Sentido MS Mahrousa

We were told that we could have upgraded to a cabin on the next floor up for an extra ten pounds per person per night (£140.00) which we couldn't afford. The cabin was cleaned daily and shaped towels left for us. Once sailing the view through the window which didn't open was quite stunning at times.

One restaurant. One bar.In the restaurant you sit here and you will sit here for the rest of the trip. Bland tasteless food though the presentation was good and there was plenty of it. Your choice of a drink i reccommend the bottled water. I Picked up a bug which confined me to the cabin for a couple of days and generally left me weak, only some hydration satchets from one of the other guests saved me from complete despair.I know of six other cases of the "bug" affecting people and generally you wouldn't miss people you don't know until they reappeared. Symptoms are the usual at both ends and complete loss of appetite. I lost 10llbs in a week - maybe they should market this. As for the bar, fully inclusive means locally sourced beers wines and spirits, when i was well enough to, i stuck to the tinned beer as you would never witness a cork coming out of a wine bottle and the gin and brandy were like paint stripper, we didn't risk any other types. The seating layout in the bar is lacking, because there are no stools or single chairs, if more than three people want to gather they all sit on a bench in a row and is uncomfortable.

Friendly and helpful staff mostly basic english thankfully.

Unheated tiny pool with large paddling area, four aerobic machines, male masseur i'm told was very good.

Wake up call for Abu Simble was 3.15am, some people actually went. On the trips we managed to go on, we were constantly harrassed by sellers which took the shine off some of the amazing sights. Our knowledgeable guide described them as vultures. This harrassment has since become the most vivid memory of our week and the reason why we will never return to Egypt.

We were given two tipping envelopes at the end of the week the optional amount was £30 per couple in each, one envelope for the guide and one for the crew. We were not given a Thomas Cook feedback form. I personally tip based on quality of service and value for money, well Thomas Cook, this time you got it very wrong, I an surprised you continue to put your name to this, though at £1800.00 for a couple for one week (all inc) I suspect you may continue. (Tip: hire yourselves some mystery shoppers!)