Our first real cruise (previously did a Mini-cruise Newcastle to Amsterdam on DFDS Ferries) so we have nothing really to compare with but anyway:
The ship was very neat and tidy and the only reason I have given 4 stars instead of five for cleanliness is the state of one of the ¨public¨ gents toilets near the bars. It stank to high heaven on the night I went there. This may have just been a temporary problem - I didn´t go back to check.
The food was very good but we only visited the self-service buffet restaurants. We used the Island Restaurant most evenings and it was on a par with a good four star tourist hotel. The Beachcomber was slightly more down-market, no table-cloths, find your own table, but the food seemed just as good.
The staff were very friendly and efficient.
The entertainment was a mixed bag and, overall, slightly disappointing. There was a Broadway-style show on every other night which was quite excellent but there was no orchestra/band so everything was performed to backing tracks. This was OK for the song-and-dance material but poor when used as backing tracks for solo singers. Sorry, but professional singers using karaoke tracks is a pet hate of mine! There were two guest singers ¨flown in from the UK¨ on different nights but the singers from the ship´s own team were actually better than them when they did their own cabaret spots. There was a decent pop/rock band and an acoustic duo who played in the bars and they were reasonable.
We didn´t get involved in any of the games and activities so I can´t comment on those.
The organisation at Palma and on the ship itself was first rate.
I suppose that seasoned cruisers might think the ship a bit down-market but there are premium restaurants and quieter bars etc. which probably have more of a stereotypical ¨cruise¨ feel to them, and where you could feel more exclusive. Case in point - a certain Daniel O´Donnell was holidaying on the ship the same week as us but we never saw him at all.
I would certainly travel on the Island Star again and it definitely represents excellent value for money

We arrived at Palma airport about an hour late from Manchester, and were quickly directed onto our coach to take us to the ship. We had been due to sail at 2100hrs, but due to the flight delay, this was put back to 2200hrs. No biggie, but this seems to be a regular delay on the Manchester flight (was late 2 weeks earlier, as well as the week we flew home).

We were processed through check-in very quickly, credit card details recorded and the kids wristbands given out with very little queuing. Once we got our photos for the ID card, and the first of many boarding photographs taken, we wandered out to dockside, where we were very impressed by the Island Star. Our luggage was waiting in the cabin as advised. We were on the Bronze deck (Level 4) in an inside cabin for 4. Was fairly impressed by the size of the facilities and we were well looked after by Frankie, our cabin steward. Kids wouldn’t let use use any of the towels that’d he’d made into animals !

After a quick stop in the Beachcomber for a bite to eat (very impressed by the range and quality of the food) , we took a stroll around the Star before settling in at the Sailaway Bar. Service was excellent (which continued to be obvious throughout our week) and prices reasonable.

Over the course of the week, we ate mainly in the Island Restaurant for breakfast and dinner, with lunch either in port or the Beachcomber and Grill. Food was so good, and such a good choice, that we decided not to bother with either of the “pay” options.

Our ports of call were Livorno (did the trip to Pisa – docks are NOT pleasant), Genoa (wander along the seafront, visit to the top-class aquarium), Marseilles (shuttle bus into Port from docks – plenty of shops and cafes but very busy), Barcelona (open-top bus tour, visit to the Gaudi park, tapas on the Ramblas) and Valencia (service bus into town centre, nice stroll round the alleys and cathedral then service bus back to docks).
An excellent introduction to cruising, I felt, and great mix for the kids.

Sailing was, for the most, smooth, with only 1 really rough night crossing the bay from Marseilles to Barcelona. Facilities on board were excellent – didn’t have time to do everything we wanted, which is always a good complaint. Spent most evenings in the Ocean Theatre or Bounty Club, and the kids were having a rare time at their Kids clubs. Entertainment was very good - Theatre shows very well done and the Club shows were a laugh. Did the Bridge tour (taken by a VERY enthusiastic cadet) and wine tasting (well worth the £4.50 cover) during our day at sea. Managed to get sun beds near the pool most days with no great effort.

