This was our 4th cruise with Thomson, all on different ships. But this Thomson Dream cruise was both excellent and horrible. We would never sail with this ship again, and we are having serious second thoughts about cruising with Thomson again. Good points were the inside cabin space, the cleanliness, the staff who were very hard working and always pleasant and smiling, the Orion Restaurant for breakfasts and dinners, the waiters especially our wine waiter Eugene who only believed in full glasses, not half empty ones (all inclusive), and the Ports all excellent. The BAD POINTS - mainly the cabin vacuum operated lavatory that failed to work for the first 4 days. We were not alone as we saw other passengers actually sobbing and crying due to their cabins being flooded with raw sewage. Of course we complained and plumbers did arrive to fix the problem for us but the fix never lasted beyond the next flush. Even using the public toilets on board was a hit and miss with the main deck toilets being disgustingly blocked. Eventually I went in person to Reception and did my best impersonation of a really angry VICTOR MELDREW. All their excuses and blaming other careless passengers failed to reassure me and I threatened to write this report and copy it to the chief executive. I demanded to speak to the Captain and Chief Engineer but got no satisfaction. So I stood my ground until AT LAST, I was offered another cabin and was assisted by a lovely young attendant to move all our stuff from deck 5 cabin 5092 to deck 7 7096 which was wonderful.

Next morning I went Reception to thank them for at last moving us to a cabin with toilets that worked but to ask why there had been no apology, no box of chocolates, no bottle of champagne, no gesture at all? I might as well have been speaking in Swahili. BUT - next morning we awoke to find an apologetic letter including an offer of £100 refund. BUT - I did have to sign an acceptance document declaring no further action on my part would be taken. Be advised, if you don't demand your rights Thomson Customer Service will not help. Don't blame the Staff, blame Thomson Customer Service Policy.

Other issues? Be wary of the shower temperature controls. In both our cabins we were treated to either freezing or scalding water. It was hopelessly erratic and uncontrollable. Entertainment was generally good and if we didn't like one show there was always something else going on. The Cruise Director Gavin was the worst ever. He constantly made tannoy and microphone announcements in the most rapid, mangled and tortured Leeds cum Manchester accent we had ever heard. Read more