Reviews of Thomson Spirit Cruise Ship, Thomson Spirit, Thomson Cruises

This was our tenth cruise and...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Spirit Cruise 2 week Iberia

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

tgibbs

Comments:

This was our tenth cruise and the third on the "Spirit". Returning to the same ship a third time caused some concern in case we would be disappointed by familiarity. We had not cause to be because we were not disappointed. The transfer from Palma airport to the ship was smooth and quick, as were the formalities needed to got on board. We were escorted to our cabin and as we entered, our luggage followed us!



Fantastic service better than the 5 star ships we've been on. The ship was clean, repaired but showing signs of needing the refit due in November. The staff were amazing and provided superb service. On commenting that there wasn't brown toast, within five minutes three pieces were delivered to the table by a senior member of the restaurant staff. More 5 star service! "Spirit" has a nice mix of fun and friendly ship with some formal events. The food was varied, well prepared and presented and more than adequate for the holiday. Overall the cruise was as good as the previous two we had on the ship.



There ports of Call: Gibraltar could be walked into, Lisbon had a pay for shuttle. We took a CityBus and then back to the ship. The stops were short, to short for Lisbon. Cadiz could be walked into and we took another CityBus and then walked around the town. A very pleasant place. Malaga port was a construction site The free shuttle bus wasn't adequate for the numbers wanting to go into the town and we had a forty minute walk. We took a CityBus, had a walk about and took the shuttle back to the ship. Cartagena was easily reached and easy to walk around. The four CityBus tours cost less than £25 each.



Palma was the real bargain: As we had the whole day while the passengers changed, we took the CityBus from outside the cruise terminal. We had a great tour around the city and returned for lunch. Then we went back on the bus and stopped in Palma, sat on a pavement cafe and watched the world before returning to the ship. As the CityBus ticket is for 24 hours we didn't pay for the second trip. The whole day including bus and drinks cost 20 euros for two! It drizzled a bit in La Spezia but not to much to stop us taking the tender from the ship to having a walk ashore. It rained in Civitavecchia...we didn't go ashore. However, if we had we would have walked the ten minutes to the train station, caught one of the every twenty minutes trains to Rome for 9 euros (one hour train journey.) Genoa drizzled but not to much to stop us having a walk ashore.



The sun came out at Marseille and there was a shuttle bus. We took our one and only ship arranged tour to Aix-en-Provence, costing £30 each, more than the four CityBus trips the first week! Palamos was easy to reach but there was a free shuttle bus which we took. We walked around the town and then walked back to the ship. We had a grand tour of Lisbon, Cadiz, Malaga, Palma, Aix-en-Provence for a total of £55 each and free walking in Gibraltar, Cartagena, La Spezia, Genoa and Palamos. Cruising is amazing value as you have good quality rooms, excellent service, 24 hours food, smashing entertainment and low cost sightseeing. We'll go again...and look forward to the refurbished "Spirit".

We can say without a doubt this...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Idyllic Iberia Romance Romans & The

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss D Fraser

Comments:

We can say without a doubt this was the best holiday we have had to date. Every crew member was absolutely brilliant and treated us so well. The entertainment team were fantastic whether it was the fun quizzes and game shows or the spectacular shows in the show lounge.



The food and drinks were also first class and were served to us by wonderful, friendly waiters and waitresses who treated us so well. A have to mention the bar waitresses Gina, Laura and Helen and waiters Roy, ken, Sill and Jimmy who ended up our friends by the end of our two weeks.



Our cabin had plenty of space and was very comfortable and was kept spotlessly clean by Inna and Saw who like the rest of the crew worked tirelessly and we could not thank them enough for looking after us so well.



We were a little worried about the ports of call after reading some of the reviews, but we need not have been, we enjoyed every one. Some reviews had pointed out the ports being industrial, but that's what they are designed for not just the odd cruise ship calling so we found these comments unfounded and unhelpful.



We can't wait to go back, but unfortunately we are already booked on a Caribbean cruise next year. The following year we will be back on The Spirit.

This was our second holiday...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

mediterranean renaissance

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs L Wardle

Comments:

This was our second holiday aboard the fantastic `Spirit`.



We chose to go back on her for many reasons but first and foremost because last year was the best holiday that my friend and I had ever had. From the moment that you step on board she feels different to any ship that I have sailed on before. Yes, she is a little worn around the edges, and is in need of the refit that she will soon receive but none of that matters as it is her crew that give her the biggest heart on the open sea.



From the fabulous cabin attendants to all the people in both restaurants. Nothing is ever too much trouble, even finding a curry at three a.m. after a fantastic night in High Spirits!!! The bar staff are second to none with special thanks to all in High Spirits, especially Laura and Helen who should have a stage show all of their own and the wonderful Harris .



