We recently returned from our second cruise but our first with Thomson.After reading many terrible reviews about Thomson cruises I was a little concerned but I needn’t have worried.Our flight from Gatwick was on the dreamliner which was great and the transfer and ship embarkation was both efficient and easy.Yes the Majesty is a bit old and worn but the staff work tirelessly to keep it spotless and everyone on board does their best.We ate from the buffet upstairs at the start but then discovered the seven seas restaurant downstairs.This was great for breakfast as the buffet was the same but coffee and juice was served at the table and in the evening we ate dinner here and the menu was varied and all delicious.We got to know our waiting staff and it was great to have a friendly chat every evening and feel that they were genuine and not just looking for tips.Our cabin was an outside plus with a window.It was lovely to wake in the morning and see a different view.We had two single beds and two fold down bunks but more space than I thought we would have had and again the cabin staff came in several times a day and tidied and refreshed everything.Again they were very pleasant and said to ask if we needed anything.I booked all our shore excursions through Thomsons as I was travelling with my two teenage children so it was easier to do it that way.I have to say though that they use local tour guides who were all very informative and good fun too.Our ship was in port every day except for the first day at sea so we packed so much in and all the places we visited were fantastic.The ship set sail in the evening so we usually watched as the ship left port then went for dinner.After dinner we would have gone to see a show,take part in a quiz or play board games while listening to music at the same time.The entertainment staff were brilliant and the shows they put on were fantastic.Even though they did two shows a night the enthusiasm and effort they put in every time was brilliant.By our last night on board we really didn’t want to get off and envied the many other passengers who were staying on for a second week.I would certainly go again and recommend Thomson.Although their ships are not the gigantic super sized liners they offer a smaller,friendlier atmosphere and great value for money.We were in Palma,Majorca where we had the day to ourselves so did a hop on/ off bus tour and wandered about making our way back to port for the sail away party.From Villefrance we visited Nice,Monaco and Monte Carlo.From Livorno we went to Florence and Pisa.From Marseille we went to Avignon and Marseille.In Corsica we spent the morning on a trip then had the afternoon to wander about on our own and go back to the ship when we wanted and again in Barcelona we did the same thing.All those fabulous places that we saw in one week.My children also thoroughly enjoyed it and I know if I suggested a cruise again they would love to go.So it’s back to work for now and hopefully a cruise again soon.
