Island Cruises, Island Star Reviews
Latest Reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
“What a disappointing Christmas and New Year on the...”
Written on: 21/01/2009 by shell2370 (1 review written)
What a disappointing Christmas and New Year on the Island Star. Only one deck party in 15 nights, poor entertainment and like a 2 star floating hotel. Party of two adults and two teens, most evening entertainment for adults only and teenagers bored from start to finish as most of the teen zone did not happen and take place. Trips of the ship 3x the cost of local tours of the Caribbean. Tours cancelled and still waiting for a refund three weeks later. A very poor effort for Christmas with... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Been cruising before, but this was the first on time...”
Written on: 07/01/2009 by cherilee (1 review written)
Been cruising before, but this was the first on time Island Cruises. We did the Caribbean 15 night cruise in December 2008.
After a 10hr flight we got to the port and sat in the heat for an hour and half before they let us off. No one knew what they were doing. We then had to queue in a shed for another hour and half before we actually got on the ship very late, and there was no-one to show us where to go, and our luggage didn't arrive in our cabin until 11.00pm, so not a good start..
Now...
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★★★★★
“This was the best experience of my life and I have...”
Written on: 11/12/2008 by j rintoul
This was the best experience of my life and I have been abroad a lot, you just cant beat this everyone on this boat were top drawer no kid. 7 days was not long enough. True bliss (read more)
★★★☆☆
“1st cruise, 2 adults 2 teenagers. On entering our...”
Written on: 10/11/2008 by gaelden (1 review written)
1st cruise, 2 adults 2 teenagers. On entering our cabin for first time, it stunk of sewage. At every port bad smell of sewage and diesel. Food in beachcomber was barely warm, coffee and tea was in a plastic cup. Entertainment wasn't all that good. Pestered a lot to buy drinks, soon learnt to say no. Ship looked tired and worn out decor. We paid thousands for this cruise, to be honest, never again, most certainly not on the Island Star. (read more)
★★★★★
“Just got back and had a wonderful time - quite a...”
Written on: 09/11/2008
Just got back and had a wonderful time - quite a pleasant surprise as it was our first cruise. Quite a broad spectrum of people on board, from various backgrounds......suspend your preconceptions and enjoy it, we did, and absolutely loved it. (read more)
★★★★★
“2 adults and 2 kids had a great week. Arrival and...”
Written on: 05/11/2008 by Andy Pettitt (1 review written)
2 adults and 2 kids had a great week. Arrival and check-in was smooth - no hanging around. Cabin was kept spotless with clean linen and towels. Plenty to do for the kids who enjoyed the shows. Didn't go on organised trips as this would have been very expensive for 4 but made our own way around in the ports with plenty of local info available on ship and in the ports.
Food was generally OK but the "themed" nights were disappointing as they seemed frightened to be really authentic with spicy...
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★★★★★
“We were first time cruisers and having booked we then...”
Written on: 29/10/2008 by markandheather (1 review written)
We were first time cruisers and having booked we then looked at the reviews! With some concern we set off and have to say that the whole process ran VERY smoothly with very limited queuing. We were pleasantly surprised by the whole experience and have included some detail below.
For mass catering the food was VERY good - plenty of choice and good quality - and the Island restaurant (formal seating for buffet service) was just right for an informal atmosphere. We were always asked if we...
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Gaelden's Response to markandheather's Review
Written on: 10/11/2008
I disagree with this review because..."look at the pricing"...paid thousands,for a poor standard, you don't expect plastic cups for tea/coffee...I could go on.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Dirty, smelly, stained carpets worn out towels and...”
Written on: 23/10/2008 by Lyne (1 review written)
Dirty, smelly, stained carpets worn out towels and sheets, plastic plates and cups, unprofessional senior staff including the captain, rude waiting on staff. I am so disappointed with the Island Star and this stressful low standard excuse for a cruise. (read more)
★★★★★
“We took cruise on Island Star from 30/8/08 to 07/9/08...”
Written on: 12/09/2008 by J Wilk 7 (1 review written)
We took cruise on Island Star from 30/8/08 to 07/9/08 for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Could not have had a better time. We would definitely go again. (read more)
★★★★★
“This was our first cruise and we all enjoyed it so...”
Written on: 04/09/2008 by itbytes (1 review written)
This was our first cruise and we all enjoyed it so much we can't wait to go again. The "cashless" system on board was very well thought out and worked very well (although it is very easy to get carried away spending!) The staff were always friendly and helpful and the rooms were kept spotless - we especially liked the "towel animals" our steward left us each day. I couldn't get over how much the ship was cleaned. The captain was very down to earth and joined in a lot of the fun. There... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 38 Reviews
★★★★★
“Our first cruise and wasn't disappointed at all, the...”
