We thoroughly enjoyed this cruise which was our first.
There was some room for improvement on disembarking as information was very vague.

The trips were excellent and the guides were interesting.

We would certainly cruise with Thomson again.

We were on the 'Red Sea Magic' Cruise for 7 days over the New Year starting / ending at Sharm.

Hygiene on board is taken seriously and the ship is kept very clean at all times - all passengers are required to use hand wash every time when entering any of the restaurants / eating areas and when re-boarding the ship.

We were 'all inclusive' and the drinks included were all a good branded quality and included cocktails - although a few drinks had a 50p to £1.00 surcharge which is then added to your 'onboard account' and charged to a credit card via your id and account card issued on board - these included Jack D / VSOP / Guinness etc.

The entertainment is fairly average but it has to 'cover all' from small children to OAP's. Talking of entertainment, the Casino in Hemmingway’s Bar is not the place for the non-smoker.

We did think that the ship needed more toilets in the 'public' areas as at busy times you have no choice that to go back to your cabin (which could be 200mtrs away!).

All the Restaurant and Bar staff generally were very good but there were times you felt a small number of them would rather you were not there causing such an inconvenience to them.

Thompson offer a range of tours - the problem is some of the distances - Petra in Jordon from the port of Aquaba was ok but about 2.5 hrs each way on a coach (also costs £70.00, which is a little OTT for what it is) - the Luxor trip is worth it for the Valley of the Kings etc but the ridiculous system imposed by the Egyptians insisting coaches have to travel in convoy (in their hundreds) is an absolute joke and nightmare - our trip started at 06h00 and we arrived back at the ship at about 23h00 after a 5 and a half hour journey back in convoy!

The Egyptians insist that the convoys are to protect their valuable tourists from possible further Muslim Terrorist attacks (as has happened to busses in the past - but not for about 10 yrs) - This seems to be a total and utter waste of time as these convoys are arranged to leave the same places at the same time every day following the same route, providing a perfect planning aid for any aspiring terrorist! - it's pathetic and with the economic power held by the likes of Thompson, I'm sure pressure can be applied in the right place to stop this total shambles.

Another shambles is the airport at Sharm (El-Shambles) - upon arrival the 6 baggage carousels (all in operation) do not show the correct flight the baggage on them is from - hundreds and hundreds of people wandering around trying to hear the staff trying to shout above the noise, "The screen says Paris but it's Gatwick"! - don't expect anything better regarding organisation after check-in to leave!

Having said the above, all considered the overall trip was good and will be remembered for the right reasons.

sjb.

Just got back from the Red Sea Magic Cruise on Thomson Celebration - our fifth cruise.We have mixed feelings about the holiday possibly because it compares so unfavourably with other Thomson Cruises. The ship itself is what you would expect for its age and the deluxe cabins are quite spacious. It has a lovely bar called Horizons that often has a jazz band playing and a fantastic singer called Odette from the entertainment team does guest spots.

The ship is kept very clean. The food is plentiful but nothing out of the ordinary. Mistrals restaurant is still really table d'hote and the menu does not change, but we had a pleasant evening in there and the waiters were lovely.

The staff were very mixed, some were fantastic and couldn't do enough for you whilst others were grumpy and not what we have experienced before - not so much 'can do' but a 'will do it if I have to'! This was especially true of New Year's Eve in the Broadway show lounge which was clearly under staffed. New Year's Eve was a damp squid and I thought they would really go to town. Most of the entertainment was quite poor - under rehearsed and a lack of ensemble singing and dancing but other people thought it was fine. I suppose much depends on your expectations. The cruise director was a nice man but can't remember his name and I think that says it all really.Again for me this cruise suffers in comparison to others.

The ports in themselves aren't pleasant but this holiday is surely about the chance to visit sites of historical importance and to experience a totally diffrent culture. Petra was fantastic and we could have spent a week in the Cairo musuem.

A big problem on this holiday were the badly behaved children/teenagers and parents who clearly didn't want to be bothered about supervising them or putting them to bed at a reasonable hour.

