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Island Escape 27/11/09

suzyqholidaygirl

By suzyqholidaygirl,
in Island Cruises

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suzyqholidaygirl

suzyqholidaygirl

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Hi we are on the Island Escape on 27/11/09 too. It will be our first time on this ship. We have been on Ocean Village twice and loved the freestyle cruising. The All inclusive drinks package was what clinched it for us as the bar bill can be a bit of a shock. We know the ship is old and that the cabins are smaller than on Ocean Village but from what I have found out the other aspects of the cruise more than make up for it and it isnt as expensive as some cruise ships. Also the tips are included in the price. (you can of course give an extra tip to favourite members of staff).

We have cruised the Med and the Caribbean but the Canaries will be a first for us. We are looking forward to seeing Madeira in particular but not sure we want to go on shore in Morocco having been to Tangier and Tunisia. We hated the experience there so may stay on board that day.

Anyone cruised the Canaries end of November? Are the seas rough? Is the Island Escape a big enough ship to give a smooth ride?

One other thing, Is it true that Island Escape dont provide Tea and Coffee making facilities or hairdryers in the cabins?

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Cymro1953

Cymro1953

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Hi Suzy,

 

We're doing it in December, it will be a 1st time in the Canaries for us.

My colleague in work did it last December on one of the other Thomson ships. She said the weather was warm enough for strappy tops in the day and even though she had taken cardis to cover her shoulders for the evenings she didn't need them, it was that warm.

 

There are no hair dryers in the cabins, but they have them at reception on deck 5, or you could take your own.

As far as tea making is concerned it's available 24 hours in the Beachcomer. We've got those aluminium thermal mugs with lids you can get cheap in ASDA etc. if you fancy an early morning cuppa in your cabin. Lots of people did that last time we were aboard.

 

We were worried with Morocco, but reading the stuff on the Thomson's board from those that went last year.

Most recommend an organised excursion

If you look here you can get an idea of some

http://www.thomsonbeach.co.uk/th/cruise/viewPortDetails.do?portCode=002112

 

Berwyn

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Cymro1953

Cymro1953

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Did you book excursions before you went or on the ship?

Hi Darwin,

No you can't book until you are aboard now Thomson's have taken over.

There should be a newsletter with a list in your cabin when you board.

You can see some of them here on the Thomson Ports of Call page

 

http://www.thomsonbeach.co.uk/th/cruise/viewPorts.do?portCode=&seasonCode=W2009&countryCode=

 

Just scroll downand find the port you want.

 

Berwyn

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Crinkle

Crinkle

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Tickets arrived today! Yey! Couple of questions to those of you who have done this ship before... Is it true you use cash on the ship on your last day? At bars etc? Oh and did you guys get all the cabin details, and stickers for luggage before you get on your transfer coach? Thanks!

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Gold Crew

Gold Crew

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Hi All

 

Our tickets have also arrived...hoo rah:D. Good questions Crinkle as I had read this as well.

 

A question I would like to know is on disembarkation day our flight does not leave till 4.20pm, what time do you have to be the ship for or can you use the facilities until your transfer to the airport?:confused:

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Cymro1953

Cymro1953

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Hi Crinkles and Wilma,

Last time we were aboard we didn't leave till late and we went ashore and before and after used the ship's facilities. Beachocomber was open all day for food and drink.

 

We didn't spend anything on the ship

 

Berwyn

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Crinkle

Crinkle

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Hi Crinkles and Wilma,

Last time we were aboard we didn't leave till late and we went ashore and before and after used the ship's facilities. Beachocomber was open all day for food and drink.

 

We didn't spend anything on the ship

 

Berwyn

 

Well that's what I thought it would be like, but on our tickety-book thing, it does say 'during your last day, drink can be purchased for a selection of bars using cash only'.

Strange, you'd think as long as they have a scan of your credit card, you'd be fine to use your account card, and they'd just bill you. Ah well, we'll make sure we have cash just incase.

Our flight doesn't leaveTenerife till 19:50, so pretty much a full last day on the ship.

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Crinkle

Crinkle

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Hi Crinkle,

We were something similar last year and were still on board for afternoon tea about 4p.m.

The waitress thought we were staying aboard for the next cruise. No such luck

 

Berwyn

 

Oh how nice would that be!

Well we did last yr.. back to back colourful coasts cruise.. yes we really do like it that much :)

Nice feeling watching everyone leave, and everyone arrive.. and us just sat watching people.

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Cymro1953

Cymro1953

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Yes, they kept sliding offers under the door each evening with ship's paper.

And closer it got to end of cruise the cheaper the prices.

Of course there was no need for airfare in that as all they would have done is rearranged our return flight.

It would have been great if we'd been retired and no dog at home waiting for us.

 

Berwyn

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Simples

Simples

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We got tickets today with luggage labels and confirmation of booked cabin, and yes the last day you will be using cash at the bar according to the ticket booklet. Although last June AI was good until you left the ship, Not so this trip. Had I have know that I would not have paid for AI this time. We slipped up there is no way we can drink enough to break even. But we will try, Ha Ha

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Cymro1953

Cymro1953

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We slipped up there is no way we can drink enough to break even. But we will try, Ha Ha

 

You'll have to stay on board the while week, go on no excursions and drink the most expensive drink on the A.I. List all day, every day. :D ...Hic!!

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Cymro1953

Cymro1953

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We live and learn. LOL

We're just lucky here. One of our local T.A.'s is part of Thomson's group and do offers that as well as early booking included A.I. we got half price cabin upgrade and they give us free return escorted coach transport to airport.

 

Berwyn

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