That seems about right, about the same on the Emerald

Andy

Is the Emerald ship of a better class than the celebration would you think?

No

Thats the simple answer

The two ships are both Thomsons but I think are operated for different markets.

The Celebration, together with the Spirit and Destiny are for new cruisers who like informal adventures and plenty on offer on board in terms of facilities, but who may be prepared to compromise on times ashore or routes.

The Emerald is older and runs in the old cruise ship way of having formal dinning sessions every night, waiter service and only 2 days at sea with plenty of time ashore (but with a tiny pool, limited places to eat) whereas the other boats have more facilities, but tend to go for the modern market of bistro dining etc.

However, to get to the point, bar prices appear to be the same accross the board

Andy

I am glad to read that. Now when I book again with Thomsons I wll eliminate the Destiny from my choice as I did like the informality on Celebration.
Now I need to find out the best place to book as I had such a rotten time with Cruise Control this being our first cruise.
Thanks

Soft Drinks - £1.00 Would have cost us a fortune if we didnt have the AI package as we were always drinking soft drinks!! xxx

oops I meant to say eliminate the Emerald

Yes we to Nat as well as cocktails. We even would make use of the special coffees eg latte in the bar instead of the free coffee in the restaurants.
These were chargable but being on an all inclusive- no charge

The advantage of going AI xxx

Sorry to hear you may eliminate the Emerald.

As with all the Thomson ships, I do drink alot of soft drinks and at £1 this is how we worked out if it was worthwhile buying AI if we did not get it free and believe me it is.

Think it was about £250 for 2 weeks. If you take that down to £125 for a week, then down to a daily rate its around £18 a day.

During a day would you drink

18 soft drinks or coffees or
8 Largers/Bitters
7 - 8 Cocktails

We found that even going out on a long day, leaving at 9.30am and returning at 8pm, we still managed to get through several drinks.

And you must not forget that you will have at least one day at sea, probably two. On the Emerald, the AI means you get a glass of wine or 3 at the dinner table, well that cuts into the amount straight away.

Sounds too calculating, but you have to consider these things don't you.

So what Thomson boats or ships should I say, have you been on?

I myself have only kept to the Emerald, being an old fashioned sort of guy.

I have however, dispatched My mother-in-law, 3 of my aunties, 4 of my cousins and two friends on both the Spirit and the Celebration.

Only my mother-in-law, had comparative views as she has travelled on the Emerald, but I was able to get views of each member from the different trips they did.

I also have some friends who have worked on the Spirit and two are back on the Emerald, one is on another ship, different company and two live in Cardiff.

I have some friends in Thomsons who are involved in the cruise side of things but have always remained independant and can sometimes be a bit more critical than others who do not realise some of the things going on..

By the way, whilst we are on the subject of AI, please do all be aware that it stops at 2am till about 7am, any drinks obtained between this time are at full rate. Bit sneaky

That is good for you to have those contacts then?
So I take it that on the Emerald there is no buffet style restaurants?
Being my first ever cruise on the Celebration 9of which i was happy) it is also nice to hear other reports.
Yes we did realise that between those times the AI was not operating.
I would definatly do an AI again.
I have just been in to a local travel agent to as we will go again Summer 2007. They told me brochures will be out in April 2006.
Not sure next time where to book- all new to me!!

Sorry 9 was meant to be another )

Sorry to sound confusing

The Emerald, for the first time this year has introduced Buffet dining.

In previous years, only the formal dining was available in the evening.

Now, the formal dining is there (at no extra cost) at two times (early and late) however, buffet is now also available in the bistro for whoever would like it.

Buffet and Bistro have always both been available during the rest of the day at certain times.

Hope this makes sense

My main point was I still use the Emerald as it does offer the formal dining every night at no extra charge. (formal being shirt and trousers) and usually two captains nights where dinner jackets are appropriate.

Any probs, shout, sometimes even I don't understand what I'm on about

Andy

Thanks Andy- will be in touch no doubt

Thinking of going on a cruise the end of this year, around Nov time.Like the thought of the Canary islands,and a AI deal. Has anyone been on one,but not necessarily the Canary islands.

Hi Pipefitter and welcome to the Cruise forum!

I have merged your post with a previous one on AI drinks so you may find some information in earlier posts.

luci

Does anyone know as to whether P&O cruises offer any deals on an all inclusive upgrade to drinks or anything similar?

Other than Thomson and Island cruises- are there any others which offer an AI upgrade package?