Island Escape Cruise Reviews

Rebel Rouser · May 10, 2012

Top of the pile not cherry picked?

Above expectation
10 / 10

May 2012, Valerie G

Have just come back from a brilliant 7days cruise on the Island Escape, Have read some of the previous reveiws, i was a little apprehensive, but WOW how wrong i was to beleive these. Fron stepping on board ship i could not have felt more like royalty. Our cabin steward William was brilliant and was always there asking if there was any thing we needed, he kept our cabin spotless and each time we returned back to our cabin our towels had been made into a different animal. The food was really first classs with plenty of choice and as much as you wanted 24hrs a day The waiters went out of there way when serving you even carrying your plates to the table. Entertainment was as good as any show i have seen in London some even better.The only fault i could find with this cruise is that i had to come home after 8 days. So please don,t take notice of the reveiws go on the ISLAND ESCAPE and i know you will not regret it. This was my first Cruise and if i decide to do another it will definately be on the Island Escape. Thankyou to all the Crew and Staff for making my Cruise and Holiday so Perfect.

loved every minute
8 / 10

May 2012, Jackie G

my husband and i have just returned from a weeks cruise on the island escape, we were a bit apprehensive because we had read some bad reviews....we absol loved it, no complaints at all, would def recommend..we cannot wait to go on another cruise next year!! possibly back on the island escape.

staff very friendy, food fantastic, we had an outside cabin, very clean!

10/10

First Timers
10 / 10

May 2012, Fiona E

4 readers found this review helpful

We had never cruised before and booked the Island Escape on the basis that we didn't spend too much so couldn't lose too much!

Some of the critical reviews scared us a bit, but how wrong we were! We absolutely loved it. Sure, she's a little old and creaky (aren't we all), but there were so many positives!

The crew were fabulous, we had an outside balcony on deck 9 , cabin 9072. It was small but spotlessly clean with excellent service from Akash our steward. Nothing was too much trouble, including laundry and ironing.

Embarkation was a breeze, smooth and straightforward. We were taken to our cabin and luggage arrived moments later.

The food was great. We didn't like the large table seating in the Island so had most breakfasts and suppers in the Beachcomber ( the food was generally much the same). The Beachcomber Afternoon Tea was outstanding! We also had a few meals in the Oasis where for a modest supplement you could have outstanding food and service.

The entertainment was first class, superb vocalists including the super talented and charming Ben Gillham. Ross the entertainments manager was a whirlwind and excellent at his job. Good advice however, to get to the theatre well in advance of the shows.

As for it being rocky, well it's a ship! The gentle rocking actually helped me sleep, tho the comfy beds probably helped too.

Two tiny gripes, Internet access was expensive and poor, and the orange juice at breakfast was horrid. That's the only negatives I can think of!

We had the drinks package, believe the ship will be all inclusive next year which makes it even better value.

So, don't hesitate, go...but let us book our return trip for 2013 first!

The Great Escape
10 / 10

May 2012, David T

13 readers found this review helpful

Firstly if you are expecting the glamour of the QE2 then don't bother, if you are the sort of person that always has to write a critical review because in your mind thats the only way to improve things, then stay at home and review that, but if you are the sort of person that accepts not everything in life is 100% perfect 100% of the time and are prepared to make the best of it,BOOK A CRUISE ON THIS SHIP NOW.

Firstly the ship itself, yes its getting on a bit. It started life as a cruise ferry running a regular service between New York and the Bahamas so we are not talking about the Isle of Wight ferry here, in fact when launched it was the biggest cruise ferry ever built. Later it was bought by Royal Caribean and refitted as a true cruise ship.

The cabins - we were on deck 6 outside cabin 10th - 17th April 2012. The cabins are not large and are designed for 4 people, this would be a squash but as there was just the 2 of us they were fine with enough storage space. The beds and bedding at first glance appear very basic with just a simple quilt but in fact were very comfortable. The cabins were kept spotlessly clean by our super effecient cabin steward (Artha)who tidied them at least twice a day plus a bed turn down in the evening. The worst thing was the bathroom which again, although spotlessly clean was certainly dated in appearance with a wash basin in a strange pinkish orange colour(sorry being a man thats the best I could do to describe the colour). On some reviews people were complaing about the noise and shuddering of the ship during a gale- all I can say is that I had the best nights sleep ever and on other nights it was that quiet I had to look out of the window to see if we were still moving.

