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Cruise Reviews

Island Cruises

Island Escape

DON'T PANIC .... It's Not As Bad As You Think!

DON'T PANIC .... it's not as bad as you think!

Reviewed By: Ashworth, PRESTON on 16th Feb 2010
Cruise Line: Island Cruises	Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Island Escape	Sailed: February, 2010
Destination: Canaries	Age: 36-45
Cabin: Outside

OK ..... a bit of background. We are a late mid 30's/early 40's couple and have cruised once before, on Ocean Village 2, which we enjoyed thoroughly. We chose Island Escape mainly for the itinerary - hopefully a bit of winter sunshine without having to break the bank for a Caribbean cruise. Like so many others we read the reviews over Xmas and wondered what we were letting ourselves in for ... and to be honest thought more than once about cancelling the whole thing. Maybe it was partly because we went expecting the worst but we thoroughly enjoyed our week. Yes, the ship is a little dated; certainly on first boarding there were a few 'damp' smells in a couple of the stairwells. However, our cabin (albeit smaller than OV2) was kept clean and tidy by the steward. The food was certainly up to good standard - with some dishes being excellent. We dined mainly in the Island restaurant which we felt a little bit more refined than the Beachcomber; and also went to the Oasis restaurant for one evening meal and paid the supplement (£34 for two including a bottle of wine). I know it's a cliche but all the staff were really friendy - genuinely so. In terms of entertainment, we certainly weren't disappointed - spending about three evenings in the Ocean Theatre (Elvis tribute, comedian, West End songs) and other evenings in the Bounty Lounge for more 'pub-like' entertainment. So, would we go again? Possibly not .... too many other cruise ships to try! Would I recommend to others - yes, if you get a good deal and/or particularly like the itinerary on offer. However, if you have cruised previously with another company and enjoyed their vessel then Island Escape may be a step backwards.
Quality of Food
Very nice meal with waiter service in the Oasis restaurant; otherwise, most meals in Island Restaurant which is buffet style but you are shown to your table
Entertainment
Good standard of entertainment in the Ocean Theatre - but go 20mins prior to show to get a seat!
Shore Excursions
Did our own thing at each port. Easy to walk off at Gran Canaria, Madeira and La Palma. Taxi to the beach at Agadir for a tenner. Bit cloudy at Lanzarote so stayed on board ... otherwise would've got a taxi to the beach
Staff
All very good - nice towel animals from the cabin steward!
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Gym a bit small - could do with more than three running machines. I'm about 6ft tall and only just managed to run without banging my head on the ceiling
Cabins
Bit small but adequate; had an outside on deck 6 with decent size picture window (that wasn't exactly the cleanest in the world)
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Leaman, Clacton on Sea (18 Feb 10 10:12) about this REVIEW

A step backwards? A leap back to the 70's Like the previous comment - if this had been our first cruise we would never have done another. However, this will not put us off cruising because we know there are far better ships than this converted, unstable rust bucket.

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by perkins, sarn (17 Feb 10 18:38) about this REVIEW

We did an Island Cruise and it was Butlins at sea! If we had done this one before any other cruise, we would never have cruised again. It was awful.

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Comment by Simmons, Wellingborough (19 Feb 10 23:21) about a COMMENT by perkins (17 Feb 10 18:38)

Nothing wrong with Butlins, attitude of people wanting to find something to moan about instead of looking to enjoy themselves is what I can't understand.

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Comment by perkins, sarn (21 Feb 10 17:38) about a COMMENT by Simmons (19 Feb 10 23:21)

I am certainly no snob. There is no problem with Butlins if thats what you paid for. However, we didnt pay to spend time with people who think it is ok to use the pool as a toilet! (and I dont mean to just urinate). I am a hardworking working class person who just expects better standards. If this is your idea of fun, then enjoy!

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Comment by Simmons, Wellingborough (21 Feb 10 21:39) about a COMMENT by perkins (21 Feb 10 17:38)

Butlins is not a cheap option for a holiday! Perhaps you were unforunate with your fellow passengers. I can only say that we paid a good price for a three star holiday and we were very pleasantly surprised with it. We met a lot of friendly realistic people who also thoroughly enjoyed their cruise especially the entertainment and the food. I don't think that the ship is to blame for the conduct of the passengers.

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