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

As a first cruise, all of my...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr J Harnett

Comments:

As a first cruise, all of my family were unsure about what to expect. But from the moment we embarked, to the moment we left, we were given the utmost of respect, privacy and care by all of the staff aboard.



A special thanks goes to Khaled, Ivan and Nicoleta for the service they gave to us throughout our stay. Can I also say thank you to the waiters in the seven seas restaurant for singing me the infamous 'When I’m 64' to me on my birthday, which I found very comical. Food was great, in every restaurant, and also, the entertainment team, including Sue, Gavin and the guest comedian Carl Scholfield.



The shows were brilliant. I particularly enjoyed at the disco, where Gavin would come on and sing Amarillo, with everyone following him around the Okalahoma lounge. One disappointment though was the high cost of using the internet, and be warned, you are charged extra if you go onto a site with videos on them.

This was our first cruise and I...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs N Curtis

Comments:

This was our first cruise and I can speak for everyone in our group to say that it was fantastic from start to finish.



The ship was immaculate, the cabins, although only small, were cleaned twice a day, and the chocolates on the pillow and the sculptured towels, were such a lovely touch.



The food was out of this world, with such a wide variety of choice and places to eat. The Seven Seas restaurant was my favourite. The service was outstanding due to our fabulous waiters who couldn't do enough for us. They even found time to entertain us. The menu was first class, and there was so much choice, there would always be something on the menu for everyone’s taste.



The drinks waiters were also great, suggesting different cocktails and again the service was faultless.



The entertainment team were very talented and put on some spectacular shows in the evening, and it didn't stop there, they were also organising quiz's, bingo and pool side entertainment during the day for those who chose to stay aboard.



There was a good choice of organised trips, not cheap, but the trip we did to Rome was a must. We were well looked after and found the guides very informative and helpful. It was all very well organised.



I would recommend this holiday to anyone without hesitation and would like to thank all the staff and crew aboard the Destiny, for a holiday I will never forget.



Can't wait for the next one!

This was our first cruise and it...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

0

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr T. Banks

Comments:

This was our first cruise and it was not disappointing. The food was fabulous and the entertainment was amazing.



The staff were very friendly and helpful. The ship was due for a re-fit and you could tell. However it was very clean it was just a bit shabby. The only thing that I didn’t like about it was that the pool was filled with salty water which wasn’t very pleasant if it got in your mouth or eyes, apart from that the pool was very clean.



The dinning was a good experience and the waiters were very friendly. We will be going on another Thompson cruise very soon.

Accommodation on board was...

Overall Rating:

5/10

Itinerary:

0

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss J Johnston

Comments:

Accommodation on board was sufficient for our needs (we had outside cabin). Maid service at least twice per day ensured cabin always clean and tidy. Impressed with this. Ship entertainment felt similar to a British holiday camp and did not enjoy at all.



Ship crew were all very nice and helpful although we did have a problem and I felt the liaison welfare officer could have done more to help and support me. Ports of Call were good although the excursions booked through the ship are pricey for family days out. The sports deck was closed for the week which was the main thing my son was looking forward to and we had no advance warning of this.



Would not cruise with Thomson again as was disappointed with standard ship after being assured it was similar to 4*, and also entertainment was not to my liking.

This was our first cruise. It...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs Catherine Owen

Comments:

This was our first cruise. It was a very good choice. The cabin we were in was very bright, clean and comfortable. It was on deck 7, the service was excellent all over the ship. The entertainment was excellent at night and the food was the best you ever tasted. We met loads of people from England, Scotland and Wales who were all very friendly. If fran and David from Yorkshire England or Marilyn and David from Cardiff Wales see this please send your address or e mail to me please. I would love to catch up with you all again. My husband and I were on our silver wedding anniversary and I would recommend the destiny to any one as we had a fantastic time. My husband David and I would like to thank all the staff and crew for such a lovely cruise xxx

This was our first...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Jewels of the Med. & Med. Renaissan

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss A Brown

Comments:

This was our first cruise and although we had nothing to compare it with we thought it was excellent.





The staff are outstandingly friendly at all times and are willing to help at any time. From our cabin stewardess (Iskra) to the waiters in the Seven Seas Restaurant (Larry & Roland) and the bar waiters and waitresses- all staff were fantastic- you don't have to lift a finger.





Our cabin stewardess cleaned and tidied our room twice a day and each night we returned home to our cabins to find our beds turned down, a chocolate on our pillows and the daily edition of the "Cruise News" waiting for us.





We found the 4 berth cabin was an adequate size although we ended up getting ready 2 at a time. If it was any smaller it would have been uncomfortable.





All communal areas were kept to the highest standards of cleanliness throughout our stay and the vacuums and dusters were out each day if not twice a day.





