Island Princess Review
Nice Cruise, but Crowded Ship, Noisy Penthouse Cabin
Rating by category
Additional details
Overall, we enjoyed the cruise with good food and nice entertainment. We were in a noisy penthouse suite so enjoyed suite perks. Caution on anytime dining as the lines of people waiting for seats was a problem the entire cruise. We made reservations so avoided that pain. Theatre for evening shows was overcrowded for show that coincided with first main dining seating time. People lined up 30 minutes before showtime just to get a seat!
Embarkation - princess sent out a notice assigning staggered times to arrive for embarkation. Many people apparently ignored that staggered schedule and arrived at the start of embarkation so lines were a problem. We avoided the lines due to priority boarding via platinum status so not a problem for us.
Ship condition - the island was in good repair, newly painted and looking good!
Cabin Review
Premium Suite with Balcony
We were in a penthouse suite which was added during the 2015 dry dock. While this suite is very large, there is a significant vibration problem which causes a serious noise problem. In addition, the published deck diagrams show this suite with a wraparound balcony which is does not have! This suite has two balconies, one aft facing and one on the side. We used the aft facing balcony the most and for a canal crossing, aft balconies are great! Suite had both a tub and a standalone shower which was a comfortable size. Closet space was more than I needed! Bed was comfy. Room shook and groaned like you were on top of an eruption. One night, I was worried we were going to break off and fall into the sea. I cannot recommend this room. We have been in aft facing rooms before that did not have this much vibration/noise. Speed of the ship also affects the noise level.
Port Reviews
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Arrived in Fort Lauderdale the day prior and relaxed by the pool. Took cab to the port which was quick and easy.
Aruba
We were only there till noon so we just walked around the shops adjacent to the dock which were plentiful!
Cartagena (Colombia)
Interesting but too crowded
Cartagena (Colombia)
A fairly steep incline to enter the fort so caution! Interesting stop with nice views and history. Street vendors around the entrance are pretty aggressive.
Cartagena (Colombia)
Interesting stop but overcrowded.
Colon (Cristobal)
Just got off the shop for the quick port stop. Looked in souvenir stands where prices really varied. Watch your change!
Puerto Limon
Banana plantation tour at dole was interesting. I am surprised they did not offer banana samples! Really dole!? No samples?.
Puerto Limon
We really enjoyed our combo canal and banana plantation tour. Was not too crowded, yay! Guide was great and we saw a nice variety of wildlife on the canals. Birds, herons, sloth, and howler monkeys all came out to see the humans. Pineapple snack was provided after the cruise and guide bought beer for the group.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Why did we even stop here? The worst tourist trap I have ever been to and can't understand why we stopped. Chalk it up to supporting the local economy.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Quick stop on the tour where we sampled the yummy rum cakes. Prices here are slightly less than on the ship and selection was larger.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
This was very nice, comfortable vessel, and we saw shipwrecks and many fish that the guides fed to attract.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
Great stop to see huge turtles! Very interesting and not overcrowded!