. One half is six feet deep. The other is a paddling pool. How many adults paddle? What a stupid idea. I don't think I'm being cynical. I really do think I know what to expect as this was my eighth cruise.



When the Thomson manager arrived to discuss my complaint I asked her how long she had been in the cruise business and she answered, 'four years.' I then asked her if she had ever seen such a small cabin and she very honestly answered, 'No.'



Bottom line is that it's value for money, but unless cost is your major and over-riding reason for choosing the ship, you don't want to be on this glorified ferry.

A first cruise for myself and my...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Smith

Comments:

A first cruise for myself and my daughter (16). Without doubt the best holiday we have had in many years.



Food 9/10.

A great variety, although a few dishes repeated in Week 2.



Crew 10/10.

Always smiling and ever helpful.



Ship 9/10

As a Ships Engineer myself I could tell the ship had a few tales to tell (Aged) However the upkeep was excellent and for the price the cabins were comfortable

and clean.



Tours 5/10

The only let down. Pricey and sometimes rushed. However they are optional.



Entertainment. 9/10

You could tell the entertainment staff were really putting effort into the shows. They enjoyed them and hence the audience did to.



We paid for an All Inclusive and I firmly believe that not having to watch the pennies whilst ordering drinks etc was a bonus.



Altogether a great cruise and we will be booking another cruise for Jan... Would recommend without hesitation.



Enjoy.



A great thanks to Anthony, Natalia and (Happy) in the Sky Bar for making the holiday that little bit special. Anthony makes a smooooooth BBC - Try one!



Dave and Genny (Lancs)

This was our 2nd cruise with...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Romance Romans and the Riviera

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

johnboy59

Comments:

This was our 2nd cruise with Thomson (we were on Spirit last year) and it would have been hard to fault the first cruise but this year Thomson seemed to have improved even more. Despite recent security scares both flights were on time.



The ship, whilst relatively old, was immaculate and was being constantly cleaned and polished by the hard working crew. There's a stunning bar on the Destiny - the Sky Bar which is wrapped round the funnel and the highest point of the ship with breath taking 360 degree views - a must when leaving port with a long drink in hand! Most of the public areas were towards the stern which made life easier.



Food was superb and plentiful. The waiters were as before very friendly and provided some excellent entertainment which makes the formal cruise dinners so much more enjoyable. The shows were superb and easily West End standard and the young cast excelled. Its well worth taking the 'all inclusive' package - we downed 4 cocktails before we'd unpacked! The cabin cleaning was excellent although the cabins were fairly small. The excursions we felt were expensive. We did Rome which was unmissable but the provided restaurant lunch was very poor.



The only down side was that we were placed on a large half empty table with much older people and dinner became a real chore towards the end of the week. On the Spirit the meals are all open sitting which meant you were never on the same table - a much better and more enjoyable experience. 110v in the cabins meant phone chargers and hairdryers, irons etc would not work.



Overall we had the best holiday we'd ever had and will definitely be cruising with Thomson again - they have it just about right. Thanks!

Absolutely fantastic holiday....

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Romance Romans Med Itinerary

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs C E Patterson

Comments:

Absolutely fantastic holiday. Sue Denning and her entertainment team gave 100% and it showed in all the performances they all gave.



Gavin Carroll and the other team members were always keen, pleasant and charming. The ship was kept extremely clean and the food was superb. All in all this holiday was one of the best my family and I have been on in recent years.



I would 100% recommend the Destiny for an all round family holiday and a wonderful place to make friends.

This was our 1st cruise. We...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs S Gault

Comments:

This was our 1st cruise. We loved the ship. The staff were so friendly and made us feel very welcome.



The cabin was smaller than we'd hoped for, but we were hardly in it so it never mattered.

The food was fab and you can eat 24 hours a day.



Our waiter Danny was lovely and sang so wonderfully we were disappointed he wasn't in the crew show.



The entertainment on board was good. Some of the shows were better than others. The welsh comedian was very funny it was such a shame we never got the chance to see his 2nd show as we had to put our cases out. Why do they put the best show on at midnight on the last night? A lot of people were going to complain about that. Sue Denning the cruise director was always on the stage and got on our nerves. Gavin was wonderful and it was sad to say ta, ta to him.



