Having never been to most of Spain we fancied the Thomson cruise called Spanish Sunsets. We have been on 9 Thomson cruises to date, the first being on the Thomson Spirit ten years ago. We have been on the Thomson Celebration four times, the Thomson Dream twice, the Emerald and now the Thomson Spirit twice. The Spirit is just the same as we remembered it, and still has the thump thump thump vibration going through it. Sadly it is now showing its age a bit (its sister ship the Celebration had an upgrade about three years ago, but the Spirit looks like it was not included, and we heard rumours that the Spirit had been sold and that this was its last season with Thomsons).

The cabins, particularly the wash/shower room are in need of refurbishing, and really do show their age, (the public area's were still looking nice though), having said that there is ample storage space, a small flat screen TV and tea coffee making facilities in each cabin. We have noticed lots of changes (especially over the last four or so years) that reflect a scale of economy that is going on, plus other small changes to the usual routine. You used to have the waiters coming around and asking if you wanted tea or coffee whilst having breakfast in the Lido (self service) restaurant, this is no longer the case, and it is totally self service, it's no big deal, but was a nice touch that has sadly gone by the wayside, we also noticed the quality of the food wasn't the same, and some of the meat was particularly tough to chew (others also remarked upon this).

We went all inclusive and noticed another change, the drinks menu has now got numerous drinks in it that incur a charge even if you are on all inclusive, there were always a few premium drinks that incurred a charge, but now there are many more.The formal dining night was always on the evening of the day at sea, but now is during midweek, and no dress code was enforced. I mention the dress code because I don't like the formal night, but make an effort to look smart and wear the appropriate Tuxedo or lounge suit in deference to those who do enjoy dressing up for the occasion, whilst others (one person in particular) wore a pair of very creased trousers, an open necked shirt and a baseball cap, which kind of negated the whole idea of a formal night. The Lido restaurant is open for all those who do not wish to attend the formal nights meal, and while not wishing to be snobbish, is certainly where this gentleman should have been sent (along with a few others who chose to ignore the formal attire rule), after all, what's the point of declaring it a formal night if passengers then go and ignore the dress code? Read more