Island Escape Cruise Ship
, Thomson Cruises
Island Escape Cruise Ship Reviews
2 readers found this review helpful
We went on the Island Escape in April 2011, and we went around the canaries, we only did one excursion, to the sand dunes of Maspalomas on the last day to kill some time before our flight, but all the other places were very easy to get to, if your going to Madeira, book the cable car ride yourself at the waterfront, you will save lots of money, the ship was great, entertainment , staff and food, yes it can do with a lick of paint but like everyone else is saying,you get what you pay for, if you want a relaxing non formal cruise this is the one for you, all the people bleeting about silly trivial stuuf did it ruin your holiday? i doubt it, so enjoy yourself and get on with it. Fab holiday.
- Advice: Have an open mind, and dont listen to the negative comments.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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We had never been on a cruise before and I was never planning on going on on either. We were treated to this cruise by friends of ours who came with us. It exceeded all my expectations in every aspect.The food was wonderfully abundant and the staff were happy and helpful. The cabin boy was very friendly (our bathroom towels will forever seem boring). The only place that didn't appeal to me was Propriano. It was lacking in things to see and places to visit. The rest of the stops were really interesting though with Cannes the favourite. All in all it was a wonderful experience and a really relaxing time. Thanks to all the crew and staff.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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10 readers found this review helpful
We have just returned from the marinas & monuments cruise on the island escape,we was a little worried having read what some people had put on the reviews site.We have been on the thomson destiny ans spirit this year too and the island escape in our opinion was just as good.The food was very varied and plenty of it.The whole ship was kept very clean.The shows were brilliant.The quality of the food was really good with a themed night every night and also a carvery.All the staff on the ship were very friendly.I can honestly say i do not know why anyone would grumble.Our cruise was under £500 each and we found it unbelieveable.The only thing i can say is some passengers need to wait their turn,there was some passengers pushing in and keeping seats which i found quite annoying,you know who you are and you need to wait your turn!they also got up early to reserve sun beds which most of them didnt even use.This is just selfish towards other passengers.At food times some people were piling on food as though it was going to run out which nothing ever run out,as soon as a dish was emptied it was replaced so again to you passengers stop being greedy there is plenty to go around.We found the island escape to be a lovely laid back value for money cruise and i would certainly go back on this ship.The cabin was cleaned twice a day.Our housekeeper was called glen and he did a marvellous job at keeping our room spotless.He would make animals out of towels which was a nice touch.Our room was a outside cabin at the front of the ship on deck 8.It was very spacious and had a large window.We loved every minute of our time on the island escape.I personally think to the people that would complain if you want a flashy cruise you go and pay thousands for it but i think this ship was great and i can honestly find nothing to complain about.
- Advice: this is a value for money,relaxed informal cruise but most guests do make a effort and look smart
- Board Basis:full board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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9 readers found this review helpful
11th-25th Oct cruised around the Med,don't know what all the fuss is about with the state of the ship you get what you pay for,I for one fully enjoyed the holiday we've just had,the staff brill,the cleaning staff brill,special mention to Desmond on deck 6,bar waiters brill,special mention to Mary from the Ukraine,Adrian and Mary-Jo the lounge singers were very good, only complaint all inclusive should mean ALL inclusive if you wanted coffee anywhere on the ship you had to pay except from the self service area on deck 10,but all in all had a wonderfull time.
- Advice: forget St Tropez, Toulon is a very nice stop
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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5 readers found this review helpful
this was my first cruise and it was terrific.the staff could not do enough for you.food 24/7 lovely choice.we were all inclusive great choice of drinks.the only review that i read which i thought was spot on was dont go on this boat if you are a snob or if you think you are a snob or looking for 5 star luxury.other than that go for it you will love it.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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7 readers found this review helpful
If people want to pay thousands of pounds for a cruise, good luck to them, however, I spent £599 for a med cruise on the 28th Sept. For that amount I arrived in Palma, one day at sea and woke up in a different place every day, ok the bedrooms were shabby, but clean. The entertainment was superb especially Brenda Collins and the Elvis tribute. Elvan our cleaner was amazing and wee Yoyok (yes that was his name) looked after us every night in the restaurant, what more could we ask for that kind of money. I read the reviews before I left and promised myself I would leave an honest review of my own when I got back.
It's NOT apples for apples with other cruises...............just check your bank when you come home as it didn't put too much of a dent in mine.
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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7 readers found this review helpful
Upon reading the mixed reviews we were aprehensive about this holiday, I agree with the comments that the ship is old and could do with a refit but as i wasnt buying it, it doesnt matter, and it was constantly being cleaned by a hard working friendly staff. The food in the restaurants was always varied and hot, and changed throughout the day the afternoon tea was especially good sandwiches, scones etc. You eat off melamine plates and plastic mugs in the beachcomber reasturant but this is because you can take your food on deck. the resturant on deck 6 was waiter seating and a glorious buffet on china plates and cups,eating in this resturant, we found no need to pay a charge of £15 to eat in the resturant on deck 5.
