First time cruiser, and something my wife and I have wanted to do for years. I have to say at this point, there were a couple of things thats started the holiday on the wrong footing. Firstly, and before you do anything else, one of the first things Thomson does is take £1 per passenger for a charity that it champions. It TAKES this money whether you agree or not, and although you can visit reception to get this CHARGE refunded, I found it petty. With over 1800 pssengers on board, that is a lot of money. When it comes to charity, I like to "donate", and not have the money taken from my account whether I like it or not.

Secondly...."WIFI". When you are on board, you have no communication with the outside world whilst "at sea", as there is no other option whilst "Cellular At Sea" is showing. We all know that a major part of your holiday is taking photos, and posting to social media/WhatsApp/Instagram or "FaceAche". Thomson know that they have a captive audience here, and promptly charge you £8 per hour, or per 75mb. Now, over a 7 day cruise, that can amount to a sizeable chunk of money. When you have spent a small mortgage on a deluxe cabin, being charged to use WIFI was just another penny pinching aspect that leaves more than a bad taste in the mouth. Sadly, these days, "All Inclusive" does NOT mean what you think, or expect. To stop at a small coffee bar for a cuppa and a cake, and then be charged almost £8 for them priveledge, mainly because certain aspects of food and drink ARE chargeable, but there is no indication of this at the point of sale/cafe/wherever. If you like fine dining.......once again, you have to pay extra for it. Although there are 3 restaurants and cafes you can use.... there are also 4 that you cannot, unless you pay a surcharge. I used to think that when you bought an "all inclusive" package, you could leave your wallet/purse in the cabin.....not the case at all.

The TUI Discovery is NOT a new boat as they would have you believe, and is in fact what used to be called the "Splendour of the Seas". It has had a refit, a new coat of paint and a rename, but I guess I am being as petty as Thomson themselves have been! Read more