Our journey as two adults and two children (6 & 8) started well, all on time and excitement mounting, that was until we reached the ship Island Escape, only there was no escape. On being given our family room cabin keys we were instantly amazed at the tiny size of the cabin supposedly facilitating four beds. We had to ensure one was always upright so that we could stand and walk to the bathroom, that needless to say from the first flush omitted to work. This we notified to the reception desk immediately, but to our horror we did not realise that this was to be an ongoing problem throughout the cruise with a need to allow passengers to disembark overnight, on one occasion. Furthermore, our cabin ceiling dispensed soot on a regular basis, onto the beds, and we did hear that another cabin ceiling had collapsed along with fire sprinklers leaking.

It was necessary to walk around pails, which were strategically placed to catch leaks, on every deck, whilst crew endlessly cleaned to prevent bacteria spreading, more I think than what actually did. There was no facilities for water drainage on the pool deck, again effortless gestures by staff to vacuum or mop constantly were made. There always seemed to be more staff than passengers for the failing condition of this vessel.

Disappointment at not docking at a few ports only enhanced the surge of ill feeling of passengers, who felt that the ship itself was not suitable for the weather conditions it encountered and should never have been used at this time of year in the first instance. Read more