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Cruise Reviews

Island Cruises

Island Escape

Island Escape Experience

Island Escape experience

Reviewed By: Turner, Belfast on 14th Feb 2010
Cruise Line: Island Cruises	Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Island Escape	Sailed: June, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 46-55
Cabin: Outside

We cruised for 2 weeks on the Island Escape (3/06/08 17/06/08). Having read a lot of reviews before we departed, the main concern seemed to be the state of the ship. It's not the Oceania, QM2, or the QE2, and it dosen't pretend to be. I would class it as a good 3 star hotel. With the friendliest crew and staff you are ever likely to meet. The food isn't Gordan Ramsey standard, but still of a pretty high standard, with a good selection, and plenty of it. Yes, some of the cabins probably need a refurbish, but they where very comfortable, and very clean. Having talked to other passengers who have cruised before, not one had a bad word to say about the Island Escape. Yes, they have been on better ships, but none have the atmosphere of the IE. Many passengers on board where returning passengers, which also says a lot. The entertainment was excellent, from the great musicals and star guests in the Ocean Theatre, to the hilarious TV game shows and crew entertainers in the Bounty Lounge. Myself and my wife are not the sort to really get involved with are look to get up on the stage, but like to sit back and enjoy the shows, but the crew entertainers deserve a special mention as they absoulty work their backsides off from morning to night, thankyou for a wonderful fortnight! From watching the video in the cabin and talking to other passengers this is the improvments since the start of 2008. Decks 12 and 11 have been recovered, in artificial grass and looks really smart. The sundowner bar, and it's surronding deck was completly taken down and rebuilt. The Beachcomber resturant flooring has been replaced, and new food workstations installed. The whole pool area has been refurbished including new decking, and looks pretty smart. The casino was fully refurbished, but made smaller to allow for a the new Champions Bar. The Ocean theatre has had all the upholstry replaced, and new carpets through out most of the rest of the ship. Over all I thought the ship looked pretty smart. It's been 2 years since we sailed on the Island Escape, so I can't really say what state the ship is in at present, but anyone going on this ship, please just go and enjoy the experience. The ships motto is Relaxed, Informal, and friendly, and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Quality of Food
We dinned in the Island and Oasis restaruants, and had lunch and breakfast in the Beachcomber
Entertainment

Shore Excursions
The best excursions where to Monte Carlo and Rome. We didn't have any bad excursions
Staff
All staff where excellent
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities

Cabins

Overall Rating

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Comment by Leaman, Clacton on Sea (22 Feb 10 12:12) about this REVIEW

If your cruise in June is on this rust bucket - I would cancel it now!

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Comment by cox, hamilton (18 Feb 10 20:21) about this REVIEW

Why did you all of a sudden decide to put this review on after 2 YEARS seems crazy as things have definately changed ,,,,,,,,

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Comment by Turner, Belfast (18 Feb 10 22:29) about a COMMENT by cox (18 Feb 10 20:21)

Well, we have just booked a cruise for June, and I have just registered to this website. It asks for reviews up to 2 years ago, so I wrote a review. I really didn't know I was breaking any rules, and I really didn't mean to offend anyone.

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Comment by Kent, Brierley Hill (21 Mar 11 09:51) about a COMMENT by Turner (18 Feb 10 22:29)

hey i found your review really cool, im going on the I.E on 25th march 11 and am fed up of people complaining about there rooms, so it was refreshing to see a realistic and honest review. and your review shouldnt offend anyone, i think in all honesty too many people just like to moan. once again thank you for your review and hope you have many more happy cruises.

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Comment by cox, hamilton (20 Feb 10 16:45) about a COMMENT by Turner (18 Feb 10 22:29)

No you were not breaking any rules ,it,s just that this ship has changed so much ,so sorry if I seemed overly rude

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Comment by cooper, Ardersier (17 Feb 10 18:34) about this REVIEW

just come back off the island escape, I was in cabin 4519 which seemed to be doomed from the day we arrived, no toilet for three days, no light in bathroom for two days, air condtioning did not work, it was either too hot, or too cold which I mean far too cold I even had to wear my clothes & a fleece jacket in bed. The cabin has become quite scruffy as the plug in the sink didn't work & the light by the mirror was cracked & the only socket in the room was hanging out of the wall. Sheets on the bed still had wine stains & towels were very stained & should have been thrown away. Apart from that I enjoyed my cruise around the Canaries as the weather was fantastic & the shows were as always outstanding, quality of food has dropped, was looking forward to fresh pineapple with my breakfast but did see the odd bit & mainly tinned pineapple was used, I have been on this ship four times & they are going to spend £4 million not sure thats going to cover all the new linnen & new beds, still the people onbard were friendly & helpfull not sure if or when I will board on the escape.........

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Comment by HOBSON, SALFORD (15 Feb 10 13:22) about this REVIEW

WAS ON THIS SHIP FOR XMAS AND NEW YEAR. I WOULD HAVE AGREED WITH YOUR REVIEW BEFORE THAT. WAS ON THE ESCAPE AUGUST 09. IT WAS OK. NOT ALL SINGING AND DANCING BUT OK. HAD AN HORRIFIC TIME ON THE SHIP AT XMAS AND NEW YEAR. WE THOUGHT THE SHIP WOULD BE THE SAME, IF NOT BETTER, AS WE PAID A LOT OF MONEY. I AM TRYING TO GET COMPENSATION OFF THOMSONS AS THE STANDARDS WERE TERRIBLE. THEY HAVE NOW HAD THEIR 28 DAYS TO RESPOND AND STILL NOT HEARD ANYTHING OFF THEM. PREVIOUS PASSENGERS BEWARE STANDARDS HAVE SLIPPED !!!!!!!

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Question by Leaman, Clacton on Sea (15 Feb 10 15:04) about a COMMENT by HOBSON (15 Feb 10 13:22)

Have you joined the Cruise from Hell Action Group? http://cruisefromhell.webs.com/

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Answer by HOBSON, SALFORD (16 Feb 10 08:02) to a QUESTION by Leaman (15 Feb 10 15:04)

Yes. We are in the loop with Colette etc. Have joined the forum etc and are following the steps advised. Good Luck !!!!!!!

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Comment by Leaman, Clacton on Sea (15 Feb 10 12:37) about this REVIEW

Glad you had a good time 2 YEARS AGO!!!!!! We were on it 2 months ago and it doesn't sound like the same vessel. People have said in reviews that it has gone down hill since last August. So your review is hardly relevant.

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