Island Escape Review
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We've just returned from a highly enjoyable week on the Island Escape. To put this review in context we are a family of 3, me, my husband (both in our forties) and my 4 year old boy. We've cruised 4 times previously on Ocean Village twice and Royal Caribbean twice (most recently the Oasis of the Seas). This trip was a very last minute bargain holiday (paid just over £200 each with flights from Ryan Air for £30 return!) and the purpose was really to see my Mum & step Dad so my little boy could see his Nana & Granddad (who live in Palma).
My Mum has travelled on the Island Escape around 20 times, often picking up a last minute bargain so she tipped us off about this one. She was a little concerned about what I was expecting and kept stressing it wasn't RCI! Thankfully I'd read all the reviews so was going with an open mind (and the thought that for £200 what could I expect!)
Anyway we arrive in Palma, the embarkation was really smooth and we were on top deck with a drink in hand by 11.30am! First impressions and I was very pleasantly surprised, the ship had clearly had a makeover while in dry dock, their were new (and quite stylish) carpets throughout, yes it was an old ship but it did look like everything had had an overhaul, lovely new varnish on all wood and fresh paint everywhere. After a drink we headed to the cabin, we'd booked an inside / lowest grade to keep the trip cheap and again I was pleasantly surprised. I'd read about tired cabins but ours seemed very cozy, the lighting is very clever / subtle and hides the dated decor well. Personally I was happy with the curtains over the wardrobes, again these seemed new, the bedding was clean, the towel new and the bathroom bigger than I expected. Loads & loads of storage was a bonus too! I was delighted to see a reasonably priced in room mini bar (£3 for a quarter bottle of wine / £2 for a bottle of water) the RCI ones only have soft drinks and I love a nightcap when back in the room. We didn't try and take any drinks onboard but I know a few people who did in their cases with no problems...