Having never cruised before and after reading some of the reviews on here i must admit I was very apprehensive about this holiday and was wishing I had booked my usual style winter holiday (Thailand/Australua). As a fit 46 year old woman travelling with my Auntie and reading that the cruise was geared for the over 60s on some reviews I feel I should point out that that is simply not true. Yes there was over 60's but there was lots of age ranges too.

The whole trip was fantastic from start to finish and it was one of the best holidays I've ever had. The ship was lovely (perfectly preportioned and sleek). The decor was tasteful and it was spotlessly clean at all times.

The staff were all friendly, courtious courtious and seemed happy in theur work. Paul Evans the cruise director is brilliant at his job. He's lively, funny and caring. Other passengers I spoke with also thought so. I saw him onshore when he was off duty on a number of occasions and he was just the same. A great asset to Thompson. I would also like to mention our cleaner Sukran who ws brilliant. I'm sure he has eyes in the back if his head as he never once disturbed us but our room was always prepared even when we had onky been away from it for half an hour! Giovanni also stood out as being really lovely in the Meridian. Which leads me nicely into talking about the food, which must have been ok for me to put on half a stone even as a fussy eater. All of the restaurants catered for food alergies and woukd also make up meals to suit if required which is amazing considering how many people they were catering for. Read more