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Thursday 28th August 2008

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Our best cruise yet
Reviewed By: Hutchinson, Lisburn on 4th Jul 2008
Cruise Line: Island Cruises	Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: The Island Escape	Sailed: June, 2008
Destination: Mediterranean	Age: 65+

We selected this cruise for two reasons: it was exceptional value for money and there was a direct connecting flight Belfast/Palma. That's much better than travelling to Southhampton.The embarkation/disembarkation arrangements went like clockwork. We had a de luxe balcony cabin, which was worth the premium for the extra space. however, it was at the very back of the ship and despite being high up (Deck 9) there was a certain amount of engine noise and vibration. We dined in the Beachcomber and Island Restaurants which provided a wide variety of appetising food. We liked the flexible dining hours and the self-service arrangement where we could see all that was available. We did try the premium Oasis Restaurant once but found the other two restaurants more than adequate. We standard of cleanliness throughout the ship was impeccable and the crew were cheerful, courteous and helpful at all times. We pre-booked five half-day excursions but in the event three did not operate due to lack of numbers. There were all-day alternatives but we didn't want to tire ourselves out. A do-it-yourself day on the beach at Toulon was a particular highlight. The evening entertainment in the Ocean Theatre rounded off each day happily. I would have no hesitation in recommending this homely cruise to others, especially those who, like ourselves, don't care for ostentatious grandeur of some ships.
Quality of Food
Beachcomber and Island Restaurants. We varied our menu - a little of everything.
Entertainment
We enjoyed the evening concerts in the Ocean Theatre, thougb we didn't care much for the comedian and his sense of humour.
Shore Excursions
Best was "Barcelona the Easy Way". Naples "Piazzas and Pizzas" was nothing special - especially the pizzas!
Staff
Our cabin stewardess (Cabin 9090).
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
A reasonable selection.
Cabins
Yes, even if we did pay a hefty surcharge for extra space in a de luxe balcony cabin.
Overall Rating

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Opinion: Agree Comment by Crompton, Preston (04 Jul 08 17:13) about this REVIEW.

Good to hear from yourself and recent other postings that the ship still ‘delivers’ in the all important areas. The first time we used this ship was in 2002, shortly after the ‘fly-on the wall’ TV series where things went wrong, It was that good then we cruised it again in 2003 & 2005. We took the in-laws (80 & never cruised before and booked assistance they loved it!) on it’s sister ship the Island Star last June -also spot-on. Tried to book the Rio Transition cruise on Escape for November this year but left it too late for Northern flight connections – have to save it for another year! We did RCI’s Independence of the Seas Canaries cruise in May this year – Although a beautiful (and massive ) ship it is not a patch in the key & basic areas of food / entertainment – Review on that was posted 1/07/08 (refers to need to learn from Island & Thomson)

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by mcguire, dunfermline fife (04 Jul 08 20:17) about a COMMENT by Crompton (04 Jul 08 17:13)

hi ya when in 2003/2005 were you on ship we done may 03 and may 05 we saw tv.series as well but did not put us off on escape may again last year and 04 and 06 08 done star she is big ship

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Comment by jones, freckleton (04 Jul 08 16:04) about this REVIEW.

I am so happy to hear somebody enjoyed this cruise. We will take our 1st cruise on this ship early September, but got a bit worried reading some very negative comments.

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