I would sail on this ship again but only if it was a rock bottom price.

The Celebration was a great suprise considering the price we paid for this holiday.

It was spotlessly clean and well presented at all times.

The crew and staff where friendly, curtious and efficent.

Onboard entertainment was superb with something to suit most age groups.

Not to impressed with the Red Sea ports, filthy and unwelcoming places, but thats hardly the fault of the tour operator.

Would we book another cruise aboard the Celebration?. To right we would. In fact we hope to back onboard in the new year when she is in the Med.

We have just returned from a red sea cruise on the celebration and it was fabulous.I have never felt inclined to write something like this before but I just want to add that it is the staff on this boat that makes it extra special.Best service I have ever had.

We all enjoyed this cruise, but there is a bit of room for improvment, but for the price we paid it was value for money!!

Hi,

Here is my review of the Red Sea Cruise.

At airport when going to check -in, look for “ Thomson Cruise” stand as this has information and booking form for trips and security stickers, quite a few people did not see it. This also explains that spaces have been reserved for Luxor and Sharm ( for people joining at Safaga) and Aqaba/Petra ( for joining at Sharm. These need to be booked on your first evening any others can be done at leisure.

Now a bit about the ship but most things have been covered.

Embarkation was well done and quick, you will need to give details of your credit/debit card for your on board account.
We were on Deck 2 an inside cabin 669. There was enough wardrobe / draw space for 2 women.
Always hot water for a shower, only problem we had was the soap dish seem to be in an awkward place and we kept banging our arms.
The position of the plugs were right on top of dressing table so I could not plug in my mobile phone but they were quite happy to do it at reception.
No kettles or irons are allowed in the cabins.
If you join the ship at Safaga as we did, you do not get a sail away party till the Sharm El Sheikh sailing on Thursday also the ships video starts here.

Now the trips.
Safaga. Luxor departs 6.30 - approx 15hrs adult £70 child £35. I cant help with trip as I stayed in Luxor and did them.
Paradise Island (Giftun Island if you want to check web site before you go) Departs 8am approx 9 hrs Adult £49 child £25. We did this trip and really enjoyed it. Once on the motor boat we sail for about ¾ hr and then stopped for 45mins snorkelling which was great and all equipment. snorkel etc was there for your use.. We then went onto a beautiful island where we had a lovely meal and time to relax and swim. It was a perfect way to get over the journey yesterday.
Other trips on offer but we didn’t do
Seascope & Hurghada City Departs 11.30 Approx 5hrs Adults £ 35 child £17.50 The seascope is a glass bottomed submarine (doesn’t travel) which takes you 3 mtrs under the water to see the fish and coral. Then you have an hour in Hurghada for shopping.
Hurghada City trip. Departs 12 noon approx 5hrs Adults £12 Child £10. Visit 2 areas allowing 90 mins free time in each.
Makadi Bay hotel transfer. Approx 5 hrs Adult £23 child £ 11.50. On its own beach, includes a towel and soft drink on arrival. You can also hire snorkelling equipment , go windsurfing or go on a glass bottom boat at an extra charge also have a look round to do a bit of shopping in Makadi Bay.

Ships sails at 22.30

Sharm El Sheikh.

Ras Mohamed by boat. Departs 9am Approx 4 ½ hrs Adult £32 child £16. We did this trip, We got into the coach and only 10 mins later we had a stop at a shop/petrol station and the rep took details of who needed snorkel equipment at a cost of £6.50 it was not on the excursion info that money was needed for this so as they were usually free on the boat some people had not got enough money with them. It also took about ½ hr. The boat eventually sailed at 10am ( we could see the ship so we were not far) we sailed to the edge of Ras Mohamed National Park and snorkelled for 45 mins which was great but then instead of going further into Ras Mohamed to the deeper water and see larger fish and different coral for our second stop we sailed away from it and ended up in the Ras Um Sid area of Sharm and our session was right near the beach which we could have reached by taxi. I only know this because I have been before but many people did not realise. Some of the people complained about paying for equipment when we got back to the ship and we all got a £6. Refund on our accounts.
Naama Bay transfer. Departs 9.30 Adult £12 child £10. Approx 4 hrs Didn’t do this but when I stayed here before it cost £3 to get to Naama bay and I was quite near where the ship docked.
Quad bikes Departs 9am,approx 3 ½ hrs Adult £36. Didn’t do it.
Glass Bottom boat Departs 9 am approx 2hrs Adult £19 child £9.50. Didn’t do it.

