I spent a week on the Calypso at the end of last September and frankly could not have been happier with the entertainment.

The evening shows were different each night and were beautifully sung, danced and staged. We also had the joy of 3 straight theatre productions - one at very short notice due to having to cancel a port. Those taking part in the entertainment team also offered classes in singing, dancing (salsa) and also animated other activities such as veg carving, napkin folding and Wii sports. Some offered showcases of their individual talents such as singing. They also played an integral part in the life on board - muster drill, escorting excursions and meeting and greeting.

Now I am a very cynical observer of 'mass entertainment', but I can assure you that I was gobsmacked by the talent, quality and hardwork of the Cruise Director and his entertainment team. Even 'off duty' they were friendly and pleasant and always had time for a chat with the passengers. They were a very special part of the atmosphere on board, and I consider myself privileged to have met them.

Obviously the team members move around, and move on, so I can't guarantee that they will be the same individuals this year, but the company who supplies the Thomson ships with entertainers seems to do a very good job, and I see no reason why the high quality of entertainment enjoyed by all on this ship should not continue next season.

I couldn't agree more, we think the entertainment team do a fantastic job on all of the ships, they are all so professional, hard working & very approachable & friendly. I just wasn't sure if the set up was the same on the Calypso. Stephen Guy has been a favourite of ours, but all the teams deserve a mention. I have actually seen posts where the entertainment has had very negative comments & been likened to 'Butlins on sea'. I honestly wonder if these people have been on the same cruises, as we think that the shows are fantastic & as good, or even better than those running in the West End

Mods, might this thread be split to show the posts from 2009 because I think that the original title might be a bit misleading and put off members looking for information on the current situation of the Calypso?

Just one slight drawback about the Calypso's show lounge .... it's not very big, and the ceiling is relatively low and there are pillars at different points of the room. But that NEVER stopped me from having a good view and a wonderful time.

Our cruise director was Frank Hammond and the guest artist of the week we sailed was the comedienne Sue Denny. I'd never heard of her, having been out of the UK for many years now, but she was great and I felt very comfy with her humour and really enjoyed a sparkling personality showing comedy at its best.

All the Thomsons entertainers are recruited by the same management company, and are trained as a company before the season begins. It is credit to those chosen that they keep their smiles in place in all weather conditions and throughout a long season. The management company is Peel Entertainments of Skipton and they do an excellent job.

Does anyone have any idea which are the largest 'Superior outside' cabins on the Calypso.
Have read most of the reviews but this is the only Thomson ship we have not been on so we are detemined to try it.
We are cruise mad and have just returned from the Caribbean on Destiny.
Hope someone can help!!!

Sorry can't help you there. Why not pm Kate52 who is a member on here who helped me considerably with my questions on the Calypso? It's a small, compact but very friendly ship, and I hope I can go on her again soon.

Hi- don't know if I can help much. We have had 2 different cabins on deck 7, Calypso deck. The first was at the front (606) and the second was very near the back. We felt the one at the front was a bit bigger, but wasn't the best postition for a rough black sea crossing! On lower decks, the inside and outside cabins looked quite a lot bigger. I think the deck plans on Thomson's site portray them fairly well, if they look a tiny bit bigger on there, then they are so in reality. Ours at the back was very small, we couldn't both move between the beds at the same time. It depends if position or size are more important to you. Good luck!
kate

Thanks for info have booked 656 that they say is the biggest one left!!! should be a full ship

Even with a full ship, you shouldn't feel cramped and crowded. Have a lovely time and do post when you get home!

Just booked myself today! Have been watching the price since last September- waiting for it to come down- but it kept on going up until I could bear it no longer! When the outsides start getting booked up, Thomson have been increasing the superior outside supplements by £70 pp. Could not resist the itinerary, really looking forward to Rethymnon, Skiathos, Marmaris and Rhodes!!
kate

Well done Kate but which itinerary are you doing? we have booked Hellenic in Oct and we don't do Rhodes or Marmaris your probably 14 nights back to back, lucky you, please post info when you get back. By the way you will have on of the best entertainment managers we have seen 'Keith' as he is transfering from Destiny after transatlantic crossing in three weeks he was great in Caribbean last month.
Have a good trip Roger

Thanks Roger, we are doing the 2 weeks, the ports are nearly all new this year, and big ships just don't go to these places! Hellenic Treasures is the best week of the 2, I think, but never been to Rhodes so we wanted that, too! When do you go? We are booked on 13th July. We had an ent. director last year called Keef- it took me a while to accept that really was his name! Wonder if it's the same one?
kate

I'm sure Keef/Keith will be good but I'm only sorry that you won't have the chance to meet Frank Hammond (and his lovely wife Dominique) who was the Cruise Director on the Calypso last year!

Hi, Does anyone know if the Calypso is sailing in 2010?

This is the last year for the Calypso - see here: http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/press-centre/2009/thomson-cruises-announces-new-ports-and-itineraries.html for news on 2010 sailings.

Sorry for sounding thick but does that mean 2009 or 2010 for the Calypso retiring?

It says 'The Calypso is retiring this year' so that means 2009.

Hi kate ,
we have booked for the 13th july for 2 weeks. As you have been onthe ship before could you tell me where is the best place to catch the sun,is there plenty of room?? on the sea day on the tuesday sailing corinth canal. , and does it get very breezy. do you have to reserve loungers i hope not
Any recomendations for us,
we have asked for late sitting dinner is this ok
any thing to help please email
thanks clem

Hi clem, just seen your post. Like all ships, sun loungers are a bit scarce on sea days, but other times it's usually ok. It's quite sheltered on the sun deck, gets too hot for me! A bit noisy in parts, too, you need to get there early and pick your spot. Lots of other seating outside on the tiered decks at the back, and the rather shaded areas around the promenade deck. Lovely outside bar on top deck, mainly shaded, but part sunny. There will be lifeboat drill on the sea day, many people "reserve" their sunbeds before this, I'm afraid. Nearly everyone will be somewhere on deck for the Corinth Canal, usually late afternoon on sea day ( Tuesday). Last year, it was quite late, and first sitting people had to leave the deck to get ready for dinner while we were still in the canal, so you won't miss anything being on second.
It's not a "glitzy" ship, but everything you need for a really good cruise is there. The destinations team have been really helpful, entertainment is good and varied, staff are great. It's a very laid back, friendly ship, just don't expect huge pools or Cunard glamour!
Look forward to seeing you on board, not long now,
kate