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Rough experience on the Med
1 of 1 people found this review informative
 
Reviewed By: Duthie, Kingskettle on 20th May 2010
Cruise Line: Island Cruises Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: Island Escape Sailed: May, 2010
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 46-55
Cabin: Outside Occasion: Annual/regular holiday
Only started cruising in 2007, but this was our 7th and the first on Island Escape. As devotees of the 'informal' cruise (previously done Island Star, Ocean Village and Thomson Destiny), we knew what to expect. Add in the numerous reviews of this ship since the start of the year, and I reckon we were well prepared ... but we hadn't considered just how much the weather makes or breaks a holiday at sea.

We flew from Aberdeen and arrived in Palma around 45 minutes late. We were actually delayed more than an hour coming back today, and I have to say that I found Palma Airport worryingly disorganised. Hopefully, things will improve during peak season.

We knew when we sailed on the Thursday evening that the forecast for the sea day and the two days in Palermo and Naples was not good, but ... endless rain, very rough seas and even sleet in Naples ???? The trip from Palermo to Naples was the roughest I've ever experienced, and my poor wife suffered so badly from seasickness that we had to get the doctor in the middle of the night to give her an injection. The movement was possibly worse due to the design of the ship, but I'd say that even an RC ship would have been tossed around that evening. Well done to the Captain for keeping us afloat !!!!

Thankfully, the weather improved for Ajaccio, Toulon and Barcelona, but not enough to make me think again about when (or if) we will next visit the Med.

IE lived up to main expectations, numerous places where there were unpleasant smells, a distinctly tired feel ... but absolutely wonderful staff. It was fantastic to meet old friends from the Island Star (Elena Neascu and Deel Heath), and to see that they remembered not only our names but what we liked to drink. The staff are definitely a huge asset.

Unfortunately, there were enough bad points (weather apart) to convince us not to sail on IE again. Regardless of prices (and they're not much cheaper these days, unless you're willing to book last-minute), there are too many niggles - awful sunbeds, declining standard of food, poor entertainment (particularly during the day), low visibility of senior staff, boring 'Island Chat' newsletter. Maybe I'm being harsh with a view of these, you tend to look on the bleak side when half of your holiday is spent sheltering from the elements.

We had visited all the ports bar Palermo before this cruise. This is not an attractive place and be warned about the Mysteries of Palermo excursion - this is a total rip off, including stopping for an hour in the city centre, about 10 minutes walk from the ship ! I had really looked forward to seeing the crypt, but our guide had us in and out in the blink of an eye.

The Naples Capri excursion was cancelled because of the weather, and there was little to tempt you off the ship between showers. Ajaccio is lovely, as is Toulon, and both can be explored on foot. The highlight was, as usual, Barcelona, made even better this time as the La Ramblas atmosphere was fantastic with the Atletico Madrid and Sevilla fans in full voice before the Spanish Cup Final at the Nou Camp last night. But it was a big downer to be berthed in the outer docks and having to be bussed into the centre. Maybe an example (along with the poorer food, drink restrictions on the All-Inclusive etc) of the harsh economic times ?

