My wife and I have cruised with Thomson 8 times and have always enjoyed them. We decided to 'splash out' and book a balcony cabin on the Discovery. After reading some of the reviews about kids running wild, not getting drinks at the bar, waiting hours for meals, we wondered if we had made a mistake, we definitely hadn't. Our early morning flight from Gatwick went like clockwork, on arriving at Palma our suitcases were on the belt before we got there ( Definitely a first) a quick coach ride to the terminal, no queues at registration, straight onto the ship with luggage already outside our cabin door. We had read about not being able to book the speciality restaurants, so we went straight to level 5 and booked both on the new inter-active booking screens, we could have booked any day or time we wanted.

Although it was the last week of the school holidays there were only about 40-50 children on board and no problem whatsoever. We never had to wait at any bar for a drink, the Islands self service restaurant was busy for breakfast but tables were cleared immediately people left them. In the evening we did have to wait for a table in the MDR and were asked if we wanted a table for 2 or sit with others, if we sat with others we waited a max. of 10 mins. on our own about 15 - 20 mins. We were given pagers to alert us when a table was ready. The food was good and varied, the waiters served the wine that kept flowing and some nights a pianist was playing. We had meals in both the Kora-La and surf and turf, both very much worth the extra payment.

We went into the show lounge every evening and no problem getting a seat, the shows were good with a very funny comedian one night and a very clever mentalist another. As returning customers we were invited to a champagne reception with the captain and officers which was very unexpected. Read more