IE and useless info 2

[jengef]

It's a bit quiet on here today, where is everyone. Any more reviews yet.

[joff]

Hi Jengef,

I must say that the rough sea caused a few people a few problems but not for us,(just drank more wine) LOL

I did notice though that the show team struggled to keep their footing on the stage which is hardly surprising as most of the passengers couldn't even stay sat in there seats at times.

As regards future cruises I am looking at the Thomson Spirit in the Summer (Baltics) and the Spirit in October (Med)

[jengef]

Danni did say it was quite bad one night, she nearly fell out of her bunk. She said she took some travel sickness pills and was ok but didn't get much sleep.

She said she fell over one night going off stage but that was more due to the fact that someone had put a monitor in the way while she was on stage. Think she said a young girl in the audience saw her trip and laughed.

The crew haven't had much chance to get their saelegs I suppose as the ship was in dry dock most of the 2 weeks previous as well.

Hopefully I'll get to go outin June for a week but otherwise I won't get to see the ship the shows and most importantly her till end of October.

I'd love to do another Princess cruise but we'll have to see how our chip shop season goes

[Rebel Rouser]

Hello folks ...I know you've missed me :p

 

Have been working extended hours of late..to much work for 1 man since my colleague died last month...was his funeral this week and was my task to clear his locker and tools etc from the work place (not good) but now need to move on :D he would have been proud of me at the cremation are you supposed cheer when the curtains close :eek: a few odd looks (joking) but it was't a sad funeral..when we went to the wake..the 1st word we heard was from one of his old drinking mates....He was a Piss taking old Bas**** but with no malice intended...that was exactly how I would have desrcibed him.

 

They have now given a Trainee to work with me...(not happy) should have replaced John..(he will never be replaced legend and character) with another skilled Engineer) more hours I cane cope with now...role on 67 days when they will then find out I was right!!!!!!!!!!!!.

 

 

RR not Ross Roberts

[joff]

just had an alternative to the spirit cruise out of Harwich offered for less than thomsons have quoted but on the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the seas.

2 questions please

1, What are the extra charges with this type of cruise, ie tips, service charges etc.

2, What is the entertainment on board like compared to thomsons/island escape.

Any thoughts people?

[Rebel Rouser]

After a short stop in Ajicco (corsica) we are now on our way to Civitavecchia ...calm waters all the way :D

[Rebel Rouser]

just had an alternative to the spirit cruise out of Harwich offered for less than thomsons have quoted but on the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the seas.

2 questions please

1, What are the extra charges with this type of cruise, ie tips, service charges etc.

Tipping:

Royal Caribbean suggests a per person per day gratuity of $3.50 for the stateroom attendant ($5.75 if sailing in a suite); $3.50 for the waiter; $2.50 for the Assistant Waiter; .75 Head Waiter. These gratuities may be paid in cash or charged to your onboard account. For children sailing as third or fourth passenger in the stateroom, tipping is at the parents' discretion.

A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage tabs. Gratuities for room service, spa, casino and other staff are at your discretion.

 

 

2, What is the entertainment on board like compared to thomsons/island escape.

 

Entertainment:

The two-level Aurora Theatre has an Arctic theme, with sculptured balconies, sidewalls and parterre divisions resembling glacial landscapes, and a dazzling stage curtain inspired in the Aurora Borealis. Sight lines are excellent, and you're highly likely, whatever your musical prejudices, to enjoy the likes of Rockin' in Paradise, a special-effects-laden celebration of tropical music. Lounges have pianists and combos playing everything from C&W to jazz. The lobby bar has a group performing Broadway show tunes each night. Two non-first-run movies are screened daily in the ship's cinema. In-cabin movies are also scheduled throughout the day.

 

 

 

Any thoughts people?

 

 

Just a few :) tipping would upset me ;)

[Rhanna]

So excited E tickets came in the post today (thought e tickets came via email) ????? Whatever happened to the booklet?

 

Can't wait.

[Rebel Rouser]

Cost cutting with the "E" tickets...plus less of a green footprint :)

[jengef]

Not sure if royal Caribbean are the same as princess in the way of automatic tips. On princess you can cancel the automatic cabin tip( with them $15 day per person) and then tip the people who you want to tip for good service at the end. Couldn't stop the 15% bar one though!

Glad the good ship got good weather. Not had chance to speak to Danni since Tuesday I've been working:( She had a couple of people say hi to her saying they've read about her on here plus one of her tutors from uni is on the ship this week. Is it Rome tomorrow. Think she said she'd got off duties tomorrow so she could do the tourist bit( god help her credit card)

Glad the funeral went ok RR.

