Reviews of Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship, Thomson Calypso, Thomson Cruises

last sailed on Calypso in Sept...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr B Myers

Comments:

last sailed on Calypso in Sept 07 and re booking



Great to see good comments for this boat , yes it is small but alot friendly, we met alot of different passengers each meal and by the end of the week could say we talked to best part of them,



here is a link for future passangers plenty of photos etc, and information, remember the boat is chartered to thomson only the funnel has changed colour,



http://www.dolphin-hellas.gr/Cruises/Louis-cruises/Ships/cruise-vessel-Calypso.htm

From the 30th June my husband,2...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Aegean wonders

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked IndependentlyCruisedeals

Submitted By:

Mrs A Timmins

Comments:

From the 30th June my husband,2 friends and I had a fabulous week aboard the Calypso,even though we were very apprehensive after reading all the negative comments,all we can say is that some people take a lot of pleasing.

The cabins were a good size much better than the Destiny,and yes we agree that at times there was some engine noise,we were on Deck 3 so it didn't bother us too much,but we heard the bottom 2 decks were noisier.

The entertainment was great and the comedian of the week was Joey Howard,good humour with no smut,he was great too. The team really worked hard.

The food was good but could be warmer,and to think they were able to do the Buffet Magnafique was a great fete of achievement on such a small ship.

All the crew were friendly and the cabin staff really kept our cabins clean.



Everything about the itinerary was good,so easy to get on and off ship.

The fact that the Captain sailed close to Mount Athos and the Monastries was a bonus especially with the facts given to us by Keef---The Cruise director.

As long as you realise that this is a smaller but mare personal ship you will have a great time and we would sail on her again

I couldnt find many reviews...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Crimean Discovery

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs W Burton

Comments:

I couldnt find many reviews before going on this cruise and was a little apprehensive however having been on the Celebration last year we were not too worried. The Calypso is a lovely ship. The staff were friendly, polite and eager to please. Our cabin was lovely we had a superior outside which we pre booked no 601. It had 2 large windows, was spotless and spacious and our maid Ludmyla was lovely. We met some lovely people, especially those at our dinner table. I dont think I have ever laughed so much in one week! The entertainment was good, we saw shows, quizzes etc, and a visiting comedienne Brenda who was really funny and ideal for a cruise ship. My husband went to 3 lectures by Stephen Phillips on subjects relating to the itinerary including one on the Crimean War which he thoroughly enjoyed and added to the experience especially in Sevastapol. We enjoyed all of the ports of call however Constanta is not that special. But seeing rural Rumania on the trip to Histria was an eye opener! The best trip was Sevastopol on the Crimean War excursion, the Panorama Museum is breathtaking, and a definite must see if you go. The food was wonderful in the restaurant and more than adequate in the buffet, what with midnight buffets, afternoon tea etc not good for the waistline. We were All Inclusive as booked early. People say this costs more and is not worth it. We dont agree, its great not to have to worry about that drinks bill at the end of the week. We left the Calypso to go to Halkidiki for a week, to the Oceana Club which was fantastic. There we completely chilled or should I say roasted for the second week which was lovely after a busy but relaxing time on the Calypso. Forgot the best bit of course, its adults only!

I have enjoyed cruises on other...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship - Aege

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs B Strickland

Comments:

I have enjoyed cruises on other Thomson ships all of which have been very enjoyable.



I read various Calypso reviews and comments before going on holiday and therefore embarked on the adventure with an open mind.



We can't speak highly enough of everyone on board - crew and passengers alike. They were all so helpful, kind and considerate to my 84 year old Mum. She had a wonderful time and even joined in the Conga at 1am without hesitation! We can't thank them all enough for making a fuss of her.



We were on the Destiny last year and were pleased to meet up again with Keef Maynard, the Cruise Director. A big thank you to him, Ray (Assistant Cruise Director) and the rest of the Entertainers. What a talented and versatile group of young people they are! Special guest comedian, Joey Howard, had everyone aching with laughter. This combined Ace Team was never 'off duty' and were always happy to chat to everyone at any time.



Special thanks to the Maitre d' and waiters - what a joy to have more then one vegetarian option at every meal!



During the whole week we never found a single person who had anything to complain about - apart from their expanding waistlines!



Conclusion: Small Ship - Big Heart! Many thanks to everyone for making our holiday so enjoyable. We'll be back next year to try one of the Calypso's other itineraries!



PS - And Ray... I thought everyone was very hard on you - well done for taking the digs in such good spirit!

Just returned from a wonderfull...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Ionian Treasures & Aegean wonders

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr R Raynsford

Comments:

Just returned from a wonderfull cruise we could find no faults at all.

The ship was one of the most friendly we have ever been on. the itinerary was great.

The entertanment just got better and better.Food excellent. Staff wonderfull.

