| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
 John Wilkes from Dursley sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 4
2008 |
John Wilkes
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness |  | | Crew | | | Ship Food |  | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| John Wilkes said: I went on the 14 night 'Ancient Odyssey' cruise.
The trip was magnificent and the weather perfect apart from the one
afternoon in Instanbul when it rained. Everything worked out just right and
it was hugely social .
I made my own way to Gatwick by bus and coach the previous day. You can check-in your luggage the day before your flight.
Tuesday the 757 flight left before 7. Saw the Pyrenees and Barcelona en
route.
At Palma, once settled on the boat, I walked 2 miles west to Cala Major
beach which was spectacular. A 'Welcome Show' aboard was excellent. All the
theatre shows were good the entire holiday. Saw them all, including one
twice to get a photo.
Wednesday we were at sea. It was sunny. We passed southern Sardinia. We had
the emergency drill plus the first for five 'Solo's lunches hosted by two
cruise hosts. We had Solo's lunches in the restaurant on each of the five
Sea days. The solo passengers had interesting stories bein either widowed,
divorced or having a partner at home in care. In the afternoon there was
the 'Captain's chat' where we could ask him questions. That night a UK
comedian show was good. There were 1490 passengers and 538 staff on board.
Thursday, Sicily. Gorgeous clear weather. Passed the Aeolian islands before
dawn. We docked at Messina. I had booked a coach tour to Taormina which was
quite stunning. The same lady as last year was the Italian guide and
recognised me.
The views from Taormina and its Greek theatre were superb. Back in Messina
I climbed the campinile to see the mechanisms of the rotating figures and
animals. Back on board ship,
Lancashire Hotpot for lunch but a huge choice of fare on offer. That night
a 'Broadway Show' and clocks forward one hours. Talked to lots of pleasant
and very widely travelled folk.
Friday (Easter Good Friday in Greece)
Kotokolon on the west side of the Pelopponese. A delightful quiet village
on a wooded bay. Enjoyed ny best lunch - a Greel feta cheese and olives and
tomatoes lunch at a harbourside taverna. Many folk went off to Olympia
where it rained. Have been there before. Back on the ship, an ice carving
demo and a male singer cabaret show later. The cruise director had cycled
up into the hills on his own and had been bitten by a snake. No lasting
damage.
Saturday. Piraeus of Athens. Palled up with two couples off the boat. We
found the metro statio, took a train into Athens ( 2.40 pounds return) then
walked for four hours - first up and over the Acropolis then round all the
major sites. It was a great day. A couple off the ship were sat by the
Parthenon and said 'Hello John'. Time and time again I took people's photos
of themselves on their camera. There was much scaffolding round the
buildings on the Acroplis. The views out were great. Back to the boat by
train at 4.30. A great UK artist singer and trumpeter gave a show. Later it
emerged another passenger I later met was followed on to the train from an
Athens bank and nearly robbed. But he punched the would-be robber.
Sunday 27th April
At sea. Cloudy. a bit rough. Excellent 'Solo's' lunch. Passed the War
Memorials entering the Dardanelles near Gallipoli - but not the ANZAC one.
'Chariots of Fire' playing on the ship's external music systems. Colossal
experience. The 'Stars at Sea' show was good with a passable Elvis. A music
duo recognised me from last October and were very friendly. They wed soon.
Monday
Instanbul. Very busy city of 12 million. Went on the guided 16-mile four
hour bike tour with 13 others and our Austrian guide. Very exciting. We
stopped for half an hour at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. I was given a
blue skirt to wear to enter the blue mosque. Then for miles through the
street bazaars and by the carpet shops and up to the Salaman Mosque and
through the Greek quarter. People clapping, saying hello and welcome and
posing with us ans shaking our hands and asking if I was [Lance] Armstrong.
Perhaps they thought we had come further than the quayside by the Galata
Bridge.
Returning to the ship in the rush hour we pushed our bikes through a
pedestrian underpass and carried them up and down flights of stairs. It
rained in the afternoon. That night a very good Frank Sinatra trubute
artist from Scotland performed. We steamed out of mighty Instanbul at
8.30pm.
Tuesday
At sea. Back across Sea of Marmaris and through Dardanelles. A Solo's lunch
then entertaining crew sports by pool.
A Mexican buffet and 'Celebrations' all-singing all-dancing show later. Had
a bit of a cold after getting a little chilly in Instanbul.
Wednesday
Sunny Kusadasi in Asian Turkey. A great place and a morning excursion to
the fabulous ruins of Ephesus. Back to the ship on the coach stopping off
for a 'fashion show' and high octane sales pitch at a leather coats outlet.
11 coaches went to Ephesus from the trip. The day before, Royal Carribean
cruises had delivered 3000 visitors into Ephesus.
After lunch on board, I walked to the town beach in Kusadasi. That night a
UK lady guest artiste performed a singing show of big ballads.
Thursday.
Santorini. Amazing. Brilliant clear day. 7 cruise ships in bay. Took tender
boat to shore; cable car to Fira town perched high on rim, walked round the
village. Chatted to some American students on a cruise from Athens. Then
walked down the 592 steps and ramps of the hairpin donkey path. There were
hundreds of rather tired donkeys working the path also. Great look-out
verandah half way down. Back to the ship for sunbathing and more travel
chat, then a big show - 'The Magic of the Musicals'
Friday
At Heraklion Crete. Joined a coach tour that went 60 miles south to visit
the ruins at Gortys and Phaestos. Great landscape scenes en route.
Sunbathing in the afternoon. Then a cabaret show and poolside deck party.
Saturday
At Sea - very sunny and warm. Solo's lunch. Swimming sunbathing and trivia
quiz and then a big musical show in the theatre. Unlimited food/buffet all
day every day. Enjoyed buying a few Stella beers.
Sunday
Malta - what a place! The first really clean and civilized place visited.
Went off with two of my 'Athens' walking companions.
Toured old town. Then I joined the 60 mile round trip open-topped Malta
sightseeing bus tour that took me and 36 other passengers off the ship up
to Bugibba on the North coast via Mosta, Mdina and the RAF Aviation Museum
then back to Valletta bown the East coast. 28 degree heat. Captain's
cocktail party for repeat cruisers in evening. Orange drinks or champagne
provided and lots of canapes - sausage rolls, vol-au-vents etc; then a UK
guest comedian show in the theatre.
Monday
At Sea. As before. Big farewell show at night. Many staff on stage.
Everybody singing 'Sailing'
More chat. Everybody had been everywhere.
Tuesday
Today went well. Sunny all dal and England and Cotswolds in particular
looking lush and gree.
9am coach from ship to airport. 757 flight home.
A great holiday ... but not for the faint hearted. At least 2 were robbed.
Two old and infirm folk died aboard. Nothing whatsoever to do with any conditions on the cruise.
Three ankles were broken on either the deck or stairs or pontoon
for the Santorini tender boat.
My bill for 'extras' - ie beers and biking and trips (but not the Malta one
which was not part of the cruise organisation
was 136 pounds on top of the fly/cruise costs.
All good value. A truly great and social holiday. |
| |
 kevin from wrexham sailed on Island Escape with
thomas cook
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 4
2008 |
kevin
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness |  | | Crew | | | Ship Food |  | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| kevin said: this was your 2nd cruise this ship is dated cabin was very small shower tray tiles were cracked decor dated
food was ok just staff were very friendly and curitious at all times entertainment was very good comedian Rudy West was fantastic if this was your first cruise i dont think we would cruise again
but saying that the captain Guy Lockwood tried very hard to sell the cruise thank you but not again |
| |
Robert Connolly from Kilkeel sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 3
2008 |
Robert Connolly
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Robert Connolly said: Arrived in Palma on 18th March for the first cruise of the season to be told that the ship was delayed in arriving in port. We had to spend over two hours on the coach at the port and I then spent a further two and a half hours sanding in a check-in queue to get on board. As a single traveller who has walking and standing difficulties it was a very painful wait with no refreshments.
The ship was still taking on stores at 1.30 am the following morning and did not sail until almost 3am and despite sailing at full speed (confirmed by a visit to the bridge) we did not reach Messina until lunch time resulting in the full day tour being cancelled. The follwing day our departure from Naples was delayed by over two hours by a last minute decision to take on ballast. weather delayed our arrival of Livorno until lunchtime the following day and then we were told we could not dock and continued on to Toulon in gale force winds. That evening all ship's power was lost and it was lying dead in the water for wellover half an hour before lighting and engines were restored. Passengers were not told that the engines had stopped, just the electrical power had failed! We ad to spend the night in Toulon port, supposedly due to weather , yet two ferries came and went. The following morning we left Toulon direct to Palma missing out a second port, Barcelona, spending much of the day again in gale force winds. This was despite a break in the winds around midnight when I feel the ship could ave left and perhaps used Mahon as a diversion port to allow passengers some time ashore to compensate for the lost port visits.
