Our family came back last week from the Pharaohs and Promised Land cruise on Thomsons Spirit. My husband and I are in our 50's, son is 29, daughter 28 and mother 81. After a break of 10 years without the "kids" we have had two cruises together and they are such a success that they are back this time. All of us have our own way of relaxing and enjoying the holiday and this cruise kept us all happy. My mother potters about and chats with everyone including the friendly staff, who always take time with her. The younger ones usually hit the gym first thing, (its well kept and everything they needed), then relax if the sun is shining. There were 3-4 days when this was possible albeit a stiff breeze was with us most of the time and when too cloudy the afternoon Skyfall and Loopers films were ideal for a few hours before the evening meal. On both pool decks we found the sun beds quite close together and if you're on deck 8 waiters don't seem to come passed very often, (but there are toilets in the gym area whereas on deck 5 you have either a walk to midships or up the outside stairs- too steep for mother).

Be prepared for Muster drill at 9.30pm on the arrival day. After a 5am start to our day this was the last thing we wanted and unlike the Dream or Island Escape this is held on deck, in the breeze.

Mother and I love the live dancing/singing shows- although really good as always the entertainment staff were too much over the top with cheesy grins- so I missed a couple of the shows this time. The Raffles bar has an excellent pianist/singer and this was our usual haunt in the evening. The High Spirit entertainment is where I'm sure other reviewers compare the cruise to Butlins and although good for a laugh I could not go there every night! The casino is at Raffles and we do like a flutter. Due to the unrest at Port Said we spent two nights in Alexandria and two in Ashdod. While in port the casino and shops do remain closed. Read more