The food- We tried the Beachcomber once (this is the simplest of the 3 resturants - self-service with the option to eat outside on the rear deck) and decided it was a bit of a "bun fight" but by definition a lot of people preffered it. Our choice was the Island Restuarant, again self service but you are shown to a table by a friendly and attentive waiter like Jobert. The breakfasts are about the best I have ever had with every taste catered for. I like a cooked breakfast when on holiday and everything was freshly cooked to perfection even the fried eggs. The lunches and dinners were plentiful and varied with again plenty of choice for every taste. My only gripe and its a small one is that in my opinion the food was presented in the wrong order i.e. you collected your plate then chose the vegetables then the potatoes,rice and pasta section before finally the meats so if you wern't careful you could easily end up with a strange combination, but this was easily resolved with a peep at the end first.One evening we dined in the Oasis restuarant (there is a sucharge for this and you have to book in advance)the food was superb, cooked just as we like it and as it was a special occasion we were even presented with a small cake with candle and serenaded by the multi talented waiters!

The entertainment- The evening shows were superb and very professionally done but get there early as the theatre fills up quickly(there are two sittings per night). There is other entertainment going on around the ship throughout the day some great some not so good its down to you.

The staff- we found all the staff extremely friendly and effecient and never had to wait for a fresh drink - take the all inclusive option it costs the equivalent of 2 drinks a day so will save you a fortune and covers all house drinks with a small surcharge if you want something special i.e. I preffered Captain Morgans rum and that was 20p extra, if you are a whisky drinker there were several well known brands listed as all inclusive.The beer was Boddingtons and lager was San Miguell.

The trips -there are plenty of options i.e. fully escorted or drop you off and pick you up, even bicycle tours. The trips are not that cheap but then again nothing is in Italy. We chose the Rome and Florence drop off options and did our own thing in the cities, unfortunately in rained solidly on both days but we still enjoyed them.On the other stops we simply walked ashore and again did our own thing. Town maps are supplied with the daily news letter to your cabin.

In conclusion this cruise did everything it said on the tin - It was relaxed, friendly and informal and I can strongly recommend it.

Great time
10 / 10

Apr 2012, PE JACKS

5 readers found this review helpful

Booked the grand suite for my Wife's 50th Birthday(April 17th-24th 2012) and it was worth ever extra penny, two double rooms both with double beds,big shower and bath room, walk in wardrode,6 seater table and chairs, bar area, 17 metre long balconey it was just wonderful,our house-keeper Hugo could not do enough for you,did our ironing and brought us Breakfast in bed at no extra charge as this is in the room price this is not advertised on the web site,the food on the boat is perfection great choice, well cooked and tasty, the boat itself is a little tired looking due to its age but not a problem you expect this on an older boat, staff second to none all very friendly, look out for a head waiter called Julian he is very helpful when requesting tables in the resturants.No need to book any trips on the Med Cruise we went on all ports had things to do with very little distance to walk from the boat with the exception of Rome,Cant wait to book my next Thomson island escape cruise we had such a great time.

Island Escape - What a surprise!
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Wendy W

3 readers found this review helpful

After reading the reviews after we booked our cruise we were very apprehensive to say the least! But we have had a fantastic cruise 17.4.12 - 24.4.12. Room on deck 8 small but clean only criticism was the bed was too hard for me - but the other half didn't mind. Glenn did a great job cleaning very day. Rest of crew also fantastic nothing was a bother and as said previously they made a point of remembering peoples names and were very curteous at all times - especially Rolando in pub. Food was good, ok we had to have plastic plates but that didn't bother us too much, I agree that they should have spoons and not straws. But overall we had a great time. Shows great, Uk comedian excellent. Wet in Rome and also there was a strike on but that was something no one could control. Pisa is well worth a trip. If you want a posh cruise don't bother as this is a 3* cruise but if you want laid back and friendly go for it you won't be disappointed.

