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A fantastic cruise, thoroughly relaxing. The ship is awesome, the staff do not stop working hard for you. The cabin steward tidied our room at least twice a day, and the bar staff are constantly keen to bring you drinks (and no tipping required as the ship is cashless). All holiday makers were from the UK and very friendly.
The entertainment helped make a fantastic holiday with something for everyone. We enjoyed an hour of West End songs in the theatre, the Tom Jones tribute act (flown in from the UK), and the game show type entertainment (Who want to be a Millionare, Mr and Mrs, Bingo etc) in the Bounty Lounge with the on board (funny) entertainment staff. We usually finished every night in The Pub bar where there was fantastic live music (Adrian from Romania would do any request on the piano or Guitar and very often had the crowd out of their seats). There were also good entertainment activities on the top deck in the evening and during the day at four (game shows to involve the sunbathers).
All cabins were air conditioned, the only downside are the walls between cabins are a bit thin and you can hear people next door but this wasn't an issue. The shower was always hot and powerful, and our inside cabin was spacious.
The food is excellent, 24 hour buffet in the Beachcomber restaurant, with breakfast (English bacon, black pudding etc), Brunch, Lunch, afternoon tea (sandwiches, cakes and biscuits), evening meals and all night snacks. The evening meals always had a theme, (Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican), but there was always chips, pizza, burgers etc for the kids, always fresh fruit and salad. The only problem I had with the food was trying not to eat too much as it all tasted so good.
The casino was good fun, with lessons how to play on day one (Stud Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and slot machines).
We attended the ships presentation on the tours available which is valuable without a pushy sales pitch. They also presented idea's on what to do on your own in the different stops which again we found helpful.
Prices on board are £3.35 for a pint of San Miguel, £3.40 Strongbow, glass of wine about £3.15 (bottle £13.90), Corona £2.95. All drinks were always served in a glass not plastic and there are always cocktails of the day etc. (Please note if All Inclusive branded drinks such as Jack Daniels etc there is a small fee not free e.g. 90 pence rather than £3.90). Ice cream and crisps are also charged.
The currency on board is all sterling but you have a card to charge everything to your account and pay at the end. You can check your balance at any time at Guest Relations (reception).
One tip - we didn't receive our luggage for about 3 and a half hours on the arrival day - therefore when you arrive at the port, take out your sun cream and bathing clothes if you wish to go straight on deck without the need to wait.
We had two 13 year old girls with us, but they spent most of their time meeting friends, touring the ship and having fun - it was like having a holiday without kids and they thoroughly enjoyed it. We even left the kids on board when we were at our last stop as it was very safe.
There is no formal dress code on board the Island Escape although some people did dress up smart and others spent the evening in shorts and T-shirt.
We enjoyed this so much, we'd cruise again next year!
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