Disembarking was well organised, with 2 or 3 groups going every 15 minutes. We left at 1015, bang on time. Our cases were located where they were meant to be, and we were directed onto our coaches efficiently.

No complaints at all about our time – we all had a great time thanks to the helpful and friendly Island Star crew and we’d go back like a shot.

Dont bother reading any reviews, just pick up the phone and book. We have been lucky enough to sail on both the Island Escape and Island Star, although the Escape is a lovely ship the Star is that bit more luxurious. We have already booked on the Star for next year and are booking the Star Caribbean cruise for winter 2008. The staff are friendly, the food is fantastic and you will not see better shows if you go to the Londons west end, very, very professional. Cant wait for next June to board the ship again

Having booked our cruise on the Island Star in January then reading reviews in April we did have some reservations about the cuise ship we had booked. These proved to be totally unfounded. It was abundantly clear on our arrival at the ship that cleanliness and friendliness of staff would not be a problem Also, on going to the sun decks the issue regarding the number of sun beds had clearly been resolved. The food and entertainment were excellent and we could not fault the service levels we received from all of the staff. This was our second cruise, the first being on an identical vessel operated by Celebrety Cruises from New York to Bermuda. We both felt that the cruise on the Island Star was far superior than the U.S. cruise. We will definately be travelling on this ship again.

wat can i say,,,fantastic holiday from start to finish,,never had such a laid back time,,,
we had a room on golden deck which was excellent for all amenities,,which were either 2 decks up or down and plenty lifts which never seemed full,
all the staff would do anything to make your holiday relaxed and enjoyable,,and they love the kids who get treated even better!! kids club was excellent with a different theme every session and the talent show day where they got on stage at the theatre,,special moment :)
food was fine,,always something to eat,,or last resort have pasta with watever you want in it!!! plenty salad,fruit,cheese etc at every sitting..never tried the pay resturants but steakhouse didnt get rated highly by who had used it,,
sunday was only day that was a struggle for sunbed,,but plenty on deck 12 if your not that bothered about using the pool,,jacuzzis a bonus as they use sea water in the pools,
piped music was fantastic,,covering everything from 50s to 90s,great hearing tunes i had not heard for years,
always someone cleaning or painting where ever you go,,and cabins were done twice a day,,having kids this is a bonus lol..and loved the things they made with towels for you to get when you come in,:)
shows in theatre were always well done,,enjoyable,,
every kind of bar you could wish for,,from quiet to nightclub,,
trips are not cheap and you find when you get of ship at port they are available close especially at barcelona and marseille when you get into town,
barcelona duty free best for cigs if you smoke and only 100mtrs from ship,and has a barcelona fc shop there too at real bargain prices but not alot of choice,
my gripes,,,1.40 for can of coke on board for kids..it soon adds up and pint only 2.65.
some of pool staff ask everytime they pass if you aint got a drink,started to annoy me eventually,,if i want one i will ask!!
all in all it was brilliant,,kids cried all the way to airport as they didnt want to leave,,and will deffo be doing it again ,,

