Reviews of The Emerald Cruise Ship, The Emerald, Thomson Cruises

Just returned from the Emerald,...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Not Specified

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Stoddart

Comments:

Just returned from the Emerald, and wish i was still on it!

Had a fantastic time, been on the Emerald 5 years ago a returned for 1 last visit. The standards still high, had a friendly feel to the cruise.

I would recommend anyone the catch it , on its last season with Thomson.

Just returned from the best...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Pearls of the Agian

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr G Gregory

Comments:

Just returned from the best cruise ever! The highest standard of dining, entertainment, service and the friendliness of all on board was "Amazing!" The weather and the ports of call were just a bonus. I would love to know where the entertainments team will be next year as this may affect my choice of destination. Thanks to all.

Best cruise ship in the world...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

The Emerald Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Dr A Khanna

Comments:

Best cruise ship in the world with fantastic food!

All the staff are ready to help with anything. I thouroughly recomend this ship to all, especially 1st timers

My first cruise and i honestly...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Pearls of the Agean/Adriatic explor

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss M Lochrie

Comments:

My first cruise and i honestly wish i had done it a lot sooner, The Emerald was fantastic, she may be old but she definately a fun ship to be on. the entertainment team were fantastic, Cruise director Gavin Caroll is crazy which made the cruise even more enjoyable, he always had a smile and had time to ask how you were, the whole crew were exceptional, All reviews that are negative are not worth taking note of,these reviews are from people who go on holiday to find faults. i'm 18 years old and had a complete blast thanks to the great atmosphere, brilliant shows performed by the hard working entertainment team, especially Karl who always seemed to be having a ball that, guy should be the face of colgate toothpaste, he never stopped smiling while performing, All the Crew are a credit to the Captain and Ship, even Brett the pest, (just kidding Buddy.)

We have just returned from this...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Pearls of the Aegean

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Williams

Comments:

We have just returned from this cruise and found it fantastic. The ship decor is dated and you notice it when you first arrive. The following day that all goes and you will have a great time. The rooms are always kept very clean. The staff are fantastic and the price of drinks is not expensive at all which you may expect on a cruise. The shows in the Regency show lounge are excellent and the show team work tirelessly to keep people entertained. The meals in the restaurant are very good and offer a range of variety.

We have just returned from a...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

The Emerald Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs A Avery

Comments:

We have just returned from a week on The Emerald, The Pearls of the Agean we visted some wonderfull places, weather was glorious.

Very pleased and suprised when we arrived on board, the ship is in very good condition every thing cllean and bright. The staff work non stop all excellent from Captain Kostas, down all so very friendly.

We were a little dissapointed this time with the food very basic and never very hot.

This is our fourth cruise ,third with Thompsom , maybe as it is Emeralds last year and ship is older , perhaps kitchens not so modern....

We did have a great trip and will be cruising again shortly.

great holiday our cabin was on...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

aegean wonders

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs K Ballantine

Comments:

great holiday our cabin was on the lowest deck but it was a great cabin no engine noise anwed the steward couldnt do enough for us highly recomend this cruise.we are planning to go on the emeralds last year in service with thompson this year

Being our first Cruise we were a...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

The Emerald adriatic explorer

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs D Wilcock

Comments:

Being our first Cruise we were a bit apprehensive as to what to expect. We need not have worried. The whole week aboard the Emerald doing the Adriatic Explorer Cruise was perfect. The whole ship was spotless, the food plentiful, varied and quite hot enough in the Bistro. All the Staff especially Marvin who looked after our Cabin and sung to me every morning were very polite helpful and friendly. The only downside to the whole holiday was the Regency Show Lounge which was badly arranged seating wise and if you had to sit away from the front rows it was virtually impossible to see the stage because of the many pillars in the room and it was so cold. But as the entertainment was only for half an hour we didn't let it bother us too much. and you have to make allowances as the Ship is 50 years old and this is the last Season. But we found the Waiters provided excellant entertainment in the Dining Room everynight with their singing to us all. The excursions we thought were good value for money and although we could have done our own thing ashore we would have missed many interesting places and the guides gave just enough information without making us bored.

There are many Cruise Ship organisations to choose from but we found Thomson's extremely well organised from start to finish and will certainly consider having another Cruise with them next year.

Brilliant memories again of a...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Pearls of the Aegean

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Smalley

Comments:

Brilliant memories again of a fantastic time aboard The Emerald. Everything ran smoothly and delivered as it was supposd to. Our party of four, including two older teens, enjoyed every moment with all the freedom to do as we pleased. Definitely a good choice for a family holiday whose members have varied interests. The entertainment team worked tirelessly. Nick was particularly talented, we thought. Restaurant staff never forget a request for clever 'napkin flowers'. Thank you, all! Ports of call on the sun-blasted Aegean tour were varied and a very different experience from the Adriatic leg which we'd one previously. Future travellers please note that it is probably best to book an early tender out to Zante (Zakynthos) as their shops (and nearly everything else) go to sleep in the afternoon. A warm hello to our nightly dinner companions Aileen, Billy, Jen and Becky and a recommendation to any ditherers out there to book a voyage on The Emerald before she so sadly retires from the Thomson fleet. You won't be disappointed.

