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What Happened to the Island Escape Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

The Island Escape Cruise Ship was a beloved luxury cruise liner that sailed the Caribbean Sea for over two decades. It was known for its lavish amenities, impeccable service and breathtaking views of the ocean.

Unfortunately, in 2020 the ship had to be retired due to a series of unfortunate events.

The Island Escape Cruise Ship first set sail in 1998 and quickly became one of the most popular cruise liners in the Caribbean. Guests enjoyed spacious staterooms, multiple restaurants, pools, spas and plenty of activities onboard. The crew was known for their friendly demeanor and helpfulness in making sure all guests had a wonderful time.

However, in 2018 the ship ran into some trouble when it encountered mechanical issues during a voyage from Barbados to Jamaica. The ship’s engine malfunctioned and had to be towed back to Barbados where it was forced to remain docked until repairs could be made.

This wasn’t the only issue with the Island Escape Cruise Ship though. In 2019, the ship encountered another mechanical issue during a voyage from St Thomas to St Maarten which caused it to lose power for several days while stranded at sea. This incident led to an investigation by authorities which revealed numerous safety violations on board including overcrowding, lack of emergency procedures and improper maintenance.

These issues combined with rising costs associated with operating such an outdated vessel led to the decision by its owner company, Carnival Cruise Lines, to retire the Island Escape Cruise Ship in 2020. The ship was officially decommissioned in April 2020 and sent off on its final voyage as a farewell cruise before being sold off for scrap metal later that year.

The retirement of the Island Escape Cruise Ship marks an end of an era for Caribbean cruises. For many travelers who experienced its luxurious amenities and attentive service first-hand, it will always be remembered fondly as one of the best ships ever built.

In conclusion , what happened to the Island Escape Cruise Ship is unfortunate but inevitable given its age combined with various technical issues that occurred over time. Despite this, its retirement will always be remembered fondly by those who experienced its luxurious amenities and attentive service first-hand.

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Island Escape Cruises NZ receivership leaves Kimberley passengers devastated

The collapse of a luxury boat charter company operating off Western Australia's coast has devastated passengers with some demanding tens of thousands of dollars compensation.

Key points:

• Passengers seek compensation after after luxury boat charter goes into receivership
• Superyacht Island Escape remains impounded at Broome Port
• Receiver warns refunds are unlikely at this stage

Island Escape Cruises NZ, which cancelled a series of 12-day voyages, is in the hands of receivers Calibre Partners NZ.

The company's 53.5 metre superyacht, Island Escape, has been impounded at Broome Port, with a federal court order restricting its movements and operations.

Queensland man Murrie Taylor was booked to go on a cruise in early July from Broome, but said his trip to paradise quickly turned into a nightmare.

He and other passengers were waiting in his hotel lobby to be collected by the cruise company.

When he queried why the bus was late, he was told it would not be picking up passengers.

"We were gobsmacked basically," he said.

"We were left stranded … and we had no accommodation that night."

Passengers fear for refunds

Mr Taylor said he had paid about $30,000 for the trip when he and his wife had to spend thousands more on emergency accommodation and flight changes after cancellations left them stranded in Broome.

"It's not only the financial cost, it's the burden of the heartache it's caused a lot of people and it's just disgusting," he said.

Naomi Hunter and her husband, both from NSW, said they spent nearly $30,000 on tickets for a trip in August that never happened.

Ms Hunter said she was worried their money would not be returned.

"Whether we will ever be eligible for anything, I don't know," she said.

'No cash' to pay refunds 

Other customers vented their frustration on the company's Facebook page, which has since been taken down, warning would-be travellers against booking future cruises.

Calibre Partners NZ representative Neale Jackson said refunds were unlikely at this stage.

"We do not yet know what led the company being in this position," Mr Jackson said.

"It cannot pay any refunds because it does not have any cash to do so.

"The company did not employ any staff at the date we were appointed, so [as far as we understand] there are no claims for wages."

Mr Jackson said the customers would join a list of the company's other unsecured creditors.

"We expect that money customers are owed will rank as an unsecured claim against the relevant company," he said.

He also said there was another entity of Island Escape Cruises that was not in receivership.

"One thing to note is that we are receivers of two entities domiciled in New Zealand; Island Escape Cruises (NZ) Ltd and Seasons Shipping Ltd," he said.

"We are not receivers of the entity domiciled in Australia [Island Escape Cruises (Australia) Pty Ltd]."

Customers start legal action

Mr Taylor said a lack of communication from the company and it's chief executive Erik Helseth had added to his distress.

"After about seven attempts to contact them, he answered the phone," Mr Taylor said.

"He apologised and said that all persons would get a refund … I never heard from him again."

Ms Hunter said she was also left feeling confused after paying about $30,000 to the company.

"We felt like we were really on a bit of a limb," she said.

"I didn't know who to reach out to."

COVID-19 border restrictions made it difficult for tourists to book travel insurance in WA, leaving many of the travellers relying heavily on refunds.

"Because of COVID and the border crossings, it was extremely hard for an Australian resident to get travel insurance for a trip within Australia," Mr Taylor said.

"We've actually started some legal action against Island Escape Cruises Australia to see if we can recoup any money," he said.

The ABC has made attempts to contact Island Escape Cruises NZ for a comment but has not received a response.

