Easycruise- Anyone been?

crocodileteeth

Thinking of booking a cruise on the greek islands next May/June. Anyone got any advise about flights, the islands or easycruise in general?

pompeii

We havent used them but there was a TV programme a year or so back about Easy Cruise, a bit like the Airline programme. We decided it was not for us, it looked too much like an 18/30's type holiday, too much like stag and hen , no good if you are looking for a relaxing holiday.

Overall the impression it gave was a ferry service between ports, with basic sleeping and eating facilities and crew that did not seem very clued up or interested in the job.

I have heard that there has been a change of ownership of one of the Easy Cruise ships, i think one went bust. you may find more information about this in an earlier post.

spoza

Sailed in August this year with my wife and 15 year old son. Had a great time. Was concerned originally, about the possibility of a 18-30 trip but reality proved the opposite. Great mix of people from 10 - 80. However heard from the crew that stag and hen dos do happen. Plenty of opportunity to do you own thing on the islands. Cabins are for sleeping and nothing else. Onboard food was fine but the fun is in dining ashore. For us a holiday we would repeat. Travel to and from Athens with Easyjet.

jetboy

It started off as an excellent concept but has deteriorated somewhat as 'low cost syndrome' took more of a hold on it. It's still a great way to see the islands but not as good as it used to be. I used to cohost a forum for all things easycruise but it was canned a few months ago. I'll pm you my last trip report.

dave_r_6

We went on easycruise 1 in the caribbean last winter. It was superb. We were expecting it to be more like a ferry but the ship was quite stylish in decor, much of the orange has long gone, now more dark grey with orange highlights. The on board restaurants served high quality food at sensible prices. Although the concept allows eating ashore we found we often used the restaurant on the boat as it was so good. Service was excellent, very friendly and informal and the staff including the captain mix with the passengers. Simple DJ entertainment but great party atmosphere. Lots of Americans which would usually be a downside but these were of the adventurous and interesting sort, not the usual cruise ship types. You pay to have your cabin cleaned as often as you wish at £5 a time.

Ignore the TV programme, it is nothing like it is portrayed there. We have booked again for Greek islands on the new ship. Only concern is that being nearer UK we wonder if it will attract the lager lout crowd? There was certainly no sign of that in the Caribbean.

crocodileteeth

I have booked now for this year so hopefully it will be ok. We were on one of the first cruises in June 2005(?) around the south of france/ Italy. We enjoyed it then and the tv programme was being filmed whilst we were on board.

RoxieW

I worked for the production company who make the tv programme and obv, like any reality show, its the extremes that are shown here.

I think with easycruise, you get what it is - its not a luxury cruise - it doesnt claim to be. Its decent, basic, cheap sleeping accommodation. I think the concept is a great one - I'd go given the chance!

getmore4less

I have started to look at this,

Flights are to Athens for both ships over the summer

BA £160, EasyJet can be a lot less. also need a night in Athens hotel. and transfers

Cabin price is around £100-£200 per cabin

Then you need to factor in your food(say £20pppd) and cabin cleaning(if you want it)

So I think you need to budget around £300-£400pppw for the basics so this is cheaper than the regular budget lines, Thomsons,Island, OV, but not a lot, allthough not when they are on special like Island at £299 which includes flight and transfers.

The itineries are much more geared to afternoon evening ashore rather than morning/afternnon on the regular ships.which is very atractive for dinner in portside tavernas with a few bottles of retsina and also for those that like to bar/club late.

It does seem that the americans have picked up on the ships and popular with mixed age groups so nothing like the original easycruise as portrayed on TV.

The new ship easylife is a bigger.

I think the ship that stoped sailing was easycruise2 a river cruise trial that seems to have failed.

richardw

At Mykonos the easycruise boat doesn't stop at the inner port but at the outer port so you have to get on a bus to get to the main town.