|
We sailed on the Dream 1 to 8th June and had a lovely cruise.
Palma airport was absolutely chaotic on arrival. About 6 Thomson flights all seemed to land within a short time frame. The information screens on the carousels was incorrect for two flights. Once we had our luggage we made our way to the arrivals area to find a Thomson cruise rep. We did. She shouted at us to go in single file to the coaches. Unfortunately she omitted to tell us where the cruise coaches were - there was only about 50 to choose from! Quick transfer to the port and very smooth embarkation procedure. Had to find our cases in a shed to stick the cabin numbers on. Again this was a bit chaotic. We boarded the ship and were shown to our cabin. First item of luggage arrived 2 hours later and 2nd item 2 hours after that!
Our cabin was on Deck 5 (5036) - an standard outside. This was very spacious, very clean with a nice modern shower room. It looked to have been refurbished quite recently. There was a wardrobe and a curtained off area that provided extra hanging space and room for shoes, bags etc. There were 5 drawers, a desk top area with TV and 2 small bedside cabinets. Air conditioning was not brilliant. We did report this 3 times but it never got much better - only downside of the cabin. Our steward was a lovely young lad who was terribly homesick. He did a brilliant job.
Dining - choice of two buffet restaurants both with lido areas and waiter service restaurant on deck 4. Good choice of good in all. Andromeda (deck 9) tended to get a bit busy and the lay-out is not great. We went to Sirens on Deck 11 - much better lay-out and not as busy.
Bars - there are many!
Entertainment - Atlante Theatre showing the usual good Thomson type shows and a very good guest comedian - Dave Kristian. Medusa Lounge - band and game shows, competitions etc. - not bad at all. Another 2 bars - one had a good trio on and the other a pianist A further lounge with classical duo Disco Card room library Kidzones (these were closed as in June no under 16's allowed)
Shopping - a little shop selling essentials, books etc, duty free shop and clothes shop.
Positives - the crew are exceptional. Everywhere you go is the same. No shortage of sun loungers.
Negatives - There was no doubt this ship has problems. We had two power cuts and there was a very unpleasant sewage smell particularly on decks 7 and 9. This did lessen as the week went on. There are leaks springing from the ceilings in random places. A couple in the Atlante Theatre which the guest comedian made great play on. In some areas there is a distinct musty smell.
The air conditioning in our cabin as I have mentioned was not efficient at all and on the last night failed completely. We were sitting on loungers on Deck 11 before 5 a.m. as we couldn't bear the heat in our cabin any longer.
Both the pool areas are very cramped as there are so many sun loungers set out. However there are quieter areas with loungers. The deck stewards are also happy to move some round to the promenade deck if you ask them. We did this and it was a lot more peaceful.
Disembarkation again was very busy. A lot of flights leave within a very short time of each other so we had to queue on the quayside for a while waiting for a coach. At Palma airport again it was absolute chaos. About 8 Thomson check in desks all in a row. Nothing moved for about half an hour then we discovered that the conveyor had broken. Not a Thomson rep to be seen. Eventually got to the gate.
All in all we had a thoroughly enjoyable time and would sail on the Dream again.
|