The food was fantastic no matter where you ate- whether in the Seven Seas Restaurant or at the Lido/Pool Grill. There was a wide range of food to choose from including some unusual treats such as swordfish and caviar. There was also a special Vegetarian menu. The menu changed each day and even though we were there for 2 weeks we never sat down to the same menu twice. The menu contains a selection of 5 courses each night. All food was fresh and prepared/cooked to the highest standard.





The nightly show in the Can Can Lounge was fantastic although sometimes the show team would have been better off doing a more dancing and singing show than an acting show. None the less we found the shows fantastic. A different show each night is brilliant entertainment and we found ourselves looking forward to it each night.



Most nights after the Can Can Lounge we headed through to the Oklahoma Lounge where we watched a game show then had a dance at the disco. There were a couple of deck Parties each week which we went to instead of sitting in the Oklahoma.



The daytime entertainment was well planned. It was good that it was slightly low key so if you just wanted a lazy day you could just ignore it- if not you could take part. Day time activities included bingo, 2pm quiz, game shows and poolside demonstrations.



The ports of call we visited were fantastic but we found the excursions were a bit expensive. The information provided in them was fantastic though.



All facilities on board were top class so there was no need to leave the ship if you didn't want to.



We enjoyed it so much when we returned to the ship at night we felt like we were home.

Loved it. As this was our first...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

0

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Ramsay

Comments:

Loved it. As this was our first cruise I’ll give it 8 out of 10 with nothing to compare it with.



Right from arrival everything was well organised baggage, embarkation, shown to your room etc. The room was a bit on the tight side but adequate you spent so little time there. The room was cleaned and prepared twice a day, some room stewards seem to go a bit further than others looking after their guests.



The food was fantastic and could not find a fault anywhere. The seven seas restaurant for main dinning was great we had the first sitting which we found worked for us, our 2 waiters Bong and Butch looked after us superbly and the number of dishes should suit any palate, although we heard some did complain about whatever but we could not understand why.



The waiters also provide some the best entertainment on board. The other food areas (buffet style) were good with plenty of choice which varied through the week, scones and cream in the afternoons in the Lido. The evening entertainment in the Can Can lounge ranged from good to great I suppose this really comes down to personal preference of what you like. (Did Kipps have his trousers on back to front for the last song?)



Thanks to Dante production manager for the tour and shop talk and Laura for the backstage tour. The Okalahoma lounge provided more general entertainment game shows, dancing, disco etc. Battle of the sexes with Gavin was hilarious. The crew, staff, entertainers, Sue and Gavin holding everything together and waiters where all fantastic and nothing was to much bother.



The ship was spotless I have never seen so many vacuum cleaners and the smell of brasso.



We only took one excursion and that was the monument tour to Rome with lunch at £55. Thought this was just about acceptable price wise, loved the tour and lunch was a welcome break from the heat (38) and Rome is just amazing.



The only thing I was disappointed in was the day time activities I was hoping for a bit more organised games and what there was the staff did little to promote among guests.

First cruise so have nothing to...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

Med. Renaissance

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs K Smith

Comments:

First cruise so have nothing to compare it with.



The good stuff:



All transfers, getting on board, luggage etc taken care of, no problems whatsoever, very slick. Ship was exceedingly clean, staff constantly cleaning all public areas. Food was superb. All staff, with the exception of the Entertainments Director (who made a member of our party cry!) were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble.



The not so good stuff:



Cabin too small and showers were tiny. Excursions were very expensive. The evening shows were ok, sometimes a bit amateurish, certainly not West End standards! Need non slip matting around the immediate pool area. Sun beds too crammed in.



Overall: A lovely holiday, would travel with Thompson again.

Well, having been on this ship...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Rome Romance & Riviera

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Fry

Comments:

Well, having been on this ship as the Sunbird and also sailing with P & O we were hoping it wasn’t going to be a disappointment. Anything but!



I have to say that Thomson have if anything improved the service, especially with the food options and entertainment. This is such a happy, friendly ship, the crew throughout are so, so helpful and friendly.



Almost every other passenger we spoke to had cruised before, and often on other cruise lines. I think this tells you just how good the ship is. I really am at a loss to understand some of the complaints I have read on these reviews. If they want one of the modern, large ships for goodness sake don’t book an older one and then carp about it!



We cannot wait till the next time.

I have just returned from a...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs D Allan

Comments:

I have just returned from a weeks Mediterranean Renaissance cruise on the Destiny and cannot praise the staff on board enough. Nothing is too much trouble for them, the entertainment is first class and the food is excellent!



Only one thing marred our trip and I would advise everyone to beware of the excursion to Rome titled St Peters and The Vatican. Instead of the full day at the Vatican museum / St Peters we were taken on a general sightseeing tour by bus which took up all of the morning. We did not arrive at the museum until 2pm - it was extremely crowded and we barely had time to look in the Sistene Chapel. We were then given just one hour to see St Peters itself.



