We have traveled through the Panama Canal three previous times and enjoyed it, but not this time. As a non-balcony passenger and photographer it is important to get unobstructed views from throughout the ship. NOT available on the Island Princess. All of the outside decks that face forward on the Island are obstructed by blue glass. In order to see anything or take pictures clearly you must fight for position at the cracks between the glass the the steel frames that hold the glass. The ship has other issues that are documented fully throughout the community boards, but this is the one biggest issue we had on our cruise. When we cruised through the canal previously on brand "H" there was plenty of open decks to view from and the bow was opened for the transit, but not on the Island.

Layout of the ship is weird. The promenade deck is blocked aft so you cannot walk the deck all the way around. You must reenter the interior through the doors.

It is sorely missing an International Cafe so there is no excitement in the Atrium nor are there good places to sit. Read more