Written on: 02/09/2008
Our first cruise and wasn't disappointed at all, the crew were fantastic especially the bar man at the Sailaway bar 'top deck'. Food choice was vast and plentiful. Would highly recommend this ship to anyone! Great all round (read more)
★★★★★
“No more to say just fantastic. Every think was just...”
Written on: 26/08/2008
No more to say just fantastic. Every think was just fantastic, this is our second trip on the Island Star we sailed on the 16/08/08 returned on the 23/08/08.
from start to finish it was as I said fantastic.
Cant wait for our next trip.
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★★★★★
“Top holiday, couldn't have asked for more. Absolutely...”
Written on: 20/08/2008
Top holiday, couldn't have asked for more. Absolutely everything was great. I'd recommend to all. (read more)
★★★★★
“Fantastic holiday on the Island Star cruise, loads to...”
Written on: 17/08/2008 by MadMod (1 review written)
Fantastic holiday on the Island Star cruise, loads to do on board for adults and children. Different places to eat to suit all tastes and huge range of food available 24/7. Great places to visit even if the excursions were a bit pricey. Spacious cabins. Staff couldn't do enough for you and were very polite.
Only one problem, towels left on sunbeds all day long - the bar staff did try to remove towels but got a barrage of abuse from the guilty parties.
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★★★★★
“Fantastic, the staff were all very helpful. The food...”
Written on: 11/08/2008 by herbinator (1 review written)
Fantastic, the staff were all very helpful. The food was good and a great choice. The entertainment was great every day and evening. Plenty to do for the kids. The spa was a godsend. Hair straighteners didn't work in room. The rooms were very spacious and airy. Good choice of ports and excursions, although we thought Messina was a bit boring, Barcelona was great for all the family, boys went to football stadium and girls went shopping, overall a fantastic holiday cant wait to go again. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Very pleasant and helpful staff, cabin very clean,...”
Written on: 10/08/2008 by PETER2512 (1 review written)
Very pleasant and helpful staff, cabin very clean, food very good. Even though on Sapphire deck room very noisy from deck above, thought roly polys were doing a turn, not funny between midnight - 4 00am though, (don't stay in cabin 1025, half expected to see Samuel L Jackson on reception desk when I complained, if you've seen the film room 1408 you will know what I mean). Otherwise very enjoyable 1st time cruise and still booked for next year but in a different cabin (read more)
Jul2Ac's Response to PETER2512's Review
Written on: 10/11/2008
Hi Peter, I'm booked on the Sapphire deck for a 2 week cruise in Jan 09. I'm concerned about the noise as I'm a light sleeper. Where was it coming from? I've looked at the maps and it seems there are only restaurants and pools above so I can't see why there would be noise until 4am.<br/>Many thanks.
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Peter2512's Response to PETER2512's Review
Written on: 11/11/2008
We were situated forward of the ship where the cocktail bar was set up during the day and to the left of the bar looking forward,the noise could have come from the crew moving who knows what but also came from the passengers as well,the noise only came from a small area on the deck above our cabin no one else had any problems as i asked a few other people either side of our cabin, so dont worry it just seemed to affect our cabin 1025,also the pools are not open in the evening.we just seemed to be unfortunate,i even found the exact spot where it was coming from (just outside the storage door for the bar) thats why we think it was mainly the crew making the noise, because after we complained it did get a lot better ,apart from that it was a great hol ,so have a great time and just incase take a pair of ear plugs lol.Peter
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Jul2Ac's Response to PETER2512's Review
Written on: 13/11/2008
Thanks so much Peter, I'll know where to avoid now.
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★★★★★
“For a first time cruise we couldn't have picked a...”
Written on: 31/07/2008
For a first time cruise we couldn't have picked a friendlier ship. General cleanliness was very good. Food there was a varied choice of menu and if there was something that wasn't on menu, i.e Chicken nuggets for the children the chefs would cook it especially for you, a great help for picky children. All in all crew very friendly and they always put that little bit of extra attention to the children on board to make them feel special. Nice Touch!!! (read more)
★★★★★
“On the one night of poor weather that we had whilst on...”
Written on: 18/07/2008 by firsttimer
On the one night of poor weather that we had whilst on the Island Star, the Captain showed his experience and altered course and adjusted speed so that we hardly noticed the storm. The Shore excursions are a bit expensive and I am glad to see they have dropped Palermo for next season as we found it absolutely filthy and not recommended. Favourite stop was Mahon. The quality of entertainment in the Bounty Lounge and the Ocean theatre was first class, although as a non smoker I could not enjoy... (read more)
★★★★★
“Arrived home Saturday 12TH July 2008. ”
Written on: 14/07/2008
Arrived home Saturday 12TH July 2008.