Would I recommend The Spirit over any other holiday?? EVERY TIME!!!!!



Roll on next year. x

Our first cruise with our 12...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Jewels of the Med

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs K Phillips

Comments:

Our first cruise with our 12 year old daughter. Didn't know what to expect but we needn't have worried. This cruise was excellent in all aspects. So good, we have booked another cruise with Thomson next year. We have never experienced such wonderful service, entertainment and food. Staff could not do enough for you. The food was excellent in the self-service restaurant and the waiter service restaurant. The entertainment team was second to none. We sat with lovely people from Liverpool for dinner most evenings who were just as pleased as we were. It was just a shame that the Platinum Hotel Sa Coma Playa did not come up to scratch! Next year it's just a cruise not cruise and stay!!

I and friends have just returned...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Spirit Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs B Morris

Comments:

I and friends have just returned from yet another great Thomson’s cruise on the Spirit last yea Red Sea this year Renaissance it was so well organized as usual with Thompson’s food excellent entertainment was amazing spot on. My only disappointment was on the tours the walking took a bit to long which when you are a mature person it takes it out of you, but overall it was excellent



Beryl Morris

This was the best holiday I have...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Mediterranean Renaissance and Jewel

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss N Derham

Comments:

This was the best holiday I have ever been on! So relaxing. The crew couldn't do enough for you. There was always a waiter/waitress on hand to offer drinks as you soaked up the sun. The waiters in both restaurants were all so friendly and we got to know them all really well.



The show team were so professional and could have been straight from the West End. When they weren't performing they were helping to make our holiday more special.



The entertainment team were also excellent. They were always on hand if you needed to ask anything and the numerous quizzes and game shows were fabulous! The poolside entertainment was also excellent!



Gareth and Cheryl (the Teenzone hosts), were absolutely excellent. They made our holiday so fun and were always on hand for a laugh. They gave me something to do all the time and gave me the confidence to make new friends. Don't know what I'd have done without them!



The ship itself is also amazing. The cabins and are fully air-conditioned and have so much wardrobe space it's unbelievable. The gym is equipped with everything you need to keep you fit while away, the pools are great to cool down in when it gets too hot to handle and there is enough sun beds for everybody onboard.



I can't think of enough words to describe this holiday. But all I can say is it was the best I've ever been on! Thank you to everybody onboard who helped make it so enjoyable!

My Family has just returned from...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Jewels of the Mediterranean

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr M D Pugh

Comments:

My Family has just returned from this cruise (18 - 25 Aug); we had 2 young children aged 4 and 5.



We had a lovely time and highly recommend this ship and the Thomson crew. Don't expect perfection at this price...but it is almost 5 star, very clean just a bit run down (apparently it is due a full refit in 2007).



Cabins are spacious enough (we had 2 next to each other (809 and 807), and brilliantly cleaned by the staff twice a day. There were loose tiles on the bathroom floor, but everything is spotlessly clean. If I could have been bothered to report it to reception I'm sure the tiles would have been repaired that day! I would prefer fitted bottom sheets, being a small bed and tiny sheets, they never stayed in place during the night.



Worst port is the first, Palermo in Sicily is grubby and as it is Sunday, most things are closed. We visited the museum, had a restaurant meal and walked back early to the ship. It was very hot in August, and our kids did not want too much walking around.

In next years brochure we have noticed this port is exchanged for North Africa (Tunis I think!) which will be a much better option.



All other ports were much better.



All excursions were expensive! Half day trip to Pompeii was £44 each. We walked to local train station where we paid about 5 Euros for both adults (kids free) and entrance to Pompeii was right next to the train stop. Entrance about 11 Euros per adult (kids free). On the return journey we used a taxi from the station for 5 Euros. Ok we had no guide, but with 2 young kids this was never an option...



In all ports there were boat trips to go on, in Barcelona we were advised to take a taxi to the main sites and walk back, but we booked onto the open topped coaches that go around the city. Great views from the top, but too hot in the sun and if you get off there are terrible queues to get back on the top deck. No queuing to get on lower deck and at the next stop you had priority over the waiting queue to go upstairs if people got off. Much better once you realised this! But the whole circuit takes 2 hours without even getting off and this was too long for the kids who fell asleep. Would have been cheaper and easier to take the taxi as recommended.



Same in all ports, either a good Visitors Centre or excursion desk with much cheaper deals to the main sites. This is a shame because apart from the price of the trips, Thomson's were brilliant in every other aspect of the trip. If they could just half all of the trip prices they would be on a winner!