The 'Island Star' and the cruises organised using it are superb. I really did not know what to expect only having the brochure to rely on. I booked at 23 hours notice having dithered for a couple of days about the concept of an inside cabin. On the Friday a twin 'outside' cabin on Bronze deck was available so I booked and paid for the trip. The First Choice travel agent provided the travellers cheques. I flew from Bristol - two hours to Palma at lunchtime. Don't forget, clocks go forward one hour so that time in your day disappears. Palma airport was clean. A coach took us to the port. As a late booker my 'swipe card' was prepared at this time. This card is used to account for items purchased on board including shore excursions. You settle at the end of the week in cash if you do not have a credit card account. The huge ship looked welcoming. My cabin - 4102 on Bronze deck was spacious and clean and had a big window. The air
con was cool and quiet. Elsewhere in the ship there are reportedly noise problems in cabins - rearmost 10 cabins on Bronze, cabins under jacuzzis, cabins under the Disco. We set sail for Sicily. The following day was at sea. In the morning Emergency Drill with lifejacket use demonstration was efficient. Go to the shore excursions presentation in the huge Ocean theatre to assess your options. I went to the solo travellers' meet in the Captain's Club and met some very nice people who I often ate and went on trips with, throughout the week. That night the very good singer Jane Beaumont was marvellous singing Abba, Shirley Bassey and Dusty Springfield songs in the theatre. I ate mostly at the Beechcomber but twice in the Island restaurant with parties of the solo group. The quantity and variety of food on offer is stupendous. Messina, Sicily I opted for the Mount Etna trip. The journey there was interesting but the destination swathed in cloud somewhat. That afternoon I walked round Messina on my own. Leaving port just ahead of us was 'Wind Spirit' - a glorious sight. We headed for Stromboli. It was a black shape in the dark. Marvellous Captain Brocklehurst described what we would have seen had anything erupted.
It was a non-event but a great one nevertheless. I awoke to see the sunrise over Vesuvius as we approached Naples. There I joined an intrepid band of five cyclists for a four-hour fifteen mile cycle ride round Naples and up to a promontory overlooking the Bay. Outstanding but not for the faint-hearted.
That afternoon I looked round Naples on foot. Be sure to look at Ischia from the boat after leaving port. I enjoyed swimming and jacuzzi on the Island Star that afternoon also - and a 40th birthday party for a fellow solo traveller that night. Members of the crew serenaded her with songs and guitar playing - and just when you thought you could not possibly eat another thing - a large chocolate sponge birthday cake was produced. The bars and public rooms and casino on the ship were all buzzing with life and several entertainers were playing live music. At other times on the ship enjoy the ice carving and fruit carving demonstrations by staff. All the crew were polite and friendly - to the point that I actually saw a grown man cry on saying goodbye to his cabin steward at journey's end. His wife was patting him on the back and saying 'Now, don't get emotional'. Why not, I say. Anyway I digress. Next stop Livorno. Here the romantic aura of the cruise temporarily evaporates as you moor in an industrial container port. Many went off to Pisa and Florence for the day. I had visited those places before and opted for Lucca. In any case, if you book full day tours everyday, you will probably end up tired out beyond belief. Lucca is a Tuscan walled city and very pretty. We then headed to a vineyard at Montacarlo and wine tasting We also had a sit-down meal of Tuscan cheese and ham and olives. Totally delicious. Our courier encouraged a jovial sing-song on the coach back to Livorno. Next stop Toulon on the French Riviera. There I took a full day coach trip to St Tropez and Port Grimaud which I enjoyed. Leaving Toulon port that evening was simply spectacular. There was salsa dancing on the deck by the pool - the views of the receding coastline were glorious. Next day, an early arrival in Barcelona. The Gaudi bus tour took us to Park Guell for a walk round there but we only had a brief outside look at Sagrada Familia Cathedral as the coach had no place or time to park and could just drive round for a time, while we were out walking. We went then for a Tapas Bar lunch but nobody had told the bar owner so there was some hasty food preparation undertaken and a few extra beers to make up for it, As an Architect I wanted to see more of Gaudi's work so I walked back into the city later in the day and visited the 8 Euro Pedrera Gaudi apartment building and museum. Good value.
At night there was another very good show. Earlier on the cruise the comedian Phil Melbourne was hilarious. Why do we never see these very good acts on TV? Next morning back to Palma. Some people took the free tour that ended up in a bedding retail outlet. I walked to the Cathedral from the ship then up to Bellver Castle. Back on board for an excellent lunch in the Beachcomber then later the bus to the airport and smooth flight home. Be aware at Palma airport, you might have to walk a very long way, inside the terminal, to the departure gate. All in all, the cruise was great. I met Majorca-based people who had been on the ship - or its sister ship - ten times; and knew others that had been on it 35 times. I met people on board who had extended the Ancient Odyssey 14 day trip to include the Med Spirit cruise. Many others praised the friendliness, courtesy and helpful nature of all the staff and crew. Well done Island Cruises!