We sailed on the Emerald in June...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

The Emerald Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Tinbug

Comments:

We sailed on the Emerald in June this year. Read so many bad reviews on this cruise, all I can say is ignore them all.



First time we had ever done a cruising holiday, definately won't be the last.



The Emerald may be a bit dated, and this is its final year, mores the pity. The National Health Service could learn something from the cleanliness on board.



The food was first class, the cabin, Standard outside, was small but adequate, all you want is somewhere to sleep. Our steward kept it spotless. The service on the Lido deck was faultless. Christina looked after us, she was brilliant.



Only thing I wasn't keen on was the pool, it was quite small. They emptied and cleaned it every evening.



Can't wait to do my next cruise, unfortunately it won't be on the Emerald.

Excellent cruise with top class...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Adriatic

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

ThomsonBudget

Submitted By:

Mr Con Dalton

Comments:

Excellent cruise with top class crew. Food very enjoyable with good choice throughout cruise. All crew very pleasant and always smiling and in good form. Entertainment also excellent under Director Gavin. Great show every night and always something different.

Would recommend as a must.



Cabin 614 The Emerald July 2008 on the Adriatic



Many Thanks to the Capt. and all his crew

WE HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM A...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

Pearls of the Agean

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Mrs A Avery

Comments:

WE HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM A CRUISE AND STAY HOLIDAY . THIS WAS OUR FOURTH CRUISE, THIRD ON THOMPSON CRUISE SHIPS . WE KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO BE THE LAST YEAR FOR THE EMERALD SO WE WERE VERY PLEASED WHEN WE SAW THE SHIP IT IS VERY CLEAN AND FURNISHINGS ARE SUPPRISINGLY MODERN.

OUR CABIN WAS VERY BASIC, BUT LARGE AND VERY CLEAN WITH TWO LARGE PICTURE WINDOWS IT HAD ALL WE NEEDED.

UNFORTUNATELY THE FOOD LET IT DOWN ESPECIALLY IN THE BISTRO, NOT A LOT OF CHOICE AND VERY OFTEN NOT VERY WARM. ALL VERY BASIC AND BORING.

WE ATE IN THE CHATRELLE DINING ROOM IN THE EVENINGS. WAITER SERVICE EXCELLENT ALL STAFF ARE GREAT.BUT WOULD HAVE LIKED MORE CHOICE IN MEALS.

WE WERE DISAPOINTED WITH THE FOOD THIS CRUISE.

WE ALSO FELT THERE WERE NOT AS MAY ENTERTAINERS AS USUALL THEREFORE NOT ENOUGH ENTERTAINMENT ON OFFER. THE YOUNG ENTERTAINMENT TEAM WAS VERY GOOD AND GAVIN IS GREAT, BUT NOT ENOUGH VARIETY OF OTHER ACTS ,FOUND RESIDENTS BANDS PLAYED ALMOST SAME TUNES EVERY SET. ALSO BEST SHOWS WERE ALWAYS UPON LIDO DECK MORE ROOM FOR DANCING.

WE KNOW THE SHIP IS WINDING DOWN SO MAYBE THIS WAS THE PROBLEM.

WE DID VISIT SOME WONDERFULL PLACES WHICH WE REALLY ENJOYED AND ON WHOLE WAS A GOOD HOLIDAY.

Just returned from our Pearls of...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

The Emerald Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr J Mackenzie

Comments:

Just returned from our Pearls of the Agean and Adriatic Cruises. Our party of 6 had a fantastic time on a spotless happy ship. From the Captain down, each and every crew member worked very hard to ensure all passengers were totally happy. Its a pity that the vessel is being retired but we can say that we will be re-booking on another Thomson vessel for next year (And no....none of us work for Thomsons or are in the tourism industry). Total enjoyment.

What a fantastic cruise! I was...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Pearls of the Aegean

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr B Docherty

Comments:

What a fantastic cruise! I was a little concerned given the comments in 2006 about the Emerald, but the more recent ones put my mind at rest. The ship, although old, was spotless, the food excellent. The comments about the food in the buffet not being hot enough at times are just rubbish. Entertainment was first rate. This is the last year the Emerald sails with Thompson, so if you are considering this trip, get in very soon.



10 out of 10 from me.

Got back yesterday from our...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Adriatic Adventure

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

marinajune

Comments:

Got back yesterday from our wonderful cruise on the Emerald. WOW!! She may be old but she is still elegant. The crew and staff are very hard working and she is pristine.

The food, especially in the Chanterelle restaurant is very good. The trips are expensive booked thru Thomson and the taxis are cheap so we did our own thing and saw some wonderful places. Venice is a dream and the old city in Dubrovnic is a must. Do the town wall tour, hard work but the views are worth it.

Drinks prices are good, cocktails for E2.20 with a fruit bowl hanging on the side of the glass! The shows are very good thanks to entertainment director Gavin and the hard work of the young staff. The Hollywood Greats and the comedian Bobby Bennett being my favourites.

Our cabin for four was great for the two of us but probably cramped for four people. We were on Deck 4 near the reception desk but never heard any noise except when docking in the ports at about 8 am. each morning. Sylvana, our housemaid, was excellent. Clean bed linen every day and clean towels twice a day, with pool towels provided as well.

So sad this is her last year with Thomsons, we would have liked to cruise on her again.

Looking forward to our next cruise. Any suggestions??