We have cruised with Tomson 15 times in the past and will do so again as long as we

enjoy ourselves as mutch as we did this year

Looking foward to next year

Just returned, had a fabulous...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs A Cummings

Comments:

Just returned, had a fabulous time and would definitely go back again.



Was initially unsure with it being described as the smallest ship in the fleet, however the 440 passengers was just enough and it meant we got great service from the staff.



Restaurant food was outstanding, but the buffet was a bit basic, but no need to eat there as the restaurant was always open at the relevant times.



Cabin was spotlessly clean,and better appointed than expected, although we did upgrade to a Superior outside, well worth the money!.



Entertainment team very talented and worked very hard. Shows were great and so were the Cabarets.



Everyone ended up on first name terms, passengers and staff.



Great Ports, great weather and an overall wonderful experience.

Have just returned from a week...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D KOCHANSKI

Comments:

Have just returned from a week on the Calypso cruise ship after doing the Ionian Treasures cruise, and it was without doubt the best weeks holiday I have had . There were 16 of us from Liverpool ( someone reading this may remember us !! ) . From the moment we arrived till the minute we left we had the most wonderful time . We were a bit apprehensive with the ship being on the small side but that is so insignificant as the service was first class. The cabins were fine , TV, shower, toilet and bed , kept spotlessly clean by Violetta who seemed like she was camped outside ready to clean up as sson as you left! . What more do you need. First night spent on the sunshine bar with Frankie and Fletcher who made us so very welcome, within 20 minutes had been served a big bottle of bubbly as it was my wife`s birthday. Dinner in the main restaurant was also fantastic , food and service excellent thanks to Dennis , Loretto and Pedro. Then it was up to the Captains Club games with Ray and Tony and Laura . Real good fun , all drinks served with a smile by the beautiful Tasha , Maria , Anna and Petchya , plus the lads behind the bar. All the ports we visited wre great , especially when we went to the Accropolis which was breathtaking. The trip thruogh the Corinth Canal is amazing. As a note if you want to see the Argo boat sailed by Jason on Volos dont bother it`s only half built ( you can actually see it off the back of the ship . My friend and I got a taxi there and back and justed laughed ( it cost us 6 euro`s and we didnt even get out of the cab) . I could go on but all I can say is if your thinking about it just do it . The beauty of the Calypso is by the end of the week you have met so many people it makes it all worthwhile.

We havjust come back from a week...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

ionian treasures

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Dyer

Comments:

We havjust come back from a week on the calypso crusing around the greek islands- this was our first cruise and was absolutely wonderful - The ship is a little small compared to others i have seen out at sea - but it has everything you want on board - the cabin we had was a outside on the 6th deck and was basic but clean and plenty of room for your clothes - The food was wonderful whether you dines in the restuarant or in the bistro - plenty of choice to choose from. The staff are great on board they cant do enough for you and they are very pleasant all the time. The entertainment was very good too from broadway shows to dancing and comedy. The ship was a car ferry i believe a few years ago so it has a flat bottom so you can hear some banging noises now and again when sailing - its the engines and the slapping of the waves on the bottom but i felt safe after this had been explained to me. I would highly recommend this to adults as there are no children allowed on this ship so its nice and quite. I owuld definately choose this ship again to travel on.

Well here it was our very first...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Haellanic Wonders

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr DT White

Comments:

Well here it was our very first cruise, we thought we would start with a small friendly ship and chose The Calypso. We certainly hit the nail right on the head, on it's first cruise of the 2008 itinery we were offered a start in Cyprus followed by a selection of stops in both the Greek islands and Turkey finally ending up in Thesoloniki for our flight home. The ship although an ex car ferry was superb, the people on board excellent and the staff, food and entertainment were a credit to the thomson group. I am uncertain if we could ever find another holiday that hit so many buttons in one go.

If this is cruising then it's for us.

Having previously cruised with...

Overall Rating:

3/10

Itinerary:

Ancient Empires

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss R Harvey

Comments:

Having previously cruised with Thomson on Celebration, I must admit to being sceptical when I read the numerous poor reviews of Calypso. Having now cruised aboard Calypso I am forced to admit that previous reviewers were absolutely right.



Thomson promise a more personal style of service aboard the 'intimate' Calypso. The

atmosphere amongst guests was certainly pleasant, but a relatively low ratio of staff to

guests (9 bar waiters for the whole ship - approx 450 guests) means that service is sadly lacking.



The cabin steward did not introduce herself, and seemed to find it strange that we should want clean towels on a daily basis. All the towels we received were unpleasantly stained. In general many staff seemed disinterested in guests, and repeatedly highlighted that this was their last week.



On the final day they had begun decommissioning the ship early in the morning, having berthed in the dirty and noisy commercial area of the dock, where the ship was to spend the winter. By lunchtime the sun loungers had been removed, and staff were refusing to replenish items such as toilet paper in public areas.



