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Wonderful Time - yet again!
Reviewed By: Skitt, Dartford on 4th Sep 2008
Cruise Line: Island Cruises	Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Island Star	Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 46-55

Hi, I had the pleasure of my being on my 3rd cruise with Island cruises when I went on a family holiday on the Star on the Mediterranean Essence itinery from Aug 23 - 30. On arrival at Palma airport we were met by the Cruise Reps and were soon on our way to the port. Our party of 5 were initially allocated the wrong cabins but this was soon sorted out once we were on board the Star. As I say, this was mine and my partners 3rd cruise with Islands Cruises (once on each vessel before) so we knew what to expect and generally they lived up to the standards we had been used to before. I say generally, as we didn't think the standard of cabin cleanliness was as good as before although it wasn't at all dirty. Also, the staff in the Island restaurant weren't as attentive as we had previously known but these were minor points as it all in all it was a very enjoyable week. Our Cabin (6118) was spacious. We were worried about it because there were 3 of us in it but we didn't have any problems at all. As always, the entertainment team excelled in their tasks of getting people involved in the activities during the day and the evening shows were as always, excellent. The visiting acts all put on a good show, and the all girl dance troupe who put on 15 minute shows over a couple of days were fun to watch. Wasn't so impressed with the "game show" formats in the Bounty Club but it was obvious alot of people did enjoy them. We generally ate in the Island Restaurant for breakfast and evening meal and if we were on board at lunchtime, in the Beachcomber/Grill. Generally the standard and variety of food was very good. I think you would have to be very fussy to not be able to eat! We did pay the supplement one evening to eat in the Steakhouse which was very enjoyable. The day at sea as always meant it was very busy on the top deck but everyone seemed to cope okay. As for the ports we called at: Ajaccio, we took a bus tour around the town and then spent a few hours at the beach near the port. By the view of all the yellow towels on the beach alot of other cruise passengers did the same thing! Citavecchia: We didn't risk the train ride into Rome and went on the "Rome Alone" excursion which was very good as the journey to Rome was helped by a very informative tour guide. On arrival in Rome we had time to visit the Vatican before getting a taxi to the Colisseum (cost approx 13 Euros for the 5 of us) and then took a leisurely walk back to the pick up point via Trevi Fountain (lovely ice creams here!) Santa Margeritha: We went into the town for a short walk there so can't really comment on what else to do there. I know some people caught the bus to Portofino (about 10 minutes away). Villefranche: We caught the train to Monaco/Monte Carlo - 15 minute journey for a return fare of 5 Euro's. Spent a few hours walking around both places. Menorca: Our intention here was to do an hours visit of Mahon before getting a taxi to a beach about 15 minutes away, but gave up on that idea as it was virtually impossible to get a taxi! So, we spent the day sunbathing on the top deck. One of our party went on the Horse-riding excursion and thoroughly enjoyed himself. In all the ports, if you felt energetic enough, you could go on one of the cycle excursions. Although I didn't do one on this occasion they are very well organised and good fun. The Captain and Senior Staff were all up for a laugh and the majority of staff couldn't do enough for you and were always smiling. All in all, a very enjoyable week's cruising obviously helped by all the sunshine! We are looking forward to our next Island Cruise in December. We will probably try another cruise line next year to see what differences there are, but again it will be on one of the more "informal" cruise lines.
Quality of Food
Majority of time in the Island Restaurant. Quality and variety in all restaurants were good.
Entertainment
The show team put on excellent shows. The visiting soul singer and all girl dance troupe put on very good shows. The jongleurs comedians were very funny, even the Aussie who had virtually lost his voice!
Shore Excursions
We only did the one, Rome Alone - the guide on the coach was very informative.
Staff
It is hard to pinpoint any individual as they all mostly very good.
Children's Facilities	n/a
N/A
Onboard Activities
There is alwasy something going on, so you could either sit back and do nothing or watch/participate in a number of activities. If you go on board with teh intention of enjoyong yourself then you will have no problem!
Cabins
It was more spacious than I thought it would be as there was 3 of us in the cabin. Was slightly let down by the cleanliness but is wasn't too bad.
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Question by Collier, Tiverton (15 Sep 08 20:29) about this REVIEW.

I am planning an Island cruise with my two boys - aged 10 and 12. You don't say what age your family are, but do you think there be sufficient space for the three of us in the cabin, (which cabin type did you have?) and is there enough to keep the boys happy & occupied for the week? Many thanks!!

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Answer by Skitt, Dartford (16 Sep 08 08:29) to a QUESTION by Collier (15 Sep 08 20:29)

Hi Mr/Mrs Collier, Afraid I can't comment too much about the children's activities as we were a group of adults. As for the cabin, we were in 6118 (Diamond deck) which had a bunk bed and another single bed - it was more than adequate for us, and there was plenty of wardrobe/draw space. I don't think you would have any problems with your 2 boys in a cabin of this size. Obviously I don't know your boys but there will be a lot of young children on board if you are going during the holiday period so they will meet plenty of their own age group. I know Island cruises do different "Kids Clubs" but what they do with them I don't know, I have just looked at the daily newsletters we had on our cruise but they only outlined the schedule for the Teenagers club. Of course there is the swimming pool, the Children's pool is mainly used by the under 5's and the older children use the adult pool. Whatever you decide hope you have a good holiday.

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Comment by McAdam, Penrith (04 Sep 08 12:57) about this REVIEW.

We went on the Island Star in August and must say that the staff in the Island restaurant (especially Rio) couldn't have been more attentive. Has anyone else come across him on their cruise. We were disappointed with the Jongleurs comedians but maybe we hit a bad week. However, we really enjoyed our first cruise.

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