All the staff I met were very friendly but I felt that pasengers were not being given full information, especially during the power failure, possibly so as not to causeany panic, not that there was any. The ship and cabin were clean but the sun deck was half closed for much of the cruise due to work in progress and also the pool was empty most of the time.
It seemed that the ship was not fully ready on its arrival at Palma for the first Med cruise of the season. I also noticed a large metal housing that covered the switching gear for one of the automatic fire doors on Sun deck completly broken away at the bottom and hanging on by one bolt at the top causing it to swing with the ship's motion; a potential passenger injury waiting to happen! I was also aware that the ship was under going a survey during the passage, apart from the fact there was quite a bit of extra work ongoing with contractors on baord.
On board entertainment was adequate but with spending two full extra days at sea it was a limited programme. While the food was good I did find the the Beachcomber seem to be giving out very small portions of food and people were having to ask for more like a modern day Oliver Twist. |
| |
Steve from essex sailed on Island Escape with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 11
2007 |
Steve
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Steve said: Having cruised a few times and having gone on a Butlins (and Haven) holiday I would like people who put down that the entertainment was like Butlins to explain what they mean! Have these people actually been on a Butlins holiday or are they just using a phrase which gets banded about to easily. I've known a few people who have done that work and I know they work very hard to provide an entertainment which isnt always to everyones taste but just to dismiss them as though they are only good enough to work at Butlins (which isnt a bad thing) is offensive. It takes an awful lot of guts and talent to get up infront of a crowd of people and entertain the majority whilst trying not to annoy miserable grumpy people like the person below.
I totaly enjoyed my time on board the escape and its sister ship the star which weve done this year aswell and a big thank you to all the entertainments teams on both. Your work is not unappreciated! |
| |
jackie from scotland sailed on Island Escape with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
jackie
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment |  |
| jackie said: i think i was spoiled because had already cruised with thomson on the destiny so the escape was a big let down, staff were ok but nothing special the entertainment was all abt money more than anything, it is a cheap casual cruise and thats abt all i would rather spend extra and go with the destiny.
the all inc package was rubbish hardly any drinks on it compared to the destiny wich included most drinks or at least a substitute was available.
cabin staff were good tho. |
| |
Sally from Somerset sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
Sally
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Sally said: Two other things I meant to mention in my review... firstly being charged £14 for use of the safe. We didn't request it until about to go off to Rome (day 4) and still paid the full amount.
Secondly the gym. Don't get me wrong - we were really impressed with the amount of equipment and its quality but there is no supervision and although there is one small notice asking for suitable sportswear to be worn and no under 16s it was completely disregarded. We saw children as young as 8 using the equipment including weights, elderly people in outdoor shoes on cross trainers and extremely overweight adults going bright red on the tredmills. I would be interested to know how the ship's insurers would deal with someone injuring themselves, having a heart attack or stroke - or worse. There was no disclaimer anywhere I could see.
Finally - there were a number of children on board and we thought they were all extremely well behaved and absolutely no trouble at all. |
| |
Sally from Somerset sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
Sally
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Sally said: Our first time cruising was an interesting experience. On the whole the positives outweighed the negatives but the negatives were substantial!
The flights from Exeter and boarding procedures were extremely efficient. It was nice to be met by a member of the cabin staff and taken to our cabin. We were on deck 6 - Diamond. By the end of the cruise we were very glad we had upgraded to this deck and not gone higher. On deck 7 you are on the casino and bars/pub level and the cigarette smoke drifted everywhere. On level 9 you were likely to have a view of a lifeboat and people wandering on the deck outside your window. On 6 our window looked directly onto the sea and we had great views when entering and leaving ports. Yes the ship is basically a large car ferry and certainly in need of its refit and if I had paid £900 for a single cabin on deck 3 (which really did feel like steerage) as one chap I met had done I would certainly feel hard done by. But as my cruise was free and we paid £570 including upgrade and Exeter flights for my husband we were rather more philosophical about the state of the ship. We thought the entertainment crew were really very good. These singers and dancers would not have disgraced a West End musical. The 'comedian' Phil Doyle was quite frankly a disgrace. An unpleasant, misogynistic egotist. An example: "You've heard the Spice Girls are doing a world tour? That song they sing ... I'll tell you what I want what I really really want. Well I'll tell you what they want - a good slapping" If people think that jokes like this are funny I despair. He also referred to a member of the crew as having 'a turnstile on her knickers'. This man was horrible - we came across him twice and stayed a matter of minutes each time.
We were pleasantly surprised at the quality and standard of the food. We didn't go to the Beachcomber as it was crowded and a bit like a cafeteria. The Island restaurant was fine if a bit of a pain when busy. However there was always plenty of fresh fruit and salads although the fruit juice was horrible. The first time we were seated next to the window on an 8 seater rectangular table. It was impossible to get out unless the 3 people next to you were out of their chairs. There was limited space between tables. We ate at the Oasis 4 times. As far as we were concerned it was worth the £9.95 supplement each to have an excellent meal, beautifully served at a table for just the two of us.
As everyone mentions the crew are superb. The cabin staff are extremely hardworking and do the very best they can with worn, greying towels and bedlinen. there was plenty of storage space but the cabin was very shabby with loose electrical connections and no working radio. However the TV showed two different, recent films every day.
The ports were all very good except for Olbia which was awful. The forecast was for heavy rain and I really felt sorry for those paying summer prices for a coach tour of the coast in the rain with no visibility. This was a rip-off and I suspect the excursions are big moneymakers for not a great deal. When the lad was doing the excursion presentation he couldn't even pronounce the names of the places properly. I can understand if people are not that confident in setting off on their own but you'd save a lot of money and have a great time. Instead of having some woman giving advice on shopping in each port it would be a good idea to have someone who could suggest ideas for those who wanted to be independent. I overheard one bloke saying that in Rome they had been driven round the Coliseum 3 times in their excursion coach but weren't able to get off the coach.
In Olbia we walked around the town but most of the roads were being dug up and it was a bit of a building site.
At Civitavecchia we caught the bus to the port gate and then walked along to the station - 5-7 mins. The return ticket was 9 euro (£6) and this ticket also took you on the metro and buses - what value! Weigh this up against the £35 'Rome alone' excursion fare where they took you to Rome by coach, dropped you off then picked you up. So that's £70 for two versus £12! We went straight to the Coliseum - queued for about 20 mins then spent a couple of hours there. Metro to Piazza Spagna and then on to San Pietro. We were then able to get the train back to the boat from there. We loved La Spezia. It has great Arts and Crafts buildings and we wandered for hours. The boat trips from the harbour to Portovenere and Lerici were very cheap and great value. Most mornings I was up on deck as we arrived in port and it was a lovely time of day. arriving in Nice as dawn was breaking was spectacular. We wandered through the old town at 7.30am as it was waking up and browsed in the market before it got busy. A long leisurely stroll along the seafront dodging rollerskaters, cyclists and joggers was a lovely way to spend a Sunday. It was a shame we had to be back on board at 2.30pm.
So all in all this trip was not nearly as bad as we thought it might be. However the BIG problem is the smoking. Although restaurants and the theatre were smokefree the stink from cigarette smoke was everywhere. There seemed to be a high number of smokers on board and they took every opportunity to light up. The bars and pub were thick with smoke and I felt really sorry for the children sitting in the Sundowner lounge being exposed to secondhand smoke. It was impossible to get away from cig smoke even on deck and I have to say this ruined our trip more than anything else.
Would we cruise again - certainly. Would we go on an Island cruise - sorry no. Fine for smokers but really unpleasant for those who don't. |
| |
Michael williams from Knighton sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
Michael williams
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Michael williams said: At first i was a bit worried due to negitive reviews of the ship, but i found it great.The food was excellent but in the beachcomber i thought the meals were a bit cold at times. I used the Island restaurant alswell bot to pay extra in the Oasis was over the top so did not dine there.The staff were great and my cabin stewardess Romana on Emerald deck was brill, she made animals ot of the towels every dey and cleand my cabin 3 times a day so i left a £20 tip! Excursions expensive so only went on one up Mount Etna which was a disaster cause it snowed! Did my own thin in other ports. The ship is a bit tired now but a promised refit and it will be fine, my only grip was the carpet in the cabin was a bit warn out.
Drinks were quite expensive but going on a cheap cruise made up for this.
