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We stayed on the Island Escape from 15-22 July 2010 with our two teenage children.
Flight We flew from Stansted as it was an early Morning flight and late evening flight home, thus enabling us to squeeze the full 14 days out of our holiday. Check-in was smooth, with no queue and straight through customs/security. Ate breakfast airside which was a little rushed. The flight was full, but we had pre-booked our seats, so had all slick. Upon reaching Palma, we were one of the first off the plane, but had to wait 40 minutes before our luggage turned up. Then it's a long walk across the airport to meet the Thomson rep who directed us outside to where the coaches are. We were told it was about an hour to the port, but in reality with Palama traffic it was closer to 1 1/2 hours.
Embarkation
Pretty smooth and well organised. Whilst on the coach you are asked to fill out some paperwork around health, etc. From the coach you are directed into the port terminal where orange juice is offered, then check in for your photo ID, passports, credit card, etc. There is a photographer there who takes your picture. We didn't buy it, as like most people after an early flight, trek across the airport and coach drive, we didn't look or feel our best. You then clear Spanish customs (again) before waiting like bees around a honey pot to claim your cases for identifying against our allocated cabin. These arrive is batches as porters ferry them over from the coach. Other coaches, etc are doing the same so it can be a little confusing. Finally we embarked the ship and were given directions to our cabin. Our cases turned up about 30 minutes later one by one.
Accommodation
We stayed on deck 6 which was fairly easy to find. This came with a glass picture window which was dirty on the inside (so couldn't be cleaned without being taken apart). The room was nice with four single beds, of which two folded down from the wall. There was ample wardrobe space and we bought cases that could fit under the lower beds. Reading lights are provided for the two lower beds and switches to all lighting and the TV can be accessed from there. There was a radio switch as well, but this. A safe was provided built into the wardrobe and can be hired via reception, so we done this as soon as we boarded. The air conditioning was working whilst we were there although it didn't seem to be that affective.
The bathroom had a shower a sink and a toilet and electronic points for a hair dryer and shaver. Sachets of shampoo and bath oils, etc were provided upon arrival and were replenished daily. Fresh towels are provided per person with a large and small.
A TV was in the room which showed various English and foreign channels and the TV remote was already in the room and was supplied free of charge.
Above the TV was drinks and snacks that could be purchased as a sort of "mini-bar".
No Tea or coffee making facilities are provided in the room, but can be purchased from the 24 hour cafe on deck 10. To combat this we took a walk into Palma after looking around the ship and stocked up on drinks and water in the local supermarket centre. There is an ice bucket provided in the room which was filled up daily to put cans, etc.
Three single room key was allocated. The keys are of a small grey credit type card with punched holes, which you slot into the entrance door to gain access.
Food & Drink
We had the full-board option. There was a restaurant on our deck where you are seated by the waiting staff and have drinks served at the table. This is good if you are feeling sociable as dependent on the size of your party, like us you could land up with other Families/Couples. On the first day we were seated then left to our own devices and everyone on the table was looking at everyone else for what to do next. Eventually the waiter came over and asked us if we wanted drinks, etc? After tipping a few Euros at each sitting within a few days we found that we got very good service and had our own table reserved for us. The waiters even carried our plates back to the table for us!
Entertainment
The entertainment crew under Hayley-Jane make this ship what it is. Yes, the entertainment is basic and "Butlins" but they put everything into it. On our Week we participated in a couple of shows and saw a comedian, etc. Cash bingo is on every night, leading up to the jackpot on the last night where a Lady won £1,000. You pay for bingo cards and pens, etc on your own personal white photo ID card. The IE is a cashless ship. There was other bars and even a casino.
Hotel Services
The main pool is quite small and it's hard not to bump into kids jumping in, etc. It's non-heated and filled up daily with sea water (so was colder some days than others) surrounded by plenty of sun loungers that quickly filled up, especially on the day at seas. Some people place towels on sunbeds then disappeared for ages, so on busy days, crew were going around and physically removing towels and personal items and placing them in lost property. This resulted in some friction when guest finally returned to find their beds occupied by someone else and no sight of their personal belongings. On one occasion I intervened and told them to speak to a member of the crew. Waiting staff constantly hover around offering to get you drinks, although to be fair they weren't annoying.
We saw a small arcade, although we didn't use it.
Summary
The Island Escape is a lovely ship, but clearly in need of the refit it's due to get later on in the Year. I believe the ship was originally launched in the 80's and it's been left behind in the market by newer ships. Having said that it is what it says it is, which is an entry-level family themed ship without the formality. The staff are all wonderful and couldn't do enough for you. Attention to service is second to none.
Happy to take questions
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