This was our second ever cruise. Previously we had been to the Caribbean with Royal Caribbean on Freedom of the Seas. The TUI Discovery is much smaller and caters for specifically British people.
We decided on this cruise as we liked the itinerary and the cost was good. We travelled to Barbados by Thomson 787 Dreamliner in premium class which was very good indeed. We checked in our bags at Gatwick and didn't see them again until they were delivered to our room. The transfer from the airport to the ship is around 30 minutes in an acceptable bus. The entry through the port and onto the ship was painless and quite quickly compared to Royal Caribbean.
We had a balcony room at the stern if the ship on deck 7, and whilst this was a nice location it is quite a walk to get to the lifts and main areas so I would suggest a side cabin. Our room was cleaned to a high standard every day and the next days island itinerary was delivered in good time.
Located centrally at the stern. Nice large balcony but a long way to walk to the lifts and main areas.