This was our first time cruising and due to this experience on the Island Star would definately do it again.
This cruise was the first of the summer Med season after it's trip from Brazil.

The organisation from the flights through to unpacking your stuff in the wardrobes was fantastic. We were a bit anxious that everything was going to go right but it did.
We booked in Going Places 2 weeks before sailing so got a fantastic price, £1022 for an outside twin cabin with restricted view on Golden deck.
The room considering we were on a ship was a good size..not far off the size of a TravelLodge one. Good sized bathroom with a shower big enough for two if you were that way inclined. The loo took a bit of getting used to. It uses a vaccuum system and makes one hell of a noise when flushed...out of consideration for neighbours we didn't flush it at 2.00am! Having said that the cabins were fairly well insulated and not much noise was experienced from either side.
The twin beds were comfortable (once you got used to the rocking motion of the ship), the two double wardrobes were big enough to carry 6 suitcases of stuff if you could afford the excess baggage for the plane.
A table with two chairs were also provided with a selection of drinks should you want to purchase on a tray..always a fresh bucket of ice on the tray also. TV provided as well...I left it on all night so I could keep the channel on which had the bridge webcam on...I'd wake up in the early hours and see the distant lights of the next destination.
Ample drawer space...and the restricted view, a lifeboat accross the window, but that had windows in so you could see straight through anyway. It wouldn't have mattered that much as you would still get loads of natural light coming in anyway.
The room was serviced twice a day, once in the morning to make you bed and tidy up, once in the evening to turn your bed down, tidy up and make various animals out of your towels.
The room was kept extremely clean as was the whole ship, there was always someone polishing, hoovering, dusting, etc.
This being Easter week there was a number of children aboard, all in kids clubs so they seemed well catered for.
This was advertised as an informal and relaxed way to cruise and it certainly was. There were young families, grandparents with their grandchildren, large 3 generation groups, couples like ourselves of various ages...a good mix.
On really hot days it didn't take long for the sunbeds to be taken up, so if that was your bag you may be disappointed if you left it late to get your place...and I think the ship was only 2/3rds full.

We started off in Palma where we were ushered into registration and apicky for security pass. The organisation was first class.
The ship itself was magnificent. Loads of places to walk, shop, dine, snack, sit and read or take part in many of the activities laid on.
The crew were mainly Brazilian or from the Phillipines, were very friendly and seemed well trained in what they were doing. Nothing seemed too much trouble for them and their service superb.

The food aboard was nothing short of great. There were several restaurants to choose from, the Oasis and Steakhouse carried a supplement to dine, these were waiter served and the food excellent.
The Island Restaurant was table cloths, linen napkins and pottery plates...a self service buffet style once you were guided to your seat. The food here was superb with various menus during the week...you could eat as much or as little as you want. Waiters serve you coffee or tea here and were very friendly.
The Beachcomber restaurant was I would say, 'cafe' style you self serve yourself with anything from the ample choice and find a table to sit. The food here was also excellent with various themes during the week, curry night was one, italian another. Lunch time menus were good with plenty of choice, and scones and cream for afternoon teas to boot.
The Island restaurant was open for Brekky, Lunch and Dinner only but the Beachcomber was open for 24hrs both with free tea and coffee.
We used the Island for breakfast and dineer, the Beachcomber for lunch and afternno tea (full english breakfasts are to die for).
Other eateries were the grill bar which had burgers, hotdogs and chips etc and the harbour cafe for cakes etc (which you had to pay for, which was strange...as all the other food was in the cruise price).
Now if you want to eat burgers all the time for your hols then go ahead, but with the fare at the other restaurants you'd be mad, salads, vegies, proper dishes such as pork steak in Dijon mustard sauce or beef in guiness, beef roasts etc etc.
Before entering any of the restaurants you had to put your hands under a hand cleaning dispenser to prevent the spread of germs...many a cruise in the past has been wiped out by gastroenteritus (don't know whether that's spelt right) and it was good to see that this cruise at least was taking all the precautions it could against this...we even had to sign a form on the bus in to say we hadn't had any stomach bugs in the last 3 days.
The ship has a multitude of lifts to get from deck to deck. If you're fit enough leave these well alone and use the stairs to keep the weight of from all the food you'll be eating.
There is a 'navigation' plan of the ship in your room for use to find your way round, also directions posted at each stairwell, but I defy anyone not to get lost...I was still taking the wrong turns or wrong stairs on the 6th day! But this was the fun of it, getting round the ship to find the various bars, clubs the theatre, the library, gym, sauna, health spar, pools, jacussis, casino etc etc.
The first full day after setting off was a day at sea and it was a chance to get to see all the ship...even have a tour on the Bridge. There are too many areas to talk about here but all were really good, clean and well laid out. The decor superb and all the crew whether polishing the stairs, hoovering or walking by had a 'good morning or afternoon' in them.
Each evening we had a newsletter delivered to our room detailing the next port of call, tour information, ship activities, night time events, dining times and menu themes and a host of other useful info. Again these just showed the work going on behind the scenes.
There were many differnt tours that you could choose from all at various prices. We booked the Rome tour on the Internet before we went, the tickets were in our room when we arrived. We didn't book any before we went but decided to book Monaco and Monte Carlo the day before we arrived at Nice..this worked out OK too as the tickets arrived that night.

