overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
The Thomson Dream is a smaller ship with around 1500 passengers and 600 ish crew
we found it to be a very clean ship with the crew doing constant maintainance and always cleaning the place, the crew were also on hand everywhere with hand sanitiser and insisted you used it, no excuses
whilst the ship was smaller than the last 2 we have cruised on, we found it to be perfect for us, plenty of space, plenty to do day and night, good food, good entertainment and the crew the most friendly and sociable of any ship to date
Now contrary to the opinion of Thomson and all inclusive cruises, there were no drunks, no chavs or idiots and we found the passengers to be very friendly both at dinner and generally around the ship, yes the dress code is much more relaxed but in my opinion, this had no impact on the way people behaved and all inclusive does not mean getting hammered from morning till night on free beer.
there were many people who had cruised with PandO and Fred and had done some of the other mainstream lines as well but by far most people were repeat customers on their 8th/10th/ 20th Thomson cruise
As for the AI, we are still debating if it was worth the cost and if we broke even, we think we did but only just and unless it was free or very cheap next time, we would not buy it, preferring to pay as you go
the excursions were reasonably priced and gave good value , als Thomson seem to have much longer in port than many of the other ships we saw berthed next to us along the cruise, we always seemed to have an extra 2-3 hours in each port
our cabin was larger than both Ventura and Aaura and the bathroom markedly so.
the cost for on board purchases for cigs and booze also seemed cheap comp;ared to the duty free shops in the airports
overall a very enjoyable cruise on a great ship,we now agree we prefer the smaller more friendly ships, in fact we were so impressed we have booked the Thomson Spirit for a cruise to Iceland and Norway in August
we found it to be a very clean ship with the crew doing constant maintainance and always cleaning the place, the crew were also on hand everywhere with hand sanitiser and insisted you used it, no excuses
whilst the ship was smaller than the last 2 we have cruised on, we found it to be perfect for us, plenty of space, plenty to do day and night, good food, good entertainment and the crew the most friendly and sociable of any ship to date
Now contrary to the opinion of Thomson and all inclusive cruises, there were no drunks, no chavs or idiots and we found the passengers to be very friendly both at dinner and generally around the ship, yes the dress code is much more relaxed but in my opinion, this had no impact on the way people behaved and all inclusive does not mean getting hammered from morning till night on free beer.
there were many people who had cruised with PandO and Fred and had done some of the other mainstream lines as well but by far most people were repeat customers on their 8th/10th/ 20th Thomson cruise
As for the AI, we are still debating if it was worth the cost and if we broke even, we think we did but only just and unless it was free or very cheap next time, we would not buy it, preferring to pay as you go
the excursions were reasonably priced and gave good value , als Thomson seem to have much longer in port than many of the other ships we saw berthed next to us along the cruise, we always seemed to have an extra 2-3 hours in each port
our cabin was larger than both Ventura and Aaura and the bathroom markedly so.
the cost for on board purchases for cigs and booze also seemed cheap comp;ared to the duty free shops in the airports
overall a very enjoyable cruise on a great ship,we now agree we prefer the smaller more friendly ships, in fact we were so impressed we have booked the Thomson Spirit for a cruise to Iceland and Norway in August
Nihil Obstat
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- First Officer
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
DN
Thanks for your "Dream" review, and pleased that your needs were met
Cheers
Graham
Thanks for your "Dream" review, and pleased that your needs were met
Cheers
Graham
Gentle Giant of Cerne Abbas
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Glad you enjoyed it DK, I know a lot of people knock Thomsons although I would guess those that knock probably haven't even tried them, some friends of ours love them and have had some super cruises .
Jo
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- Senior Second Officer
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Thank you very much, I have really enjoyed reading of your experiences.
We have cruised Princess, but the majority P&O. I want to try Thomson at some time for the more casual approach. It obviously wouldn't spoil my holiday
We have cruised Princess, but the majority P&O. I want to try Thomson at some time for the more casual approach. It obviously wouldn't spoil my holiday
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- Ex Team Member
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Thank you for your reviews DK and pleased to hear you enjoyed Thomson so much.
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- Site Admin
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Sounds like a good time was had by all.
I think from what you have said that it confirms the views of others that have cruised with Thomson.
I think from what you have said that it confirms the views of others that have cruised with Thomson.
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- Senior First Officer
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Very interesting... especially the bit about longer in ports.