Planning to book for next year
If you want a casual cruise i would recoment this one. |
| |
pete from sutton coldfield sailed on Island Escape with
Airtours
on a couples holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
pete
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| pete said: This was our first cruise and we were told by friends that this would be the ideal ship for our first cruise. The ship is very informal with most people not bothering to make an effort to dress up of an evening, by that i mean not even smart casual wear. A lot of people were in track suit bottoms with either football shirts or national shirts.
The ship is generally clean with the staff doing everthing they can to keep on top of things, but as has been previousley stated it is tried and in need of a major uplift so i guess it suffers becuase of this.
Food was not too bad at all with a reasonable selection and variety. The only problem for us was the lack of variety in where to eat. The Beachcomber on the top deck has plastic plates, mugs and glasses and is like a stampede. Gives you the impression you are on a camping holiday. A very poor environment in which to eat. The Island restraurant is ok, buffet style although this can also be like a stampede. Oasis is Al a Carte but in the two weeks we were on board the menu did not change. The food and service in there was much better although there is a cover charge.
Staff were generally very good cant do enough to help. The bar staff can be a bit pushy but we found out they work on comission so perhaps you cant blame them.
The entertainment is akin to Butlins. I was expecting the staff to go hi di hi. Very down market. Two good shows while we were onboard, a Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra tribute.
Smoking is allowed in ALL bars with only a small area given for the non smokers. If you smoke you will love it. Our party are non smokers and found that some of the best entertainment was in the Pub with a guy on the piano playing boogie woogie and ryhthm and blues but the lingering smoke spoilt it for us.
We would cruise again but most definately not with Island. Too many downsides. |
| |
John Wilkes from Dursley sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
John Wilkes
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| John Wilkes said: I joined the Med Discovery cruise on the Island Escape on the 23rd October. The ship appeared a little tawdry compared to the Island Star but the entertainment, cabin comfort and catering were all very good. If you have mobility problems or breathing difficulties, choose another type of holiday. Several passengers just could not cope with the strenuous nature of it all. I could not exchange sterling on the boat the first day so headed off to find a bank in Palma. A Spanish person appeared to ask me for directions. I paused to say I was not local. Two other men turned up announcing they were 'port police' and asked for my passport. That was on the ship. I showed them ID by way of my swipe card and driving licence. They then took my wallet and counted the money in it saying 'Drugs, Cocaine'. Then they searched the other man's wallet and had me open up my glasses case. 'This is my country' said one of the 'policemen'. 'Very nice' I said .... and he handed me back my wallet and I walked on.
Beware, everyone. Once on ship - food and entertainment abounds. The day at sea we had safety drill, a solos lunch and quoits. Cruise staff - if you are reading this - sit in the middle of a table to introduce solo travellers - not at the end.
The ship, due for a refit had faults. Ceilings leaked. Black soot dropped out of some. A public toilet flush failed. The radio did not work in the cabin. First landfall Sardinia. Very wet but a good coach tour nevertheless. Then Civitavecchia for Rome. The half day excursion has no permit to stop in the City but we saw a lot. Excellent shows on board - Comedian Phil Doyle excellent, singer Eve Sherrat excellent, Duo Starlites brilliant - show team dancers and performers very good. Then La Spezia. 30 pond Portonvenere boat trip
which I had booked as a shore excursion cancelled (they need at least 70 takers). Took tender to shore and did exact same trip on a big Italian tourist boat for 4 pounds return also visiting Lerici on the other side of the Gulf. Do not miss visiting
the very pretty port of Portovenere. Maybe go on round to the Cinque Terre villages by local boat. Bewate the tender from the Escape. Two people slipped and broke their arms climbing down into it. Next day Nice. Brilliant half day tour to Monaco and Monte Carlo with two walking stops off the coach - Palace Square and Casino Square. Still had time to walk the Promenade Anglais in Nice. Departure was delayed as someone with acute breatbing difficulties had to be stretchered off to Hospital. That person received treatment on a drip in Nice and rejoined the tour in Palma - cost 600 pounds. Warning: check your health insurance. After Nice we had a day on Menorca. The approach to Mahon is specatacular. I took the coach trip to San Bou beach and had a swim. I walked around Mahon town and port before we left Menorca. Next morning, back in Palma. Coach with commentary to airport. Two hour flight back to Bristol.
Very stormy weather the first half of the week but on balance an excellent holiday.
|
| |
Chris Tumbridge from Milton Keynes sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
Chris Tumbridge
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Chris Tumbridge said: This was the second time we cruised on this ship. The ship is looking a bit tired now, but the promised refurbishment should make a diference. Our cabin was fine on deck 8. Very quiet at night.
The ship is spotlessly clean and tidy.
The food was excellent, with a suprising choice in the all day buffet, (smoked salmon and cream cheese available for breakfast!)
The staff were excellent, very friendly, the officers were also great fun. Taking in part in the party dances at the pool party.
We did not go into the shows on board, but found the entertainment in the PUB very good.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, was the cost of the treatments in the SPA, which I found very expensive compaired to the average Hotel spa. Also there were no price lists available.
The cost of the sauna (£20 per week) I thought was outrageuos, especially as it is old.
The trips are also expensive compared to some other cruise lines we have been on, but the two we went on Pompeii and Florence were very good.
Overall, we would go back on the ship as it very good value for money, ideal for a first time cruise. |
| |
Orrell from Wigan sailed on Island Escape with
1st choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2007 |
Orrell
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Orrell said: We arrived home yesterday 16/10/07 having spent a most enjoyable 7 days aboard the Island Escape. We agree that the ship is in need of a refit but we found it clean throughout and inviting.
We have been on cruises with royal caribbean, princess and celebrety and honestly say that for food, entertainment and enjoyment this ship cannot be faulted.
We found all the staff attentive and did not experience any hard sell or tip chasing.
The swimming pool is small, but this is not uncommon on other cruise ships. New sunbeds have been provided around the pool and these together with those on the other decks were enough for all the guests ( the ship was full last week).
Entertainment was good with flown in and resident artists. This did not finish at 11-30 pm as it did on other ships we have been on when the only music available after this time was in the disco. |
| |
appleyards from rotherham sailed on Island Escape with
thomas cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 9
2007 |
appleyards
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| appleyards said: well this was our first cruse and will be the last!!
This cruise was shocking and couldnt wait to get off!
The weather was shocking only two days but that couldnt be helped. We had thunder storms day in day out the ship was rocking side to side people was falling ill. sick bags were placed around the ship on stairways. we was on the 5 deck at night was like a drum beating by the waves hitting against the front of the ship, we had a outside cabin with a window which we could see waves gushing past our window.
The cabins where really small and not very clean.
No disraspec but it was full of old ones so if you are a young couple or have older children this is not a cruise for you.
ive got to say the ship cleanliness was good but did notice a few times the bed sheets was sometimes not changed but wasnt a big deal.
On our cruse the food was fantastic always a different varity through out the day and night and through the week we stayed.i think the food was the best thing on the cruse haha!!we liked how the food was kept on 24hrs.
the cruse staff were very friendly and you always felt comfatble they always speaked really plesent and always had a big smile on there face.
well well what can i say about the entertainment it was shocking it was always the same entertainment every night bingo bingo bingo and the band playing the same songs every night. They are so sly aswel on the last day while we was waitin to go home we noticed all the advertisin posters getting changed to more entertaining entertainment that we havent even seen throughtout our holiday.There wasnt any entertainment for any children so i wouldnt even attend if you have older children as my daughter was 16 and was bored through the holiday.
|
| |
Liz from Liverpool sailed on Island Escape with
First choice
on a family holiday.
There were 6 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 8
2007 |
Liz
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Liz said: Hi just returned yesterday and can only describe Island Cruises as being completely faultless!
The staff where excellent the food was fabulous and the cabins where adequate (we stayed in a 4 berth, 2 bunk bed cabin and had enough space).
Jaya the cabin attendant on Coral deck 5 is fantastic, and would also like to say Kumar from the look out sailaway lounge is spot on also.
We found every detail from boarding to disembarking organised very well, they really do think of every way to make your holiday ease free and comfortable.
We loved this ship, it was are first cruise and would definitely travel with Island Cruises again.