The ports were disappointing and the prices for the trips were ridiculous. Why do these companies choose to rip people off.



We would cruise again but we may choose another company next time.

Our 3rd cruise and second with...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Roman Romance and the Riviera

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

johnboy59

Comments:

Our 3rd cruise and second with Thomson (we were on the Spirit last year). Just when you thought you'd had already had the best holiday of your life Thomson gets even better. The Spirit is a wonderful ship. Gleaming and spotless 24/7. The various bars are all very comfortable.



The Sky Bar is the tallest part of the ship and gives a fantastic 360 degree view. There lots of families on board and certainly nothing like the older generation image normally associated with cruising. Service was second to none and always provided with a warm friendly smile. Food was fabulous and plentiful. The evening meal is always something to look forward to and the waiter service was faultless. The waiters ad hoc entertainment was great fun. If you want something less formal the deck cafes offer a huge variety and excellent quality 24 hrs a day.



Our cabin was on deck 3 outside and whilst fairly small we had a big window and the cabin was always immaculate and serviced twice a day. If you want a bit more luxury upgrade to a larger cabin but there’s so much to see and do on board you really only sleep there. The shows were fantastic and certainly West End standard performances from the young talented cast. The visiting comedian was hysterical. The entertainment staff do a great job and there’s always something happening to join in if you want to. The casino was good fun and you get all the help you need if you've never played black jack or roulette before and as a bonus we won a few quid too.



The tours are very well organised but we thought a bit pricey. Rome excursion was superb but the tour lunch was awful. All the ports on this cruise are lovely and its just nice to go ashore and soak up the local atmosphere under your own steam. Its well worth taking the 'All Inclusive' drinks package. Last year we didn’t and regretted it. Thanks Thomson a truly great holiday and we will be returning.

My wife and I, along with four...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr A P Compitus

Comments:

My wife and I, along with four other couples took a 14-day cruise on Thomson Destiny. This was our third 14-day cruise on this vessel (the first was under the previous name Sunbird). My personal thoughts on this cruise :



The Ship -

Although built in 1982 the ship shows little sign of age and her general appearance is pleasing. The crew were constantly maintaining the cosmetic appearance of the vessel, although the side screens on Deck#9 were run down and in need of overhaul.



The external deck coverings on Decks#9 & #10 were also showing signs of breakdown. The wood sheathing on Deck#7 was machine sanded and varnished during the majority of our cruise, thereby closing the deck to passengers. I would normally expect major work of this nature to be undertaken during the dry docking period of the vessel. The original nightclub has been converted into "Blakes" - a sophisticated and well furnished lounge and the previous photograph display area has been modified as an extension to the Clipper Bar allowing more passengers to enjoy the ambience of this popular venue.



Ship's Staff -

Unobtrusive and polite whilst carrying out maintenance work -First class.



Waiters, Bar Staff and Stewardesses etc - Absolutely brilliant! - Without exception each member of staff was diligent, polite, smart, cheerful and above all, totally professional. They contributed enormously to our enjoyment of the cruise.



They are a credit to the ship. Perhaps I should not single out individuals but I must mention the following for their tireless efforts in ensuring a successful cruise:



Michaela - Bar Waitress

Christina 1 - Bar Waitress

Christina 2 - Bar Waitress

Morgan - Bar Waiter

Roger - Bar Waiter

Anthony - Bar Waiter

Carmen - Stewardess



Reception -

The staff were of smart appearance with a good knowledge of their jobs, however, on the few occasions I needed to visit Reception, the staff lacked the enthusiasm of the other ship's staff and appeared generally uninterested.



Food -

Simply first class and there can be no complaints whatsoever.

The food in the Seven Seas restaurant was equal to any quality restaurant ashore. The choice of food was endless, varied and beautifully presented. Congratulations to all those involved in its preparation and service.