Our first stop was Ajaccio in Corsica. The town and the scenery behind were just spectacular...I guess I never thought of it before but you get a differnt perspective when arriving by ship to thwese places.
The town was in easy reach off the ship and we walked in. Saw Napoleon's statue and the Citadel, had a coffee in a lovely cafe and had a good general mooch around.
Next stop Rome. We had booked a tour..Monumental Rome. This again was really well organised. Even though it was a long day it was well worth it. We had a local guide who was extremely well informed and kept us going. Whether it was because it was Easter week I don't know but there were many people in Rome, lots of traffic and the Basillica was chok-a-bloc...but it was good all the same.
Next Santa Margarita in Northern Italy. This was a really picturesque place. The ship anchored in the bay and we were 'tendered' onto shore. They used the lifeboats for this...and our 'restricted view' room became unrestricted for the day as they used, among others, the lifeboat from outside our window.
Next Nice which was really nice. We took the 1/2 day tour to Monaco and Monte Carlo which once again was very good. The guide was very good and pointed out several things of interest. A short time to shop we bought pressies for home from here. The Hotel de Paris and the Casino are well worth seeing as well as the sloping square adjacent to these with lovely laid out planting.
After lunch on the ship we walked around the harbour.
Next we went to Menorca...Mahon. The arrival here is spectacular with the long entrance into the harbour. The town we found rather less spectacular than others but it was worth the walk in. Most shops were shut due to it being Good Friday, but a number were still open. If you have the money there is a lovely shop here selling Lladro figurines.
Out of Mahon along the long bay this was our last departure. Lots of people line the top decks to see the departure from every portand it really is a lovely experience.

During the week we did a few evenings in the theatre. The entertainment cast were very good. They put on several 'west end' style shows which would rival many of those put on in London. Some cracking singers and the guest comedian Andy Wilkins was very funny.

All in all this trip was a great experience. We've not been on a cruise before so haven't anything to compare it to. But right from the start to the finish of the holiday everything went without a hitch, the ship was good, the food superb, the tours good, the crew and the entertainment great. All credit to the captain and his cruise directors and the rest of the neary 600 crew members.

Another thing I forgot to mention...they love to take your photo, so smile for the camera, and if you like the picture which is posted in the shop buy it. I think they must make a bit of money out of this activity cos they're always snapping you...but they're not too expensive and you don't have to buy.
Oh and the drinks...considering they've got a captive audience the prices of the drinks aren't all that bad...Stella £2.65 pint, Boddies £2.55 pint. Wine 2.60 to 2.90 per 150ml glass, bacardi 2.65, but it's double the quantity of UK pub measure. You can of course buy a bottle of Dom Perignon for £76.99 !

