island escape med isles 23rd june 2009

 
Reviewed By: allwell, belfast on 2nd Jul 2009
Cruise Line: Island Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Island Escape Sailed: June, 2009
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 36-45
Cabin: Outside Occasion: Family holiday
My family and I booked this cruise as we had previously sailed on the Island Star (which has now been given back to Royal Carribbean). We boarded the ship in Palma and went to our cabin to check it out. What a dissappointment! Our cabin was on Deck 5, Outside, forward. It was meant to accomodate 4 persons but was really only suitable for two. It was very claustrophobic when the 2 upper beds were pulled down. We also had to fit a cot in, which was stuck in between the two lower single beds. We couldn't get in or out of these beds without climbing on them. The cabin was also very tired and dated, however, the maid kept it extremely clean and tidy with towels being changed every day.
The 24hr Beachcomber restaurant was fine for snacks, tea/coffee. We preferred the Island Restaurant where the food, service and staff was fabulous. So good we didn't feel the need to book the Oasis Restaurant.
The Children's Club for my Ten Yr Old was heaven sent! However, nothing available for my baby. Also, there were no baby changing facilities available on this ship, to which I acquired a few strange looks from fellow passengers when I was changing my baby in the ladies toilets. This needs to be addressed as it is meant to be family friendly etc.
The entertainment was adequate in the Sundowner/Pub. We didn't go to the Ocean Theatre as I felt that my baby was too young and we wouldn't ruin anyone else's holiday. Captain's Cocktail Party for past passengers was excellent and so was Rockers v(s) Rollers Party on the Sun Deck.
Overall, we enjoyed this holiday but wish the Island Star was still available as cabin was twice the size of the Escape's! We would go back but would need to upgrade to a suite to get extra space. Would probably leave it until the ship has been refurbished.
Quality of Food5
Entertainment3
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Children's Facilities5
Onboard Activities4
Cabins1
Very cramped and claustrophobic, even though we had a window. Cabin was same size for 4 persons as it was for 2 persons.
Overall Rating4
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Comment by Sheraton-Price, Gloucester (04 Jul 09 17:21) about this REVIEW
I find it hard to believe that anyone can say such silly things about - children on a cruise that sells itself to families! 'Allwell' sounds a lovely family person who had every right to book the cruise. How do these weird and neurotic folks manage to walk down the street? They remind me of that actor on the comedy show 'Game On' who is terrified to go out! Ooooh No! - a cigarette AAArgh Ooooh No - A baby AAArgh Ooooh No - A Tatooooooh. I must say that I am a bit of a grumpy old woman now I'm 63 but some of the supercilious people who leap into frenzied rage over these things - Make me want my fix of this website every day!
Comment by Mason, Littleborough (02 Jul 09 21:48) about this REVIEW
Cruise holidays are totally inappropriate for infants its unfair to other guests having to put up with screaming kids- no wonder you got funny looks nappy changing in the toilet- for goodness sake either take them back to the cabin or go to Pontins!
Comment by Riddle, 29700 Velez-Malaga (05 Jul 09 11:15) about a COMMENT by Mason (02 Jul 09 21:48)
We don't have Kids or Grandkids and don't like "screaming brats" ANYWHERE!!! BUT, on our last Cruise (NCL Eastern Med) our Holiday experience was actually enhanced by some of the charming children and resposible Parents with whom we shared our Holiday. A BIG "thank you" to the lovely French Family with FOUR (YES FOUR!!!) ids who were so lovely at mealtimes and to the American Family with two delightful little Girls. Also thanks to the numerous others we came across! Jacquie
Comment by McNab, Fraserburgh (04 Jul 09 09:54) about a COMMENT by Mason (02 Jul 09 21:48)
Just back from a 7 day cruise on OV2 with my husband and daughter whos still in nappies. They had changing facilities in the disabled toilets throughout the ship. This is her 2nd cruise so to say cruises are totally inappropriate is rubbish, plenty of other children on board. Those passengers who find children annoying should choose another ship!!!!
Comment by allwell, belfast (03 Jul 09 21:10) about a COMMENT by Mason (02 Jul 09 21:48)
'Mason' after reading your comment I can assure you that my infant was not a 'screaming kid'. Afterall, Island Cruises advertise this ship to be family-friendly and informal. So please do not judge my family... I would also like you to know that I paid for my children to travel on this ship and therefore they should be welcomed by all. After reading 'Dansey' and 'Guy's' comments (these people are actually living in the 21st century)! - I would like to take this opportunity to Thank them for their positivity towards children. Afterall, we were all children at one time... I would reccommend that you take an adult only cruise (SAGA HOLIDAYS)!
Comment by Dansey, Rochford (02 Jul 09 22:19) about a COMMENT by Mason (02 Jul 09 21:48)
If passengers don't like screaming kids, they should pick an adults only ship. I think that your comments are overly harsh as "allwell" even states that (s)he compromised their own enjoyment to not spoil anyone else's show. I think that cruises are great for families, and understand how difficult it must be without changing facilities, especially for one of the lines that promotes the family image. I don't have a baby, so I can't reccomend any ships that might have these facilities for the future.
Comment by Guy, Halifax (03 Jul 09 18:21) about a COMMENT by Dansey (02 Jul 09 22:19)
I agree that Mason is being a bit harsh. Not to provide baby changing facilities in the 21st century on what is presumed to be a family ship is rather backward I think.
Comment by Mason, Littleborough (03 Jul 09 20:54) about a COMMENT by Guy (03 Jul 09 18:21)
People who have infants think that they have a devine right to special facilities-The Island Escape in a very old ex car ferry nothing more or nothing less, Cruise ships are not appropriate for infants, baby high chairs cluttering up restaurants detracts from the proper cruise experience expected by 90% of passengers.
Comment by mcguire, dunfermline fife (04 Jul 09 09:03) about a COMMENT by Mason (03 Jul 09 20:54)
hiya take it you were born with silver spoon in mouth proper little child i take it you dont have kids or gran kids of your own .people like you should all go on holiday on somthing that suits your taste so take it your parents did not tale you on holiday when you were child .maybe be because you were born a monaer
Comment by miller, fareham (03 Jul 09 22:37) about a COMMENT by Mason (03 Jul 09 20:54)
Wow you really do not like children on cruise ships dp you. I think you should not bother to reply to another family review, you have not actually credited this post with anything that is worth reading. This review is only really of interest to other young families, so perhaps your small mindedness would be best served on something of relevance, did you sail on the Titanic i wonder? that would also be classed a relic.

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