Just came back from a week long (1st July - 8th July 2010) cruise on the Island Escape and we loved it. I'd read lots of reviews about the Island Escape before boarding the ship and I was quite apprehensive.

1st things first, this is NOT the cruise for you if your the 'stuck up' and 'hoiti-toiti' type. It is totally informal, relaxed and enjoyable (very enjoyable) as the ship's motto states. And secondly, it's true, the ship is certainly in need of a general upgrade but our enjoyment of the trip was not in any way affected by the ships slightly 'worn' state. (Worn but certainly not dirty!!! I've never seen as many staff constantly cleaning - anywhere like this before - the ship is spotless.)

The food on this boat is amazing. I've been to lots of 'All-Inclusive' resorts and such likes and I've never enjoyed buffet food (and A La Carte) as much as I did on this ship. Not only that, one of our friend's wouldn't eat anything from the buffet so no other than the head waiter came down and arranged for anything she wanted to be cooked for her - I couldn't believe he did that. Read more