So if you have booked this you are in for a lovely time and by the way girls the GHD straighteners do work the same as the UK if you take an American 2 prong adapter instead of the 3 pin.(they have fittings for both)
Have fun and ignore all negative reviews as this ship is faultless!! |
| |
Mike Sexton from Dartford sailed on Island Escape with
Island Cruises
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 8
2007 |
Mike Sexton
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Mike Sexton said: I can sympathise with comments made by the previous reviewer, because although we experienced no trouble with teenagers on board, their presence was noticeable as they congregated in stairwells. However, the atmosphere on board was generally happy and welcoming, the food is of a certain standard in the buffet restaurant where it tends to be every man for himself! I enjoyed the Island restaurant which was generally a little more sedate, however my wife preferred the top deck buffet where its possible to sit outside in good weather. The captain's talk made mention of a major refit later this year, tho' I doubt that this extends to the cabin showering facilities which were less than hospitable.The waiters work very hard and do push the bar service quite a bit, but whatever they're paid, its not enough!
The excursions are expensive, we went to Rome alone which for a family of 4 cost over £100 and didnt even include a packed lunch! Apparently a couple didnt make the coach back to port, but the captain's log stated that all paasengers were aboard when ship left harbour. We didnt sample the entertainment so cant comment on this. The pool is simply too small for the numbers on board - end of! I think a cruise probably more than most holidays depends on the calibre of your fellow passengers and we enjoyed this cruise more than a similar cruise with Airtours a few years ago. And we'd probably go again, once our kids have become teenagers! |
| |
S. Cahill from Stanford-le-Hope sailed on Island Escape with
Cruise 1st
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 8
2007 |
S. Cahill
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| S. Cahill said: We have just returned from our 3rd trip on the Island Escape, this time on the Discovery itinerary and have to say it only gets better! The cleanliness has been improved by the use of hygine washers before entry to restaurants and as always, the ship is immaculate with the cabins done 3 times a day, and the crew always willing to please. The food is lovely, whichever restaurant you choose and labelling improved this time showing gluten free (for all you coeliacs out there). Lots of salads and fresh fruit and always a fresh carvery joint each night as well as the normal dishes. Vegetarians well catered for too. If you are lucky the waiters even have a seranade for each table at the end of the evening it's worth staying and eating late! The entertainment has improved (not that it was bad before), they now ship in caberet acts as well as doing shows. We have had a few captains over our last few trips and although this one (Captain Bathgate) has a good sense of humour, unfortuneately he is not a patch on the other 2 - you don't see a lot of him whereas the other 2 were always around the ship. As for excursions, we did our own thing, apart from Sardinia(Olbia) where we paid to go to La Cinta Beach - very nice, but gets tremendously packed very quickly. Apparently there is a beach near town that people found. At Civitavecchia, we caught the free shuttle bus (belonging to the port) to the gates and then turned right and continued walking to the station and caught a train to Rome - the ticket was called a metrebus (covers train/metro/bus) all for the price of 9 euros each!- Fill in the front of the ticket with your name and date of birth and validate it in the yellow machines to start it and when you return from Rome. Make sure you allow time to get back. From La Spezia we caught a train to Santa Margarita for 8.40euros for the 2 of us and outside that station we caught a bus for 1Euro each to Portofino(tickets from coffee bar) Although you do not get much time there at least you can say you did it! At Nice we went on the beach (huge pebbles - take some flip flops etc) and the shops/market - definately going back there! Finally, at Mahon we went to Cala Galdana beach you can get a bus from the bus station and change at Ferreries, otherwise the harbour/shops in Mahon are a nice day's stroll and there are beaches closer (Son Bou is also a bus ride away)
We hope this has given you a taste of what you can achieve without spending so much for an excursion, but we will leave you with 1 thought - they will wait for excursion coaches but not for independent travellers! As for children, there were 370 on board this time but they were mainly 12-16yrs and we didn't see a lot of them, they were really good.
Only 1 downside to the ship is that there were never enough deckchairs so you end up laying on the deck (which is covered in carpet)but if you are like us and are out each day, it doesn't really cause a problem.
The ship is being refurbished on it's route back from Brazil this year and we understand they are looking at a sports bar (TV etc.) and updating other areas for the coming year and we for one(two) will certainly be joining them again!
|
| |
Barry Hynds from Belfast sailed on Island Escape with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2007 |
Barry Hynds
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Barry Hynds said: We sailed on the 3 July 2007 as a family of four. The cabin we were allocated on arrival was small, grubby and very tired! The miniature bathroom was filthy with missing sealant, cracked glass and a broken shower head.
It was only then that we discovered that this "luxury ship" was in fact a converted car ferry!
My wife and I used the top bunks as we considered them to dangerous for the children. The ladders had no fixings and slid about.
The food was generally luke warm and the tea and coffee was served in plastic cups and the water in plastic glasses. This was not supposed to be a camping holiday.
The public toilets were not terribly clean and we generally returned to our cabin. The swimming pool was more like a paddling pool and the children were asked to leave the pool on more than one occasion to leave room for adults? There was a lack of seating and sun loungers in the vicinity of the pool.
The staff were quite pleasant but wanted to become your friend, obviously for tips. It became quite tiresome when your luke warm meal became cold listening to staff rendering stories about families they had not seen for three months.
The ship consisted of entirely British passengers . No other nationality would put up with the poor standards on this ship. When ashore this ship stood out from the other cruise liners. It just looked so cheap and tacky.The rust was showing through in many places.
When we returned we submitted a letter of complaint, with photographs, via THOMAS COOK, receiving a letter from FIRST CHOICE on the 20 July 2007 confirming the same. After many telephone calls FIRST CHOICE wrote back explaining that cruise operators do not follow ABTA GUIDELINES. Basically tough luck, we have your money.
I would not wish this cruising experience on my worst enemy and will never book with First Choice again.
On a positive note at least it was only a week long cruise not two! |
| |
harry monaghan from glasgow sailed on Island Escape with
island cruises
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2007 |
harry monaghan
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| harry monaghan said: this was our second cruise on this ship.we loved it last year and on the whole it was as good this year,trips excellent,rome express magic,food as good as last year,no complaints,staff great,very helpful,entertainment great,dont know what the last post was on about on that one as there was something for everyone,including great west end style shows.the only downside this year was the amount of wild kids running about causing havoc.our two kids were with us at all times,they are our responsibility.not so with a lot of other people sad to say.the guest relations manager told me they had had a lot of trouble this year with bullying,gangs of wild kids forming into packs and basically going abouth the ship beating up smaller kids.we had an incident on our fourth day when a child from ireland was beaten to the ground in the games room and had his face smacked off of a machine resulting in a cut and swelling.our two kids came runnin in crying and we went to help.we sat the child with us till his mother came back and the gang of kids kept harrassing us,we got security involved and when they started chasing the kids they went and got their drunken parents who then came down for a fight from whatever bar they had been sitting in all day,security sorted them out,but it was very unpleasent.these people should not be allowed to leave britain,thugs and drunks!!
guest relations said they were a victim of their own success this year with a different type of family booking on who just stay on the boat and drink and let their kids run riot.
great ship,great cruise being let down by lager lout british passengers who shoud stay at home and drink in the comfort of their own slummy lives |
| |
brian nourse from bristol sailed on Island Escape with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2007 |
brian nourse
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| brian nourse said: We traveled 10th - 24th July. This was our first cruise and a pretty good place to start.
We arrived and were quite surprised about how tired the ship looked inside, you could tell that it was probably really nicely decorated but is now battered and neglected.
The cabin was ok but my other half pointed out straight away the mould in the bathroom and cracked panel in the shower unit. She also would not walk on the carpet in bare foot as it looked filthy and worn. We also paid extra for a window which could barely see out of!.
Food was simply quantity over quality, it was a bit like a budget pub menu shame really as I was looking forward to it. I think they can get the award for making sponge cake in various guises!. Others mentioned luke warm I have to agree.
Entertainment was a joke Think Knees Up Old Mother Brown and you are not far from the mark, lots of people doing line dancing and getting drunk. We are both in our 30’s and found this boring, not our idea of entertainment.
-------------------- THIS IS THE BEST BIT --------------------
A group of six people were left behind in Rome, the train platform had broken and delayed the train arrival.
The boat was in dock when three of them arrived and the captain said consider the boat gone!, some passengers had said let them aboard but the captain would not. We later found out that one of them had been mugged and had no shoes on and no money.
Apparently they were offered a hotel room and meal at silly prices over (200 euros) for a couple of hours - which they would have to of paid for... These people had no change of clothes, or ladies hygiene products.
We were shocked at this especially when they were told “put it behind you” and the crew laughed it off.
These people slept rough that night BEWARE!!!!!!.
I would never sail with this micky mouse, badly run tatty converted car ferry disguised as a cruise ship again.
If wild children running up and down shouting and screaming, while their drunken parents lie in a state comatose on sun loungers sounds good then this is for you.
b |
| |
QChik from Glasgow sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2007 |
QChik
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| QChik said: Hi There
We have just come back from Med. Discovery 3rd-10th July. Won't duplicate everything that's already been said - I really just want to endorse the previous reviewer's report. This was my first cruise and it ticked every box - and more. The staff team from Captain Bathgate(lovely voice to waken up to in the morning ) right through to our cabin attendant Alejandro, everyone pulled out the stops to make it a special trip.