Ship sailed at 22.00

Aqaba.
Wadi Rum. Departs 12.30 approx 5hrs Adult £34 child £20. Didn’t do it but its only 17km so taxi should not be too bad to get there you would have to see if there was an entrance fee and work out the cost .
Movenpick Hotel beach transfer. Departs 12 noon approx 5hrs Adult £17 child £8.50. We did this trip and if we had wanted just a beach and swim day it would have been nice but I had asked the “destination desk” on board if they could find me somewhere to snorkel in Aqaba as someone on Trip advisor web site had said that there were places to go but we were unsure about going off on our own in Jordan ( a couple of wimpy women) and they said they would ask their divers. When we went back to find the results we were told that the only think they could advise was to go to the Movenpick. There were about 3 fish to see there and to add insult to injury, I had told a couple about the information on web site and they went the next day to “The Royal Diving Centre” the taxi cost them about £10 and about the same to go in for the day. They said it was really good.
Petra. Departs 7.30 approx 11hrs Adult £70 child £35. The coach trip was 2 hrs on a really good straight road and all the way there the guide gave us information about Jordan and Petra so the time went quickly. Walking around Petra and seeing the sights was brilliant, we didn’t bother with the horses etc. You could get a horse from the coach park to the Siq which cost £5. And lasted 5 mins. They were on a separate path right next to where we walked. At the Siq you could get a horse n carriage through the Siq at a cost of £20 for 2. It took about ½ hr to walk through. We then walked round with the guide giving us info on the different places. We were then allowed time for ourselves and they explained it would take about 1hr straight back but we could have a wander and make our own way to the restaurant for a meal. Afterwards we set off back to the ship and were all glad to just rest for the 2 hr coach journey. Got back to ship at 6.30 ish.
I was told that entry to Petra worked out at about £16 and a taxi costs £20 per person so without a meal or guide its probably round £40 .
The Dead Sea. Departs 7.30 approx 12hrs Adults £51 child £25. We didn’t do it but spoke to a couple who did it with Thomson. I am not sure if you could do it on your own, if you work on the fact that from Aqaba , Petra is 97km and took 2 hrs in a coach and cost £20 each in a taxi, The Dead sea is 285km and according to the couple we spoke to, took over 3 ½ hrs to get to I can’t imagine the cost of a taxi. The couple who went said that they did not have long enough at the dead sea which was 2 hrs and in that time they had to change to swimwear cover themselves with mud wait for it to dry in the sum then get into the sea , by then it was time to get dry and change for lunch which was at 1pm. They then had a an hour round the pool to relax before the journey home. They got back to the ship just before we sailed at 8.

At night it was the Buffet Magnifique - You could take photos from 11 and the buffet started at 11.30. If you can imagine only 75% of the people attending you can guess how crowded it was. We did not queue up outside to take photos so went in at just after 11 and the buffet looked brilliant the work that had gone into making it took 48hrs and you can see why, well worth taking photos .They then announced the buffet open and we tried to form orderly queues to get it, no sooner had we sat down with our savoury dishes than they were saying that the buffet was closing so could we get anything else we wanted, we had to get up again and get our plate full of the scrumptious chocolate goodies that were on offer.