I worked for Thomson's as a ski guide and representative for about 8 years, it is always easy to spot others mistakes and I am hard to please usually. But all staff a bonus and credit to the company. Especially the entertainment team. Wonderful evening singing and dancing routines. Lots of events in other areas, from games, bingo, piano, 3 piece bands, shows, etc.



Cinema showed recent films several times a day, and there were 2 movie channels in your cabin that repeated advertised films all day.



Thankfully, most of the ship is no smoking. It is allowed on most of the outside decks, around the lido pool (at rear of boat), and in a bar or two (there are several bars).



The account system worked well, everyone is issued with a credit card which can purchase nearly everything on board, and allow you to register on and off the ship in the ports. This can then be charged to your credit card and a summary of costs so far is given during the week. Prices about the same as your local (£2.45 for a pint of Boddingtons). We did not stint on the drinks, had bottles of good wine with all meals, cocktails and southern comforts all evening and bill was about £200 for 4 of us.



Your luggage is taken from the original port and delivered to your cabin, same in reverse on last night.



No tipping is the norm. If you feel you have had exceptional service you can leave cash at the end of your trip. We did tip the cabin cleaner, who was brilliant and would have tipped entertainment team if there was a place to have done this.



The other big bonus was Kid Zone, fantastic bunch of 3 girls, who our kids absolutely loved. Lots of different events at different times of the day. Twice they collected the kids from the cabin at 8 am, took them to breakfast and then on to the kid zone play area. Wonderful. A couple of nights they ate their evening meal with the kid zone reps, and for several hours during the day or early evening they joined the club. They had their own cinema (projector TV), and lots of other games and events. The older kids also had a special room for themselves with another movie screen.



Food - brilliant, available 24/7 somewhere on the boat. All restaurants changed what they were serving during the day. Scones at 4 pm. Water and ice available at every restaurant. The subsidized (posh!) restaurant (Scirroco) was fully booked for last 3 nights as everyone wanted to try the lobster I think! I put on 3 kg's and was trying to be careful!



There was computer/internet access at a price. But we didn't use. 2 swimming pools (salt water) and a paddling pool.



Casino, beauty salons, massage, up-market shops, library, quiet rooms, gym. etc.



Excellent holiday, a bit too hot in August for young children, but the whole ship is air conditioned perfectly.



Wish we were still there.

Just got back from our first...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Spirit Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs A Rossiter

Comments:

Just got back from our first cruise and stay, really enjoyed ourselves. Didn't know what to expect but what a holiday. After leaving the coach at Palma and boarding the ship you wouldn't think you were onboard.



We were shown straight to our cabin on deck 2 (we pre-booked) to be honest it was bigger than the hotel room we stayed at in the second week of our holiday, the staff from the moment you stepped on until the day you left were pleasant and very friendly nothing was too much trouble. The ports of call were nice especially Mahon very pretty.



Food was always plentiful and lots of choice in the lido, we also went into the compass rose where you had singing waiters, which was very entertaining.



Entertainment on board was also good I recommend the show Africa the costumes were fab.



Needless to say we will go on a Thomson cruise again.

Having never cruised before we...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr H J C Lavender

Comments:

Having never cruised before we were apprehensive but the whole trip was very well organised, especially once you reach Palma harbour and start the embarkation process, very slick operation.



I found the ship very very enjoyable. The service and the entertainment were GREAT. Whilst shows like this are not my cup of tea normally, I enjoyed them all.



Cabins were reasonably sized very nice, and were cleaned and made up twice a day. Don't bother with an upgrade or a suite - the basic cabins are fine, save your money and have an extra week or an AI upgrade



The service in the bars was excellent, especially in Blakes which was a lovely relaxing lounge.



Our favourite place to eat was the Lido cafe at the rear of the ship (or should I say aft at the stern)



Meals were ALL fab, the weekly 'buffet magnifique' looked fantastic but was not a buffet in the true sense and we left there quite hungry.



It was an excellent experience, we (my parents and I) all had a wonderful time and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. The staff were all very friendly with no exceptions, overall it is the best service we have ever received.



Tips:

Don’t do all the trips - stay on the boat and enjoy it when it’s quieter. They work out VERY expensive, better to just go ashore and book your own.



