Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.

Island Cruises

MS Island Escape

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Pat Ray Ben Allington
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: August 12, 2003
Itinerary: Mediterranean

A brilliant time had by all. An informal cruise, you could dress up if you wanted to or relax and be smart casual. If you lead a stressful life and need to relax this is the thing to do. However if you want formality this is not for you.

The pool was small and the same people did seem to get their spots each day but that was not a problem for us as we only had one day at sea and at other times we found space around the decks to take a book and sunbathe. All bars and restaurants were clean and comfortable.

Food was excellent and plentiful, 3 restaurants. One was a la carte. which we did not get time to experience but heard all about it.

There was a 24 hour restaurant which was very popular, always lots of good food and pleasant staff. The third was a self service or serviced as you wish. Food was varied, fresh, hot and tasty. Plenty of staff, as soon as you had finished you plate was whisked away.

Our cabin was an outside cabin on Emerald deck(7). It was a three bedded cabin and surprisingly had plenty of room. The bathroom was not huge but bigger than we expected, certainly adequate for our needs.

There was ample hanging and drawer space for the three of us. There was also a safety deposit box in the cabin. Our stewardess was very friendly and serviced the room twice daily, changing the linen and towels and turning the bedclothes down in the evening.

We were on the same deck as a pub and nightclub and had no disturbances apart from some children running by.

Entertainment staff were very friendly and always courteous. They worked hard and provided great shows. Some outshone the others and will probably be on the West End Stage if they were to get the right opportunity.

The captain on this cruise was Capt Stuart Horne, quite frankly made the cruise special with his choice of music and his announcements, very informative and friendly. It was a pleasure to see him "mix" with the guests. A perfect Master on a great ship. All of the staff were great.

Plenty to do for us. Some people preferred to watch or take part in talent shows, this was not for us, but there were lots who enjoyed it. There could be more facilities for older children and teenagers. The games arcade was poor. Itinerary on this cruise was Palma, Tunis, Civitivecchia, Portofino, Nice, Mahon & back to Palma. Did not venture off at Tunis due to bad reports but all other ports and trips were excellent. There is a gym, beauty salon and internet cafe on board too.

Most of the fellow guests were all very nice and we had some pleasant coversations at meal times and during trips. Mainly British and friendly, all there to relax and have a nice holiday.

There were a few that couldn`t pile enough onto their plates and had to be first on and off but then thats their problem.