If this was your first cruise, you would probably have been more or less satisfied. If you are a regular Thomson cruiser, like us, you would have been rather less satisfied. The Discovery is a good ship with no complaints about the food or dining room service. The cabins are also larger and better appointed.

The bad news is that the Thomson magic, that friendly welcoming atmosphere that has kept us returning year after year, has gone. The Discovery is just another bland, faceless corporate ship with about as much personality and warmth as a visit to the dentist. On other Thomson ships the dining room staff will gather round your table with their guitars and sing Happy Birthday . . . not anymore. The staff are instructed to present the plastic hotel smile and not to engage with the diners. The warmth has gone and most of them want to return the older Thomson ships, where they are allowed to have a personality.

There is a large Theatre on board but for the most part it was poorly attended due to the very poor choice in the shows on offer. The Dance troupe is still just as good, but the theatre Director should be made to walk the plank. Read more