As I've said, the bar and room staff are wonderful and so gracious when you give them some praise. They so deserve to be working on a more modern ship. I don't see the dry dock upgrade later on this year doing anything more than scratching the surface of the problems which are inherent on this aging ship.
Quality of Food2
Declining - I didn't like the fact that a lot of the food was not self-service and the portions were minuscule. Yes, I know you can go back for more, but each time you need a new plate and it can be quite embarrassing. Breakfasts were the best. Ate in the Oasis once, and it was very good value with excellent service and a pretty good wine list.
Entertainment1
Day-time entertainment at the pool-side (on the good days) was very poor. Evening entertainment was not much better. The whole entertainment team should be made to look at a video of the Thomson Destiny team in action last year !!!!
Shore Excursions1
Mysteries of Palermo - complete rip off. Do your own thing in Toulon and Barcelona. Weather hampered Naples, we were looking forward to Capri.
Staff5
Mary (Ukraine), the singing bar tender. Tatiana (Ukraine), the bar tender with the lovely smile. Dinesh, our wonderful, humble room attendant. And of course Elena and Deel, old friends.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities2
Didn't participate, but the facilities appeared to be similar to the other Thomson ships.
Cabins3
Not impressed by our 'outside' cabin on Deck 8. I expected a sea view but got the shock of my life when I drew back the curtains on the Friday morning and saw that there was an open public deck between our cabin and the side of the ship ! The shower and toilet were ok, the bed uncomfortable, standard fare unless you're on the Ocean Village. We appreciated the free safe, others on lower decks had to pay.
Overall Rating2
1 of 1 people found this review informative
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Byrne, Durham (27 May 10 20:24) about this REVIEW
I have been on every Ship you mention in your reviewand just returned from Island Escape today and (I will be posting a full reviewsoon ).I have to say your review dosnt seem to be in line with the comments as we left the ship today as almost everyone we spoke to seemed to have had a wonderful cruise on Island Escape. The weather can ruin ANY cruise. Regards Barcelona I have been on four cruises and ALWAYS had to be "bussed to the start of La Ramblas." The food in all restaurants was" just as good as Destiny Island Star and Ocean Village." Its a good idea to serve customers the hot food ( And it is Hot because the dishes are replenished quickly and well managed) You only had to ASK for a larger or smaller portion and servers would oblige) . Not ideal as you cant see the selection but guess what just ASK and they will move the covers ) Plus point its a good way of speeding up the lines. The sun beds were fine ( about 300 round the pool area are brand new) We were worried about former reviews but my view is that MOST PEOPLE will have a great time on Island Star . Its not perfect but its good value. Willl post my review soon
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Comment by Duthie, Kingskettle (28 May 10 17:15) about a COMMENT by Byrne (27 May 10 20:24)
I knew you would have better sunbeds - we could see them all ready to be unpacked when we were on the ship !! As far as Barca is concerned, both times we visited on Island Star we were berthed right beside the Columbus monument (well, not literally, but a very short walk). I take your point about the weather and assume you must have had a much better time last week ! I still have issues about the food, though, and, breakfast-excepted (always good on every cruise ship I've been on), it was definitely worse than on other ships. As I said, though, the Orion was excellent and well worth the extra money.
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Comment by Duthie, Kingskettle (28 May 10 17:15) about a COMMENT by Byrne (27 May 10 20:24)
I knew you would have better sunbeds - we could see them all ready to be unpacked when we were on the ship !! As far as Barca is concerned, both times we visited on Island Star we were berthed right beside the Columbus monument (well, not literally, but a very short walk). I take your point about the weather and assume you must have had a much better time last week ! I still have issues about the food, though, and, breakfast-excepted (always good on every cruise ship I've been on), it was definitely worse than on other ships. As I said, though, the Orion was excellent and well worth the extra money.
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Comment by Duthie, Kingskettle (28 May 10 17:15) about a COMMENT by Byrne (27 May 10 20:24)
I knew you would have better sunbeds - we could see them all ready to be unpacked when we were on the ship !! As far as Barca is concerned, both times we visited on Island Star we were berthed right beside the Columbus monument (well, not literally, but a very short walk). I take your point about the weather and assume you must have had a much better time last week ! I still have issues about the food, though, and, breakfast-excepted (always good on every cruise ship I've been on), it was definitely worse than on other ships. As I said, though, the Orion was excellent and well worth the extra money.
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Comment by Duthie, Kingskettle (28 May 10 17:15) about a COMMENT by Byrne (27 May 10 20:24)
I knew you would have better sunbeds - we could see them all ready to be unpacked when we were on the ship !! As far as Barca is concerned, both times we visited on Island Star we were berthed right beside the Columbus monument (well, not literally, but a very short walk). I take your point about the weather and assume you must have had a much better time last week ! I still have issues about the food, though, and, breakfast-excepted (always good on every cruise ship I've been on), it was definitely worse than on other ships. As I said, though, the Orion was excellent and well worth the extra money.
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Comment by Byrne, Durham (27 May 10 20:30) about a COMMENT by Byrne (27 May 10 20:24)
Of Course I meant "Most People will have a Great time on Island ESCAPE" ..... If you are going on it it will be fine..
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by mcguire, dunfermline fife (21 May 10 19:14) about this REVIEW
Hiya how do you get free safe cause ive done decks 6 7 9 and had to pay every time so how do lower decks have to pay .
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Question by stephenson, coventry (21 May 10 21:08) about a COMMENT by mcguire (21 May 10 19:14)
what do you mean by a free safe, having done over 26 cruises never yet paid for a safe, we usually have an inside cabin so not in one of the super duper suites etc.
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Answer by Smith, Bedworth (22 May 10 12:48) to a QUESTION by stephenson (21 May 10 21:08)
'over 26 cruises' ? - Why not say 27?
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Comment by stephenson, coventry (24 May 10 18:57) about an ANSWER by Smith (22 May 10 12:48)
cos i m not sure but it doe snt matter, still dont know and didnt know that any cruise line charged for an in cabin safe.
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