Everything on the Island Star was great, everything was so well organised, staff were excellent and very friendly, lots of information given if you wanted to go off on your own. Food was superb and entertainment was very enjoyable even for my two. Would definitely recommend the islands Star for a great holiday.
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★★☆☆☆
“Disappointed with entertainment in main theatre. After...”
Written on: 13/07/2008 by terrythe tap (1 review written)
Disappointed with entertainment in main theatre. After 1st week act should change so you don't see the same in second week. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 38 Reviews
★★★★★
“We enjoyed the places we visited, Corsica was lovely...”
Written on: 21/06/2008 by valerie spinks (1 review written)
We enjoyed the places we visited, Corsica was lovely so was Mahon. Entertainment on board very good ,
We would recommend island star to anyone, great value for your money.
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★★★★☆
“Gave lots of time for excursions, and the food was...”
Written on: 28/04/2008
Gave lots of time for excursions, and the food was well cooked and delicious. Shows on the Island Cruises, Island Star were mainly singing so were very samey. The Scottish cruise director was really good, does any one know his name? (read more)
★★★☆☆
“The cabins on Island Star had plenty of room and were...”
Written on: 07/04/2008 by sezles (1 review written)
The cabins on Island Star had plenty of room and were kept spotless. The showers were nice and hot.
The entertainment in the theatre was very good, the ships dancers and singers were 1st class. Food better on the Escape, if they could put the best of both ships together then they would be 1st class.
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★★★★☆
“Staff polite on the Island Star, cheerful, helpful....”
Written on: 06/04/2008
Staff polite on the Island Star, cheerful, helpful. Cabins require upgrading, though clean & linen changed daily. Food excellent, choice of restaurants. Entertainment excellent. Excellent value for money. Would go again. (read more)
★★★★☆
“I have no hesitation in recommending Island Cruises to...”
Written on: 24/10/2007 by Ian Broadbridge (1 review written)
I have no hesitation in recommending Island Cruises to all our friends and relatives. My wife and I had a great time! Nothing was too much trouble for the crew. The Star comes highly recommended!
Renewal of Wedding Vows package handled very well and my wife was very emotional due to the quality of the whole experience. Good variety of food available in all restaurants.
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★★☆☆☆
“After being moved from deck 4 at the rear, because of...”
Written on: 29/07/2007 by davefairs (2 reviews written)
After being moved from deck 4 at the rear, because of the noise ( mostly around 5.00 a.m - when the ship was docking) to Deck 6 at the side, we expected to be able to sleep in a bit.
No chance! Now we had vibration early in morning.
I had a meeting with the Captain who said this is normal and that we would get this on any cruise ship!!!- but that he made every effort to minimise noise.
If you are Booking or have booked the Island Star, it is my advice that you should book a cabin as far...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“The best holiday we've had in the Mediterranean....”
Written on: 08/07/2007 by Phimo
The best holiday we've had in the Mediterranean. Superb, modern cabin with double bed and balcony. Great food and the friendliest staff we have ever met. Our stewardess kept the cabin spotless every day and the ice and towels were changed twice a day. Good range of shore trips, especially Florence and Pompei. Would recommend this ship to anyone. (read more)
★★★★☆
“This is our fourth cruise, having sailed with Royal...”
Written on: 02/07/2007 by poppyr
This is our fourth cruise, having sailed with Royal Caribbean, MSC and Carnival previously. We picked this cruise because of the itinerary as we hadn't been to any of the ports of call, and we certainly were not disappointed with any of them. Having read loads of reviews after we booked it we were a little apprehensive about what to expect, but we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. It is certainly the shabbiest ship we have been on, but the largest cabin, it was huge, although I think we just... (read more)
★★★★★
“We would cruise again on this ship.”
Written on: 03/06/2007 by alymark
We would cruise again on this ship. (read more)
★★★★☆
“My husband and I have been on quite a few ships and we...”
Written on: 29/04/2007 by Linda Coles
My husband and I have been on quite a few ships and we thoroughly enjoyed our week. We will definitely travel again with the Island Group. I would prefer it they offered the drinks package, I think this ought to be introduced. There were quite a lot of disabled passengers aboard, which was obviously a good point. We spoke to people who were wheelchair bound and they thought the Star was the best ship they had been on as there were very few areas inaccessible to them. The whole package was... (read more)
Thelandlady's Response to 287282_Linda Coles's Review
Written on: 06/07/2007
Hi Linda, we are going on the island star from Palma to Brazil 3 weeks in all, if you have any tips please let me know. Bar prices, laundry and can I take a bottle of booze on board? Thanks!
