we travel with hard cases , we keep them opened out and they side under the beds just as long as the depth is ok

Cases should fit under the bed and that is a good tip with leaving them open. If not then your Cabin Steward will take them away for you to store.
Not sure about Island Cruises but most will.

Sue

Leaving them open under the bed also gives instant storage for "used" clothes and starts the packing process for coming home.

Has anyone came back recently from the Island escape ?

Our most recent review was from this month so as up to date as you can get HERE

luci

Thank you Luci, i am still trying to find my way about, i think i have it sussed , then i am lost again . Will keep trying

You're doing fine. At least you posted in this existing topic rather than start a new one which a lot of people make the mistake of doing.

luci

Hi Mary j
We haven't been on the Island Escape recently but did go on her last Aug and loved it to bits!
You will have a fab time, the ship is so friendly (or should I say the crew is) The kids will love it if you have any travelling with you as the entertainment for them is really good (pjs partys and make-up lessons for the girls, sports for boys and girls plus photo shoots etc)
The cabins are ok, we had a cabin for 4 and found it adequate for the time we was in it. Just get a routine going in the mornings and evenings for showers etc.
The food is excellent-- could not fault anything at all we ate for the whole time..and the entertainment the same.

Have fun and write a report when you return

Regards Liz.

Hi All.
Thinking of going on the Island Escape in Sept. What price should I be looking at for that Month and also I am thinking of getting the ALL Inclusive Package What drinks are available in this package.
Thanks in advance. Flan

Hi Flan
Price will depend on how long and how many people etc .
All inclusive includes Smirnoff Vodka , Bodingtons Beer, Brandy, Whisky, Rum, other beers and spirits, Cocktails of the day, Coke, fruit juice, Sprite and other drinks too. It really is very good and its from 10am-2am inclusive.
We loved it and would highly recommend it .
TIP-If you do book, when you ask for Vodka make sure you ask for smirnoff or you only get the cheaper brand.
Have a shop around.
Liz mc

Regarding pricing, because the date is following the school summer hols, you should be able to get a late booking (a couple of weeks before) at £349 max for an inside cabin from London. Other airports will carry a supplement. To be brutally honest, in my opinion, this cruiseline and ship is not worth any more than that.

I only speak as I find ...and have to say this ship was all I expected and more for value, cleanliness, friendliness, Entertainment and the shore excursions where reasonably priced. For e.g this year I have booked a Royal Carribean Cruise as it was recommended to me, and have emailed them 3 x with a quiestion and had no reply other than the standard email, "we have received your email and someone will email you within the next 24/48 hours". I booked through Vacations to go and emailed them to tell them what I wanted, I had a reply the same day of them...they had a very quick responce of Royal! possibly because thats who they sell there cabins through?? who knows.

When on Island Escape I was instantly responded to! The small ship seems to have the more personal touch. Also the excursions on Royal Carribean are expensive, they are very overpriced for e.g Rome (like for like) £50 Island £110 Royal Carribean!

I can't comment on whether or not Royal Carribean is the better holiday for us yet as I haven't sailed on her yet, but would be happy to be going back on Island Escape this year...only booked Royal as it was £100 cheaper than I/E and have to say they get there money back on trips, spa and hairdressing and drinks in comparison to Island.

Enjoy go for it as you won't be disappointed.
Liz

I will be extremely disappointed if you don't find RCCL better than Island Cruises. The first being the age and facilities of the Ships.
With RCCL the tend to want you to use your TA for any information needed. They will not do anything for you unless you go through your TA.
Whether there is some legal reason for this I don't know but I use a trusted TA who will get me anything like price reductions etc.
I keep my eye on the Cruise Company web site and see what they are selling a cruise I have booked. When and if that price drops I get that reduction applied but I need to do it through my TA. If you book directly with the Company then they will deal with you directly.

Sue

Thanks Liz for comments. Will be interested to hear your experience of RCI cruising compared to IE. Can only speak personally but, for us, now that we have experienced RCI and other similar lines the thought of going back to Island is a non-starter. Incidentally, you can get to Rome by train return for 9 euros, the ticket also gives you metro transport, and Rome is extremely simple to self explore.

Hi Hamrag
We are going to D.I.Y Rome and have pre-purchased tickets for S/Chapel, we are looking forward to RC and hope its as good as Keela says.
Regards
Liz.

LizMc- if you booked via a Travel Agent then RCCL will not communicate with you directly- all info has to be obtained from your TA.
I am sure you will love your cruise.

Hi Liz, when we were in Rome last month we got off the train at the San Petro stop which is only a 10 minute stroll to St Peter's. We then walked along to the Forum/Coliseum area via the Pantheon and Trevi fountain. Previously we had always gone on to Terminii, a further 15 minutes or so, but discovered this time that San Petro is just as quick to get back to from the Forum area as Terminii. Also it is very much smaller and therefore more straightforward to find platform etc.

Whats that all about on the Island Escape.
Having to pay to go into the main Restaurant. Surely thats smacks of 1st and 2nd class.
I know you have those other grill cafes which are free.
Just back from the Destiny and you can go and eat anywhere you fancy.
I was thinking of booking this girl but the feeling of being either 1st or 2nd class has put me off.
Whats everyone's view on this.

regards

Colin B Northern Ireland

You don't pay for the main restaurant, unless it has changed. There is another smaller restaurant where you have to pay a supplement, like many ships. Certainly the main restaurant is buffet style, but not pay!