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
on average we got 8-10 hours in port per stop
plenty of time to do tours and still have time to do some stuff on our own
plenty of time to do tours and still have time to do some stuff on our own
Nihil Obstat
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Me and much beloved had many land based sojourns with Thompson
Halcyon days of yester years
Most memorable
Hotel designated on arrival . . . was a 5 star inclusive sited in the hills of beautiful Majorca
Just five weeks later - my beautiful Betty was confirmed well and truly "preggers"
Majorca mountain air worked it's charm for us
BUT . . my suggested name for our wee girl . . . Thomosa . . . . was not to well resaved
Sorry folks for yet another buttock clenching post
Lubooo all
The in Gentle Giant Reflective Mode
Halcyon days of yester years
Most memorable
Hotel designated on arrival . . . was a 5 star inclusive sited in the hills of beautiful Majorca
Just five weeks later - my beautiful Betty was confirmed well and truly "preggers"
Majorca mountain air worked it's charm for us
BUT . . my suggested name for our wee girl . . . Thomosa . . . . was not to well resaved
Sorry folks for yet another buttock clenching post
Lubooo all
The in Gentle Giant Reflective Mode
Gentle Giant of Cerne Abbas
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Very interesting Kevster.
I'm not surprised that you found that you preferred a smaller ship; we much prefer the mid sized P&O ships to the Azura sized ones. You now probably understand why so many P&O customers do not see the introduction of ships such as Britannia as "progress". As a family we all like the formal aspect of P&O cruises and their offer currently ticks all the right boxes for us so I doubt very much that we'll be giving Thomson a go any time soon. However, its good to know that you have found a cruise provider that gives you what you want out of a holiday. We are all different, and that is not a bad thing.
Regards
Rob aka AOTH
I'm not surprised that you found that you preferred a smaller ship; we much prefer the mid sized P&O ships to the Azura sized ones. You now probably understand why so many P&O customers do not see the introduction of ships such as Britannia as "progress". As a family we all like the formal aspect of P&O cruises and their offer currently ticks all the right boxes for us so I doubt very much that we'll be giving Thomson a go any time soon. However, its good to know that you have found a cruise provider that gives you what you want out of a holiday. We are all different, and that is not a bad thing.
Regards
Rob aka AOTH
One day P&O will cruise out of the north.....
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
AOTH
If we were to go with P and O again, which we have not ruled out, we would go for the smaller ships, possibly the adults only.
It may well be that case that by only having cruised on the bigger ships , it has given me a somewhat unfair opinion of the company, that said , the formal nights and the dress code are not to my taste, when I am on holiday
If we were to go with P and O again, which we have not ruled out, we would go for the smaller ships, possibly the adults only.
It may well be that case that by only having cruised on the bigger ships , it has given me a somewhat unfair opinion of the company, that said , the formal nights and the dress code are not to my taste, when I am on holiday
Nihil Obstat
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
DN
So pleased you and Mrs DN enjoyed you Thomson cruise. We have fond memories of the Topaz & Island Breeze. We mainly migrated to Princess because of the availability of balcony cabins, being a smoker at that time. However we did find Thomson the friendliest of cruise lines with some of the best entertainment we have come across at sea.
Ray
So pleased you and Mrs DN enjoyed you Thomson cruise. We have fond memories of the Topaz & Island Breeze. We mainly migrated to Princess because of the availability of balcony cabins, being a smoker at that time. However we did find Thomson the friendliest of cruise lines with some of the best entertainment we have come across at sea.
Ray
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Ray
the staff were superb, so friendly and welcoming, by day 3 they had remembered our names and what our drinks were
the show team were very good, although they were very new and the shows we saw were great
the staff were superb, so friendly and welcoming, by day 3 they had remembered our names and what our drinks were
the show team were very good, although they were very new and the shows we saw were great
Nihil Obstat
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Thank you for the excellent reviews DK and glad you enjoyed the holiday.
I would be very happy if DW and I could try out some of the smaller, older and more traditional ships, but now we need an accessible cabin we find the more modern ships are better geared for wheelchair passengers.
I would be very happy if DW and I could try out some of the smaller, older and more traditional ships, but now we need an accessible cabin we find the more modern ships are better geared for wheelchair passengers.
John
Trainee Pensioner since 2000
Trainee Pensioner since 2000
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
1500 passengers sounds like a nice size ship. So there wasn’t a ‘snob’ or ’10 bob millionaire’ in sight to spoil your cruise. They must prefer the larger ships.
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Thanks for the review(s) old pal - a good and informative read. Not sure it would persuade me to desert P&O but my views on that are well documented !!
Sounds a bit like an eating and drinking diary...but then that's part of what cruising is all about !
Glad you clearly had a most enjoyable holiday
Sounds a bit like an eating and drinking diary...but then that's part of what cruising is all about !
