Hi Lorraine

You may get a better response if you post in the Thomas Cook topic in our Flights forum.

luci

I have been on this cruise and was lucky to fly with Thomson.

If you look at the OV brocher you will see that they use a number of airlines.

Thomson and First choice from Gatwick. Thomson and TC from Manchester. I think it is the luck of the draw.

Hope you enjoy the cruise

Biff

Biff, I think you will find that they use First Choice from Manchester aswell. We are going with them on 27th Feb from Manchester, flying out at 9:30am

We are booked on the Reggae & Rainforests 14 day cruise departing from Manchester on 4th March. I had assumed that as First Choice fly to Montego Bay from Manchester on Tuesdays that we would be on that flight but have just got our flight details and are on Thos Cook TCX 68. Although OV told us we could not prebook our seats we have managed to do so direct on the Thomas Cook Airlines website so hopefully my 6ft 3in partner won't be too cramped during this long flight. Thanks to this forum I have managed to book decent seats so thanks to fellow posters for that.
Pre flight hotel and car park booked too - all organised now so can't wait.

Hi!
We took this cruise in January, and travelled on TCX 68. I also booked our seat positions with TC- money well spent, as we had a substitute plane going out (12 hours via Gander after a 6 hour delay),but ended up with the same row number. Otherwise you will find that you will usually have the same seats on return as outward.However, we had our correct plane and seats on return,but were given the welcome news that our 2 year old plane had no IFE at all- not even radio. GRR! The plane was cramped, but the staff were lovely. My advice is to take something to occupy you in case this plane is still acting up, and something soft to sit on as they must be the hardest most uncomfortable airplane seats I have used. I wonder if the 9.30 FCA flight is filled first, with later bookings on the TCX.
P.S. Other than that, the cruise was great - would recommend snorkelling in Roatan, the sticky toffee pudding and spring rolls in Plantations and rum punch wherever you can get it!
Have fun.

Ooh bit worried about the flight now! Will have to get some films onto my Archos and take that! As far as the food on the ship is concerned this will be our third time on the boat and found the food fabulous especially the currys at midnight in Plantation and desserts all the time in Waterfront. I give up sugar for Lent but I am giving up Lent for those two weeks!!! Weren't impressed with The Bistro I think James Martin would be surprised at how this is running.
Thanks a lot for your tips. Did you snorkel on an organised trip in Roatan or do your own thing?

Yes, we used the ship's 'Tabyana Beach and snorkelling' excursion- one of only 2 we booked. Although I believe it is possible to go to the same cove under your own steam, it is a short day in port, and the early start does give a good amount of time on the beach.
The showers there are fun! Wish I was going again....
Have a great time.
marie