The trips were expensive we got of the ship to go to Rome and saw a information booth selling return train tickets to Rome for 9 euros, so if you have time before your trip explore travel options independently as they can work out cheaper, but remember the boat will go without you if you are late.
So yes i would go again infact we have booked with thompson for next year on a diffrent ship.
- Advice: relax and go with the flow
- Board Basis:A.I. but no drinks
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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6 readers found this review helpful
This was my first Cruise didn't know what to expect, however had a great time. Ship was good, Staff fantastic. Went on excursions and they were also good with good guides. Cabin was basic but I knew this was not rated as a 5 Star Cruise.
Already booked again for 2012. If your looking for an informal cruise with great staff give this Ship a go, but don't pay top prices
- Advice: Take in some of the Tours and entertainment shows
- Good For: City Breaks
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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8 readers found this review helpful
just got back from a brilliant week on board the island escape yes ship is old but clean all the staff worked hard to make our holiday fun food on tap salad meat and sweets drinks were cheaper than england ,trip were good but if you want to look round your self the ship gives you a map entertainment brill esp the gay entertainment manager what a screem the captins show was ,THAT GOOD BOOKED AGAIN FOR NEXT YEAR BOOKED IT TWO DAYS AFTER GETTING HOME WELL WORTH THE MONEY
- Advice: Easy Rome
- Good For: Beach
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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8 readers found this review helpful
If you spend £1,000's of pounds on this ship then expect to be disappointed. We spent £1,269 for the two of us for seven nights going around the Med and it was great just set your level of expectation:-
1. The ship is old and tired
2. The staff are great
3. We were on the 3rd deck, the rooms while old are clean, the bathroom always clean and well-kept and we had a new animal every day
4. They had a water leak but that did not affect the room
5. They use Trumpy tours which means the trips are great and you are not taken to a shop which takes 1 hour from the trip time and they are reasonably priced, remember to tip your tour guide.
6. The shows which the on board entertainment team gave were excellent
7. The guest shows more dubious quality
8. The films available in the room are current; pity the TV was so small
9. The food is themed always hot, plenty of it and of very good quality
10. Staff are always keen to help and I could not fault their friendliness
11. Everything was organized
What really irritated me was people who went on trips and put their towels on sun beds you know who you are stop doing it, take the chance like everyone else.
Overall set your level of expectation, for the money we paid it was great if you spend £1,000s then you are going to be disappointed.
- Advice: Have a great time
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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4 readers found this review helpful
sailed on the island escape 2 years ago, dont be passed off with this old tug boat it is not a cruise ship it is a very old converted ferry, rooms a disgrace, and the decore is of a very poor standard.we were given plastic straws to stir tea/coffee with. having sailed on the tomson spirit twice we expected the same quality from the escape but did not get it,
on a scale of 1 to 10 we would rate the escape at 3/4 so dont be fooled. buk
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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Still in correspondence with Thomson re the Olives & Ouzo cruise Oct 11 - been on Thomson cruises before and all good value. Avoid the Island Escape all all costs - standards do not reach the usual standard of Thomson cruises.
Food bland, often cold and not much choice - passengers squeezed into seats that are too close together in the dining room - you may be unable to get in and out of your seat if a large person sits at the end of the row! Food in the a la cart was good, although you have to pay a supplement every time.
Drinks on the A/I basis are best avoided - flat mixer drinks, cocktails mixed from concentrate in large plastic bottles. Coffee only available self service in plastic cups......unless you pay extra at Costa Coffee, the only other place where coffee is available.
Cabins O.K. but dated, stained carpets, grotty bathrooms and the only bedding is now a duvet designed for a midget - had to use pool towels to try and keep the duvet on the bed......I am not overweight, so how large people managed I really do not know.
Entertainment was quite good, no complaints there.
When we booked the cruise we did not know that the ship was being taken in to dry dock for 4 months. This resulted in us being dumped off of the ship at 11am for a 6pm flight home. Stuck in Paphos airport for 7 hours was no joke and Thomson did not even supply a refreshment voucher, so had to spend £50 on food and drink.....not a good experience as delayed for over 2 hours.
Crew very down hearted, and not their usual friendly helpful selves, as they had just been advised that their contracts were being terminated early.
I would advise anyone to think carefully before booking on this excuse for a cruise ship and do not think that all Thomson cruises are equal, you will not get the same standards as on the Emerald, Spirit & Destiny.