Port Sokhna. The port is a working port with nothing anywhere so people who were not going on the trips just stayed on the boat. There are 3 trips on offer all include the Pyramids one also going to the Museum, one Memphis & the tombs and the last to Mohammed Ali mosque & lunch an the Nile. All coaches left at 7.30 in convoy and returned together 12 hrs later. We went to Pyramids and museum and enjoyed it. Our guide was really good and once again filled the 2hr journey to Cairo with info and facts. This road is also good a new highway and all ok till we hit Cairo then the roads are horrific they don’t stop at junctions or traffic lights . We stopped at the Museum first which was amazing we went round with the guide giving us talks on certain things then we had free time to have a wander on our own or you could pay to go into the mummies room (not sure how much sorry) We then went for a meal at hotel before going to the Pyramids I was worried it would be a long hot tiring day but really enjoyed it and the pace the guides took us was just right. On the way home we had to stop at the obligatory Papyrus and jewellery shop but we were not there long so it wasn’t too bad.

Sunday was a day at sea and I think you need to be on a sun bed by 9.30. We ended up on one of the top decks where we found a space. It was really windy but ok.

Well I hope some of this is useful to you. I have all the Ships “Cruise News” papers that you get in your cabin so any questions please ask. Tricia.

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Just had to write and say what a wonderful time we had on the Red Sea Magic Cruise on 16 November. Right from booking in at Birmingham airport through to embarkation everything was so well organised. The crew were so friendly and could not do enough to make our holiday(especially the welcome home from the crew on the port when we had been on a long and tiring day out-drinks and a hot towel for every person to re-fresh you.(I have been on previous cruises with Thomson on both the Topaz and the Sapphire but the Celebration gets my vote.) The food was of a very high standard in both the buffet and Meridian Restaurant so we did not make it to the Mistral Restaurant( #15 charge). Our cabin boy Gedes deserves a mention too. I would not hesitate to recommend this ship to friends and family.

We travelled on the Celebration Norwegian Fjiords cruise in May 2006, which was our first ever cruise, following our retirement.
We were so impressed with all aspects of this cruise, and the ship personnel that we suggested the October 2006 cruise on the Celebration "Jewels of the Medditerranian" when our friends wanted to try a cruise, but did not wish to go alone.
I need not go into great detail as I agree wholeheartedly with the review given by Dave from Bristol. We were also in the Broadway show lounge, when the lights went out, and the attitude showed by the passengers and crew during this hour-long period, was amazing - we even had a singsong in the dark.
Well done Thomson - keep up the good work, we are looking at next year,s brochure

This is the complete review of the abridged one underneath... Sorry chaps, finger problems !!

We’ve just returned from a cruise aboard the Thomson Celebration. The cruise was called ‘Jewels of the Mediterranean’. There were six ports of call over the period of a week. We had not cruised as a couple before as we are hardened independent travellers (we are previous winners of the Daily Mail independent travel family of the year competition). Our expectation was not high, but we were attracted to the cruise because the itinerary looked viable for a nice autumn break. There were a number of places we wanted to visit that separately didn’t justify a dedicated trip, but when put together under the umbrella of a weeks cruise became attractive.

The plan was to put up with the chips, burgers, bingo and Karaoke that we anticipated would form the heart of shipboard life in favour of the ability to travel independently once ashore.

Clearly, we didn’t read the brochure properly. Thomson, to our surprise and delight, has a real class act in operation. For sure, the chips and bingo stuff is present, but there’s just so much more on offer onboard. There are other published reviews that deal with the detailed mechanics of cruising on the Celebration that reflect accurately the Thomson offering so I’ve noted a few of the highlights and lowlights for us. Please bear in mind that we’re probably looking at this from a different perspective to a lot of people. There were a whole lot more positives than we expected.

We liked…

The itinerary is pretty comprehensive (with one exception). Six ports in seven days really does allow for a lot of land time. As I mentioned before, this was the primary motivation for taking this particular cruise. Pompeii is a highlight, subject to the concerns on personal security if you’re travelling independently via Naples (see our comments below).

