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Island Cruises

MS Island Escape

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Kevin & Jacqui Browse
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: October 8, 2002
Itinerary: Mediterranean

This was our first "stay and cruise" booked long before the ship's inaugural voyage. Like many others I followed progress through the year with some trepidation. Delighted to report all went smoothly and like clockwork. The first weeks stay at the Eden Alcudia hotel was nothing short of superb - delightful view, no building work and the cleanest hotel we have ever stayed in. The cruise itself met and exceeded all expectations. Only one criticism (though nothing to do with the cruise), would not get out in Tunisia again due to persistent taxi drivers. Got so bad I nearly decked one on the way back to the ship. All in all, for little more than 500 quid this was true value for money. Would do it all over again without hesitation.

All public areas kept very clean. Likewise bars and lounges very comfortable. Reasonably priced drinks (although I did sometimes doubt the strength of the Stella!!) There's always somewhere to escape to if you want some peace and quiet.

Absolutely no gripes with the quality of the food although rarely if ever piping hot. Ate mostly in the Island Restaurant but used the Beachcomber during the wee small hours. How come you never get hungry at 3am at home?

Cabin was more than adequate and kept beautifully clean. Full marks to the maid - nearly took her back with us!! Plenty of storage, great shower, comfortable beds. What more can I say?

Because we made full use of our time ashore, we were pretty tired by mid evening so tended only to have a few beers to wind down. Wish now we'd seen more of the entertainment provided as most people we spoke to found it to be of a high standard.

We did the Essence and to our surprise found the best stop to be Santa Margarita. What a wonderful place. All the other stops except for Tunis we had done before but you can't ever tire of Rome or Barcelona. Very few children on board but then it was term time. Facilities for youngsters were limited but this is true of most ships.

Age range on this cruise was in the 30 to 70 bracket. Whereas we made fiends with a good number of like minded couples you just can't seem to escape those losers who try their best to hack off other travellers with their tales of woe. We listened to one woman gripe for an hour and a quarter - not what you want when you're trying to nod off in the sun. You know who you are madam, and no, you're not on our Christmas list!