    
  Island Star and Escape, april 2006
Reviewer: Theresa Smith from sheffield, yorkshire
Our first ever cruise was on the island escape in september 2005 and since then we have done 10 cruises, seven of them with the Island Group. Our first cruise on the star was in april this year and we were well impressed. On our flight we bumped into friends we hadn't seen for a couple of years who were taking thier first cruise on this ship too and we had a whale of a time. We had a balcolny cabin which was lovley and spacious; it was wonderful to leave the door open overnight and listen to the sea as we travelled.
The staff were really friendly and attentive and the staff that had been on the escape the previous season rembered us! The restaurants were wonderfully spacious and clean and the staff make you feel really special. We dined in all the restaurants and found the Oasis and the steak house were as good as any London restaurant we have dined in before. The afternoon teas were a special treat and I took mine in the Captain's Club next to the fire, which was really relaxed. The treatments in the spa were superb and the hairdressers really took time to listen, it must be difficult for them as they have never met you before but they did a wonderful job. The evening entertainment was spot on and we partied from one bar to another wishing the week would never end!
We have just returned from a week on the island escape where we managed to secure the grand island suite at last (we've been wanting to stay in it since our first cruise) and it was worth every penny; I would definitely go again. On our return we showed friends the dvd, which we were gobsmacked to see ourselves, and having never done a cruise they said they would love to try one, so tomorrow we fly to mallorca with friends to enjoy a week of pampering, serenity, fun, good food, good company and peace of mind that it will be another well enjoyed holiday upon the Island Star!
Island Star, June 2006
Reviewer: Edna Stinchcombe from Bristol
All the good stuff from the Island Escape and then some!
Spacious, friendly & relaxed with all the facilities that you need. We had a deluxe balcony room which included a fridge, TV and all that you would expect for a 5 star hotel room. Lots of wardrobe & draw space, a settee, coffee table and 2 arm chairs. The room was attended at least twice a day topping up ice, changing towels, extra towels for the pool, and mini-bar facility also air conditioning. American style sockets so bring 110 volt adapter, however the shops on board do sell if you forget. The shops are open while at sea and each evening has special offers (lovely handbags).
We like to dress up for dinner and don't mind paying a supplement for 'fine dining' so we ate in the Oasis Restaurant 13 out of 14 evenings, the other was spent in the Steak House having a lovely T bone steak, however we prefer more formal starters to the self service salad/fish chart on offer. The Oasis & Steak House require booking & not everything on the menu carries a supplement charge - on average we spent between £10 & £20 most evenings but that was 4 courses and ate things like lobster, steak & Beef Wellington.
We had breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and supper in the 24/7 Beachcomer, which also had themed nights. We didn't go into the Island Restaurant but this is very popular with most cruisers. Yes, you do have to wait to be seated and can sit on a table with others and is mainly self service but each to their own and what you are prepared to pay for! The service day or night in bars, restaurants, shops basically anywhere was very efficient and friendly.
The deck space was larger than the Escape and two very hot tubs and showers. There is a plunge pool for the little ones but both are quite cold. The pool was big enough to feel that you have had a swim! Generally the sun beds are available but there are those with a selfish mentality by putting towels out but the good news here is that towels will be moved if the bed is noticed to be empty for over 30 minutes you only have to ask. The day at sea is the hardest day to get a bed, so get out there early.
Entertainment was great fun and the teams work very hard to offer a wide range of entertainment, from poolside quizzes to West End style entertainment and ending with the late night disco. However if you just want to sit around you can in three areas with background entertainment, piano players and late night cabaret as well as the two big entertainment areas. The Ocean is a two tier theatre effect which is non-smoking; part of the Bounty is also non-smoking.
The pool has one side for smokers and the other non-smoking. The excursions are varied and even have a healthy option for bike riders (too much like hard work for us) we went on a couple and thought they were excellent and well organised. The trip to the Vatican gardens was expensive but wonderful we avoided all the queues and didn't feel like cattle being herded from one attraction to another.
We have been to most of the ports of call before so did our own thing but from past experience the trips were well organised and the tour guides are very informative giving country history with a lot of statistics if you are interested. A couple of trips meant very early rising but as the Beachcomber is 24/7 a good breakfast is ready for all early risers. Also there is a fitness suite on board and organised fitness sessions to work off those extra pounds that you will put on as everything is so good it is very difficult to resist.
Watch out for the cocktails as well and the 2-4-1 drink offers. Although tipping is included in the cost, you will find that most people tip their cabin stewards and favourite waiter. There were some families on board and there are facilities for them however the pool seems very crowded with only half a dozen boisterous kids and there doesn't seem to be much for the older teenagers who are not interested in doing arts, crafts, treasure hunts or playing in the arcade. There are a few internet points and a library.
If you understand forward, aft, midship and starboard & port then you will be able to find your way around the ship very well but there are maps on all floors and you only need to ask if you are not sure, take the stairs a few times for the adventure and go and see the reception area for grandeur.
We enjoyed our trips with the Island Escape but the Island Star in comparison is excellent it’s like buying a newer model of your favourite car with all the regular features but with added mod cons. We would recommend this ship to anyone but if you want to avoid the children don't book in school holidays.
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