Food - to die for. Fresh, tasty, great variety, quantity and quality. eating areas SO clean.
Entertainment - wonderful. Each and every night.
I know we all have different expectations of a holiday but I'd be really hard pressed to find anything (other than my hair straighteners not working)to complain about. Yup, the Island Cruises brochure is already out for next year. Gonna try and sweet talk my hubby for a balcony this time.
I can only say what others have. Try it for yourself. And do go All Inc. the value is just great. |
| |
Pete from Swindon sailed on Island Escape with
Island Cruises
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2007 |
Pete
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Pete said: OUr first cruise. It was our best holiday ever. Staff very friendly, could not do enough for you. Food exellent in all resturants. Excursions quite expensive, but we did our own thing. Trains very cheap.Rooms cleaned 3 times a day, with different animal made out of the towels presented on the beds each day.Check in at airports both ends very easy. Will deffinently be going again. Spoke to a lot of people who have done lots of cruise, one had done 54, they siad this was one of the best, very informal, which we wanted. |
| |
Robert & Lesley Hamilton from Glasgow sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
Robert & Lesley Hamilton
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Robert & Lesley Hamilton said: This was out first cruise and can honestly say cannot wait to go again, has to be said it was also our honeymoon.
Cabin maid was exceptional and couldnt do enough for us. Cleanliness was top class, there was never a member of staff standing idle they were always cleaning. They were never too busy to stop and have a chat though and instead of giving you directions if you got lost (quite easy in your first few days) they took you to where you wanted to go.
Food was top class no matter which diningroom we dined in. My husband was over the moon when he found out that they buffet was open 24 hours ;o)
Entertainment was great. They covered kids to adults. Enjoyed the casino very much - had never been in one before but they gave a afternoon to learn how to play poker - I WON quite a lot and had never played in my life before.
All in all we had the best time and when they find out your on your honeymoon they really did go out of their way - we had a double bed, champers, flowers and chocolates in the room when we arrived and everytime we went to any bar and they swipped our card it showed up honeymoon couple and we got a good glass of very cold champers on the all inclusive.. at least a couple of time a day... I'm not complaining.
Would I do this cruise again - YES although we did a stay and cruise - I felt that we were so busy next time I would do the cruise first then the stay I felt I really needed a wee week's rest time. |
| |
eddie and linda from stockport sailed on Island Escape with
independantly
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
eddie and linda
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| eddie and linda said: hi this is our third trip on the island escape and it just leaves us wanting to come back every year.our cabin steward could not do enough for us even opening up when i had left my key inside we loved the animal towels he even made a swan out of my pjs we left him a generous tip and put him on the top of our oscar list.the food was plentiful and very good i liked the themed nights so you could have chinese one night indian another etc and omeletes made in front of you . the staff are so friendly and its nice to see a lot of them are still there from previous years especially kummar and dinno and ana in the look out bar and gary by the pool also kerri(ENTERTAINMENT)etc to name a few .the shows were fab the dancers are so good even the captains got up in the pool area to give us a show really good.would i come again ,you betcha we have done floors 3,4,and 5 so next year we gonna try floor 6 island cruises are the best xxx |
| |
Marie Kennedy from Dublin sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
Marie Kennedy
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Marie Kennedy said: I have been on a number of cruises which included budget lines and the more up market companies - to be honest the price difference is not that great if you book early. Unfortunately, although there were a number of positives, the Island Escape is not a ship I would wish to use again.
Good flight to Palma and the First Choice operation at the airport was excellent. At the port we were delayed on the coach for about 10 minutes due to the queues for embarkation. However the check in process was swift (at least for those who had taken the time to complete the necessary documentation in advance). Then onto the ship.
Home for the next two weeks was an inside cabin on deck 5. First impressions were positive, it had a small TV, a few minatures of spirits and an ice bucket and well supplied with towels, including pool towels. On further investigation it appeared not to have been that well cleaned - I found used cotton buds and I don't believe it was vacuumed in the two weeks I was there. The bathroom was adequate but during the second week the vacuum toilet failed a couple of times - this happened several times with the public toilets as well.
The pool area is most uninviting - loungers crammed together so that it was impossible to get up and mome around without having to disturb someone. Really rubbish music played over and over on a loop and a pool full of unruly children. For the first time I actually heard the Captain over the tanoy asking parents and grandparents to keep the children in their care under control as they had been disturbing other passengers. The gym is in a passageway from the pool and the equipment looked up to date and it appeared to be very popular. The beauty salon was nearby. Prices were comparable with home and there was a wide variety of treatments available. Parallel to these was the photo shop and gallery and the children's club. The quality of the photos taken was excellent and the prices reasonable. Further on was the Beachcomber with an outside eating area. Food was plentiful but mostlly tasteless and cold - it didn't matter if you waited for a new tray to appear, that was also cold. The only hot food I ate during the two weeks in either the Beachcomber or the Island was soup and custard. The Beachcomber needs totally gutting and refurbishment - too small, didn't look clean even though the staff were constantly cleaning and not at all inviting.
The Island was well laid out, food still cold and still buffet service but at least it looked like the sort of place where food should be served. After the first week I got fed up with the lack of properly cooked food and decided I would book the Oasis for dinners on week 2. The food there was hot and tasted of something and people did not turn up in the clothes they had been wearing all day. I soon learned to ask that my food did not have any sauces as these were made from a rather disgusting margarine instead of butter. The steaks I had there were excellent - a bit of variety with the vegetables would have been welcome - undercooked cauliflower was served every night.
As I had the all inclusive drinks package I thought I would not have to budget for drinks. How wrong I was. The package is not nearly as good as that offered by Thomson Cruises. The only cocktails included were the two cocktails of the day. What also disappointed me about the drinks service was the way the waiters were used as additional revenue gatherers for the company. They had to try to sell bum bags, flashing pint sized glasses etc as well as do the job they are supposed to do - take drinks orders and deliver them.
I didn't experience any of the entertainment apart from overhearing the din from the pool where they had the usual daily quizes and vegetable carving and occasionally hear the music from the Sundowner. Smoking is allowed on one side of the open decks, the outside area of the Beachcomber and The Pub. During changeover day it was decided that the Pub would become non-smoking. This almost provoked a riot. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins but several people I spoke with smoked openly and were even provided with ashtrays by the cabin stewarts. As a smoker I obeyed the smoking rules despite being told by my cabin stewardess that it was OK to smoke in the cabin bathroom. Another example of not adhering to the rules was on one of the last days when I went to the Island for breakfast. The disinfectant gel dispenser at the door was not working yet the staff insisted we did not wait for another dispenser to be brought the 10 feet or so from the other unused entrance.
Ports of call were excellent and the trips very good value for money. The entrance to Mahon is not to be missed and if you decide to do "Navigate with the Captain" this is the port to book for. Shopping on board was better than on some ships and there were regular sales. On the last day while waiting to be called to disembark I finally discovered Cafe Brazil - the sausage rolls served there are the best I have eaten in a long time. This is also the place where there is a small selection of books left by previous cruisers and also some board games.
Yes the Island Escaped is relaxed, friendly and informal but it is in danger of becoming too informal. I don't object to buffet service at mealtimes, I even enjoy not having to pack formal wear and I know from experience that there is a need for family friendly cruises. However I paid 2500 euro for the two weeks and for that money I do expect not to have to listen to non stop swearing and foul language from fellow passengers and food that is hot and doesn't all tase the same. I also expect a clean cabin, rules being enforced and entertainment that is a bit less Butlins.
On the Island Cruises web site it listed one of the excursions as being the "hop on - hop off" bus tour of Palma on changeover day. When I arrived on the ship I found that this had been cancelled and instead a flier was delivered with the Island Chat for a free trip in Majorca with a visit to a bed factory included. Another way of Island Cruises getting additionl revenue as they must be gettng a percentage of any orders taken.
On the last day while in the Cafe Brazil one of the original Captains was on board - I understand he is now Director of Operations for Island Cruises. Remembering his proactive attitude on the 2002 TV series I hope he took the opportunity to speak with passengers and takes their comments on board. This could be an excellent product but it needs a lot of work.
