Island Escape Cabins

Accommodations range from bunk-bedded cabins (one upper, one lower) and standard inside and outside twins to outside Premier cabins (larger than standard, with an extra sofa bed, table and chair); outside Deluxe cabins (slightly larger than Premiers); outside balcony cabins (with a fridge and computer socket) and Club or -- at the top of the range -- Island Suites.

All cabins have a television, a radio, air conditioning, a safe (which costs 10 GBP a week to use) and a telephone. There is no hair dryer -- you can hire one from reception, or take your own with a European adaptor socket.

All suites have a separate seating area with bar and fridge; Island suites also come equipped with marble Jacuzzi baths, dining areas and entertainment center.

Passengers pay a basic per-person price for a week's cruise in an inside twin, then weekly per-person supplements to trade up to the category of their choice. Supplements range from £59 for a minimum grade outside cabin to £995 per person sharing an Island Suite.

The cabin I stayed in (9010) has a picture window and two narrow single beds (which on request were quickly converted into a perfectly comfortable double). The skirting board was scuffed, the bedside cabinet melamine-topped and somewhat reminiscent of a hospital ward, and the chrome bedside lights were old fashioned and not really strong enough to read by, but there was a fair amount of storage -- including a curtained hanging space and a four-drawer dressing table area with mirror.

The bathroom was small and old-fashioned, with a salmon pink basin top, rather dreary off-white tiled walls and a clammy curtained shower booth.

No, it wasn't the coziest cabin I've ever stayed in -- but perfectly adequate given the low fares charged by the ship.

Next: Island Escape Dining

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