We have recently returned from a cruise of the Western Med and this was the first time we have cruised on the Island Escape and it will be our last. Firstly the good points. The embarkation at he port of Palma was very slick and professional, indeed quicker than other cruise lines we have travelled with. The second good point was the staff which includes the waiters and cabin attendants. They were all friendly, polite and very professional but thats where the good points finish.

The cabin was small and very tired looking. The ship is currently in dock for three months before it starts cruising again in the New Year and I hope Thomson's have budgeted for an overall complete decoration of the ship during this period, but I doubt it. The 'informal' dress code for dinner was a joke. Although some dressed for dinner quite a few did not and quite frankly were more suitably dressed to eat at McDonalds. The food is buffet style with limited choice, repetative and nothing outstanding. Sometimes the meals were barely warm. You could eat at another restaurant with a supplement of £14.99 which we did and was far more superior and waiter service.

The entertainment was substandard and many guests complained that the theatre was too small and unable to find seating and therefore many could not attend the shows. Although quite frankly those that could not attend the shows did not miss much. Read more