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Thompson

m/s Topaz
Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Andrew Howitt
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: January 12, 2001
Itinerary: Europe

This, our 27th, has been the best value for money cruise that we have had. It is not 5 star, and the ship is old (or Classical as they put it) but it got us from A to B . The bridge does not seemed to have changed since I last sailed on her as the Empress of Britain 40 years ago! I do not think it would appeal to US passengers as it is very British orientated. It is the only cruise that I have been on where all drinks except champagne or water are included. The bar bill for 3 of us for a week was less than 1 pound!! The ship was very clean and the crew, mainly from Eastern Block countries were very friendly and could speak excellent English.

Very well fitted out public areas, lounges and a cabaret dining lounge with an excellent Broadway style show. Plenty of space and no reserved sun loungers. We did not have to as there were plenty. As well as the pool, there was a large on deck Jaccuzzi that could fit about ten bathers. The Casino was a fair size with many slots and the croupiers were very friendly as the took your money!

You could never be hungry as there was a buffet restaurant open 24 hours a day. The main restaurant was open sitting, which was great as you were not tied down to early or late sittings The service was good although the food lacked some inspiration. It was not gourmet but quite adequate. You could eat on deck 24 hours a day if you wanted.

Of all the ships we have been on, this must have been the best cabin for space. It was a cabin for 3 with a porthole. We had 2 double wardrobes and a large chest of drawers. There was also a television and a phone. The only slight problem was that being an old ship she creaked a bit at night if she rolled.

I would not have stopped lingering over my coffee to rush for a seat for the entertainment, however it was adequate for the price. The Cabaret Dinner Show was excellent and would probably have cost about £100 a head in London.

Plenty to do on board with the usual daily itinerary. Strange though there were non of the usual shipboard activities - shuffle board, deck quoits, deck tennis etc., however there was an excellent modern fully equipped gym. We called at Teneriffe, Lanzarotte, Gran Canaria, Maderia and Agadir (Morocco) and the weather was ideal for January, average 75 degrees.

Travelling in January the passengers were mainly over 50, although the younger ones had small children who were well catered for by the children's staff in their own Club. With the restaurant being open sitting, it meant that we met new people every morning and evening and found new people to add to our Christmas list. My 17 year old daughter was disappointed that there were few people her age on board, but that was to be expected at that time of year. Despite that she really enjoyed herself, although Dad had to dance with her in the Disco!