After a 2 year break for COVID, we finally joined Island Princess for a 14 night circular trip from Southampton. The Ports we visited were all familiar but we had arranged to meet friends in Inverness and Dover and cruising was an easy way to get there. We chose Island Princess based on our previous experience and because it was a smaller ship. Overall, there were no major issues but everything seemed a bit mediocre, especially the entertainment and dining options.

FOOD & DRINKS

The main restaurants, Bordeaux and Provence have the same menus and both were any time. The booking system did not work well, so passengers just turned up and waited until they were shown to a table. The restaurants were only open for lunch on the two sea days and, unlike most Princess ships there was no International cafe for snacks and light lunches. Breakfast in Bordeaux was frustratingly slow unless you arrived before 8.00. Food quality was good but some items on the menu, like escargot, cherries jubilee were not available and lobster was served with a risotto resembling oatmeal. Read more