Entertainment -

Entertainment, along with food must be considered the lifeblood of any cruise and the entertainment package on our cruise was again everything we expected on this class of ship. The team of singers/dancers in the Can-Can lounge were exceptional in all their performances, however, Sue Denning and her A.C.D worked tirelessly and eventually succeeded in creating the ambience and atmosphere of a caravan park and I would respectfully suggest that there is no place for this quality of entertainment in a show lounge on a 21st century cruise ship.



Their hi-de-hi approach is best suited to the Oklahoma Lounge which already successfully caters for this form of entertainment. I take nothing away from the show team who, in my opinion are glamorous and talented enough to grace any West End stage. A word of praise for Lauren Wood who is gifted with a beautiful voice - Thomson are indeed fortunate to have her as part of their team.



The show team constantly rehearsed and fine tuned their skills and produced entertainment every bit as good as previous years, however, they seemed ill at ease when the ubiquitous Cruise Director imposed herself on their performances. She seemed out of place performing with the younger and more talented professional entertainers.



Here we had a cruise director who was omni-present & forever reminding passengers and staff as nauseam that "she" was the cruise director. Perhaps she should consider a more anonymous and low profile role outside of the limelight more suited to her talents and leave the entertainment to those more capable. I have not intended to vilify the Cruise Director and her A.C.D. Gavin who do indeed work long and arduous hours, but merely offer my observations.



The visiting comedians both weeks were poor, however, on previous cruises others have been extremely entertaining - guess it's just the luck of the draw. Entertainment in the Oklahoma Lounge and other bars/lounges was of a high quality as always with resident musicians, game shows and acts featuring singers from the Can-Can show lounge.



Ports of call -

Varied and generally very interesting with perhaps Palermo being the exception. We went ashore at each port, sometimes staying local to the port, other times utilising local trains and taxis to visit the principal cities/areas of interest. The organised shore excursions tended to be expensive and perhaps would encourage greater usage if the prices were lowered. Information on the ports of call was readily provided by the staff onboard.



Summary -

The Ship ----- 7

Ship's Staff ----- 10

Waiters, bar staff and stewardesses etc ----- 10+

Reception ----- 7

Food ----- 10

Entertainment ----- 10

Ports of Call ----- 8



I would unequivocally urge anyone thinking of cruising on Thomson Destiny to have no concerns and book at the earliest opportunity. We have already booked a further cruise on Thomson Spirit for later this year.

Getting on the ship was smoothly...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

0

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss H Scott

Comments:

Getting on the ship was smoothly run your baggage would be returned to you in about an hour, we had a room for 4 it was small but there was enough room though we had to buy a travel hairdryer because the cabins ones are rubbish and we had to use the plug outside for straighteners etc. The first day at sea was rocky and many people were unwell and did not make it to formal evening though they held another later in the week. The weather the rest of the time was great.



The entertainment was excellent though they were better dancing and singing than acting and they had quizzes and game shows as well to keep you entertained.



Our cabin was cleaned twice a day morning and in the evening with the cruise news and a chocolate on our pillows our maid was really friendly and helpful.



Our waiters were brilliant very caring and entertaining the food at the seven seas was great and they had a kids menu we were entertained at the meal and the people we dined with were lovely.



We took two excursions one to Rome and one to Pompeii both were brilliant Rome was a long day but worth it. We have only been on one Thomson cruise before the emerald and they a both similar we had a great holiday.

The food was better than some of...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr FM Munns

Comments:

The food was better than some of the top restaurants in London, the entertainment is constant and professional. The service, including all the waiters/waitresses, was none other than the best.



The actual ship itself is a treasure that I think no-one who has been on it, will forget. I thought the route was really interesting, covering different countries. I think there are some people that have written in above me that need to wake up and smell the flowers because they write about the holiday as an almost disaster (maybe a 5 yr-old, not sure).



Sue and Gavin, the cruise directors, I thought were better than some double-act comedians always making the place feel right. All in all, the holiday was an absolute no.1 and I would recommend it to anyone. The only downfall was the journey back as a group of people thought it would be good to try and cause terror by air (but failed) and caused very bad delays :S



Thank you Thompson for a great holiday.