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Showing 21 - 30 of 38 Reviews
★★★★★
“The ship is well run both by the captain and cruise...”
Written on: 24/11/2006 by peterspiers (1 review written)
The ship is well run both by the captain and cruise director. There was a seamless transition to and from the UK airport to the ship. The whole cruise was geared to providing a memorable holiday experience, which was certainly achieved. Well done Island Star and crew. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Try doing the day trips on your own. At Civitavecchia...”
Written on: 11/10/2006 by billwatson (5 reviews written)
Try doing the day trips on your own. At Civitavecchia for instance, by taking the complimentary bus from the landing point to the town end of the pier and turning right along the promenade, for 9 Euros one can take the train return to Rome. The ticket can also be used for the Metro.
In Nice, 3 Euros 20 will take you to Monte Carlo and Monaco by local bus.
We had mixed feeling over the theatre. Whilst we could always get a seat upstairs, we tended to be a bit far from the show.
The staff...
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“Overall this ship is bigger than the Island Escape but...”
Written on: 24/09/2006 by ian5w (1 review written)
Overall this ship is bigger than the Island Escape but the Escape seems to be a lot quieter and smoother when at sea, the crew was very friendly and helpful, never saw any of them looking miserable or sad and they always had a smile on their faces. The captain was very approachable and always willing to stop and chat, so overall it was a very good cruise with lots to do and see.
Very good value if you are looking for a cheap cruise with a relaxed atmosphere, but next year we might try...
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★★★☆☆
“This was our 4th cruise and first on Island Star. Have...”
Written on: 11/09/2006 by iml54 (1 review written)
This was our 4th cruise and first on Island Star. Have also been on Island Escape and Ocean Village. There are some aspects of Island cruises which are very good... the staff are very helpful and certainly work their socks off. For a ship that is "new" to Island there are several key areas that are disappointing. Many of the loungers are past the point of reasonable use. The entertainment was typical of cruises but was an enjoyable way to spend an evening. Some of the shows are let down by... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“cruises from hell, never again, I doubt my family will...”
Written on: 28/08/2006 by lisa broadley (2 reviews written)
cruises from hell, never again, I doubt my family will ever recover (read more)
★★★★★
“The Star is an excellent ship and it has just been...”
Written on: 18/07/2006 by joe1955 (1 review written)
The Star is an excellent ship and it has just been refurbished. I think it was the Horizon on Celebrity Cruises previously. The food was excellent. The service was first class. The entertainment was of a very high standard throughout. The Steakhouse was superb, but there was a £10 per person cover charge. The rooms were pretty big and a lot bigger than comparable ones on Thomson's Celebrity. The captain and his staff were very personable, and they mixed well with the passengers. The... (read more)
★★★★★
“From start to finish, Island Cruises were very...”
Written on: 20/06/2006 by sue and richard (1 review written)
From start to finish, Island Cruises were very professional and customer focused. From the airport and coach to embarkation, it was all very professional and quite quick. Disembarkation day was clear, organised, and again professionally conducted. Staff on-board are very friendly. I have never been on any other ship where the Officers, and especially the Captain are so approachable, and one evening during the cruise they all dance for the guests on deck on both the Escape and Star.
It's a...
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Sue And Richard's Response to sue and richard's Review
Written on: 14/07/2006
Very helpful and informative
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★★★★☆
“We decided to give Island cruises a try after hearing...”
Written on: 03/05/2006 by patena2ya (5 reviews written)
We decided to give Island cruises a try after hearing that they had acquired a new ship, and it had been refurbished.
It had been refurbished, but mainly the public areas.
Most of the cabins were a little shabby, bland and well used, although very clean.
New Captain and crew, and it was only the second time out, as the ship had done a 2-week voyage before ours.
We had a balcony cabin that had a new balcony fitted, and that was all the refurbishment the cabin had had. They were certainly...
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Bertie's Response to patena2ya's Review
Written on: 08/05/2006
'You could wait 20 minutes after ordering for your drink to be brought'. That's to get you dying of thirst so you'd want to buy the bottle!
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overview
Top 5 Mediterranean Cruises
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
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1. Island Cruises, Island Escape
251 reviews read latest review -
2. Royal Caribbean, Independence of the Seas
120 reviews read latest review -
3. Ocean Village Cruises, Ocean Village Mediterranean
59 reviews read latest review -
4. Thomson Cruises, Spirit
31 reviews read latest review -
5. Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Jade
53 reviews read latest review
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Jude Obscure's Response to cherilee's Review
Written on: 16/01/2009
Have to say been on the Star and am female but do not fall within your discription and nor did a lot of others I met!
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