Island Princess Review
Very Comfortable Ship for a "Bucket List" Cruise
Rating by category
Additional details
Our goal was to take a Panama Canal full transit cruise for a birthday celebration and the timing and itinerary fit our needs. Due to the total distance traveled in just over 2-weeks time we had as many sea days as days in ports but it is something you know up-front and either like or not. The canal is a bucket list experience and took a full day but well worth the effort. The Central American ports are interesting but definitely 3rd world with some still using horse & wagon. We avoid the +40-person bus tours so opt for 4-6 person independent tours whenever possible. Our exception is at tender ports because of the challenge to get ashore so it is easier to take the ship's tour.
Since we have been on several Princess cruises, the Island Princess felt like 1-step nicer than the other ships in the fleet. The buffet area and particularly the desert area is beautifully done ad there were many more "healthy" options to choose from for fruits and salads. There is a very nice Air-Conditioned enclosed Lotus Spa pool area with comfortable seating that is N/C and open to all which is better than other Princess ships.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
Smaller veranda than other mini-suites but it is a "wrap-around" configuration which provides good views looking forward going through the Panama Canal but if not for the canal I would be disappointed. The cabin was OK but the sofa cushions are almost worn out and the tub was discolored and in need of replacement. The location of the cabin is excellent as you can walk up 1-flight of steps to reach the pools and buffet and we did not hear hardly any noise with that deck above us.