written by on 01/09/2011
The Island Escape used to be a ferry and it shows - the ship was not built with cruising in mind and needs to be pensioned off. Thomson is not doing itself any favours in renting this ship.
The food is excellent with a good variety of options at all times of the day and night and the staff work hard however, the ship is sadly lacking. It is tatty, shabby and tired. The corridor walls to some cabins are stained and the cabins themselves are in a bad state.
If you dont mind sleeping in clean but stained bedlinen in a room that smells then this ship is for you. The showers are in a poor state of repair and although for the price you are not expecting luxury, you do expect clean comfortable accommodation of a good standard- this is not it.
We were not the only people on ship to find our cabin in this condition and one person complained so much that the carpet was totally replaced. Who wants to sleep in a cabin smelling of urine?
Regarding evening entertainment, if you like "Butlins" type entertainment then this cruise may be for you as this is what is on offer and you certainly dont need to dress up for the evening, its not that type of ship.
Even as a cruise on a budget, I would not recommend this ship to anyone, its past its sell by date - shame Thomson doesnt recognise this.