Hi All
I'd just like to say thanks to all those who have posted their comments about the Calypso on this thread - and also for posting the cruise reviews. I've found them very helpful.
Our cruise buddies handed us a Thomspon cruise brochure yesterday with a view to us booking on the Calypso next September, so naturally this was my first port of call!
We're particularly attracted to it as it's billed as Adults Only and also because of it's small size, however, having read the reviews and comments so far I have to say we wont be booking it just yet!
Netty

Hi

I like the look of the Calypso and the places it visits (particularly the Crimean itinerary), but my Mum is worried that she will not be able to get around easily if her hip is playing up again.

Any information on whether the ship, the places it visits or the excursions are suitable for people with a walking stick or in a wheelchair would be gratefully received!

thanks

Hi- just got back from 2 weeks on Calypso- Crimean and Ionian. Will put a review on as soon as I can get my computer to stay connected for more than 5 minutes!
I wouldn't say any ship is particularly wheelchair friendly- there are always raised door sills somewhere. On Calypso lifts go from decks 2 to 6, but you would only be able to get outside on deck 4 where the outside buffet, tiny pool and tables and chairs are. We had VERY rough weather from Bulgaria to Ukraine- staff (when they recovered) said it was worst they had known. Fit able bodied people gave up on trying to get around the ship, and only 1 in 10 made dinner that night. On the Crimean itinerary you really need to go on some trips, and coach access could be a problem. The steps on and off are rather steep.
I certainly wouldn't want to put you off, as we had a great time and loved the ports and the scenery while sailing, but think carefully about what your mum wants to be able to do. There was a chap on board with very bad arthritis who didn't leave the ship all week (he was travelling alone). He enjoyed himself, but maybe your mum wants to do more.

Thanks very much for the information.

We have now booked a holiday in Turkey (a nice flat bit!), but Mum has been told that she should get her hip replacement by Christmas so we will look at the Calypso for next year. It sounds as if she will be able to manage if she is using a stick, as long as we dont need to resort to a wheelchair again. We love the look of the Crimean trip, and fortunately we are both fine in rough seas.

Are there any trips on the Crimean route you would particularly recommend, or ports of calll that are good to investigate independently?. in particular, was the Ukraine OK to visit, as my sister has just visited and left as soon as she could because it scared her (and very little scares her normally!)

Well there seems to be alot of mixed comments regarding the Calypso
I sail on her on Monday 27th August having booked over a year ago,
What I cannot understand is I knew from the start she is a floating hotel nothing more or nothing less, with food, drink, and entertaiment all under 1 roof . What do travellers want, If I wanted to be up market I would have booked something more classy,

All I need is a bed, fed and a different port each day, and good company to talk to, I booked this boat (not liner) as I was on the Sapphire last time and really enjoyed the small atomsphere it give,

I normally holiday 5 times a year so visit alot of areas and always read the small print and it explains all you need to know.

I will post a full report on my return.

Hi briansintouch and welcome to HT!

I look forward to reading your review on your return. Hope you have a great cruise!

luci

Hi Briansintouch
Hubby and me are on your sailing. Only 6 days to go.

Oooo, 2 reviews to look forward to!

luci

Hi

just recieved letter stating that albania has being dropped , going to Kotor
watching this video I think we are getting a better deal
have a look found it on you tube type in Kotor the clip is called
Visit Montenegro - Kotor

Not received a letter here yet, although was informed by previous passenger that they had changed due to feedback. Googled Kotor and certainly looks a better deal. Nice that a company takes notice of passenger feedback.

I'm off on the Calypso in three weeks - 4th June. I was on the ship last year in September for 2 weeks and loved it (I have posted a review). Is there anyone out there who is on the same time as me or anyone who has done the first cruises of the season. I'd love to hear if the ship is as good as it was in 2007 (once the teething problems had been dealt with) or anyone who will be on starting 4th June. I'm not in the employ of Thomson but I had such a great time last year that I decided to book again for next year - 2 weeks in June and the final cruise of the season in October from Cyprus. Since the Emerald will be no more after October this may be my ship of choice for some time to come.

Hi Mtek
Like you I'm not in the employ of Thomsons, but I'm a Calypso convert, tried it last August, was the most restful cruise ever. Have booked again for this September. Can't wait to transit the Corinth canal again.

Can anyone enlighten me on what would be acceptable as formal dress for the one night on Thomson's Calypso.

Would a jacket and tie be suitable for my husband and a dress for me? DJs take up a lot of space in baggage, and need to be kept crease free!! Thanks.

Has anyone travelled on this ship in 2007/8? I'd be grateful for any specific information on

- Cabins - where to avoid on the ship, and is it worth paying upgrades

- Plug sockets in the cabin (I need to use a CPAP machine all night)

- Availability of DRINKING WATER (preferably free!).

- Can the 15% automatic tipping charge be removed from the passenger's charge card?

- Dress code for formal evenings

We plan to fly independently and need to get info because Thomson 'are not allowed' to send a brochure to our home address ..... only via a UK friend ......... but will still accept our booking even though we don't live in the UK!!

Hi Alsacienne- we were on the Calypso last summer. Had a superior outside plus on deck 7- very near the front. They have since changed the grading of the cabins so they are all Superior outside. It was a good quiet position, midships there was a bit of engine noise (or maybe air con?). Seemed to be the funnel area, occasional slight fume smell there as well. It was noisy on deck near the funnel as well.
It was quite a nice cabin with a good bathroom. We had no shortage of sockets for chargers, heated brush etc. but needed to use an adaptor.
Next time we will go near the back- might be a bit bumpier but handier for getting out on deck.
There was chilled water available at the 24 hour tea/ coffee station in the buffet restaurant.
Never heard of anyone being able to remove the inclusive gratuities with Thomson.
One "formal" night a week, most people wore dressy stuff, suit and tie perfectly acceptable for men, many bow ties, few shirts only.
This is not a luxury liner, but the unusual itinerary and child free environment makes up for any lack of "glitz". There is hardly any entertainment outside in the daytime, but some brilliant sailing scenery.
kate

This website has some pictures of the Calypso and reviews
http://www.cruisingtalk.com/index.php?referrerid=1&gclid=CMLy_rWmjI0CFRIUXgod4FkkkA

Many thanks Kate! Several worries are now crossed off the list! Could you specify a bit more clearly what type of adapter you needed, because I have one for UK and one for European plugs ......... have heard a whisper that it's an American plug - two flat pins - and would like to know a bit more! Thanks again xxxxx

Hi- had to ask hubby as I can't remember. We always carry both with us, but we are pretty sure it was the american flat pin ones we used. They are 110 volt. We have been on a ship where it was supposed to be flat pins but turned out to be round ones on our cabin, so now we play safe! I think we bought ours at the airport, but that's probably no help to you! Also, they usually sell them in the ship's shop, but that doesn't open until half an hour after sailing, and I guess you might need one before that.
When are you going?

Always carry US and EU adaptors, UK if not from the UK. they take up little space. if you get the type that are a single addaptor and not these multi types.

We always take a power strip and that way you only need one of each adaptor and can leave your normal plugs on everything and plug them all in at one,phone,camera, chargers etc.

Also check each item for its voltage requirements many ships only have 110v and a lot of equipment will not work properly or at all.