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Island Escape yacht deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Island Escape yacht deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Island Escape Cruises NZ (Small Cruise Lines) deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Island Escape yacht cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Island Escape yacht staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

Island Escape (2021-built) is a top-luxury cruise yacht owned and operated by the New Zealand-based company and travel brand Island Escape Cruises Ltd.

Island Escape cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 17 staterooms (for max 32 passengers) served by 14 staff/crew. The boat has 4 decks (1 crew-only, 3 passenger-accessible, 2 with cabins), Helideck (aft helipad), Marina Deck (aft), 1x outdoor Jacuzzi (spa pool), Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse, Outdoor Lounge (alfresco dining area/aft), Outdoor Observation Deck (forward), Salon/Lounge, Dining Room/Restaurant, Bar.

Island Escape Cruises deals are inclusive of all the onboard food and beverages (spirits, wines, beers and champagne by the glass, soda, bottled water, brand teas/coffees), unlimited Wi-Fi, all daily activities (entertainment, boat tours, etc), helicopter transfers (shore-ship-shore).

Deck layouts

Deck 02 - ocean-cabins-restaurant-lounge, deck 03 - horizon-cabins-outdoor lounge, deck 04 - helideck-bridge.

Island Escape yacht deck plans are property of Island Escape Cruises NZ (Small Cruise Lines) . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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Ultimate Fiordland Experience: Island Escape Cruises (2022)

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Island Escape extends Fiordland season for 2022/23

10-night 'ultimate' itinerary available from early december to late march.

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Island Escape Cruises has extended its Fiordland season for this coming summer, which commences 12 December 2022 from Queenstown.

The New Zealand-based cruise operator is offering a 10-night Ultimate Fiordland itinerary for the 2022/23 season, with dates through until 18 March 2023. There are 10 departures scheduled, two of which (on 13 February and 7 March) are already sold out.

Due to the remoteness of the area, all guests are flown to the yacht which is anchored deep inside the Fiordland by helicopter.

Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.

During their time onboard Island Escape , guests explore Doubtful Sound, Pickersgill Harbour, Dusky and Breaksea Sound, Wet Jacket and Vancouver Arm before sailing north to enter Nancy, Charles, Caswell, George, Bligh and end up in the mighty Milford Sound.

In Fiordland there will be plenty of opportunities to try fishing off the back of the yacht or by trawling a line between destinations. The crew will also set crayfish pots and can almost guarantee a fresh catch. Guests will also depart the yacht in Milford Sound for a scenic flight to Te Anau and a coach ride back to Queenstown airport.

The new Island Escape yacht accommodates an exclusive 30 guests on these sailings. Demand is especially high and with several private charters, therefore guests are urged to book early not to be disappointed.

Prices start from NZ$13,950 per person. More at islandescapecruises.com/destinations/new-zealand/ultimate-fiordland/

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Island Escape Super Yacht Cruises of NZ

• Posted on 22 December 2021
• 2 Minutes to read

Breaking News! Island Escape Cruises have received New Zealand Government permission to operate their luxury Super Yacht cruises in New Zealand this summer 

Island Escape will arrive in New Zealand on the 31st of December ready for her first cruise departing Auckland 12 January 2022

The brand new Super Yacht Island Escape holds just 32 guests who travel in All Inclusive luxury style looked after by 14 crew

The Island Escape is complete with all the essential items you would expect on a luxury Super Yacht including: * Two Passenger Tenders * Two Zodiacs * 100% Egyptian Cotton Linen * Luxury Towels * In Suite Hairdryers * Daily Turndown service All food, drinks, scheduled activities, unlimited Wi-Fi and services are included in your fare.

Get in quick to be one of the lucky guests to enjoy luxury cruising in New Zealand this summer. Note; All guests must be double vaccinated against Covid-19

Auckland to Nelson, 12 January 2022, 8 Nights Auckland, Mt.Maunganui, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, D’Urville Island, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Learn More  

Ultimate Fiordland, 01 February 2022, 12 Nights Cruise the hidden Sounds & Fiords in Fiordland National Park.  This extended journey is hosted by  Peter (PJ) Montgomery, the noted NZ Americas Cup Sailing Guru Learn More  

Fiordland Northern Passage, 19 February 2022, 8 Nights Explore the lesser known Fiords on Fiordland’s Northern Passage with a maximum of 32 guests. Also operates 19 March 2022 Learn More

Fiordland & Stewart Island Southbound (Fiordland to Bluff) 25 Feb 2022 Discover the scenic wonders of Fiordland plus the stunning birdlife and remote wilderness of Stewart Island (Rakiura) & Ulva Island Learn More

Fiordland & Stewart Island Northbound (Bluff to Fiordland), 06 March 2022 An amazing journey to discover the remote wilderness and birdlife in this untouched part of New Zealand while travelling in ultra luxury with just 32 fellow guests Learn More

Southern Fiordland , 26 March 2022, 9 Nights Escape from the crowds and your busy life as you experience the sound of silence in the remote wilderness of Southern Fiordland. Space is now limited on this itinerary, also operates 12 Feb & 12 March 2022 Learn More

To celebrate the arrival of Island Escape Cruises in New Zealand, we are pleased to offer the first 3 bookings a flight credit of $400 per booking towards your connecting domestic flights

These are just a sample of the amazing cruises on offer this summer.  Talk to our team to check availability and for details of other departures 

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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