I was on the Island Escape in 2007 and I'm sorry to say it was the worst cruise of my life. The ports were great, the food and ship left a lot to be desired - poor housekeeping in the cabins and the beachcomber was a mess - really not a fit place to eat food. The pool area was shoddy and the glass (perspex) enclosed stairway up to the lookout (or whatever it was called) leaked when it rained. Island Cruises never really got going as a cruise company - casual does not mean shoddy. I have heard that the Island Star is a better ship (and better run ship) so its a pity it is not the one that goes to Thomson's. I have cruised on several of the Thomson ships (including the much lamented Topaz and (soon to be gone) Emerald. Thomson know how to run a cruise company - Island never got it right. Standards on the Island Escape could not have been lower. I accept that people on cruises on the IE enjoyed themselves but that must have been in spite of the ship, not because of her. First time cruisers may have had a great time but they had nothing to compare it with. I love budget cruising because I travel alone and single supplements can be very steep. However, with a good early booking deal, I have managed to cruise on several mid market ships for less than I paid for the Island Escape and with higher standards.

hi ya mr or mrs sparrow of wiltshire im i reading right here so no cruises will be running during summer next year at all with isaland on escape .i know cruises will still go a head up in till march 2009 .where did you get info are you just back off cruise.with thompson cause you state you cruised with island in april.many thanks for more info