Thomson Cruise vs Royal Caribbean

Rikki

sammy_wheeler wrote: »

rikki- what ship were you - im on aurora med cruise 31st july

I love the Aurora.
Just been on the Ventura, back on the Azura (central med) in August. :j

[Deleted User]

Is it snobby to say I'd never go on a Thompsons cruise? They don't make their own ships (buy them 2nd hand from other lines, then 'refit them') and they just haven't got the same reputation as RCI. My parents weren't very impressed when they went Thompsons (but they said most people on the ship thought it was ok.. it's just that they had done other lines that were higher-end of the market)

I've done RCI, Princess and Carnival - RCI was the best (and they have the biggest/best boats). RCI have started doing drinks packages when sailing from the UK, and it can be a bit pricey having a beer (think it cost me $6).

We always book through Thomas cook - they'll price-match just about anywhere.

Where are you looking at cruising? It's worth knowing that you can haggle over the phone with booking agents - I've had inclusive room credits and free insurance thrown in before. Not to mention knocking down the price. We always book our own flights and usually organise our own excursions. In the Caribbean, it's so easy (get off the boat, negotiate with a taxi driver to take you somewhere) - in Europe you can use public transport (e.g. we got the train from Naples to Pompei)

jethro08

Thank you all for your advice.

I have been on Cruise Critics and found it very informative, we are now considering booking our flights seperately as this will save alot of money and the we will have more to spend on board.

We are thinking of booking with Gill as they were very helpful and not pushy like some places and even told us to consider booking our own flights.

These are our ports of call;

M!laga, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Ajaccio, Corsica; M!laga, Spain.

The OH has said that it's my decision and he will be happy with whatever I choose, but I thinking that RCI is the way forward.

fawny

Hi,

My parents booked with Gills last year on their PO crusie & they were very happy with it.

[Deleted User]

Cool, lots of nice stops there. You can get the train from Civitavecchia to Rome (think it was about 7 euros each - don't forget you have to stamp your ticket BEFORE you get on the train or the ticket inspectors will get you). There is sometimes a free shuttle bus to take you to the station.

RCI won't do anything special for you unless you ask them.. just because your on honeymoon won't matter to them. They'll also take photos of you at any opportunity for $19.99 a pop (or $299 for the complete set on DVD). At dinner, they'll do anything to make you happy - if that means bringing you two main courses because you can't decide, they'll do it. They are very good at formal dinners.

Just remember, the agent is just agent, the holiday is still with RCI.. so whoever you book make sure they're the cheapest.. it won't make a difference if you go with someone 'helpful' or not. Honestly, try calling up Thomas cook and ask them to beat the price - you should be able to knock at least 10% off the 'original' price.