The Calypso started life as a ferry, and is now relatively elderly. This is evident from the general standard of decor and furnishings throughout; peeling safety stickers, battered decor, and plastic covered chairs being just a few examples.



The small size of Calypso means that both cabins and facilities are heavily affected by engine noise. Conversation at dinner often took the form of shouting over the engine noise and rattling of crockery from the vibration of the ship. The plumbing also shows its age, creating bad smells and with steam rising from the shower drain at times. Some toilets were loose, and leaked water onto the floor.



The standard of food in the restaurant was generally good, but there was noticeably less variety than on the larger ships. I suspect that this was also affected by the fact that we discovered on arrival that our holiday was also Calypso's last week of the season. In general the food was a strange mix - perhaps using up what was left in the freezers?



Without doubt, more effort could have been put into the seating arrangements for dinner.



These were completely random, and left people sitting all week with others with whom they had little or nothing in common. There was no option to change seating if you had made friends onboard and wanted to sit with them.



Although Thomson state that there is a fully equipped gym, fitness fanatics amongst you should not get excited. The equipment is old and in poor repair, and with full length

windows the whole length of the gym and no air conditioning it is generally too hot to use. The sauna is undoubtedly the best element of the fitness facilities on the ship.



The ship boast sufficient sunbeds for all guests, but unfortunately the pool is small and situated well away from the sundeck, and in the middle of the bistro tables.



The small entertainment team proved to be perhaps the best thing about the ship. The entertainment was suited to the majority of guests, who were mainly over 55, and was of a good standard.



The Calypso offers two shops, but neither is particularly well stocked in comparison to what is available on other Thomson ships or other small cruise ships.



Overall, despite the pleasant atmosphere between guests which is achieved on this small ship, the drawbacks of the small size, such as low staff numbers, higher than usual noise disturbance and limited facilities would lead me not to recommend this ship to others.

As this was our first cruise we...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Thomson Calypso Cruise Ship - Easte

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr D Beresford

Comments:

As this was our first cruise we were quite apprehensive especially as we realised that the Calypso was a small ship and would not have as many amenities as some larger ones.



We shouldn't have worried; everything right from the start was wonderful. Our cabin (241) for which we paid extra to have an outside position and also a small extra cost to choose from the internet deck plan. I have read other reviews from people who were on deck 2 but we couldn't find any fault with it at all. Perhaps some slight noise, but hey, it's a small ship and there is bound to be some vibration and noise almost anywhere.



The first nights dining was a very enjoyable experience (table 4, near the entrance, by far the best area, which is much nicer than the lower aft area) which got better each night, due a great deal to the fantastic personalities of the waiters Rafael and Pedro from Cuba, a very special thanks to them.



Although small we still found it easy to get lost at first, but soon found our way round the various bars and lounges.



All the staff were so friendly and helpful, the other passengers were too and we made some friendships over the 9 days.



All meals were excellent, including the buffet; I can't understand some of the other reviewers who said they had to queue for quite a long time. We always got a table and the food was never cold and very varied.



All the bars and lounges had plenty of entertainment in the evenings to cater for all tastes, but the highlight of the cruise for us was the daily show in the Festival Lounge.

The team of young performers really do put their all into everything. Ours was the last cruise of the season and it would be reasonable to assume that perhaps the entertainers were 'winding down' a bit, but not at all.



Led by their boss Sheffielder Frank Hammond, a human dynamo, so talented and enthusiastic, and his lovely wife Dominique, what a woman... from being a tremendous actor in the afternoon plays, to singing and dancing in the shows, running game shows and in the afternoons hosting things like Bingo. What amazed me was that on the last day she was moving and sorting heavy cases about in the immigration terminal, helped by some of the other entertainers and Frank and still having a smile and a kind word for the passengers. How they put on such a polished and professional show in such a limited space (low ceiling, sloping, small, circular stage) and I would imagine not much space backstage to get changed, is beyond me. If ever we saw them out and about in the daytime they were so friendly, no delusions of grandeur like some artistes I have met.

They made the cruise special for my wife and I. A big thank you to them all.



We went on some excursions which beforehand I thought were a little expensive, but they proved to very good value for money and were so well organised by the Destinations Director Paula.



All in all our first cruise experience was a very enjoyable one and we will certainly be trying another one, most probably the Calypso. If you are thinking that I have nothing to compare the experience with, I must add that the couple we went with have been on many cruises, Thomson’s, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and on much bigger ships, but they felt the same as we did, that it was a more intimate and friendly ship, old maybe but with a certain charm that it is hard to put a finger on.



So well done Calypso and Captain Demetrius and crew and once again many thanks Frank and your team.

