    
 5* cruising, 15/05/2007 Reviewer: Katie Hamlin from Cheltenham I stayed on the celebration for a cruise educational and I thought it was fantastic. The entertainment and food on-board was out of this world and the staff couldn't do enough for you. I now recommend it to all my customers!!
 Roman Epic, June 2007 Reviewer: Roz from West Midlands In many ways the Celebration far exceeded our expectations once we got past the dated decor and miles of blue/green carpet unrelieved by acres of dark wood panelling; a touch of Anne Maurice needed here to neutralise the sombre colour scheme I think. That said, our cabin (065 on deck 8) was very clean, spacious and kept immacualate by the ever pleasant Handri. We ate mainly in the Meridian restaurant where the food and service was better than our experience with P&O. Thanks to Michael and Jing for looking after us. Alas we were never hungry enough to try Mistrals (the a la carte restaurant) and what a revelation the Lido reataurant was: light,airy and modern, serving hot and cold dishes 24 hours a day. There were several themed evenings depending on the port of call, all served with a smile (try the pistachio ice-cream!).
As for the ports of call, the highlight for us was Florence. We were escorted by a charming young Italian lady called Ida (if she reads this, Ciao Ida) on a coach tour from La Spezia, hilarioulsy run by Trumpy Tours, I kid you not. Albeit a long day, we were pleased to have done this trip for about £40 a head, similarly priced was Rome, which we had done before. The others I felt could have been done for a fraction of the cost independently, Toulon and Sardinia are examples.
Now a word about the storm: those of us on the Roman Epic on 2nd June 2007 were treated to a force eight gale that knocked most of us off our feet and put others in bed for about twelve hours before burning itself out somewhere between Palma and Toulon. Apparantly this stretch of water known as the Gulf of Lyon, so I am told, is notorious for sudden storms so please go prepared with Kwells.
As for the entertainment we are not great joiners in and did not see much, however, people seemed happy with the offerings. A nice, quiet and up-market lounge to try is the Explorers Bar and another intimate lounge at the top of the ship is the Horizons Bar although you feel the motion of the ship considerably more being up high.
Overall Thomson seem to have struck the right balance between casual and formal.
 Celebrate Good Times, February 2007 Reviewer: Liam from Thomson - Edinburgh I never fancied a cruise but my partner did so this was our first cruiseand I'd definitely go again. The service was fab, the food was great and the entertainment was even better. There is a great atmosphere on board and everyone is so friendly. It was hard to get back to reality when we arrived home as our cabin boy was so efficient!
I work for THomson and would happily sell a cruise to anyone. We did the Red Sea magic cruise which was a great itinerary to see what Egypt offers and take in some extra sites. I can't wait to go on our next cruise (with Thomson obviously).
My colleague has also been on this ship, with a different itinerary when she was reposted to the Med, and she thought it was fab too!
 Not for families, 18 Jan 2007 Reviewer: Carol from Devon We went on this ship, with a 3 yr old, there wasn’t anything for children, only a kids club, but my son was the only child on-board. There isn’t a children’s swimming pool either, so was a nightmare keeping him away from the pools.
Also the side railing’s on the ship was a nightmare, as our son could get through them. This ship is not for children, and not child friendly. This ship is for couples.
The food was great, the ship was very clean, the entertainment was also good.
 Best Holiday Ever!!!!, 7th December 2006 Reviewer: Layla Hayhurst from Morecambe Never been on a cruise before and it was excellent, food was brill and service was fab. I actually work for Thomsons and a Thomson cruise was not really my cup of tea but I would go back on it tomorrow if I could! I think it was better than Florida.
I went on the Red Sea Magic Itinerary and I didint really like Egypt but the cruise was fab.
I cried and cried when I had to leave. 1 week is not long enough I could live on the ship!!!!!!.
 Enjoyable and value for money , November 2006 Reviewer: Leah Taylor from Bournemouth, UK I went on the celebration quite recently and had to write a review. I feel this was excellent value for money and the food was delicious in all 3 restaurants. The bars had a good ambiance and the cocktails are really cheap and such a good range to choose from.
Yes the ship is old but if you want value for money you get it with Thomson. Excursions were most enjoyable and you were really looked after.
I would book a Thomson cruise again and would definitely recommend it to all ages.
 Celebrate With Your Seamate, May 2006 Reviewer: Steven Hutchinson from Thomson, Halifax This was by far the best experience of my life I have never been waited on hand and foot so much in my life. From the top of the morning to the beautiful sunsets of the evening every lifelong moment we spent aboard was purely magical.
The staff/our seamates were amazing nothing was too much trouble even down to folding my jimmy jams into a swan...A truly fabulous life changing experience onboard!!
 Celebrate good times ........ c,mon, May 2006 Reviewer: Donna Stacey This was our first cruise, and not our last..food was excellent and plentifull, the entertainment was bob on top notch ..Staff were ever so friendly and nice and squirted our hands with hygienic stuff every time we entered the restaurant. The alcoholic beverages went down a treat and were very reasonably priced.excursions were amazing and good value for money...we cant wait for our next sailing experience
 Home for the eldery, October 2006 Reviewer: Lee Hogg from Broxburn I was impressed with the food and the service we received from the waiters, but this was like a Saga holiday, only three teenagers to pair up with my daughter who is 13. NOT recommended for a family holiday.
Also our invitation to meet and dine with the captain was sent for the wrong day, along with other Scottish couples, so we missed out. The excuse given was it was one of last week's invites put in by mistake.
We felt the holiday was rushed when in port, not much time to shop. DO NOT take tour of Tunisia on your own, always book on ship. All other destinations are fine.
