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Thomson Jewels of the Mediterranean |
| Reviewed By: Dandridge, Mattishall on 13th Aug 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Thomson Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Thomson Destiny |
Sailed:
June,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 65+ |
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As this was our first cruise, we decided on a short Thomson cruise and, after reading many reviews, settled on The Destiny. From embarkation to disembarkation there was not one hitch, everything went perfectly. Our cabin which was on deck 3 was adequate and clean, we were well looked after by our cabin girl, she even decorated the cabin for my husband's birthday. Although I did not request it, a cake was presented to him at dinner that evening with the waiters singing Happy Birthday.
All crew, without exception, were very friendly and always acknowledged us. The food was good, the service excellent throughout the ship. We got a Cruise News each day with excursion details, what was happening on board that day and other news. You need never be bored, entertainment, organised games, gym, casino.
We did our own excursions, at each port there were local buses and trips. Trapani our first stop, was very quiet, if you want shops, there are none. Naples was very much a working port. We were very disappointed in the little train excursion in Ajaccio, don't use it, we did to avoid the wait for the double decker bus, big mistake, it only takes you round in a circle and not worth the 10 euros, pay extra and get on the bus and see the countryside. Toulon was lovely, make an effort to go to the street market. Barcelona was our best excursion. We bought tickets at the quayside and were able to get from one part to another via 3 connecting buses, excellent value. There was plenty of shore time on all trips.
Currency was Sterling via a swipe card, you signed for everything and all our bills tallied at the end, only in the casino was cash used. Dress code was informal and casual informal in the evening. Bar prices on a par with home but measures are a little bigger and each day there was a speciality coffee and cocktail of the day, non-alcoholic one too, at a special price. Smoking only outside area of one deck.
It is true, once you go, you are hooked. Within a week of returning home we had booked for the Caribbean next year. Imagine a floating hotel and waking up to a new country each morning, how much more interesting than a week in one country. If you are hesitating, don't. Go for it.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Breakfast and during day Lido buffet. There were speciality dishes pool deck buffet some days.
Evenings in the Seven Seas with waiter service.
Alcohol hand gel provided at each eating area and also at gangway after a trip ashore. Staff used plastic gloves at all times when dealing with food. | | Entertainment |  |
| We could not always get a seat for the entertainment in the theatre, lots of seat saving by children/friends. The comedian was superb, his 2 shows were packed out. The entertainers were young and enthusiastic. | | Shore Excursions |  |
| Best: Barcelona excellent value.
Worst: Ajaccio (Corsica) Little train very poor value. Wait for the double decker bus and see the countryside. | | Staff | |
| Without exception everyone was polite - and smiling. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| There was plenty to do, if you wanted to take part. I found the library a welcome facility. | | Cabins | |
| We were on deck 3, outside. I would recommend asking for a cabin more to mid-ships or front, there is some vibration towards the rear. TV, radio, air con and a safe (charge) and hair dryer supplied. I took mine, the voltage was too weak for it. Pool towels supplied. | | Overall Rating | |
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