We took the Island Princess out of Vancouver July, 2008. This was our 8th cruise (we've also been on Disney - our out-and-out favorite, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and Celebrity) and probably our view of this cruise is colored by our experiences and expectations from others.

We're a family of 4 - 2 adults, and an 18 and 15 y.o. Embarkation was a little chaotic because of a loss of power in Vancouver. Not the line's fault but they were really unprepared. Coming on board, there was none of the usual festivities, welcomes, etc. To the line's credit, they didn't harass you with pictures every 5 minutes.

Our negative feelings about the cruise centered on several aspects. The cabin for 4 people was totally unacceptable. They had two beds on the ground and two that swung down from the ceiling with the top bunks immediately over the lower ones. So, in order to get into the lower bunk, you had to climb in between the two. Be careful not to bang your head getting in (or out) and, if you have any kind of back problem, it won't work. Also, after a long or tiring excursion during the day, only two people can relax in the room because the other two beds are back up in the ceiling. On other lines, the hanging down beds were in a different part of the cabin so everyone can get in and out easily. If you're more than two people, think about a second room or larger suite. This extra expense, though, isn't necessary on other lines. Read more