Went on the Calypso and came...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Itinerary:

Eastern Promise

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs C A Fynn

Comments:

Went on the Calypso and came home yesterday – 24 Oct 07. All I can say is - wow, wow, wow! This may be the smallest of the fleet, but it has everything you could possibly want. If other passengers didn't give it a 10 then I don't know why.



The ship was lovely, everything you could possibly want on board. The food was absolutely wonderful, the service was first class and the entertainment was absolutely five star. The most noticeable thing was that they made everybody use a hand cleaning gel before going into the restaurant and also coming on board the ship, they had thought of absolutely everything. I have been on some good holidays but this beat them all.



The staff aboard the ship couldn't do enough for you, including going to get a certain wine that I particularly liked when they ran out of it the night before. Nothing was too much trouble for them. There was a restaurant called the Orchidee', which was waiter service and what service; there was also the Bistro self service and you could choose which one to use any time of the day. After the evening meal (4 courses plus cheese and biscuits, then coffee, they even had a midnight buffet in the Bistro type according to the port we had docked at, Greek if docked in Greece.



The entertainment staff were superb, putting on not only brilliant shows but also doing plays in the afternoon. They were so talented. Their singing voices were wonderful. I will be going aboard this ship again in the near future. If all Thomson ships are like the Calypso then well done Thomson.



A very big thanks to everyone at the hotel for a lovely time especially all the entertainment team.- See you next year.

The first disaster was the...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Itinerary:

Ionian Treasures

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Ms L Walker

Comments:

The first disaster was the journey to Manchester Airport as we were delayed by an accident, resulting in closure of the motorway, and missed our flight to Thessaloniki!



We were travelling in a party of 6 and telephoned the airport whilst stuck, and were told to report to the Thomson desk. Next disaster the appalling attitude of the Thomson reps on duty that literally shut the door in our faces and did not want to know, got the money...who cares, they certainly didn’t. Thanks to help from Claire and her colleague at the ground agency desk we eventually got a flight via Gatwick to join the ship at Corfu.



Now to the cruise. We had booked the itinerary to transit the Corinth canal. Unfortunately while the Calypso was in transit of said canal, we were transiting Manchester via Kings Cross via Horley via Gatwick via Corfu 2 days in transit!!! Well could've tried the Manchester Ship canal I suppose.



The ship was a pleasant surprise, clean comfortable cabins, excellent food, and attentive staff throughout.



Entertainment team were very talented, however choice/variety of entertainment very limited. Oh yes, the weather was not very good of course and daytime entertainment was sparse compared to other cruise lines.



We had booked this holiday in March and were really looking forward to it. The whole cruise experience was marred of course by the dreadful start and the "reasonably priced" cruise became a very expensive 5 days at sea due to additional expenses to join the ship.



However back home it is a good talking point! Full marks to Thomson for staff on the Calypso. Shame on Thomson for the unhelpful reps at Manchester Airport.

This being our first cruise and...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Crimean Discovery

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr S Sanders

Comments:

This being our first cruise and also our honeymoon, this was our first venture into cruising.



Had a great holiday, the food was lovely, the staff were fantastic, the ship was clean and tidy, the cabins were small but adequate. We had two weeks on board the ship, and really, really enjoyed it. The entertainment by frank and his staff were first rate, the service in the bars could not be faulted.



We dined in the second sitting and the service by the waiters was excellent. Having arrived back home we are now booking another cruise. I would recommend this holiday to anyone.



One small complaint we found some of the excursions expensive but that is miniscule compared to the rest of it.

We have sailed with several...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Itinerary:

Crimean Discovery & Ionian Treasure

Date of Holiday:

Oct 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

fern

Comments:

We have sailed with several cruise lines (5* plus and 4* & 3* ships) and with Thomson many times on Topaz, Spirit, Celebration and Emerald so we embarked with a very open mind.



The result was that we found Calypso a real little gem of a ship - old yes but full of character and exceptionally friendly.



Our cabin was an inside mid ships on Deck 3 and it was adequate for the 3 of us, although I was glad I had taken my own hair dryer as the one in the bathroom is pretty useless!



The Crimean Discovery itinerary was fantastic, although we were a little disappointed not to have seen Rumania. All the ports offered something very different and we enjoyed them all.



The cruise director, Frank Hammond was excellent and his "on deck" talk as we went through the Dardanelles was most informative as was his commentary when we transited the Corinth canal.



For the first week we had excellent weather but during the second week the weather was not so good but it in no way stopped our enjoyment of the ship or the itinerary.

In Kotor we were caught in a downpour so headed for a restaurant and had a very good, reasonably priced meal ashore.



Meals on board we rated the best on any of the Thomson ships and amongst the best we have had on any class of ship.



All the staff from all departments were very friendly and helpful.



I cannot comment on the shows as this is not our kind of entertainment. We did enjoy the pianist and violinist. There is something for everyone.





If the right itinerary for us is there we would definitely sail on Calypso again.