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Island Cruises

MS Island Escape

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Reviewed by: John Owens
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: October 15, 2002
Itinerary: Mediterranean

Despite all the bad press we had a fantastic Honeymoon on the Escape. Plenty to do and all very well organised despite the fact we went towards the end of the season (the Escape heads for Brazil at the end of October). As a first time cruise this was an excellent introduction to see if you are suited to life on the ocean waves.

All the bars were clean, well staffed and well presented. There was always somewhere to go for a quiet drink. We ended up in the Sundowner where James played and sang wonderfully (occasionally assisted by Warren....great comedy act). The pool was a bit busy but you could always get a lounger somewhere on the ship.

We ate in the Oasis every night and it was superb. I would say to anyone to do the same. We used the Island a couple of times but found it to be a bit of a scrum. You know how it goes...the greedy ones who keep everybody else waiting as they try to get their plate higher than Vesuvius. The Beachcomber was where we generally had breakfast and lunch AND late night snacks. A major advantage of the Escape is that there is 24 hour food if you want.

Plenty hanging space and kept wonderfully clean by Tetyana. Shower adequate. Comfortable beds. Everything worked fine. How do they do that with the towels?!?!

We saw two shows that were well worth seeing. We avoided the 'Island Star' competition but it seemed popular. All of the entertainers were excellent. Like I have mentioned in Cruise Talk there is one of the dishwashers who plays piano like a genius. He only plays when there is nothing else on. Try and catch him. The staff show was meant to be brilliant as well. I can vouch for some of the waiters who serenaded our table.

Plenty to do for young and old alike. Ports - Palma, Valetta, Naples, Livorno, Toulon & Mahon. We climbed Vesuvio, visited Florence (amazing) & Pisa (Blackpool with a leaning tower), Avignon (serene) and Chateaux-Neuf de Pape (educational). On the boat there was bingo, dancing, chocolate displays, etc. There seemed to be quite good kids clubs as well.

Ages 30-70. Plenty great people but can I have a gangplank on my next cruise to put the moaners on. Generally found the experienced cruisers moaned more or belittled the Escape. A special thanks to John & Mauve and to Paul & Rachel who would all be more than welcome to dinner. All in all a great cruise to get your feet wet on.