 Excellent Value, Septmeber 2006 Reviewer: Julie Hand from Dunstable Never having been on a cruise ship before, my friend and I decided to try a 'One Night Taster' that sails from Harwich to Southampton. As it was such good value at £79 we decided to upgrade to a suite for £92. On arrival at the port we were both really impressed how quickly our paperwork was processed, from the time we arrived to the time we were in our suite it was only 20 mins, no hanging around for 3 hours as in an airport!
As it was such a lovely day we had lunch outside and sunbathed drinking cocktails, (cocktail of the day was only £2.50 and all others £3.00). Make sure you are fully aware of your sailing time, we were told 6.00 p.m originally but when we got on board we were told 4.30! (Due to this a wedding party 'nearly missed the boat'.)
Food was available all day, even if you just wanted coffee and cake or something from the continuous buffet. Plenty of treatments available from the beauty spa, and plenty of entertainment such as the Abba Cabaret, game shows, disco, casino, live music and cinema.
Would recommend this cruise and would definitely go again suitable for all ages as they ranged from babies to 70+, with wedding parties and a couple of hen parties it is suitable for everyone.
Staff, service, accommodation and food were fantastic it couldn’t be faulted (the five course meal in the Meridian Restaurant was lovely I had lobster tail and my friend had beef). It was such excellent value for money the only thing we paid for was drinks and the casino.
Only downfalls were no swimming pool and Jacuzzi in use and the onboard shops were closed.
 Far far better than we could have hoped for, June 2006 Reviewer: Tony Kent-Francis from Manchester My Wife and I recently took our first cruise on the Celebration to see "The Spendour of the Fjords".
From the moment we arrived at Newcastle and were shown to our pre booked parking by a endless stream of marshalls at every turn and gate, to leaving the ship at the end of the cruise everything was well organised.
We booked a forward facing cabin in deck 6 and we think this made trip for us. The view through the picture window was superb.
Food was to a high standard, we had intended to go to the ala carte but did not feel we needed to.
Drinks on board are fairly priced and you can by duty free spirit to drink in your room. No wine was available in the duty free which was a pity as it was unavailable on shore(norway) The crew from 'Big Balls Captain' "your own Viking" to the most junior seamen where always smiling, helpful and friendly. Entertainment was to a good standard but we did not see as much as we should have done as we spent time over dinner.
Trips are well organised and include meals, this is not made clear when you book. 'the lunch on the Flam railway trip was super.
We suggest to carefully select trips and don't book so many that you have no free time on board or ashore.
We enjoyed our holiday so much that we have booked a second cruise on the sister ship 'Spirit' to Iceland next year.
Lastly we think the fact that the cruise started and finished in the UK was a big advantage. No problems with airports, delays or excess weight.
 THOMSON CELEBRATION, May 2006 Reviewer: Shelley from West Midlands I found the Celebration fantastic. They have endless facilities available to passengers and food is great !! The staff on board can't do enought for you. Cabins were very good. Entertainment is brilliant, I would reommend to family and couples of all ages!
 THOMSON CELEBRATION, May 2006 Reviewer: Jenna from West Midlands Ship was nice. Cabins were very comfortable. Service from the staff on the ship was second to none. Food was of a good standard and the entertainment team were fantastic. Would definately recommend
 BEWARE, April 2006 Reviewer: SGW from UK Check with your travel agent if the noro virus is still rife onboard. If it is then you can expect to have 4 days in your cabin ill. They are attemting to sterilise the ship but I caught it and was ill for 4 days out of a 7 day holiday and another day was lost when they evacuated the ship to sterilise it!! Too late for me
 Thomson Celebration, 15th April 2006 Reviewer: Emma from West Midlands Boat really really clean could not fault for cleaniness. Crew could not do enough for you. The whole experience brill would reccommened. Eg a woman on the ship said she has done the Destiny, Spirit and now the Celebration she said even though the destiny is bigger the celebration was one of the best out of all 3.
 A GREAT CRUISE Reviewer: David Foster from UK This is a very clean, well layed out and spacious boat. The delux cabins are well worth the extra money. The food, entertainment was excellent.
 Celebration, 18th Cotober 2005 Reviewer: Maria Jackson from Swindon I celebrated my honeymoon on board and also had a blessing. Everything was fantastic from the food, entertainment, staff and itinerary. This was my first cruise but it certainly won't be my last.. I'm completely hooked.
 celebration review, 25 nov 05 Reviewer: kerri sims & leanne deadman from kent Excellent cruise ship, fantastic shows and entertainment. Staff were very friendly and a good laugh. Will definitely be doing another Thomson cruise.
 Iberian Odyssey, 19th September 2005 Reviewer: Mrs Davey from Swindon Food was fantastic and entertainment was good.
Excursions were expensive but good to do your own thing. Outside cabin really nice with a picture window.
 MINI CRUISE, May 2005 Reviewer: SHEILA MATTHEWS from BRADFORD Food was vey good, entertainment fantastic, would go for a cabin higher than deck 4 as can be noisy, the staff were very helpful.
The ship outside (ie on deck) was vey clean and spacious, however the inside around the reception area, restaurants and duty free is looking a bit tired and not quite as elaborate as I would have imagined a cruise ship to look like, but for the valus for money it was good.
 One night taster cruise, 18 Septmeber 2004 Reviewer: Zoe Hobbs from Swindon The whole cruise was fantastic, the food was lovely and the service could not be faulted
The entertainment was very professional and the ship was spotless. Well worth the money a brilliant ship to cruise on.
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