Being frequent sailors since becoming cruises addicts fifteen years ago, and having cruised with all the major cruise lines, RCI, P&O, Princess and Celebrity, it is fair to say that we were extremely worried upon reading the reviews of the ship.
We needn't have bothered, and neither should you. True,our holiday did not begin well as our flight from Manchester suffered a long delay due to a damaged fuel seal, but the ship waited for us and we sailed only three hours late.
Our cabin was excellent as was our cabin steward Don Don. The food in the Orion was good as were our waiters, Dickie and Jay. We prefered Sirens on Deck 11 to The Lido on deck 9. A particular favourite of ours was the pasta bar, where any pasta dish you chose was made whilst you waited. I have to mention here, that I am very, very awkward and particular when it comes to food. Yes, I have had a better quality of food on some ships but believe me I have also had a lot worse on others.
Cabin 7117 Thomson Dream. Very spacious. Liked the decking floor in the bathroom. Did not like the extremely scaldingly hot water! The safe was a pain to open and close and we were not happy at having to pay for it. Good position midships close to lifts. Occasional noise from deck above as all bars are on deck 8, but nothing too bad.