The dining options are extensive. We tried them all and have no complaints for any of the venues. The food is pretty good generally and exceptional in the Mistrals restaurant. I would qualify this. We’ve eaten in a number of top class places around the world over the years (including a number of Michelin starred places), Mistrals is right up there with the best. It is easily worth the extra cash in terms of the food quality and the service if you enjoy fine dining. The chief waiter in Mistral’s (a guy named Enrique) was a real gentleman. Whatever you’re paying him Mr Thomson, it isn’t enough!

The crew. How can people actually be this pleasant for so long? How do they learn your name and your favourite drink so quickly? These guys are a revelation if you’re used to the usual level of service in a British hotel.

The cabin. We paid extra for a cabin high up. It was really nice and the steward was top notch. Upon reflection I wouldn’t have upgraded as the ones we saw lower in the ship looked O.K. In hindsight the only advantage for us was the big picture window and the very short walk to what became our favourite bar. Which leads nicely too…

The drinks prices. They’re the same or less than the pub at home. Bear in mind Thomson do NOT add on a 15% service charge like a lot of other operators. As I mentioned earlier, the crew learn very quickly what you like as your tipple and in most cases a quick bit of eye contact on entry to the bar sees the drinks arriving as you sit down. The wine prices in the better restaurants are a bit steep, but consistent with those of a quality restaurant at home. If you’re a smoker, 400 fags cost less than 20 quid from the shop. All this led to a slight intake of breath when I saw our shipboard account, we must have been enjoying ourselves more than we thought (Several gourmet dinners in Mistral’s didn’t help keep the account down, but they became addictive)

Thomson are very, very organised with embarkation and disembarkation at the start and end of the cruise. Getting 1200 people (and about 2000 pieces of luggage) from airport to cabin is a mammoth task. We were most impressed with the speed and efficiency of the operation. There are queues, especially if several coaches arrived together, but its only a short wait to get ‘processed’ and we really liked the suggestion that we enjoyed some lunch while the stewards moved our cases to our cabin.

The unique ‘Anti- theft’ mechanism employed by Thomson to prevent you nicking the towelling robes from your cabin. They simply make them so big and fluffy that you can’t actually get one inside your suitcase…Neat!

We were able to fly from our local airport. This made a huge difference over having to fight our way through the crowds at the London airports.

We didn’t like…

Tunisia is a poor choice of destination. There’s a whole day and night at sea to get there and then the ship only docks for four hours. As the port is a long way from town there’s no real choice but to take an organised tour. Carthage is worth seeing, but isn’t worth the cost of the tour. Taxis however are unreliable and I heard from other passengers about some dodgy practices, in particular taking the ‘scenic’ route when the meter is running.

The Celebration is beginning to look tired. It’s spotlessly clean, but there are deeper issues. A breakdown at sea on the Friday evening left us drifting off the North African coast for over an hour without engines or power. This happened just at the climax of the Broadway show which I reluctantly admit, I was actually enjoying.

Some couples really made it their business to make the lives of their fellow passengers and the crew hell. Why do people act like this? Thomson have a pretty honest attitude to what they offer, it’s not as if Thomson are ripping anyone off. I guess we’ve all seen these sorts of people before, but in view of the relaxed atmosphere onboard it was a disappointment to see this sort of behaviour on holiday.

The destination/port guides are pretty knowledgeable, but as you would expect, the emphasis is on taking the Thomson offered tours. Complaints about the lack of advice regarding personal security in Naples led to improved information at the Barcelona briefing so it appears they do listen, but as this wasn’t the first time the ship had visited Naples one might have thought the information would have been forthcoming without prompting. Navigating the Naples traffic, railway station and buses isn’t for the faint-hearted.


Two other observations..

For a whole week at breakfast I resisted the blueberry pancakes with the fresh cream. Unfortunately the increased waistline suggests the cakes served with afternoon tea may have taken their toll. I guess we’ll call it a draw.

As a hardened independent traveller it pains me to say that we are already studying the Thomson cruise itineraries for 2007. Looks like Thomson win after all……