Having enjoyed a few cruises, including Thomson who we have always found to be extremely good, we booked this last minute, all inclusive, on The Island Escape..."its' cheap so we will take it for what it is" we agreed, after all Thomson cruise have never let us down. Sadly "taking it for what it is" was so very difficult!

Firstly having registered my card at reception, I have been charged for items that were not ours, albeit corrected and refunded, now they have just taken payment for a second time for on board services, which I have spent an hour on the phone to try and get rectified. 15 DAYS LATER AND i AM STILL WAITING FOR A REFUND. One lift out of service (and has been for some time apparently) made life difficult when most of the port departures were from the lowest deck (3) Our level too which, although it was very basic and old, was clean and tidy. Sadly not quiet though, no problem with engines noises, but the sound of a steam press and I assume bedding being hung, woke us late at night and very early in the morning.

Food: stands out as being cheap compared to other ships, the two restaurants always served the same menu, so no point looking for a variation, unless you want to pay extra to sit behind some pinned up net curtaining in the main thoroughfare to and from the Beachcomber restaurant( saw one lady trip up over these) Read more