I have cruised with Thomson many times in the past and decided to try the Discovery as it is new to Thomson. Actually it is not Thomson but the first trial of a new concept with little evidence of Thomson branding. For seasoned Thomson cruisers it might be best to explain what you don't get! There are no baked Alaska parades or singing waiters and no formal night as such. They have a dress to impress night which had a good number of dinner jackets in evidence etc. Be warned that if you would be horrified with the next table being dressed in evening casual this ship might not be for you.

The ship has been extensively refurbished, mainly in the public areas but I understand all the carpets were renewed. The heart of the ship is the atrium which goes from deck 4 all the way to deck 9 with 2 panoramic lifts to deck 11 which has the Turf and Surf and Kora La cover charge restaurants and Bar11 which is a cocktail bar morphing into a disco as the evening goes on. The Live room has entertainment and erratic aircon plus a small casino without a roulette table. I managed to play my favourite blackjack every night though. The venue is what I would call the 'Butlin Bar' with game shows and quizzes and bingo. at least this is kept all in one place.

There is no quiet lounge playing classical music but if you don't mind the seating there is always the Glasshouse covered pool which is nice and quiet and has a bar and piped music. It is air conditioned and they don't open the roof. Read more