Chose this cruise to revisit the Panama Canal. Itinerary was okay beyond that - too short a stay at a favorite island - Aruba - 7:30 am - noon. Not even enough time to go to one of my favorite beaches - Eagle Beach.

Now about the Island Princess - third time on the Island - was on its first year in the line and then went through the Panama Canal from Acapulco to Puerto Rico. They have ruined this ship. Will never return. When they added more cabins, it overloaded the services, especially anytime dining (coupled with the addition of Club Dining). We stood in long lines that have never happened before. Unsympathetic staff - not willing to explain the problem - had to figure that out for ourselves.

One of the worst decisions Princess made was adding Club Dining - just another way to make some passengers feel inferior.(Better flowers on the tables, more personalized service, hand carved meats, etc) I don't mind the specialty restaurants because everyone pays the same (at least I think they do). Creating obvious classes beyond the cabins themselves harkens back to ocean liner days when there was a steerage class. Don't know that it will be enough to keep us from returning to Princess (sailed with them 20 times) but I'm certainly rethinking my travel options. Also had a run-in with Juan, the Casino Host - not a nice man. (not over gambling but over watching the final four). Had just finished a lovely cruise on the Royal before boarding the Island - world of difference. (Probably has Club Dining but I wasn't made aware of it at every meal) There were a number of staff who were typical Princess professionals - just noticed a world of difference from the Royal to the Island from the cruise director on down.