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Cruise Reviews

Virgin Cruisers

Reviewed By: Woodward, Stoke on Trent on 11th May 2008
Cruise Line: Island Cruises Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Island Star Sailed: May, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean Age: 56-65
Just returned from our first cruise, on which we had a great time.
This being our only cruise we have nothing to compare with, however being one of the older ships and towards the lower end of the market we were pleasantly surprised at the space in the cabin and the general condition of the public areas.
The staff where all very pleasant & cheerful making for a warm and happy atmosphere, the ship was also kept very clean by the staff.
There was a good choice of food at the restaurants and available (24hrs in the Beachcomber) should you need it, if you want something a bit special try the Oasis restaurant (extra cost about £30 with wine for 2).
The entertainment was of a high standard and offered something different every night.
The excursions prices our a bit high, but we had a lovely coach for our trip to Rome along a very knowledgeable guide, including lunch with wine.
I would recommend the Island star as a first time cruise for it's casual style, should they get a newer fleet of ships I would think they could give many of the other cruise lines a run for there money.
PS: be very careful should visit Palermo, we sat in a parkland area where a scooter rider drove up behind us and snatched our bag off the seat.
I know that they grab bags as they ride passed in the street, but we were sitting in a very quite park. I would recommend you place any bags on the ground in front of you between your feet(they would have to bend over much lower to grab which would be more difficult)but you need to be vigilant at all times.
Happy cruising

Quality of Food4
Island restaurant is a good standard
Entertainment4
The Ocean theatre looks in good condition don't know if this as been refurbished there where two visiting artist and v/good shows from the entertainment staff
Shore Excursions4
Trip to Rome, and we tried a cycle trip
Staff5
All worked hard and always smile, they made up for the bad bits
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities3
Cabins2
Bigger than expected if somewhat tired
Overall Rating4
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Comment by Essery, Monmouth (17 May 08 01:27) about this REVIEW
Graham from Huddersfield. Island Escape is the old ferry. Island Star is a former Celebrity X cruise ship which used to be called Horizon
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Opinion: Agree Comment by McGUIRE, DUNFERMLINE FIFE (12 May 08 13:04) about this REVIEW
THANK YOU MrorMRS smith for your answer. iknew somebody had it before island cruises i should have looked at my BERLITZ. as you get lot of good info in it must remember next time to look it u
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by smith, grays (12 May 08 12:29) about this REVIEW
Mr or Mrs Mcguire is right the Island Star used to be the old Horizon owned by Celebrity, it was the Island Escape that was a old ferry. I read it in the Berlitz guide
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by mcguire, dunfermline fife (12 May 08 09:15) about this REVIEW
hi it cant be that bad they keep getting full ship all the time ive never had problem with lifts any time ive done her bye the way i think you are getting your wires crossed here .it was escape that was a ferry i think in past sailings star was old horizan which belonged to r.c.i.i might be wrong but im sure i read this some where on this site
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by mcguire, dunfermline fife (12 May 08 09:00) about this REVIEW
hi island star was other ship it only came to sea in 2006 we done it that year in may quite good quality if it has been around for a while island escape has been out since 2002ive done this as well im going back on star in last week in may first week june
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Graham, Huddersfield (11 May 08 20:37) about this REVIEW
the island star is a very old ferry and not the standard you would expect from a cruise ship, the staff are great the cabins are old fashioned the lifts are horrendous but the food and people are great. Never could this boat be called a cruise ship. Ok if cheap and cheerful is required
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