I agree with WJ. We have twice done a cruise and stay and both times the hotel was a big disappointment after the ship, even though one was 4* and lovely.

I would suggest a stay and cruise if the budget doesn't stretch to 2 weeks onboard.

luci

thanks for all the helpful replies- I have just about made up my mind to go for it! However, getting someone on the end of the phone who knows what they are talking about would help! The girl I spoke to yesterday wanted to charge me 2 weeks cabin supplements for a stay and cruise because "that's what had come up on the system"! Tried to tell her it was 7+7 not 14, but she wasn't having it so I left it. No chance of all-inclusive upgrade, just the option to buy for £99 pppw.
I tend to agree about the cruise and stay- we found that in Majorca last year, and this year went for 2 weeks on the Island escape. However, the emerald is coming in at 1500 each for 2 weeks, and I am not sure it is worth that much. Also, we have never been anywhere in Greece, so thought it might be interesting to spend a week in Corfu. I usually like to book really early to be sure of getting what we want, so it's not like me to be so undecided!

Give us your dates and I will look up my TXT archive for prices this year.

examples is. TXT date 11June: travel 25th June : 7n 479 : 14n c/s 649 :14n 849.

Other 2weeks cruises into July were upto 1129 with the C/S upto 759.

These were on a Travelhouse TXT page which I think is Thomson outlet.

Kate, I am also pricing Thomson cruises for next year.

I started about 4 weeks ago and priced again at the weekend and already they have come down by about £80.

As Windjammer says TravelHouse also known as Cruisedeals are Thomsons agents. They are really helpful and can be contacted on freephone 0800 1072323. Their prices are quite competitive.

Ideal Cruising also on freephone 0800 0501093 are also very competitive and actually beat Cruisedeal prices by a few pounds.

I was on the phone to both these at the weekend and they are very helpful indeed.

Good luck.

If you are all pricing for next year, lets have a party

See my new post !!!!!!!

What new post?
luci

o/a 2005

i turned it into a poll, as I am after a freebie Luci

Ha, you hadn't written the new post when I looked!

A freebie? HT is a freebie. What would you like, jam on it?
luci

Come on Luci,

Come to Beruit

for comments

Hi

Try cruise control under book me a cruise on internet I booked destiny with them for sept05 14night cruise, and was 900.00 cheaper than lunnpoly direct.

portland direct seem to be the cheapest for Thompson cruises, unless I am prepared to leave it late and take a chance. Because of work, we can only go after 23rd July and have to be back by 14th August, so as you can see there is not much leeway!
Andy- I am a bit confused about the lifeboats- according to the deck plan in brochure, they are on deck 7, but you said deck 3 views were obstructed??
kate
how was the Baltic? have you written a review yet?

Sorry Kate

My typing. My family had 635, sixth deck.

The boats are hung level with deck 7, they hang down on supports past the cabin windows on deck 6.

Deck 5 is where all the entertainment and formal dining is.

Deck four can be busy and a bit noisy with everything going on above your head.

Deck three is the one which should have un-obstructed windows, deck two also has un-obstructed windows but with these two decks, be wary of where the gang plank would come down.

My review will appear over the weekend, and hopefully so will the photos, its time really more than anything.

Andy

Thanks to everyone for their help, have actually stopped dithering and booked the emerald for 29th July- ended up going for the 2 weeks back to back after all! It seems an extortionate price for what is advertised as a "budget" cruise ship, especially as the cabin supplements have gone up from the brochure. But at least we have been able to get exactly what we want, and the itinerary sounds wonderful! Roll on July!

Delighted to hear you have booked Kate! You won't regret booking a 14 night cruise rather than a cruise and stay.

luci

Hi

You will really enjoy it, It does seem expensive when compared to cruise and stay or a 2week hotel break,but I would say it is worth it. Just think of all the place you'll get to visit.

Hi Kate

We are hoping to do a 2 week cruise in 2006 (yes 2006) and love the sound of the itinerary on the Emerald. Never been to Greece and would love to visit Croatia. Hopefully Thomsons will keep this cruise for 2006.
I am sure you will have a wonderful time and it will be well worth it.

Does anyone have any pics of the emerald??
Cabins, lounges, etc...
We are hoping to book the Ancient wonders itinerary on the Emerald in Oct 05. Coming from australia...did a med cruise on the consellation middle of this year...ship really too big...have cruised on the old Sun Visa in Asia before it sank....lovely old girl...though..

Have done the pacific on the P & O Pacific Sky..
and the Star Cruise Gemini out of singapore...

drop me a private message with links to the pics if yoiu have any...

cheers

Greg and Francesca in Australia..

Hi there.

There are a few pics on Thomsons own website http://www.thomson-cruises.co.uk/

Also the link from Cruise Control which shows some pics of the interior
http://www.cruisecontrolcruises.co.uk/index.php?sh=SS%20Emerald