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cleevale
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18-02-2008 08:27 PM
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Joined: 18 Feb 2008
Posts: 1
| My husband and I are going on our first cruise in Feb 09 . Have been advised the Island Star is a good introduction if you have never cruised before.
I have read every review I can find which range from fantastic to a 'ship like a dirty car ferry', to Butlins on the sea.
Am I being paranoid or do I have cause for concern. We are due to go on 12th Feb for 14 nights (Caribbean), is it likely to be overrun with children, is the pool really as small as people say.
We chose this cruise because of the destinations.
I dont mean to sound negative but we are going on the agents recommendations and I am getting nervous.
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John
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18-02-2008 08:34 PM
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Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 1100
My Profile
| I wouldnt say so as its not school holidays....well 1 week is here but its doubtful they will fly all that way. You may get a couple but not loads.
Cabins are nice on the star, a lot bigger than the escape. The Escape was a passenger ferry that worked up the american coast and not the star.
The only problem i have with Island cruises is that to eat in the proper restaurant you have to pay extra, which i disagree with totally. That was what put us off going with the company again, along with that young lass Kirsty on the island escape who had the breathing problems and david and victoria beckham loved. Well they were onboard raising money and everywhere you walked they were shoving donation envelopes in your hand or under your cabin door which was out of order, and i told the family so as well. We never had a proper holiday because of all the hassle they caused people about giving money. I do sometimes give to charity, but not those that are in your face and pretty much force you to give.
I must say though, its not bad for a first time cruise, thomsons are pretty good and worth a try as well. Also the ocean village comes highly rated by some.
The pool is adequate size and could fit probably 50 people in with relative ease. I've seen a lot smaller ones in my time!
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My Latest Review: Oct 2007 Las Torres Apartments, Benidorm (9/10)
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nanabo
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24-02-2008 02:39 PM
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Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 536
My Profile
| The star is Ok for 1st cruise then as you move to finer ships you can see the difference in quality. Our first cruise was the Seawing which we thought wonderful but as we have moved on, we realise the cabin was rubbish. But as I said the star is Ok nice and friendly and they look after you
ENJOY
Bo
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My Latest Review: Jul 2007 Renaissance Harbourside Hotel, Vancouver (10/10)
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escape
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08-03-2008 02:50 PM
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Joined: 08 Mar 2008
Posts: 7
| Like you we are sailing on the Escape in Nov to Brazil. As this is a special Anniversary and they are the only dates that coincide we are apprehensive after reading all the negative reports like yourselves, dirty ship, ex car ferry, small cabins, rubbish crew, However I have been told on good authority that the Escape is under a refurbishment, to what extent I donot know but anything is better than how it has been described. We sailed with Ocean Majesty in 2006 small ship but that was a carry ferry, could not fault the hol at all, very comfortable,good food and good crew infact going again in May with them. When you reach a certain age you like to think all the good comforts are there. i
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CornishCruiser
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19-05-2008 12:35 PM
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Joined: 19 May 2008
Posts: 8
| We have cruised with Island 3 times now. Unfortunately can't quite afford 'posh' cruise fares!!
We have always had a super time, the staff are amazing.
As with all holidays you come across the moaners & whingers, nothing will ever be good enough for them!! A lot of people we spoke to said Islands excursions were very competively priced, and better than on some 'better' cruise lines.
If you want pomp, splendour & glass lifts, Island is not for you, however if you are just happy to enjoy yourself & put up with less star spangled surroundings you will be fine.
We would travel with Island again.
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