stevedeccaman · May 10, 2012

Good News for all on forthcoming cruises on the old ship :)

Stevie

Rebel Rouser · May 11, 2012

Looks like Island cruises have upped there Game, Jenny I have hilighted one post just for you :)

Great again
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Basement Al

5 readers found this review helpful

Just had yet another great week on board the Island Escape, returned 17/04/2012. We all know it is not the most modern of ships but is more than adequate for the service it provides. The weather wasn't the best but this didn't dampen our enthusism. Ross and his entertainment team are brilliant, both UK act's were great, especially Josh Daniels. The food and bar experiences are great, I always expect and recieve great service and treatment. Hope it continues so that we may enjoy more trips on board.

bazandang
9 / 10

Apr 2012, Angelica R

3 readers found this review helpful

have just returned from our first ever cruise and what a fantastic time we had from the moment we stepped onto the ship to the moment we stepped off. every crew member made us feel so welcome nothing was too much trouble. entertainment especially the resident singers and dancers worked so hard in sometimes quite bumpy conditions. a special mention to danny and ben keep up the good work you both deserve the best. as mentioned in quite a few reveiws the ship is getting a little tired but has a heart of gold. thankyou so much once again.xxxxxxxxxxxx

Fantastic value for money
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Bjzzer

1 reader found this review helpful

As per previous reviewers, I was a little apprehensive about Island escape, even to the point of not letting my wife or daughter read them before we arrived. Thankfully everyone had a thoroughly great time and want to return. We went with my Mum and Dad who are hardened P&O cruisers but even they were amazed by the value and standards of the Island Escape. the rooms are basic but clean and the staff are tremendous - helpful courteous and very hardworking. they have been given the time to talk to the guests and do genuinely enjoy playing with the kids and telling you about their home life's and experiences on board.

We travelled on the spirit of the med cruise from 10 th April '12 and the only downr was a v wet Rome and Pisa. We didn't do any organised trips but explored independently (6 buses and 2 trains to get to the Leaning tower but quite an adventure). Barcelona was fantastic on the bus stopping at Parc Guell.

The food was excellent with huge variety and my daughters loved it - as did I. island restaurant was wonderful and the staff are very attentive and entertained the children and adults with puzzles and napkin models (ESP Ari ). Staff always remember your drinks and we even had the same table kept for us all each night.

Entertainment was great, even for me who doesn't like west end show music - loved the opera numbers!

Only down side was one of the photographers who got a bit snooty with me.

The coffee in the beachcomber is very chicory laden and the tea weak - go for Darjeeling as much tastie brew. These are very minor points as we all had a fantastic time but felt we paid the right price.

Something for everyone
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Alison W

2 readers found this review helpful

We were a little apprehansive after reading a range of reviews but thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Island Escape. The staff were fantastic - friendly & helpful, going the extra mile at all times. The entertainment team were excellent, from shows in the theatre to quizzes,masterchef, fruit carving & napkin folding demonstrations. My 7 year old daughter loved the pool & kids clubs & my 11 year old son was happy to join in with the many activities on offer. My husband spent many hours in the gym & I was quite happy to chill on a sunbed near the pool. We found the food to be of good quality, tasty & always hot. There was always a good selection & we never failed to find plenty for all of us. The hot puddings especially were lovely.

We ate in both the Beachcomber (cafe style) & Island restaurant & found both to be equally nice - yes, there were melamine plates in the Beachcomber, but as these could be taken outside did it matter? The ports of call were all interesting & the excursions reasonable value. We did 'Rome on your own' & 'Easy Pisa'. We had 2 cabins next door to each other on Bronze deck. These were adequately sized & had enough storage for the clothes & other possessions we took. The cabin steward, William, did a great job of cleaning & made some fantastic towel model animals every day which my husband, myself & the children all loved.

