I have just returned from a one week cruise to the western med on the Island Escape and was not disappointed. (Just to mention before anyone thinks we are easily satisfied, my partner and I are extremely well travelled, having stayed in the poorest regions of Africa and India to the most opulent 6* hotels in the Emirates and Middle East.) I apologise if this is a long review but I try to be accurate.

Embarkation was quick and efficent, with photos being taken of each individual at check in and a a credit card style card with a bar code was issued which was used every time you embarked or disembarked the ship and was used for purchasing drinks or as proof of identity.

Our cabin was a standard outside cabin on deck 4 (cabin 4064 to be exact) and we were pleasantly surprised. There was a small ensuite shower room with toilet, basin and shower, clean towels and soap, but no shower gels etc. Ok it wasn't huge, but perfectly adequate enough. The water was hot and the shower was powerful. Ok there were a few cracked tiles on the base of the shower, but we are not paying 5* prices are we? The cabin itself had two portholes each of about 14 inch diameter and allowed plenty of natural light. There was plenty of storage space - 2 wardrobes, hangers and and drawers and a dressing table as well. There was a small colour portable TV which had a view from the bridge, movies and news channels. There was some engine noise but this was not troublesome and there was slight rattling from the wardrobes with ship movement but nothing a bit of card would not sort. Tapwater was drinkable. A nice touch was towels on the beds made into animals and the cabin was kept immaculately clean and tidy. Staff came in three times daily including to turn down the sheets and light the cabin dimly to welcome you back from as late night which was nice. Read more