[moto9]

So excited E tickets came in the post today (thought e tickets came via email) ????? Whatever happened to the booklet?

 

Can't wait.

 

Hi Rhanna! :) We are on board same date as you! We received our E tickets today also & by post. They asked us to check the email address but they have contacted us on this same address before so don't know why they are using post.

We are on for two weeks & really looking forward to it. :D This will be our third year on IE.

Good to hear of someone else on same date! :)

[Rebel Rouser]

I hate you lot who are going soon...:p

[EssexOldGirl]

:D:D Another favourable review from last week on this website. Food good; entertainment good; even mentioned some sunshine, so roll on next Tuesday

[Rhanna]

Hi Moto

 

We are on for 2 weeks too.

 

We have been on IE every year since 2002 - we love it. Lost count but nearing 28 weeks in total.

 

We can raise our glasses to RR while on board. Look forward to meeting you.

 

Nan x

[Rebel Rouser]

Good morning peeps :D

 

Alll thoughts have gone from cruising this week end :eek:

 

Biggest game in my teams History tomorrow when we travel me included (car full) expecting 100 fans travelling down to Maldon (Essex) to play in the Ryman Div 1 north. Leiston need just 3 points from there remaining 3 games to gain promotion to the Premier division with back to back promotions COYBB.

 

Over and out

 

RR <----- not Ross Roberts :p

[jengef]

Now now RR it'll be your turn to go soon. Good luck with the footy.

Mo and nan bet your getting really excited. Do you get a different couloured card with island the more cruises you do like princess do?

EssexOldGirl Dannis birthday is while your on the good ship so can you give her my love as her birthday card prob won't get there in time as I haven't posted it yet. Does anyone know if you can have flowers sent or bought from the ship?

[Rebel Rouser]

Jen..send card to Essex girl to take on board :p

 

No different coloured cards to show how many times you have been on the IE if there was I would be up to Gold :D this year will be 11th and 12th times.

And flowers can be sent from the ship..get her flowers sent to her on the night she is on stage ;)

 

RR <----- Not Ross Roberts

[jengef]

Good idea that about the flowers RR , any idea who I call to do it. Also sending the card with someone else a good idea apart from ot even bought one yet. Aren't I the bad parent :D

Any more reviews anywhere yet.

[Rebel Rouser]

Ok here we go Jen :D

 

We were very worried when we arrived due to reading some poor reviews. However our fears were unfounded. The ship is fine, the cabin was bigger than we expected and comfortable and all aspects of the cruise were good. The entertainment is very good and the food is basic but acceptable. The service, from every member of staff, was truly excellent and the attention to detail was better than we have experienced in some five star hotels. In summary this is certainly a three star cruise in terms of accommodation and dining but with five star service. Fantastic value for money and we would return 9/10

 

just returned from a week on the island escape. had the most amazing time. the staff are very friendly and cant do enough for you, food was excellent and entertainment was fab. julian, cruz & vitrok were our waiters in the island restaurant and treated us like royalty. i was with another 4 members of my family and are looking forward to booking up for next year 10/10

 

the service is exceptional. No other way to discribe it. A greatendly service from every single member of staff from bar and catering to domestic and entertainment. The service you recieve from the bar staff especially. They remember each and every person and their likes and dislikes. You do not have to move an inch. They attend to your every need with a curtious professionalism.

The liner is dated and need of decorating but it caterers for every need. At the end of the day you only go to the cabins to sleep. They are comfortable and warm. Have a good shower though small.Plenty of storage space and t.v.

The evening shows are great. Something different every night. Casino small but inviting. Restaurants fantastic. Loads of variety to choose from. Themed nights, english and continental foods. Open twenty four seven. Excellent for those urges at three in the morning after the nightclub closes.

Lively pub with friendly people. Great place to meet new mates.

There was nothing i didnt like. Everything about the escape is fantastic.

Shore excursions are very good. There are those with activities for the more health consious person. i.e bike riding, walking tours and for those less able a lot of choice of coach tours too.

Family friendly. Although there were many children on board they were rarely seen as they have their own areas.

Internet available for those who wish to stay i touc with family and friends.h 10/10

 

"we loved it"

 

This is the first time we had been on a cruise and we were a bit nervous about how it would be.

The first time we steped onto the gangplank we were welcomed by lots of the crew.We were shown to our cabin on deck 3 it was a bit tired and dark but everything was in there.Over night we had a flood and we phoned reception everything was moved out ,all of our clothes were laundered and we were moved to deck 7 the cabin was exellent and the crew sent up a bottle of wine and fruit .The service was exellent it was all very informal and as i have coaelliac disease my diet was catered for very well i didnt have to worry about anything.