Book an early dinner setting - you can enjoy the whole evening’s itinerary



Don't buy too many of the photographs - it can be expensive at £15 a go



The on-board Internet is quite reasonable for MSN messenger use - create an account before you leave and this is a very cheap way of communicating with people at home (you pay per minute of data transmission, so an IRC session is quite data-light). Also, switch of your mobiles as soon as you leave port as they have a ship-based satellite cell service that kicks in as soon as you lose a land based cell signal, all calls (incoming aswell) are v.expensive (£3 per min voice, £1 per text)



Always try to get up early enough to have breakfast as you are arriving at port (some a bit grubby though, but that’s why it’s a cheap cruise) - also try to have supper at sundown - in the Lido Cafe. Then get up to the mast bar for drinks as the sun sets



If you are on an all-inclusive package always specify a brand for your spirits otherwise you will be served 'own brand' (some premium brands carry a surcharge, but regular brands are included). Also at dinner order wine by the glass (up to 2 ea), not bottle which you would have to pay for.



The lager on-board is Stella Artois, looks and smells the same as in UK but tastes weaker



The spirits are served in 40ml shots - so get a mixer served in a can so you can get the mix right



Some families had walkie-talkie radios to keep in touch on the boat - this was a good idea but I don’t know if they were permitted or not?



The dinner dress code ran from DJs on first night, then gradually easing off to just an open necked shirt by last night.



Make sure you look out for any bloke with an old style Canon hi-8 camcorder - he's filming throughout the week for the cheesy cruise DVD/Video which is definitely worth the £20, as long as you are in that is!



Bon voyage!

It was our first time on a...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Jewels of the med

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss A Ondhia

Comments:

It was our first time on a cruise having blindly booked it at the last minute. Expectations weren’t that high but turned out much better than expected.



The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Food was good the deserts were delicious being a vegetarian we had good options. Entertainers were good some nice shows variety of things to do in daytime on ship.



Cabins were a good size if you can go for a outside cabin you can see some beautiful views. The port stops were all lovely too but needed more time in each one. Overall an excellent holiday would recommend it to everyone.

Just come back from this week's...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Jewels of Med

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs D Cook

Comments:

Just come back from this week's cruise around the Med. This was our first cruise and we wanted something for everyone (my husband and I and three children aged 12; 15; 16)...and we certainly got it.



Overall the cruise far exceeded our expectations. We were looked after from the minute we got off the plane to the minute we got back on. The organisation and administration were excellent. Luggage all taken care of; the onboard cashless account system worked well and there was no 'hard sell' of anything. The communication aboard was also just right - the daily 'Cruise News' was really useful.



The entertainment on board was excellent and varied, you could join in the numerous events (quizzes; parties etc) or if you preferred sit in one of the quieter lounges or bars and watch the world go by.



The food and drink was first class with a choice of menu and dining situations to please everyone. However, the overall factor that made the holiday 'special' was the ship's staff - they were excellent, from the cabin stewardess we had (thanks Nina!) to the bar staff; restaurant staff and entertainment crew. All very obviously happy in their jobs (or if they weren't - they certainly fooled us)!



The only reason I haven't given the rating score as a '10' is because we were a bit disappointed by the one excursion we went on. We went on the Naples - Sorrento and Amalfi Coast trip. Naples was probably, in hindsight not the nicest of ports to get off at and the trip whilst affording a beautiful view when we got to the top of the Amalfi coast was a long, three hours in total on the coach up and down the most winding roads I have ever experienced - my daughter was sick and the rest of us felt it.



I think a warning on the excursion literature about the road would have stopped us going and ruining our day. We spoke to some of the other passengers who also felt that the trips weren't always value for money. At some of the other ports we got off and looked around ourselves - Toulon and Barcelona were excellent for doing this and are recommended.



All in all, we would recommend the Thomson Spirit to anyone, it was our best holiday yet and we aim to cruise again next year probably with Thomson but perhaps to experience another one of their other ships. Well done to all staff who work so hard.

We have never been on a cruise...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

0

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

P.M. Snow

Comments:

We have never been on a cruise in our life and have never considered it to be "our sort of holiday." I suppose in a snobbish sort of way, we thought it was "Butlins Afloat," although that being said, we were pleasantly surprised on the one occasion we did go to Butlins for a cheap week we loved it!



Anyway, back to this experience, we tried to book online and we'd done all the hard work and were just trying to pay having put in a few upgrades etc. And we got the message back that we'd been unsuccessful, and not to try again but of course "they" had our credit card details, so we wondered what was happening. We rang the next day, and it seemed that we had tried to pay at "last knocking" at 11-00p.m. When the computer was just going down for the night. But an extremely helpful young woman not only arranged for us to get the same deal as the internet ( saving £150 over 'phone booking,) but gave us "first-timers" excellent practical advice about the ship and choice of cabins and much else (She had been on this ship herself. )



This was our first experience of the excellent personal service that Thomson seemed to be able to provide throughout our week's holiday.



