We did the Mediterranean Renaissance and Jewels of the Mediterranean cruises. Never having cruised before I was a bit apprehensive in case I found it a bit over the top we (or rather I) chose the Thomson Spirit because of its casual but smart dress code with only 1 formal evening. I was hooked on the first night the excellent staff , quality of food and service was tremendous. We booked a suite on deck 8 for no other reason other than we wanted something special for our 1st cruise and it was excellent, I don't think I would be as extravagant as that again but it was great to retire to your cabin with plenty of space around you. Angela the housekeeper was fantastic, and kept the room tidy even straightening my watch which was on the table! My sister and brother in law also came on holiday with us for the 2 weeks, they had cruised with NCL and Costa before and felt the staff on the Spirit were best they have encountered and much more personal, they also thought the shows in Broadway Lounge were better, but felt the other much larger cruise ships had better layout /dEcor. The ship was just the right size for us and yes the slight judder mentioned in other reviews is still occasionally there, otherwise it was perfect.
We ate every night in the Compass Rose and were introduced to waiters Aly and Sujan who asked if we wished a table each evening at about 8pm we were glad we said yes as from that time queues started to form, but Aly made sure we didn't have to wait indeed on 2 occasions when the restaurant began to fill earlier he sought us out in Raffles to advise us, both he, Sujan and Rod the wine waiter were absolutely first class and well worth the extra tips we gave them. Another reason to eat in Compass Rose was the waiters have a few songs for you about 9pm it all added to the atmosphere making each meal a memorable and enjoyable occasion. We also did a couple breakfasts in there as well but usually we ate breakfast/lunch in the Lido. A bit of advice for men don't take a royal blue polo shirt with you into the Lido as you will merge with the table clearing staff! I wore mine only the once! (Green polo shirts are daytime waiters colors)
Entertainment was great we enjoyed the shows and although not West End class they were fine as were to 2 guest entertainers Bernie Flint and Taffy Spencer.