On a final note the check in at Palma airport was one of the worst I experienced. They were checking in about 5 First Choice flights together at 3 - 4 check in desks and the queues were long and it took 1 hour and 25 minutes for me to get to the top of mine. |
| |
Barbara & Joanne from Hartlepool sailed on Island Escape with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
Barbara & Joanne
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Barbara & Joanne said: My daughter and myself have recently returned from my first cruise and would just like to say a big thank you for all the hard work provided by Captain and Staff of the Island Escape, I came home thoroughly shattered but extremely satisfied. Could not fault a single thing.
Their was a good choice of food and restaurants to chose from, you could either sit on your own or be sat with others and everyone was friendly...the staff were brilliant.
Their was different types of entertainment to suit all ages ....good time had by all, I was going to bed midnight one night when the entertainment had finished and there were elderly folk just coming in for a drink, I was quite envious but very tired...been out all day on one of the various trips, we either made our own way or went on the organised trips.......
Our cabin was cleaned morning and night, our beds turned down and chocolate put on pillow....lovely.
Staff were fantastic, entertainment fantastic......everything everybody else says plus more.....friendly and nothing was too much trouble.
Cannot wait to go again next year.
|
| |
Kev/Val from North Wales sailed on Island Escape with
Island Escape
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
Kev/Val
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Kev/Val said: Could not fault this cruise,
Would travel with this company again,
The staff were always cleaning the ship it was spotless. Food was excellent high standard, the ship staff could not do enough for you, could not fault any of them. Onboard entertainment was very good.
I would sail with this ship again and would highly recommend it to anyone. When you go into the restaurant's there is a hand wash for you to use when you enter and leave ,staff all wear disposable gloves when handling food. You could eat from a very good choice of food to suit everybody, never heard anyone complain at all.
We asked if we could have a quiet, no smoking room when we booked, our room on diamond deck was a little small but was very quiet,
Every day we had a copy of the island chat posted under our door telling us our next port of call, where to go on the island and what to see, what time we would arrive and leave and if you stayed on the ship what was going on that day on the ship , you would find so much going on you would be hard pressed to get bored. Some of the shore excursions were a little pricey, so we only booked the Rome & The Vatican £65 per person, this was very good.
The other days we would use the local open top bus to see the town in Palermo (Sicily) 20 Euro for 1 day pass, you could get on and off when you wanted, you have head phones to listen to the guide telling you the local history.
We used the little train of Ajaccio (Corsica) to travel, 10 Euro for 1 hour 30 mins ride taking you to the local old houses and monuments telling you as you travel along a little history of the town.
On our last day we arrived in Majorca at 7 am and our flight was not till 6 so we were given a free 1/2 day trip to Alcudia from the ship of which was nice.
I am looking forward to traveling with this ship again. |
| |
Cowboy from London sailed on Island Escape with
Cruise Control
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
Cowboy
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Cowboy said: Ideal for an informal holiday but slightly overcrowded, This was not a problem as there was only one day at sea. Food ordinary but more than adequate -sometimes cold but wait for a fresh tray. Tea bags - apart from herbal varieties only Lipton yellow label so take your favourites. There is a huge underground shopping mall including supermarket 5 minutes walk across from dock in Palma.
Tours were expensive. We got a bus from La Spezia to Porto Venere for about 3 euros return - the ship charged £29 by boat, We could have got a boat near where the ship docked but preferred the views from the bus. We got the bus near Garibaldi Square - it took about 20 mins. Tickets must be bouight from newsagents or machines and then stamped on the bus in Italy. In Nice we got bus number 100 (pay on bus) to Monaco - about 40 mins., Got off at the casino, walked down to the harbour then upto the Palace and got a bus back from near the little market at the bottom of the hill, again only a few euros. There is also a train but bus stop was nearer and views fantastic. It is possible to get a train into Rome and go on an open topped bus but we did the ships tour and the guide was superb and it was very well organised, we saw a lot in a day.
Having cruised with Cunard where the point of the cruise is absolute luxury, good food and a superb variety of entertainment I felt this cruise to be more about the Ports of Call.
A very different experience but relaxed and enjoyable taking into account the cost. |
| |
raych from essex sailed on Island Escape with
first choice on D Exp
on a singles holiday.
There were 1 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2007 |
raych
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| raych said: This was my 4th cruise having previously saied on Thomson Topaz, Airtours Sunbird and MSC Armonia. I travelled alone and did not find this a problem.I found this to be a very relaxed happy ship and all of the people I spoke to were enjoying themselves with no complaints.
The ships crew work very hard to make sure you enjoy yourself and seem proud to be part of the Island Escape "team". I thought the shows,and entertainment were excellent. the singers and dancers especially.
There are a variety of activities going on all the time from 8am in the morning until 4am the following morning if you want, ranging from classes in indian head massage to bingo and disco.
I ate breakfast and evening meals in the Island restuarant and found the quality and choice of food excellent, and always hot enough. Good English based food cooked to perfection.I missed having fresh orange juice at breakfast though, they use reconstituted.It is open dining on board which I find easier and a good way to make friends. I used the Ocean resturant once, but found the service a bit rushed. They do a special offer for 2 for £24.95 including a bottle of wine. which on most nights was red or white, but our night it was sparkling which only 1 liked but they wouldn't alter. and although there were 5 of us we only got 2 bottles of wine as there is no offer for singles. When the bill came they charged 1 person £15 and the other £9.95 x2 and 1 £12.45, as they said they had to charge the drink separately.The food was ok and it was nice to have it presented prettily on a plate and we could have tried all of the deserts if we had wished.
I went on 4 excesions Etna and Taomina,Pompii and Sorento,Florence and Pisa, and St Tropez and Port Grimald.I thoroughly enjoyed all of my trips. They use local tour guides who know the areas well so give lots of local information as you go along as well as historic info at the sites. Each trip was about £47 as they were all full days. You could do a lot of the places by yourself,but as a single traveller it was safer on the organised trips.Most of the places we stoped had open top bus tours of the cities, these I did in Palma and Barcelona. In Palma it stops right next to the ship and was 13euro and Barcelona outside the terminal building for 19euros. There are also small land trains in lots of the places I took one around Sorento for 6euros which was very pleasent. They also ran around Toulon and I noticed 1 that went from where the coach stopped at Pisa into where the leaning tower is,about a 10 minute walk.My friends tried to see Naples on foot but gave up traumatised after trying to cross 3 roads and went back to the ship. The other thing is to beware of pickpockets a few of my fellow travellers got robbed,even when they thought they were being careful.
If you want duty free drink or cigs you could buy drink just after you check on board at Palma there is a litte shop to the left,we brought drink and orange juice here, and in Barcelona when we came back from our bus trip we were allowed to buy cigs and drink which was very cheap 22.50euro B&H, to pack in your case to take home, but watch your weight First Choice were charging £7 a kilo for overweight.
In summary this certainly wasn't the smartest ship I have sailed on and there are definately areas and the cabins that could do with updating,but for me it was like going to a party where everyone joined in and made you welcome,and I came home having had a very good holiday |
| |
Kennedys from Ireland sailed on Island Escape with
Falcon
on a family holiday.
There were 6 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 5
2007 |
Kennedys
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Kennedys said: After reading many reviews about this ship I was going to give a long review but previous reviewer said it all. It is great value for money and staff could not have been nicer. Food ok and plenty of it. Would recommend it but not sure its for young families. Don't let other negative reviews put you off!!! |
| |
JOHN FINLAY from LANARKSHIRE, SCOTLAND sailed on Island Escape with
FIRST CHOICE
on a friends holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 5
2007 |
JOHN FINLAY
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| JOHN FINLAY said: Well, where do I start. I have just returned from a 2 week all inclusive holiday on the Island Escape and was a bit nervous after reading some of the negative reviews. This was our first cruise and we did the Med Spirit and the Med Discovery and seen places I might never see again.
For the people who gave this ship a poor review - you're talking rubbish. I honestly dont know what you expected for what you paid - its not the QE2 but I had a fabulous 2 week holiday and will definately use the Island Escape again.
What I liked was how informal the whole experience was - no need for shirt and tie at dinner and everyone is so relaxed and friendly.
On arrival at the port in Palma, check in was straightforward and we were shown on to the ship and taken to our cabin where our suitcases were already waiting. For 3 adults the cabin was ok but lacked some storage space and was a bit of a squeeze when the 3 of us were trying to get showered and changed but apart from that it was good - we had an outside cabin on deck 5. It was cleaned every day by our Cabin Steward Raja, who gave us fresh towels every day and I have absolutely no complaints. All areas of the ship - cabins, restaurants, bars, pool, deck were always very clean.