Right from the start it was good, embarkation from Cardiff, arrival at Sharm el Sheikh, a nightmare airport, but made easy by the reps clear instructions. Easy trip to the ship. Little bit of a hold up because of problems with Egyptian Customs' camera equipment not working properly?



Anyway, my wife has just told me to get to the cruise and stop nattering on about irrelevant stuff. It was brilliant. Very comfortable. Great entertainment Dan in the Theatre/Musical group was outstanding, and we confidently expect to see him on a West End Stage in the near future. The small "chamber" groups playing in smaller bars were excellent and very relaxing to listen to. (Especially the little classical duo). The food was very good indeed and it seemed such a tremendous bargain to have a restaurant meal thrown in every day. (How did they manage to serve such superb scrambled egg to so many people what professionals).



The drinks were extremely fairly priced especially considering that we were a captive audience and couldn't buy elsewhere. I've forgotten, but I think a gin and tonic was £2-40? We were tempted to save money and organise our own trips to the various fantastic places, such as Petra, the Pyramids etc. But with two older teenage girls with us, decided that we were better off paying the money. This is a decision that we did not regret. It may have been expensive, but it could have been very expensive had our self chartered taxi broken down and we missed the Ship!



I can't quite understand other contributors' criticism of the (Industrial) Ports, what did they expect? Monaco, Antibes, Cannes type ports? I don't think so! We thought that the service on board was magnificent, we really are unable to complain about anything (that was within the province of Thomson). Come to that I'm not complaining, it was just a great, excellent value week's break. Thank you Thomson! We are converted!

Easy to book and organise -...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

Red Sea Magic

Date of Holiday:

Nov 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss M L Sims

Comments:

Easy to book and organise - booked with travel agent but they matched the price on the internet! Quick and easy.



Boat clean and nicely laid out. Entertainment great - especially those shows at night. Food wonderful - can eat all day long if you want - waistband felt the strain when I got home.



Trips sometimes expensive to be honest but well organised and worth it. Unfortunately as Egypt is so big the journey times were often long and the start times early. Go snorkeling as much as you can - you see as much as scuba diving and its much cheaper. Go to Dead Sea too - amazing day in a very luxurious resort.



Trip worth every penny - get the drinks package so you can have all those lovely cocktails without worrying about the cost!

My daughter and I booked this...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

Idyllic Iberia

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs D Snell

Comments:

My daughter and I booked this cruise at the very last minute and I was a little apprehensive as my husband and I have always used P&O. However I needn't have worried. We had a wonderful time. The cabins were small but were adequate and clean. The towels were changed once or twice daily. We had chocolates on our pillow every night and our towels were cleverly made into swans or other designs on several occasions.



The restaurant food was very good. There was a good variety, the service was excellent, the staff friendly. I enjoyed the fact that there was no set time for our meal.



The food in the self service was again very good. Plenty of it and whatever time of day it looked fresh. The salad selection was good but I found the deserts a little disappointing. I would say the food was a 3* rating.



Whatever time of day we always managed to get a sun bed even though we were like sardines in a tin. The deck hands always managed to find some for us and push us in. The entertainment was fine.



In all we had a wonderful holiday. It was good value for money. Almost half of what I would normally pay so I will be booking up again soon for another one. Thank you to all on Spirit.

After a week in May this year on...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Itinerary:

Not Specified

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Thomas

Comments:

After a week in May this year on this ship we decided a 2 week would be good in July, but what a difference in 6 weeks.



My 1st complaint in May the all inclusive package was £99.00 July £140.00. Midnight buffet was cut by half, same game shows going on, the fellow playing the piano only had the same music sheets ,and was playing the same music in may and again in July it was a repeat and very boring, why have two pianos going on every evening, background music would have been enough. The game shows these have been going on for some time, they get some people up play games its cheap entertainment, and they give the winners a prize, yes you guessed its a t shirt or a mug of the ship, they don’t even buy them a drink, they cant loose, if it was not for travellers taking part there would be no entertainment.



The trips were very expensive and when you disembark the ship there was always some one outside who could do the same trip a lot cheaper, we have always been told not to do this, as they are not reliable, but this time we could not fault it, they were all excellent trips a lot better value, and a lot cheaper. The food and the service can not be faulted at all the cabins and public areas spotless. The entertainers work very hard, but who wants to see a play in the evening, stick to show time, leave the plays for the afternoons.



The captains cocktail evening, after being on this ship 4 times I know his speech word for word will someone tell him to change it please and say another joke besides the one with the hat on. I wont be travelling on this ship again it needs a wake up call,



I will miss the staff on there especially Roy, Ken, Mann, Monica the cabin stewardess, and others I wish them all the best maybe I will see them on the calypso, in may 07.