We've had an excellent holiday, a different port every morning, superb food and entertainment and loads of wonderful memories...and I've only put on 2 lbs !

I dont think that I can paint as rosy a picture as that described by Steve from Chester. Steve do you moonlight as the Promotions Officer for the ship?
My wife and I were the only Australians on board. We boarded at 11.30am. We travelled to Palma Majorca after staying in Barcelona and this combined seemed to throw out of wack any smooth boarding.
In fact we were directed to a point by spanish port officials which saw us turn up a few steps from ship side PAST the security checks! We even then were directed to just board by ships staff and we had to explain that we had not been 'processed' in the same manner as other passengers. When the penny dropped we then were told by ships staff that there was a problem with our passports. We had been traveling for 3 weeks prior and did not 'have a problem' with our passports before. As the norm we left the passports with ships staff and heard no more of this 'Problem'again. Staff pedantics.
One good thing about arriving under your own steam early is that you can start enjoying your cruise early also. A local bus (route 01) will take you directly from the airport to the ships wharf/port.
We travelled in a balcony cabin. The cabin was fine. Most enjoyable. Worth the extra in my opinion. The flush on the toilet was as loud as that on an airplane. There are no 'extras' given for paying the higher amount for a balcony cabin. Our previous experience with Star Cruises in S/E Asia saw us gain extras such as a champagne welcome, exclusive use of the upper level of the (smaller)theatre and $S110 drink and food credits.
The ports of call were good. We had originally booked the cruise to visit a 2nd French port but went to Menorca instead. However on that day we stayed mostly onboard and relaxed enjoying the ships facilities. We purchased some champagne from a small shop to the right of the wharf and popped the cork as we started off in the late afternoon back towards PM. Magic!!
A highlight was when our's and the Ship's sister ship both left the french ports on the riviera together and met up soon at sea drawing alongside each other and saw both ships frantically greeting each other by passengers and ships staff. A very special moment.
I thought that the ships excursions were over priced. Our Aussie dollar does not go far against the uk pound. For the most part if you are confident or know your destinations it is best to just travel under your own steam. It is easy to get to Rome from its seaside port (if cycling is your go they seemed to have a good day out on this shore excursion as we saw them on our train into and back from Rome) and when you go to La Spencia the best thing to see is the 5 villages of CINQUE TERRE by train (8.5 euroes) which the ship keeps quite about because they dont have a tour there. Some tours also returned very late delaying the ships departure times. Go to ships reception to get a photocopy of the port to help you with any self guided exploration.
The ship is dominated by retired british pensioners. Most of whom will tell you "we dont like to go on those posh type cruises". There are no fixed dinner sittings. I was amazed how many couples wanted only a table for two and would wait ages for such at the island resturant. It would have been nice to have had at least one night where those who had paid a higher amount got access for one night to the pay your way resturants. Which we did not go to.
Whilst the beachcomber and the Island resturants were both free I found that the standard of food was better in the Island resturant (buffet also) than the Beachcomber. The fruit was top quality, bread, cheeses and carvery good fried eggs instead of scrambled but unfortunately nothing excelled to get even 4 stars let alone 5. For example, it would be so easy to establish an Omlette servery each morning in the Island resturant. Some of the food from "The Grill" looked inedible. Burst hot dogs sunk in gease pooled water & dried old hamberger patties. There are better ways to cook and present this food. Why not be able to cook a fresh meat pattie on demand or use a hot dog rotisorie.
A char grill proper should be in place.
Beer was to me overpriced. I could only afford to have a few when it was half price and that was always at the beachcomber buffet resturant. Why didnt the other bars have happy hours? Always the Beachcomber. 1/2 price was from 6.30 to 9.30 for Stella. Nice to sit on the deck behind with weather permiting.
The wines did not show vintage years so make sure that you taste before agreeing to purchase. One of the daily changing specials was a white which had clearly turned the colour of urine and tasted like it. Even the cork stank. Why serve this rubbish or why does the ship even purchase such. the 10 pound house wine was ok. but again showed no vintage year. The ship needs to sack its cellarmaster have a good review of its wine listings and make sure that the wine is sold during its drinking life.
Captain Horne(?) was a real pleasure. His talk to the passengers each morning and afternoon were a real delight. He could consider making an imprompture tour of the 'free' resturants (if he did then my apologies) The entertainment was top quality. This was enhanced by a theatre that is really well set up for a good production. Great quality light and sound. The 'Grease' production was 10 out of 10 (except for the two 12 year old boys who ran down the stairs as the dancers were running up them!!)
The housie or bingo was a bit disappointing after starting 45 minutes late it was all over in 15 minutes. The staff more interested in the money it seemed. Very expensive at 6 pounds for 3 games. Why not have a few more games for less valued prizes. why not have a brief discussion with the winners like - Where are you from,who are you with? Why not a lucky door prize such as free meal in the paying resturants. Surely they can do more than just calling "legs eleven, number 11".
There was only one wide screen TV on the whole ship. In the cocktail bar! Surely 'the pub' could get a nice big wide screen. The Grand National was on and unless you scrummed down with the keen punters you couldn't even see the old style screen. The Ship should spend a couple of grand and get a decent sized LCD screen and show some sports. it cant be that hard to show some of the top football games especially when it is the business end of the season.
Ok just my view. A lot of criticism but overall the cruise was of the value paid for. And when you pull into ports like VilleFrance and Menorca the view is still the same as those of the expensive "posh" cruise ships. Now i am going to put back on my rose coloured glasses and enjoy Steve from Chester's write up again.

