Have just returned from a week's Adriatic Explorer cruise on the Thomson Spirit. The staff are very friendly and efficient in the restaurants, except for one waiter in the Compass Rose who wouldn't let the four of us sit on our own at an empty table, saying in a very abrupt manner, "No. Someone is sitting there" and we were directed to another table at the other side of the room!. Apart from him, the rest of the staff were excellent. The food is very good in the restaurants, with plenty of choice for even the fussiest of eaters but the coffee is not so good! We found the reception staff could be abrupt at times but pleasant at others.

We had booked a trip to Dubrovnik but I was unable to go because of pain in my leg and was told we couldn't cancel unless I was seen by the doctor. There is a minimum charge of £30 for a consultation and we were concerned there might be a further charge for him signing a certificate, so decided not to see him. We also weren't told if they would refund my husband's ticket as well, so we lost a considerable amount of money by not going on the trip. I do think that Thomson should accept that you are unable to go on a trip without having to prove you aren't well enough and don't consider this good customer relations.

We did go on trips to Venice and the islands and Split. The trip to Murano was spoilt, because when we arrived we had to wait outside the glass blowing area in the heat for at least 30 minutes and then watch a very short demonstration. Many people on the trip were unhappy with this. We then went to the shop area, where the guide gave a talk, all the time checking his watch, obviously thinking about the next group of people waiting to come in. After looking for a few minutes round the shop, there was then about 10 minutes left before we had to leave for Burano, so there was no time to look round the town. Burano is a beautiful, unique place to visit but again there was not enough time there. Read more