The food is excellent with a wide choice to suit everyone - you must try the Oasis Restaurant which you pay for (£12 per head for 4 courses) - delicious. The Island Restaurant is where we normally had breakfast, lunch and dinner and there was a wide selection. You are shown to your table and then help yourself from the buffet. The Beachcomber on deck 10 normally has the same food but can be difficult to get a table at times. This is more informal and you can wear shorts etc all of the time if you want. Theres no need to fill your plates 12 inches high as some folk did as you can go up as many times as you want and try different dishes.
I found the staff to be more than helpful. Full marks for Captain David Bathgate (who is Scottish) and all his team for a great holiday. The Captain regularly makes tannoy announcements to let you know where you are and welcomes you back on board before the ship departs for the next port. Every night, your cabin steward leaves you a copy of "Island Chat" - an information bulletin which tells you about the next port of call and gives details of everything which is taking place the following day - very informative. Bar and restaurant staff were very friendly and the bar staff very rarely left you with an empty glass. You dont have to constantly queue at the bar - the bar staff will bring your drinks to you.
The Entertainment staff put on various shows in the Ocean Theatre and Bounty Lounge so if you dont fancy one you can always go to the other but seats fill up pretty quick so you need to be there in plenty time before the show starts. There is also the Deck Party where you get to see the Captain and Senior Officers and everyone mixes and just has a laugh. The Lookout Bar was my favourite - plenty of glass to admire the sea views and have a dance while you have a few drinks. This brings me on to the subject of the all inclusive - well worth the money if you like to have a drink or six but not everything at the bar is included so make sure you read the information sheet in your cabin - Smirnoff Vodka and Stoly Vodka(cant spell it) is included and many whiskies, beers and soft drinks too. But if you're a JD person or Southern Comfort then it will be added to your bill as an extra. Included however is the cocktail of the day and you can have as many of them as you want.
No need to carry cash on board as you are given a swipe card which is used to buy everything on board and you settle at the end of your cruise. Any purchase needs to be signed for, even if you're all inclusive. Every time you have a drink you sign a receipt - we had to sign 3 times for each round of drinks we had which was a pain at the start but after a few times you get used to it.
There are also excursions which you can go on but they can be pricey. For example we paid £34 each to take a trip to Pisa from Livorno - but its only 20 mins away in a taxi and that would have been more economic. However, you learn by your mistakes. We got off the ship at each port to wander about ourselves but if you want to go further afield book an excursion or do your homework beforehand.
If you dont want to leave the ship you can lie on one of the many sun beds throughout the ship - the ideal spot is by the pool as it can get a bit windy on the top decks. Need to be up early to get a lounger by the pool though. One good thing is that if anyone decides to leave their towels on the sunbed and go away for a while, the bar staff will remove the towels so that someone else can get the bed. You can go for a bite to eat but for those of you who think you can hog a sun bed all day and leave your towels for hours then think again.
Cant really think of anything else to add except to say that we all had a great holiday and will definately do it again. In fact we are considering booking another for next year.
|
| |
Jess from Wales sailed on Island Escape with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 4
2007 |
Jess
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Jess said: I have never been on a cruise before, nor have my family! I think it is more than fair to say I have had an amazing time and can not wiat to come back. The bedrooms are cleaned twice a day, towels changed, excursions are brilliant and the entertainment staff in the evening will have you in stiches. If you fancy your first cruise or any cruise on a fun packed family ship this is it! Absolutley brilliant!! |
| |
Alex Silva from Sao PAulo, Brazil sailed on Island Escape with
My Girlfriend
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 12
2006 |
Alex Silva
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Alex Silva said: Dirty and stressing. Forget about it if you have ever been to a top Royal Caribbean ship. Not worth the time to complain. Great for those used to 2-3 stars trip. |
| |
kirk from chesterfield derbyshire sailed on Island Escape with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2006 |
kirk
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| kirk said: First time we had cruised , but had wanted to do it for a while. Had read a few of the review before travelling so was abit apprehensive.However from check in to departure found the ship to be excellant. The cabin could have done with an upgrade but it was exceptionally clean.The staff went out of their way to make sure you were ok. My 11 year old son was safe throughout and loved the experience.Food was good the same as any mass produced hotel, certainly no worse. Beachcomber restaurant could do with more tables but otherwise good. Anyone who could not find something that they liked in the island restaurant was just being awkward. We didn't use the oasis restaurant as we found what we wanted in the other 2. It was my birthday while on board and they even put my cards in with the towel designs and i had a cake and serendade form the waiters in the island restaurant. Entertainment excellant they work so hard all night. Ports of call were all easy access but expensive if you did the tours(again same as a beach holiday).
Gibralter was excellant however and great guide was not rushed.Drinks- beer about the same price as at home , soft drinks were expensive so an upgrade to all inclusive would be good if you can get one. But we don't go on holiday to not spend any money.
Would i do island cruises again. YES DEFINATELY |
| |
Gina from Clevedon sailed on Island Escape with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2006 |
Gina
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Gina said: I have read conflicting reports about Island Escape you can't please every one we all have our own issues. Well Hadley from Pottar Bar said it all, along with Carol & Steve who added a lot more to which I agree with both.
In the past we have sailed on F.C. Bolero and said never again - so why did we book FC and Island Escape - when we normally have an excellent cruise on Ocean Village. Well It was Med Charm and the ports were easy access to just wonder around if you had done these port previously and tours as we had and so much enjoyed. Ibiza easy access to just ponder around the old town. Alicante - ship right in port easy access to old town and beach area - smart frontage and Malaga - again easy access and nice beach walking distance from the dock to town and Mijas is a wonderful place to visit - get a taxi from the ships side and haggle a good price we got it for 100 euros and asked him to stay 2 hours (yes pouring rain). Cadiz again easy access to walk to the old town and take a city bus tour. Gibraltar just a free shuttle ride from the port and great place to visit.
No one reported that in the Beachcomber restaurant we had to be served food on plastic plates and drink out of plastic beakers, which always seemed wet when you took one and discoloured, and no trays. How do you carry food and drink to a table not having access to a tray !!!! Bad point. Yes the food was always cold or luke warm - and by husband who normally enjoys a cooked breakfast whilst on holiday (a treat) actually forced himself to eat the one sausage one tomato and one piece of bacon and one hard fried egg dished up.!!! Would we travel with FC again or even on I.E. NO Way - it's as it's listed a converted car ferry tarted up. Roll on Ocean Village again in 07.at least you don't loose 3lbs in weight because of non eating cold meals.
|
| |
DEREK AND DEE from WATERLOOVILLE sailed on Island Escape with
ISLAND CRUISES
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2006 |
DEREK AND DEE
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| DEREK AND DEE said: Hi just back from a truly fantastic holiday . from start to finish this holiday was made by the excellent service of the crew nothing was to much trouble guest relations stewards waiters waitress and the captain. The cruise was 7 days med isles cruise and each port of call was equally as interesting in its own way, so well put together by the company. I cannot understand those who give this cruise a bad rating the value for money is teriffic but I supose it depends what you want for your small payment (Hadleys) Will highly reccomend to anyone wishing to cruise and relax . Many thanks to all and Island Cruises
|
| |
O SMITH from WREXHAM sailed on Island Escape with
FIRST CHOICE
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 8
2006 |
O SMITH
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| O SMITH said: This was a fantastic holiday. The ship was very clean and the cabin was cleaned twice daily. During the cruise ship personnel could be seen cleaning various areas of the ship. Everything was spotless.
The food was outstanding and really, the restauraunts on board were a credit to Island Cruises. The Beechcomber was open 24 hours and had various theme nights. The Island Restauraunt was tastefully furnished with an excellent choice of food. The Oasis retauraunt was a delight to eat in. The staff were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble for them. They were very well mannered and pleasant. Entertainment was of a very good standard and the comedian and the Horray for Hollywood shows were great . I would certainly cruise on this ship again, however, i don't know about my wife as we did have a couple of rough night at sea. |
| |
Hadley from Potters Bar sailed on Island Escape with
Sunterra
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2006 |
Hadley
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Hadley said: This ship is tatty old ferry with a cheap out of date overhaul (2002). The cabins are advertised as being of a 'contemporary design' with good quality fittings..TOTAL RUBBISH.
Our shower enclosure had layers of old mastic with attractive black mould and patched broken tiles, the result of patching up over a number of years,GOD KNOWS WHAT GERMS AND FUNGUS were breeding in this. I have photo's to back this up!! The cabin was very old and tired, narrow beds and very suspect pillows (I don't like to think too hard about them). I am in dispute with Island cruises regarding this matter.
We paid to up grade several decks expecting the cabins to be of a 4 star quality, total waste of money, all the cabins are of the same standard.
Pool always full of kids, very, very small you could not get in it even just to cool off!
Food bland and sometimes a bit odd!!
