Having been on only one cruise in the past we decided we wanted to do one with multiple islands and as little as possible sea days as we like to get off and explore. We decided on Thomson Discovery as they offered 12 islands and 1 sea day, perfect for us.

We booked on to the seven shores followed by paradise islands cruise and got a free all inclusive drinks package. The cruise was a back to back cruise consisting of 12 eastern Caribbean islands starting from Bridgetown Barbados.

We were told we would be flying on the Thomson Dreamliner only to find out when we boarded it was the Boeing 767 which was disappointing as we were looking forward to flying on the Dreamliner.

Paul and I are terrible flyers we are just petrified! My fear of flying started when I was a child and I’ve never really got over it. I don’t let it stop me flying and actually prefer long haul flights which makes no sense at all I know!!

Paul was a great flyer until he met me and I’ve put the fear in him sadly. We don’t want Brody to be like us and I supposed that’s why we were determined to travel as much as we could with him when he was young so it is a normal thing for him. It seems to be working he loves flying, which is great as the The flight took approx 9 hours from Manchester.

When we landed Brody shouted ” yeah we made it let’s go back up again” clapping so enthusiastically, the whole plane burst out laughing. We are so very lucky he loves flying and keeps us both distracted from our fear of flying.

The route over the Atlantic is know for turbulence and to be honest we have never not had a bumpy ride so I did expect it. We had an amazing day time flight over but the flight home was another story!! 8 hours of severe turbulence! My nerves were shot to pieces, It was awful! I was so thankful that Brody slept the whole way home, not a peep!

The staff were amazing and asked someone if they wouldn’t mind moving so we could have an extra seat for him to lie down which is just such a huge help when you have a little one on a flight, I’m sure most parents will agree! Paul wasn’t well at all and the staff couldn’t do enough for him on the flight, they even got authorization from the captain to open a doctor’s kit to get ambasol out for him. We couldn’t the praise the staff enough.

We disembarked the plane in Bridgetown Barbados, went straight to a bus and off we went to the ship, all so organised which was amazing after a 9 hour flight. Embarkation was quick and efficient then we went straight to our cabin.

We booked an outside cabin as I really don’t like the idea of not having a window in a room and didn’t like the idea of a balcony with a 3 year old, I know I’m a worrier but I doubt I’d have slept a wink knowing their was a balcony!!! The cabin was spacious and the window was huge much to Brody’s amusement.

We had only every been on one cruise before and that was a 4 day Bahamas cruise on the outstanding Disney Magic. I had it in my head when we booked the Thomson cruise that there was no way it could live up to Disney, just no way at all! Well I was quite presently surprised!!!

We took a walk around the ship and it was absolutely beautiful. The Thomson Discovery had previously been the Royal Carribbean’s Splendor of the seas and has undergone a huge renovation before becoming Thomson discovery.

We were on an all inclusive basis and did not make use of the extra cost restaurants ( Kora la, surf and turf steak house and sushi bar) we instead ate mainly at the buffet restaurant “Islands” mostly because its so convenient with kids.

After a long day out sight seeing its so much easier and quicker to eat at the buffet. Brody is not a child to make a fuss but for some reason on this trip he got quite fed up at dinner time so “ Islands’ was a great option for great food quickly!! Perfect for families.

We also ate at 47degrees, which Is the main service eatery. The food here was delicious to say the least. Brody’s favourite place to eat was definitely the “shake shack” a fast food outlet styled colorfully with British style beach huts.

I myself cannot eat wheat so I find eating on holiday can be quite difficult. Unlike the vast majority of people I end up loosing weight on holiday!! However I didn’t find it difficult on this trip as Thomas cater well for allergies and intolerances, which made my life so much easier.

I can’t comment on the kids club as I’m not one for leaving my son in kids clubs, I’m a worrier and much prefers him to be with us. We did however go to see the kids clubs that cater for 3-11 year olds and they looked great. The staff were all very attentive with Brody and he loved getting his chocolates on his pillow every night along with a towel animal.

I can’t comment on the kids club as I’m not one for leaving my son in kids clubs, I’m a worrier and much prefers him to be with us. We did however go to see the kids clubs that cater for 3-11 year olds and they looked great. The staff were all very attentive with Brody and he loved getting his chocolates on his pillow every night along with a towel animal.

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