I would thoughly recomend it to anyone who wants an informal cruise and a really good relaxing holiday.

Thanks to all onboard the Island escape well done.

Lindsay and Nigel Baldaro Somerset uk.

 

Booked pretty much last minute and having read the reports was a bit apprehensive but have to admit I was pleastantly surprised.

Embarkation was pretty smooth and our Deck 9 cabin was clean and nicely decorated. Air con was fine, though in our sons cabin a bit noisy which took 2 visits to Reception to get sorted. Decent TV, though why Eurosport had to be in German was beyond anyone that I spoke to.

The food was very good with plenty of selection always available including a well stocked Salad area. Dessert was the only slight moan, lack of options and variety. Drinks were reasonably priced and their was always a waiter in easy reach.

Entertainment was good, the ships crew can sing and dance well enough but found their performances a little bit repetitive. The Caberet acts were all good, particularly the comedian, Paul Eastman, who really related to the audience and was very funny.

The swimming pool was a liitle small but adequate with plenty of loungers available.

Internet access was available but was really slow, if your going to offer something as a service you need to do it well or not at all, this was not good value as you waited so long for your connection.

There is a safe in the cabin but you have to pay for the key from Reception ( about £30 I think), thought this was a cheek as the safe was there anyway.

Sports court is not massive but was well used, they should organise some events though as none were scheduled at all.

Overall the ship is a lot better than I had expected, having had a refurb over the Winter, public areas were clean and well maintained, and there was a nice feel to the ship.

The Captain and crew were very hospitable and freindly, and made you feel at home and at ease.

Excursions were good, and reasonably priced and there was plenty of choice.

Ports of call were beautiuful places, fell in love with Toulon, but a great selection of top places.

Definetely a good cruise and excellent value for money.

 

Just a few to be going on with ;)

[Rebel Rouser]

Raining in Civitavecchia today..:mad:

[Nix111]

Only 4 sleeps to go for us, getting rather excited now! Looks like the weather is picking up too, sunshine forecast for Palma Tuesday then hope the captain chases some sunshine on the sea day, looking forward to Corsica on Thursday, not been there before - any tips? Is there a good beach in walking distance? Any decent shopping (my other half will be hoping not!)

 

Anyone else sailing next week? We'll have company anyway as my Mum & StepDad who live in Majorca are joining us, holiday with built in babysitting for my 4 year old - heaven!

 

I've been dieting in advance of those lovely afternoon teas I keep hearing about :-)

 

I'll post a review when we are back, I've been loving reading all the reviews, so pleased people post them so quickly on return, I was worried there wouldn't be any before we go.

 

My only fear is my other half will love it so much (in particular the price tag) and I'll be banned from doing another RCI cruise!!

 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend ::)

[stevedeccaman]

love that place :)

 

Stevie

 

RR Did you get the Kalos link for a proper up North airline ?

 

bit posh for us :D

[stevedeccaman]

Only 4 sleeps to go for us, getting rather excited now! Looks like the weather is picking up too, sunshine forecast for Palma Tuesday then hope the captain chases some sunshine on the sea day, looking forward to Corsica on Thursday, not been there before - any tips? Is there a good beach in walking distance? Any decent shopping (my other half will be hoping not!)

 

Anyone else sailing next week? We'll have company anyway as my Mum & StepDad who live in Majorca are joining us, holiday with built in babysitting for my 4 year old - heaven!

 

I've been dieting in advance of those lovely afternoon teas I keep hearing about :-)

 

I'll post a review when we are back, I've been loving reading all the reviews, so pleased people post them so quickly on return, I was worried there wouldn't be any before we go.

 

My only fear is my other half will love it so much (in particular the price tag) and I'll be banned from doing another RCI cruise!!

 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend ::)

 

 

Corsica loved it off the ship near to town and beach , enjoy

 

Stevie

[Rebel Rouser]

Today we are in Liverno :D

 

 

For those that just want to wander..short walk off the IE to the main shopping street and probably one of the biggest street markets in Italy :eek:

[EssexOldGirl]

Hi Jengef - I suppose it is too late to get Danni's card to me but I'll give her your birthday wishes. When is her birthday? better get the right day.

This will be our 5th time on IE; we keep coming back to her - we had one cruise on the Island Star too.

good luck wih the footie everyone. Ours is tomorrow :D (Spurs) but don't hold out much hope. RR I'll keep a lookout for your local to us result!