Island Princess Review

Island Princess to the Panama Canal and Beyond

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Island Princess
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Andy200
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
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Dining
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Entertainment
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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Balcony

My husband and I just returned from a cruise on the Island Princess to the Panama Canal, among other places. Pluses: the food was very good, better than most of the other ships we have sailed on, and there have been many. We ate mostly in the formal dining room, for their "Anytime" services. But one of the biggest problems was, as people have mentioned, that Princess added a large number of passengers (we heard 100-140!), without expanding the public areas, such as the dining rooms! Apparently, they also eliminated some of the gym area, making it quite small.

If we had known all this, we would have signed up for the "Traditional" dining, where the passengers can pick a definite time and have their tables ready for them. There were times when we had to wait a half hour or more, to be seated, and then the service, while friendly and professional, was quite slow. We missed some shows because of this, which was distressing. Many passengers were upset by this, and I imagine the reviews will not be very good. The shows, while very entertaining and professional, were shorter than on other cruises, sometimes onnly 30 minutes long.

The other problem with the cabin was the shower space. We had a balcony room on Deck 10, arranged by our travel agent, and while the room space was O.K. (not as large as some we've had, but adequate), the shower was tiny! We are relatively thin people, but I don't know how people who are either tall (my husband is about 6') or stocky, could even fit in the shower! The bathroom space was also small, but at least there was enough room to move a little, but the shower was totally inadequate! Another bad review for that, I'm sure.

Cabin Review

Balcony

The cabin was small, but adequate. Having a balcony helped --as the weather was nice, we used it often. The bathroom was very tight, and the shower almost impossble to use. Unless one was very thin and short, it was very, very cramped.

Port Reviews

Aruba

Just O.K. I would have preferred shopping.

Aruba

The time in this port was way too short. After the excursion, we had to return to the ship right away--no time at all for shopping, in this port, where the shopping is probably exceptional! The lighthouse was nothing much to see, and wasbeing restored, so even less to see.

Aruba

Interesting enough--best of the excursion.

Cartagena (Colombia)

Very nice.

Cartagena (Colombia)

Very interesting.

Cartagena (Colombia)

Very interesting city, great guide.

Cartagena (Colombia)

Beautiful view of the city.

Cartagena (Colombia)

Very interesting city.

Colon (Cristobal)

We had a wonderful guide--funny, original. She kept us entertined and engaged thrughout the entire tour.

Puerto Limon

This was just a brief stop, but interesting.

Puerto Limon

The Rescue Center was exceptional-wouldn't have missed it! Same with our Bri-Bri guides visit to his uncle's native village. It was so great! He showed us the many uses for the pantsound in the rainforest, for food, fabrics, etc. Love it!

Grand Cayman (Georgetown)

Just O.K. Cute.

Grand Cayman (Georgetown)

Not worth the time. Just a place to sell us something.

Grand Cayman (Georgetown)

This was really fun. The local guys doing the tour were fun and friendly. The stingrays were also friendly and interesting to see and hold. The water was so warm and it was great to go in the water.

Grand Cayman (Georgetown)

Interesting and worthwhile.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

We didn't take a tour in Ft. Lauderdale. We did use the airport shuttle, which was fine.

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