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Cruise Reviews

Island Cruises

Island Escape

Island Escape Re-visited

Island Escape re-visited

Reviewed By: taylor, bournemouth on 6th Jul 2010
Cruise Line: Island Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Island Escape	Sailed: June, 2010
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 65+
Cabin: Inside

We have just returned from our second Cruise with the Island Escape which we booked through Thomson Holidays, We flew from our local Airport which was only a two hour flight to our Ship in Palma, Majorca. We found the Thomson flight to be comfortable and the transfer to the Ship easy and stress free. We were taken to the Ship by Coach and arrived at the check in hall where our photographs were taken for the usual security cards to get us on and off the Ship. This all went smoothly and our luggage was safely delivered to our Cabin, which had been allocated at arrival. Our Cabin was the first one at the Forward end of the Ship and the hot water didn't seem to reach us during the whole trip. The air conditioning was definitely not of the best and we spent the night with the bathroom door open to get some cooler air. This Ship is still tired looking, but we heard that it is awaiting a future re-fit. Overall the standard of food was again excellent with plenty of choice in the Island and Beachcomer restaurants. The waiters were all superbly attentive without being obtrusive. This could not be said of the Bar waiting staff in the evenings who we found to be a nuisance, they were obviously pushed to sell the drinks. They would interupt a quizz or the evening entertainment to ask numerous times if you wanted another drink, despite us having previously refused one or even having a half full glass. As for the evening entertainment it was well done by the twelve singers and dancers who all worked extremely hard, often with poor material. There was always plenty going on throughout the Ship, especially during the day time, including an excellent Gym that could be used at anytime. There was only one small swimming/plunge pool, which always seemed to be dominated by unsupervised children. The staff did stipulate an hour a day for adults only, but this was generally too short a time to cater for the amount of adults wishing to use the pool and generally ignored. In common with many other Cruise Liners the excursions ashore were expensive, but alternatively there were often local tour buses available, which were perfectily acceptable and reasonably priced. The Reception desk was well equipped with Maps and information for these. The Itinary of this Cruise was excellent, there were six Ports of call in seven days. We found the Cruise adequate for a week and still very good value for money. This Cruise has very friendly and helpful staff and is constantly kept meticulously clean each day, by hard working crew. The Ship has an informal atmosphere and is ideal for a first taste of Cruising or for young families.
Quality of Food
island restaurant beachcomer restaurant
Entertainment
Singers and dancers comedian
Shore Excursions
Sorrento/Almafi
Staff
Melwin Cabin Steward
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Gym Quizzes
Cabins
No decor tired air conditioning poor hot water unavailable
Overall Rating

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Question by Frame, London (16 Feb 11 20:48) about this REVIEW

Is there a formal night on the Island Escape where the dress code is formal

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Answer by taylor, bournemouth (17 Feb 11 08:53) to a QUESTION by Frame (16 Feb 11 20:48)

Not on this occasion. There is a Captains night with drinks and nibbles brought to you where you meet the Staff and have a photo taken which you have the option to purchase. A couple of gentlemen wore dress suits when we went, but the majority were all in smart casual, ladies in long or short dresses. What ever seems to take your fancy you won't feel out of place. This is quite an informal Ship with a good atmosphere. If you look up the name of the Ship on their Web page it should tell you dress code, excursions etc. and even give you a Virtual Tour of the Ship. Have a super time and relax.

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Comment by Frame, London (20 Feb 11 20:19) about an ANSWER by taylor (17 Feb 11 08:53)

Thank you for your helpful response do you know if I will be able to use m hair tongs and charge my mobile in the cabin. Apparently the electricity in the cabin is 110 v.

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Comment by taylor, bournemouth (21 Feb 11 08:17) about a COMMENT by Frame (20 Feb 11 20:19)

I can't remember now if there was a 3 pin socket for UK, but be on the safe side and take a plug with you. I always take my heated rollers with me, but also take a Universal Plug. They have a good Hairdressing Salon on board with offers towards the end of the Cruise, if it helps. I know they no longer allow Irons to be plugged in, for Safety reasons.

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Comment by taylor, bournemouth (21 Feb 11 08:15) about a COMMENT by Frame (20 Feb 11 20:19)

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Leneghan, newcastle (15 Jul 10 13:38) about this REVIEW

I was on this boat in May 10, and I agree with you 100% about the Bar waiting staff in the evenings who we found to be a nuisance, they were obviously pushed to sell the drinks. This is the only thing that I don't like, even though we were all inclusive , I have been on the Island Escape for the past 3 years, Back next year all being well,

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