I consider myself to be quite fussy & really enjoyed every aspect of this cruise. Yes there were shabby areas of the ship, yes the bathrooms & showers were small, yes you couldn't always find a sunbed in the exact spot you wanted one, but overall we couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable week & we were all sad to leave. We'd love to repeat the experience next year with different ports of call.

brilliant week
10 / 10

Apr 2012, bankie

8 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from a week and both had a great time.Just cannot understand the negative reviews as this is our second year in a row and if anything was better this year.Met some brilliant people and can't wait to return.Our cabin was basic ,but for all the time you spend in it is fine.Just go for it and have a brilliant time.Entertainment and all staff are excellent.

Loved every minute of being on board
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Debbie L

5 readers found this review helpful

Food was excellent, Staff exceptional, We loved every thing about this cruise, I went with my partner, brother, sister and sister-in law It is our first cruise. Our cabin was on deck 5 with an outside window, The room was bigger than I thought and the bed very comfortable. Air conditioning worked well, shower was powerful, our housekeeper was great. Honestly it was so much better than I had expected for the price we paid (Approx £800 including the drinks package). The only downside for me personally was the size of the swimming pool.

Good Value For Money
9 / 10

Apr 2012, Karen L

2 readers found this review helpful

We were very worried when we arrived due to reading some poor reviews. However our fears were unfounded. The ship is fine, the cabin was bigger than we expected and comfortable and all aspects of the cruise were good. The entertainment is very good and the food is basic but acceptable. The service, from every member of staff, was truly excellent and the attention to detail was better than we have experienced in some five star hotels. In summary this is certainly a three star cruise in terms of accommodation and dining but with five star service. Fantastic value for money and we would return.

excellent ship!!!
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Margaret C

3 readers found this review helpful

just returned from a week on the island escape. had the most amazing time. the staff are very friendly and cant do enough for you, food was excellent and entertainment was fab. julian, cruz & vitrok were our waiters in the island restaurant and treated us like royalty. i was with another 4 members of my family and are looking forward to booking up for next year.

exhillerating
10 / 10

Apr 2012, Joyce N

7 readers found this review helpful

the service is exceptional. No other way to discribe it. A greatendly service from every single member of staff from bar and catering to domestic and entertainment. The service you recieve from the bar staff especially. They remember each and every person and their likes and dislikes. You do not have to move an inch. They attend to your every need with a curtious professionalism.

The liner is dated and need of decorating but it caterers for every need. At the end of the day you only go to the cabins to sleep. They are comfortable and warm. Have a good shower though small.Plenty of storage space and t.v.

The evening shows are great. Something different every night. Casino small but inviting. Restaurants fantastic. Loads of variety to choose from. Themed nights, english and continental foods. Open twenty four seven. Excellent for those urges at three in the morning after the nightclub closes.

Lively pub with friendly people. Great place to meet new mates.

There was nothing i didnt like. Everything about the escape is fantastic.

Shore excursions are very good. There are those with activities for the more health consious person. i.e bike riding, walking tours and for those less able a lot of choice of coach tours too.

Family friendly. Although there were many children on board they were rarely seen as they have their own areas.

Internet available for those who wish to stay i touc with family and friends.h

Happy campers x
10 / 10

Mar 2012, Moira P

10 readers found this review helpful

We went on the best of the med cruise on island escape in 2010 ,it was our first cruise and we loved it ,it was clean ,the staff were all lovely the food was excellent ,the pub was very lively and just like a local pub where everyone all sang along got up to dance and chatted to each other .the buffet restaurant had a theme every night aswell as all the other choices of food ,others were waiter service and nicer to eat in ,but we ate mostly in the buffet one .the afternoon tea was great the only thing that lets it down is the coffee ,you should be able to get a nice latte at any of the bars as you can on other ships when you are all inclusive ,,but no so take a jar of nescafe with you .the whole ship has a lovely relaxed atmosphere .there were good shows on every night and in the family bar it had good entertainment for all the kids were involved ,they had talent nights ,karaoke ,quizzes ,and the bingo was great £1000 for a house ,there was a good choice in all the shops on board and good prices too ,all in all it was an excellent holiday , we were on the destiny in feb this year it was also very good, And the coffee was plentiful and good .but we had just as good a time on island escape .I'm going on island escape again on 15th may this year so I'm hoping the coffee has improved but I will take my own anyway .I will let you know if it was as good or bad when I get back

Happy holidays everyone

Moira from Edinburgh x

jengef · May 11, 2012

Thanks again RR. these reviews are such a joy to read. They're putting daughter #2 at ease as well as she was not really looking forward to going on the good ship.

