We chose this particular cruise to give our family a first cruise. We have been on many Thomson cruises on various ships but not on the Discovery. The ship does not seem to have the same atmosphere as the others. Dining can be a problem,it is virtually impossible to get a table for four at breakfast in the buffet unless you play musical chairs and pounce as people leave. On sea days it is manic and people just sit with a cup of tea or coffee for ages. The layout of the buffet is very hap hazard with people walking around trying to find things.Once you get your breakfast the food is quite good. On other ships there are officers around but there seemed to be a lack of them on this ship as tabes were not cleared very quickly. Evening dining was not good either as if you wanted a table for four you were given a bleeper and told it would be 20-30 minutes wait. They don't seem to have the same system where you can sit with others at a table for six or eight.The food in the main restaurant 47 was very good as was the Italian restaurant Gallery 47.We ate in the Al a carte restaurants The Surf and Turf and Kora La and both were exceptional. Overall food and drink was very good. The entertainment was good in the theatre and in the live lounge if you could get a seat, but there was little else, We have booked the Discovery for September 2018 to the Baltic and Russia but now we are not sure. The couple travelling with us on their first cruise enjoyed it