Well, our own experience must have been somewhat different from the reviews posted previously.

What attracted us to this cruise was that we had a week spare at Easter and the brochure promised an absence of children. However, we was mindful that we were going in what was only the second week the ship was sailing as Thomson. The ship sailed from Limassol, but the ship is going to be sailing from Thessalonika around the Black Sea and Greek Islands for most of the summer.

We have been with Thomson before (although havent written any reviews) and we recognised some of the staff from previous cruises on different ships. What was also surprising was that although she is a small ship, there were a sufficient number of public areas to make it seem quite spacious for her size. It just took a day or so to get used to. Our main hang-out was the Captain's Club which was great when we didn't want to see the shows, although the ones we saw were excellent. In fact, there was lots going on for such a relatively small ship.

We had been to some of the ports before, but this was a quick Spring getaway so we didn't mind.

Overall, we would say to anyone that if you like The Emerald, the chances are you are going to like The Calypso. The decor seems similar and the friendly atmosphere was there to feel again.

We would give the holiday an 8 out of 10 score, with the real winner being the entertainment with 9 out of 10. I can't help but think that as time progresses, this is going to be a really good ship for exploring new places to which other ships can't reach. We would certainly consider the ship again on a different itinerary.

Arrival
On arrival from the Manchester flight we were met with chaos. We went to the wrong reps and people were queing up everywhere. On arrival at port, we had to wait while each suitcase was scanned. Eventually management told us to leave our suitcase and join the other queue. We eventually got through the queue but it must have taken 30-40minutes.
When we got on the ship no-one seemed to know what they were doing, we went to the reception desk ,then eventually taken to our cabin
Cabin
Well swing a cat no swing a mouse, blimey small is an understatement. We had up graded to superior plus, don't bother you just get a bigger window and on upper deck(which is not a good thing). Curtains had bleach stains on and ensuite was shabby. the carpet never got hoovered the whole week and I'm sure our blankets didn't get changed either. I would take your own coat hangers I had to ask for some more. Don't take a big suitcase there's nowhere to put it.
Food
The first three days were really bad, everything you ordered was cold. The restaurant and the buffet. They never got the coffee warm even at the end of the week. Eventually things did pick up and the food did improve. One of the ladies complained about her apple crumble and custard and the waiter asked if she wanted her custard warm, he thought she prefered cold custard.Don't touch the orange in the buffet machine is vile, powdered stuff.
Its the only holiday that I have lost weight so there is a positive.
Boat
Well Nick's right she's just a ferry with a hint of tug. She has had new carpets etc so the publc areas don't look too bad. But she does rock and roll and feels every movement. Mum mentioned that the sea looked calm but we were up and down. She is definately not built for cruising. Cruising is supposed to be relaxing I felt very stressed. I would recommend plenty of sickness pills and ginger.
Entertainment
I really enjoyed the evening entertainment it wasn't broadway but they put their heart and souls into it and were really nice bunch. i can't speak for the daytime because we were out and about.
Excursions
Because it was our first cruise we decided on a lot of trips. But to be honest at a lot of them you can do yourself Knossis you get the bus and go round yourself. Euphesis again you can get a taxi if there is a few of you.
others
Thomson reps were really helpful
You never know they might have ironed out a lot of the problems and this week's passengers could have been fine.Fingers crossed.
All in all I did enjoy it but only for the crew and reps. Otherwise I would have got a plane from Athens and come home.