Staff generally very nice and helpful except at customer relations, they didnt want to know about anything and worked at snail pace.
I would not travel on this boat even if it was a free holiday.... |
| |
HARRY MONAGHAN from GLASGOW sailed on Island Cruises Island Escape with
FIRST CHOICE
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 7
2006 |
HARRY MONAGHAN
rated the Island Cruises Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| HARRY MONAGHAN said: Just back from a stay and cruise, wish we had done 2 weeks on the ship!!!!
Without doubt the best holiday my family and I have ever had, the ship was amazing, from booking in at lunchtime to leaving the ship after the week was up, it was the best experience ever.
The cleanliness was first class, we had a great steward,clive,who gave the personal touch, the food was without doubt the best quality we have experienced, beating a five star and also my Egyptian cruise, the ship staff, in particular the kids club staff were so good it was impossible to find any criticism. Entertainment top notch from the resident band "magic" to the comedians, pub sing-along, piano lounge player, light entertainment team, every one of them a star in their own right.
We booked an all inclusive option which meant only having to pay for our trips and sundries and the whole week cost us only £353 pounds extra, some people would have had bar bills alone of over £1000.
Our two kids aged 9&7 adored the whole week and were very upset at leaving the kids club gang at the end, and you normally cant get my son to go near kids clubs.
My wife was very apprehensive about sailing, but from the minute we left Palma, for Sicily, Naples, Livorno, Toulon and Barcelona to go back to Palma she never had any more worries, apart from the hum of the engine you would have thought you were in a hotel.
The trips were mostly fine,trumpy tours is the Italian tour company the ship uses, Pompeii should be seen by everyone, to remind us of the power of nature, Pisa was stunning,livorno itself was very drab.messina was a lovely walk. Toulon you can get a small tourist train from the dock which shows the whole town and is hop on hop off. Barcelona was the only dissapointment, the tour to the stadium, was great but rushed through, so much so that my son and I missed the return coach and had to get a taxi back to port. My wife and daughter went on the Barcelona sights and shopping trip and also were rushed about and given about 30 minutes shopping in a selected area that probably gave commission to the tour guide.
Now that is our only complaint, my wife said that the only gripe was that the time between different entertainment shows on board was so small that it was impossible to get to see most of it, but that’s a compliment to the team that there was so much on.
Anyone with complaints must have been on the wrong ship. The food in the beachcomber restaurant was so good that we didn’t bother with the so called posher island and oasis restaurants, in fact the funny thing was the amount of people who came from these two restaurants to finish off with a pudding or 2nd meal in the beachcomber.
Would I do it again,yes,yes,yes,i just got a price for two weeks on board in July 2007,all inclusive again, I would recommend it to everyone and in fact I have, we are trying to get a crowd together to go next year but we will def.be there.
Thanks Island cruises for the best weeks holiday ever
|
| |
Babs from Merseyside sailed on Island Cruises Island Escape with
Island/First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 6
2006 |
Babs
rated the Island Cruises Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Babs said: FANTASTIC!
I have been on a few cruises but this topped the lot!
Informal, fantastic staff. Even the senior officers and captain joined in!
Ports of call were fab. This was the first week of a cruise and stay. had a fantastic time and a good laugh with the staff.
I would definately go with this company again. |
| |
jeanette from dewsbury sailed on Island Cruises Island Escape with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 5
2006 |
jeanette
rated the Island Cruises Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| jeanette said: I travelled with my elderly parents on this cruise. They had never cruised before and were aprehensive. They need not have worried. The whole experience was marvelous and are even thinking of going again this year by themselves.I cruised last year on this ship with my son.(his graduation gift) He was 21 and he also was not sure if it was for him but he loved it and would certainly go again (this time with his girlfriend)
If you have never cruised before or are looking for a relaxing holiday where you do as much or as little as you please then this is the criuse for you |
| |
Norma & Bob from NE England sailed on Island Cruises Island Escape with
Travel Counsellours
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 3
2006 |
Norma & Bob
rated the Island Cruises Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Norma & Bob said: Having cruised many times previously, we found the Island Escape good value for money. The food was average but a good variation to suit all tastes. The entertainments team were very friendly and most of them quite talented with their one night performances in the Bounty Lounge. The ship is tired and hence her being dry-docked and upgraded when we disembarked in Lisbon. Perhaps a bigger stock of English breakfast tea-bags could be ordered for her next trip! (This is not the only ship which has run out!) We can empathise with Carole & Steve, re portions of food, but you only had to ask and unlike 'Oliver' more was given! The Hankee Pankees gave excellent shows and were very popular, overall a very good time. |
| |
Carole & Steve from Rotherham sailed on Island Cruises Island Escape with
First Choice/Island Escape
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 3
2006 |
Carole & Steve
rated the Island Cruises Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | | | Ship Food | | |
| Onboard Entertainment | |
| Carole & Steve said: The Island Escape is very aptly named because that is just what I wanted to do within half an hour of setting eyes on the ship.Escape! After 30 hours of traveling to join the ship in Santos, Brazil,we were treated to a 3 hour wait in a hot,grubby and overcrowded shed on the quayside before we were allowed to get anywhere near the ship. The organisational skills of the staff dealing with the passenger embarkation were abysmal. No information was given out, there were few staff in evidence and those that were around were unhelpful to say the least. If there are problems it would have been quite a lot easier to bear if we had been told what was going on. When we finally did get on this oversized car ferry that masquerades as a cruise ship we did not see our luggage for another three or four hours, so could not shower and change to recover from our marathon trip and long hot and uncomfortable wait to get on the ship.
The Island Escape is a tired and quite frankly in places, worn out old lady in need of a bit of tlc and a major interior refurbishment.
Beds were narrow and uncomfortable. The cabin we had on deck 4 was adequate but not really welcoming. TV was battered with bits coming off. washbasin was chipped. toilet floor and shower floor were cracked and the air conditioning regulator was falling off the wall. The cover to the air conditioning vent in the ceiling was loose. Bedding was worn, some of the towels were not fit for dusters, having bald patches and holes in them, and were hard and rough and not nice to use.The shower curtain was in dire need of replacement. Shower was so small it was difficult to fit inside. Had we been large people it would have been impossible. The Beachcomer was in need of a dam good clean the tiles on the tabletops needed a SCRUB instead of being brushed off with a grubby brush or a bit of paper towel. The floor was covered in gaffer tape to hold down the strips of lifting parquet. this was done on a daily basis with the amount of tape growing at an alarming rate. The whole floor needs to be replaced, like the carpeting on the stairs and the grubby insipid looking seating in the Bounty Lounge and the Beachcomer.
FOOD. All I can say about the food on this ship is that there was plenty of it although in some cases you would think that the people serving the food had to pay for it out of their own pocket. You got one slice of meat, half a spoonful of whatever veg and half a spoonful of potatoes or pasta. everyone ALWAYS asked for more. It was a ship load of Oliver Twists. For breakfast, kippers were available once or twice but since when has a kipper been 1.5 inches by 2.5 inches and served one at a time? 2 bites and its gone.Ask for sausages and get 1 tinned hot dog sausage, either cold or lukewarm. Oliver Twist time again "Can I have some more please" It was always forthcoming, but you should not have needed to ask.
The quality was definately average. It was poorly cooked but well presented. The selection of cold salads and meats were faily varied but they stayed out in the open in a tropical climate for far too long. The hot meals were delivered to the counter with speed and eficiency. So why were they either lukewarm or cold by the time they got to the plate? For the whole of my 15 night criuse I never once had a meal that was piping hot. It is no wonder that there were many people suffering from tummy upsets. Tummy upsets that they didn't dare take to the ships nurse or doctor for the fear of being charged for medical treatment.
SHIPS CREW.
One word describes the crew on this ship. FABULOUS. They were friendly, helpful, nice, happy people who worked extremely hard to keep us all fed, watered, entertained and clean.
Entertaiment. average entertainent at Night with reasonable shows and cabaret.The pianist in the pub left a little to be desired but that was all. The Daytime entertainment was something else.pool quiz' pub quiz, bingo, carpet bowls, table tenis, keep fit, vegatable carving, cookery lesson, dance lesson, napkin folding demo, bit of music to sunburn by and that was it.
the shore trips were badly organised, with too long spent getting people off the ship and on to buses eating into the valuable shore time that cost far too much money and in the case of our particular trip around Salvador, felt unsafe and quite scary.
Would I sail on this ship again? I think not.Would I cruise again? doubtful. |
| |
lyn palmer from newport,south wales sailed on Island Escape with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10
2005 |
lyn palmer
rated the Island Escape as follows:
| Ship Cleanliness | | | Crew | |
|
Sunny Says there
are 41 visitors online