For many people this day was supposed to be the highlight of the whole cruise and we were bitterly disappointed. To cap it all some people were left behind despite having gone to the designated meeting point - so be very careful that you do not get separated from the group as the guides do not care if they leave you stranded!



It costs a lot of money and is a very stressful experience to get back to the port. It is also very difficult to prove to the destinations team onboard that it was not your fault!

Our room was at the very busy roadside and the traffic is pretty heavy, but I have to say that I did manage to sleep ok.



Other that the above, everything was satisfactory.

Myself and a friend have just...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Mediterranean Renaissance

Date of Holiday:

May 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs F Bott

Comments:

Myself and a friend have just returned from a week aboard Thomson Destiny, we had a fantastic time, everything was perfect. We had an inside standard cabin on deck 2, cabins are small but plenty of room for storage and kept spotless, some engine noise noticed at first but you soon become used to it.



We had an included drinks package which is great value for money, but don't order full bottles of wine, just glasses at dinner or you will be charged. Good selection of cocktails and spirits available but you have to buy water.



The meals are excellent value for money, no one need to starve, there is food available 24-7. The restaurant staff love to entertain with impromptu singing sessions, also the midnight buffet was out of this world to see, with ice carvings and very decorated food.

Brilliant entertainment from Sue and the team, 'Half a Sixpence' was just like a West End production. Bingo also exciting with excellent cash prizes, like £100 per line and the jackpot at the end of the cruise can reach £2000!



Some of the excursions can be expensive, but at most ports you can do your own thing. The trip to Rome on 'Roma Express' was £85 but worth every penny, we saw everything possible in Rome and had an excellent lunch, traveling by a private luxury train. It was a long tiring day, but worthwhile.



In our opinion this is a great value for money cruise for normal everyday folk, with plenty to do and see, not too posh, but plenty of opportunity to dress-up if you want too!

Want an ash tray? - If a smoker...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Itinerary:

0

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Not Specified

Comments:

Want an ash tray? - If a smoker be warned the staff will not bring you an ashtray instead they will bring you a used coke or beer can.



Regarding all inclusive. My son and his girlfriend (over 18yrs) were refused anything other than soft drinks, despite paying for all inclusive and producing driving licenses at the bar. I complained - and told the manager - you have their passport details from boarding, can't your staff check their ages from the cabin number - we all had suites by the way, so the fact they didn't want to put themselves out really annoyed me.



Would I go again? NO WAY. I went on the Destiny when it was called the Sunbird with Airtours and it was fantastic, you didn't handle your luggage after UK check in until you opened it in your cabin.



I advise people not to be swayed by all inclusive and shop around - take it from me a cruise fanatic - I will be sticking with Royal Caribbean (any ship) or First Choice (new ship - European star) they really do have the edge, and you'd be surprised how close the over all price comparisons come out at.



Do your sums and you'll see there are better deals out there, don't be swayed by all inclusive - cruising is not about free drinks!

It was our 1st time cruising, I...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

med cruise

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr S Laws

Comments:

It was our 1st time cruising, I wasn’t too keen on going at 1st but once I got there it was amazing! The best holiday I have been on! Free food and free drink! Can’t be bad, and the food was lovely all fresh! And the drink was proper makes like Stella and Smirnoff was free but you had to pay for drinks like Jack Daniels.



The staff were very nice especially the waiters who were such a laugh, the shows were amazing, the actors were so skilful, this cruise was so good we have booked another one on the same ship for this year!!!! Can’t wait... anyone who is thinking of going.....GO!!



Money well spent! And anyone who says the ship is full of old people its not! Yeah there's a few but it’s like any other summer holiday you get a mixture of people! BOOK NOW!! From Scott.

I have just come off a P&O ship...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Destiny Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2004

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mr AE Mutch

Comments:

I have just come off a P&O ship called the Oreana this ship is far bigger than destiny. Was not even half as good. Trust me people go on the destiny you will have a wonderful time, the staff are the best I have ever seen the Thomson Spirit is also a great ship but a lot smaller.



This xmas I have booked Christmas on her sister ship I will tell all after I get back. Best wishes to captain Kronos for getting the destiny. Good luck and happy sailing.

Brilliant.......just a brilliant...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Jewels of the Med

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr DJ Lee

Comments:

Brilliant.......just a brilliant holiday and worth every penny.



With regards to the Lido food, the food quality is as exactly the same as in the main restaurant. The staff on board go out their way to be friendly and cheerful.



Anyone who thinks about going on the Destiny should go. You'll have a brilliant time. The food is top class, the shows are West End performances, the ship is spotless, the staff are the most friendliest polite people you will ever meet (mainly because they're not British and yes I am British).



The cabins are spotless, air conditioned, tv, mini-bar, what more could you want. We had 8 days of 35 degrees without a cloud in the sky. But of course the sun does shine on the righteous : )