We're aged over 50 and sailed on October 7th to 14th - our first cruise, booked 4 days before we sailed!!!! We only booked after reading the reviews on this website so thank you everyone for your comments!!Were both unsure what to expect but were sure we'd enjoy it. . . . . . and we did!!!!
From arriving on the ship, we were treated like royalty, by all the staff, it would appear their only aim in life is to help you to have a perfect holiday.We paid £380 and had an outside cabin on Coral Deck, No 5144.Our cabin steward, Amr, from Egypt, looked after us magnificently. We found the food was excellent, we dincd twice in The Steakhouse with the a la carte menu, it was a supplement of £24.99 per couple, which included a bottle of wine.Excellent value for money,steaks cooked to perfection.Also ate in the Island restaurant and were looked after by Sakhim.
The cabin was excellent,very comfortable,loads of storage space, a little noisy but considering what we paid, we had no complaints.
We enjoyed the informality of the ship and met lots of fantastic people, ages on the ship were prob 70% over 60's and the other 30% was a mixture, including a few children.
Can;t comment on the entertainment in the theatre as we didn;t go in there, HOWEVER, we did stay in The Pub every night and enjoyed the entertainment provided by Andy Martin, Keith Kerslake and the two Irish sisters, Saffire........ thanks to everyone for making the holiday so marvellous......... Island Star is definitely the relaxed, informal ship we would love to sail on again . . . . . . . Already looking at the Ancient Oddysey cruise next April!!!! We're hooked!!!!
Weather was marvellous too, what more can we say????

Had 14 days from 30/09 had been on Ocean village so I can compare the two as both offer the informal stile cruising.
The ship was very clean although tired in places but this can be expected the cabins were spacious excellant storage areas very good size bathroom and shower I wish they didnot charge £10 a week fir the safe a bit pennypinching. Towels changed twice a day was something I did not expect.
The food I thought was very good and varied we ate in the Island restaurant and the Beachcomber and grill did not use the other two which looked very nice.
In places the Island rest was cramped they tried to put too many tables in it also needed someone to organize things although the staff were very good.
The theatre was very good nice decor shows ok we went to the Bounty Club a lot which we enjoyed.
Overall the cruise was good value for money and I would go again.
I thought the ocean village had a slight advantage because it was a bigger ship which had a diy laundry not so cramped restaurant every thing else was similar.