Island Cruises

The name Island Cruises conjures up thoughts of wonderful Caribbean Cruises or perhaps an Hawaiian Islands cruise, well Island Cruises are expanding into the Caribbean for the winter of 2008, though Hawaii is far from their thoughts at the moment. However one of their ships does offer cruises out of Brazil during our colder winter months.

Operating with just two ships, named Island Escape and Island Star, Island Cruises is run by Sunshine Cruises Limited, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean International and TUI Travel PLC. These ships are fairly old, 1982 and 1990 respectively, but do offer a good standard (3 star plus) cruise.

The Island Cruises ships have the usual entertainment and facilities, yet without the formality. The dining, unless you wish to pay a supplement is buffet style and of good quality. No dressing up required, other than wearing at least a shirt (and trousers) they are more like a holiday camp on water than say a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Both the Island Star and Island Escape cruise out of Palma in the Mediterranean Sea during the summer offering week long cruises, which can either be extended for a second week or mixed with a holiday at a hotel on Majorca.

Though not everyone’s cup of tea, if you are looking for a cruise offering exceptional value for money, then Island Cruises is probably right for you.