Glad you clearly had a most enjoyable holiday
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
QB
we don't really do hours and hours laid on a sunbed, we tend to get off and walk about and stop for lunch and a few drinks, do a bit of sightseeing and hop back aboard.
I am sure some people spend hours covered in chip fat going brown or spend hours treking about the place, but for us a hoiliday is about relaxing , seeing something new and getting a snapshot of the places we visit, to decide if it is somwhere we go for a land holiday
we don't really do hours and hours laid on a sunbed, we tend to get off and walk about and stop for lunch and a few drinks, do a bit of sightseeing and hop back aboard.
I am sure some people spend hours covered in chip fat going brown or spend hours treking about the place, but for us a hoiliday is about relaxing , seeing something new and getting a snapshot of the places we visit, to decide if it is somwhere we go for a land holiday
Nihil Obstat
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Ditto - I get bored after half an hour lying in the sun so we do like to get out and about. No point visiting far flung foreign parts otherwise in my view
We did the same tour as you in Antigua first time we were there and I agree it is well worthwhile
We did the same tour as you in Antigua first time we were there and I agree it is well worthwhile
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
emjay45 wrote:1500 passengers sounds like a nice size ship. So there wasn’t a ‘snob’ or ’10 bob millionaire’ in sight to spoil your cruise. They must prefer the larger ships.
Don't take this the wrong way, we know you don't like the bigger ships, but why do you have to keep making digs about them or pot shots about people that go on them? I'm happy to go on the larger ships, but I don't feel the need to constantly rubbish the smaller ships or the people that sail on them
Anyway, moving on the more pleasant things
Thank you to DK for posting about your recent cruise, it was interesting to read.
I don't think 1500 passengers is that small, actually, and I would like to do a Thomson cruise at some point. I think any slight doubts I might have about the size of the ship would be outweighed by the more relaxed dress code.
Gill
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Thanks for doing all those detailed cruise reports DK, I felt as though I was there with you and the Lady Dark.
Got me all excited about my own Thomsons cruise!
Got me all excited about my own Thomsons cruise!
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Good to see someone teasing a teaser.emjay45 wrote:1500 passengers sounds like a nice size ship. So there wasn’t a ‘snob’ or ’10 bob millionaire’ in sight to spoil your cruise. They must prefer the larger ships.
Thanks for the interesting reports Sir Dark Knight, have very much enjoyed reading them. You mentioned Tortolla which always brings back fond memories of a certain bay and Pussers' eatery.
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
thanks everyone for the feedback
I tried as much as possible to avoid any real comparison with other ships , as it is each to their own, other than the obvious such as cabins size and the more relaxed dress code, which was part of the reason we booked Thomson
the next ship we are on is the Thomson Spirit which has less passengers at 1250, at this rate we will be on a canal boat soon
I tried as much as possible to avoid any real comparison with other ships , as it is each to their own, other than the obvious such as cabins size and the more relaxed dress code, which was part of the reason we booked Thomson
the next ship we are on is the Thomson Spirit which has less passengers at 1250, at this rate we will be on a canal boat soon
Nihil Obstat
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
I can recommend Black Prince. No not Fred's ship, the canal hire company. I'm on one in October. Three passengers. Three crew. Total aboard three!
And none of us ten bob millionaires or riff raff.
And none of us ten bob millionaires or riff raff.
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Topic author - Deputy Captain
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
Merv you and your good lady are the poster boy and girl for a whole generation of cruises, how dare anyone intimate you are a 10 bob millionaire
you are worth at least a pound
you are worth at least a pound
Nihil Obstat
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Re: overview of the Thomson Dream by DK
As Jonty said I was just teasing DK. I don't think I'm always having a dig at the bigger ships anymore than anyone else. I noticed on the Britannia thread it was only my post you quoted although plenty of other posters said they didn't like the look of the ship. I'm sorry if you don't like my opinions but I'm just as entitled to them as anyone else on here.Gill W wrote:emjay45 wrote:1500 passengers sounds like a nice size ship. So there wasn’t a ‘snob’ or ’10 bob millionaire’ in sight to spoil your cruise. They must prefer the larger ships.
Don't take this the wrong way, we know you don't like the bigger ships, but why do you have to keep making digs about them or pot shots about people that go on them? I'm happy to go on the larger ships, but I don't feel the need to constantly rubbish the smaller ships or the people that sail on them
Anyway, moving on the more pleasant things
Thank you to DK for posting about your recent cruise, it was interesting to read.
I don't think 1500 passengers is that small, actually, and I would like to do a Thomson cruise at some point. I think any slight doubts I might have about the size of the ship would be outweighed by the more relaxed dress code.