Rebel Rouser · May 12, 2012

My Pleasure Jenny :)

Pinkx · May 14, 2012

really excited now!!!! :-D

jengef · May 14, 2012

I bet you are. I'm excited and I've still got 37 days

Really should start the holiday diet, perhaps tomorrow :o

Rebel Rouser · May 14, 2012

I must start writing some more reviews :p

jenny wren · May 14, 2012

Thanks for posting those reviews RR....lots of favourable comments which is good to see!

We're really glad that Ross Roberts is still on there he was excellent last year!:)

Silverheaded skier · May 20, 2012

Have booked a back to back for September and having gone on and read the the reviews wished I hadn't, but having read this post am very releived.

We are used to Thomson cruise ships, Our first was the wonderful old tub the Topaz, we don't expect the Ritz, just hope for pleasant service, and friendly tolerant travelling company.

Rebel Rouser · May 20, 2012

SS you wont be dissapointed..Fingers crossed :D

Silverheaded skier · July 22, 2012

Looks like Island cruises have upped there Game, Jenny I have hilighted one post just for you :)

Thank you all for such positive reviews, are leaving 18th Sept on a back to back, husband and self being joined by other family for week two, was worried after some reviews. Have cruised before with Thomson, but never all self service. Hopefully we shall be OK. Some people pay peanuts but expect luxury.

Silverheaded skier · July 22, 2012

Looks like Island cruises have upped there Game, Jenny I have hilighted one post just for you :)

Thank you all for the positive reviews> Was worried as have booked two weeks 18th Sept. for 70th birthday husbands not mine. being joined buy other family on week two. Have cruised with Thomson before (including the old Topaz wonderful ship) I will think positive on this one now.

jenny wren · July 22, 2012

Not sure if this will work...but we have not long returned from two weeks on IE and this is my honest review.....

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/island-cruises/island-escape/read_review_43312/

Rebel Rouser · July 22, 2012

JW..spot on ;) of course the IE CC company was good :p

jenny wren · July 22, 2012

Of course...that goes without saying !!!:D

Rebel Rouser · July 23, 2012

You seem to get a better class of people on the IE these days ;)

Zena62 · July 23, 2012

Not sure if this will work...but we have not long returned from two weeks on IE and this is my honest review.....

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/island-cruises/island-escape/read_review_43312/

Hi Jenny wren

Fantastic review. I am on 35 days and after reading your review my trip cannot come soon enough.

Zena

:D

jenny wren · July 23, 2012

It will soon be here! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did! :)

Camberra · August 4, 2012

Been cruising for many years, been on P &O, RC, but why am I choosing Island Escape for a third time? Like luxury -yes. But even better is the ultra friendly Island Escape. Also being a smaller boat means docking into ports you are more likely to be overlooking the port, not in the outer area, RC you had to pay 10 dollars for a coach to take you to the port eg Barcelona, a ship so large was moored in deeper waters, or was it because everyone paid 10 dollars to get to the port, no comment! On IE I stood on deck overlooking the beauty of Barcelona as the ship pulled away - a sight not to be forgotten. Also RC cancelled about 10 active excursions due to out sourcing and they need a minimum number to run eg canoeing. IE have bikes run by Star Bikes, fab, and in Naples the guide took 1 passenger on tour (think it was a harder one for me to try!) but what ship would do at a personal bike tour. No you will not get facilities of large RC ships, but it is the adventure, the staff, the passengers, plus it is what you make of it, have the right attitude and it will be a fab holiday. Off to join the ship again mid August.:)

Island Escape Cruise Reviews

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