Cabin Review

As others have said, some of the reviews below were starting to make me a bit jittery. This is my 6th cruise - I have previously sailed with Royal Caribbean, NCL and Thomson's. Out of them all I have found the service on the Thomson ship to be far more genuine and better. With the exception of Thomson's all these ships are huge and very busy, but I think no worse than 4 star hotels throughout Europe at meal times or trying to find a sun bed. Having said that we had no bother at all, but heard many others grumble. The ship is stunning; by far the prettiest ship, all staff we're friendly and helpful - one small criticism is that getting a drink at the Garden bar at peak times is chaotic, but I knew who was in front of me and simply shouted "excuse me, I'm next" when it was my turn! People were a bit pushy, but I was pushy back ;-).... when in Rome. The drinks package is fantastic. My main grip with Royal Caribbean and NCL is the service charges and price of alcohol, it spoils things as it is so expensive. I loved my balcony and the views were stunning, food was fantastic, cocktails and prosecco on tap, and staff were brilliant. The portions are small but you can order as many courses as you like - chill and enjoy it. For the first time ever we had to sit with other couples in the restaurant at dinner and we had a ball. We paid the 10 euro to access Top Deck on the day at sea, and have to admit it is the first time I have ever been charged to enter an adults only section - which wasn't even that nice and very loud from the pool below, the infinity pool is stunning. The main show was a bit repeditive, singing and acrobatics every night and all other lounges had live music (which were of a high standard), there were no shows to the callabor of other cruises, but there is an full entertainment itinerary. Venice - Embarkment was very busy, but queues moved quickly and staff were great. We checked in at 12pm and walked along and bought tickets for Alilaguna water taxi, which runs every 30 mins to St Marks Square (5 mins walk from ship and 15 euro return, journey is 20 mins).Bari - do it anyway you like - there is an open top bus a little from port, a small road train or walk. We took the rickshaw for 50 euro; our guide was great and very knowledgeable, we got pictures taken with the ladies making pasta and a complimentary ice coffee, which was delicious and we bought more. A taxi is 12 euro to town and a honestly 2 mins drive. Katakolon - We visited Olympia. We booked on line with Cruise Excursions as I have used them many times all over Europe, they are ABTA registered, the guides and service are great and they are far less expensive than the ships cruises. There are local buses at port that will take you direct to Olympia and back for about 10 Euro. Izmir - We went an excursion to Ephesus with Cruise Excursions and the place is just fantastic. You must see it as it is only an hour drive away. Other people took the open top bus around the city, which can be found just outside the port.Istanbul - We took another excursion to the Blue Mosque, Sophia, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar, which are all within 5 mins walking distance of each other. It was very rushed and I would have loved more time in the Bazaar. I found the Turks far less of a pest than those in holiday resorts and got exactly what we wanted at a great price... I had no time to mess about and they wanted a sale! There is an open top bus and a taxi should be about 10 Euro - it is too hilly and hot to walk. The skyline from the ship is stunning and something you will never forget.Dubrovnik - The local bus is 2 Euro each way and takes you straight from the port to the old town where you can jump on the open top bus ( 8 Euro), climb the wall (100 kuna, no Euros accepted, but they do accept credit cards) or taxi for 10 Euro each way. The city is stunning and gorgeous to walk about the streets and climb the steps!! The churches are open to visit free too. There are lots of options at every port so you will never be stuck for something to do.We had a wonderful time and would certainly go back again.