Island Princess Review

Newbs cruise Panama Canal, love it!

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Island Princess
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SeaMystique
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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Value for Money
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Dining
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Sail Date: Feb 2015
Cabin: Mini-Suite with Balcony

I was nervous about it all, having never cruised before, but within two hours we were completely comfortable and having a great time. Short excursions were messed up: scammed in Puerto Amador, foiled by demonstrations in Puntarenas, wholly disappointed in Aruba, double-crossed in Cartagena. Princess' Puerto Chiapas excursion, on the other hand, was five-star. Lots of colds and coughing on this cruise, one person medevac'd at Cabo (with pneumonia according to scuttlebutt). Entertainment would have been a five, except for singer Sophie Selbie, who was shrill and whose material (Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Carpenters) was not to our tastes. Production shows were excellent, especially "Motor City". Had anytime dining which was okay after the first few nights (45 minute waits). Took Ultimate Ship's Tour which was amazing and totally worth the money. Loved the minisuite.

We came home on Friday and by the following Monday, I'd booked our next Princess cruise. I guess that says it all!

Ship highlights: Lotus Pool area, although hot tubs there were not especially hot. Sun and Sports Decks at night make for great exploring. Lots of time in the Explorers Lounge for trivia and karaoke. Liked that the Fitness Room had views. Splurged on the Thermal Suite one sea day and thought it was marvelous. Really liked the wraparound Promenade Deck, especially in the tropics when the wind was warm and you could go walk out there any time, day or night.

Cabin Review

Mini-Suite with Balcony

Cabin MB

Spacious, very comfortable. Excellent lighting, much better than average hotel room. Appreciated generous bathroom size. Balcony furniture comfortable. Dolphin deck had problems on this cruise (leakage, etc.), but we weren't affected and the Island is headed into dry dock anyway. Bigger fridge would be nice, but I was happy to have any. Zero maintenance issues in our cabin. Long walk to elevators, but we relished the exercise. Didn't need night lights -- needed sleep masks due to 24-hour glow from electronics. Overall, excellent

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