New Island Princess

[skynight]

The new deck plans are now posted for the Island Princess.

Added about 121 new cabins, 242 passengers at 2 per cabin. They include full suites, balcony cabins, OV and inside, and are on decks 14,12,11,10,9,7,6.

 

Eliminated:

360 degree promenade, which will now be "U" shaped.

The entire Universe Lounge.

Sanctuary Pool

Portion of the Youth Center

 

Moved or changed:

Churchill's

Sanctuary, which is enlarged and totally on Deck 15 aft

Fitness Center

Smaller Casino

 

Missing: International Cafe.

[Coral]

Interesting, thanks for posting.

 

Sad that they are doing all this and not adding an International Cafe.

 

I hope the ship will continue to feel spacious and not crowded with the extra people.

[Corfe Mixture]

Hi,

 

Yup, that all fits in with what has been discussed on the long running thread on the subject of the dry docking.

 

Interestingly, As I observed in that thread, although number of cabins in total as only gone up by around 120 (roughly 10%), the number of suites has almost doubled from 16 to 31 though this will not cause any problems with space in Sabatini's for breakfast, as it was certainly not crowded last Christmas. never was crowded for breakfast

 

All of the new suites are either next to the most aft balcony cabin, or rear facing suites. However, having looked at the plans, I don't think I will be looking to move to any of the new suites from the S5 mid-ship D deck suite I currently have booked for next Christmas. Certainly I don't see myself being at all tempted by either of the S4 Penthouse suites on C deck, whilst the other two Penthouse sites are right next to the new Teen Centre, which, despite their superb balconies, means that I will pass on them for now. Just got to make sure I get marked as NO UPGRADE.

 

The one thing you missed off your list is that, following the move of the Churchill Lounge, Crooners will be larger.

Edited October 12, 2014 by Corfe Mixture

[Coral]

I am surprised there are now aft cabins. I would not want to be in the ones near the teen center.

Edited October 12, 2014 by Coral

[Island wannabe]

The recent news release from Princess stated the Island would get an International Cafe and that the Bayou would be replaced with a Crown Grill. These two changes made me really excited about planning a Med cruise next year as we use these two places pretty frequently onboard. Maybe there is still hope ............

[skynight]

The recent news release from Princess stated the Island would get an International Cafe and that the Bayou would be replaced with a Crown Grill. These two changes made me really excited about planning a Med cruise next year as we use these two places pretty frequently onboard. Maybe there is still hope ............

 

This may happen, but it is not currently shown on the deck plans

[Sonogirl]

Just got off the Island Princess after a 15 day Panama cruise. Best & Worst:

 

Yes the ship is in need of updating and some repair. Major issues with their toilet system during our 15 day adventure. Our stateroom toilet would stop flushing a several days as a result of a "zone plumbing issue" which meant every toilet in that same "zone" was also out! Not fun having to run up and down decks looking for a toilet that was working.

Also had a navigation problem which delayed departure from Costa Rica. Not a big deal as we still made it in time to Panama Canal. Which was Awsome!

We heard that Dry Dock is not scheduled until March hopefully they will have some of these issues taken care of before then.

We noticed Tharp we're bringing on board some new furnishings , lamps, mattresses, etc so I imagine they will be doing some updates in the mean time!

 

Bests:

Chefs table - a must do

Sabatini's lunch and Dinners

Crab Shack

Sanctuary for Canal Crossing

 

 

 

 

 

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[Traveler30]

When are these changes taking place. I am booked on the February 4th cruise, hope the changes will not be done by then. I have not been on the Island, but I have been on Coral. I know my way around, the Coral (sister ship)

 

Thanks for any further information.

 

Traveler30

[RickEk]

When are these changes taking place. I am booked on the February 4th cruise, hope the changes will not be done by then. I have not been on the Island, but I have been on Coral. I know my way around, the Coral (sister ship)

 

Thanks for any further information.

 

Traveler30

 

In March of 2015, after her transatlantic voyage.

[AZJerry]

I'm really surprised by the removal of the Universe lounge. As the second largest venue, it (like the Vista on the Grand ships) was well used as an alternate venue for shows, bingo, etc. Wonder where they plan on moving all that stuff?

[capriccio]

I'm really surprised by the removal of the Universe lounge. As the second largest venue, it (like the Vista on the Grand ships) was well used as an alternate venue for shows, bingo, etc. Wonder where they plan on moving all that stuff?

 

Without the Universe Lounge they won't be able to produce On the Bayou - the best production show I've ever seen on Princess and only done on the Island and the Coral making use of the triple stages in the Universe Lounge.

[grandmaa]

Without the Universe Lounge they won't be able to produce On the Bayou - the best production show I've ever seen on Princess and only done on the Island and the Coral making use of the triple stages in the Universe Lounge.

 

Possibly since the Island will now go to Europe "On The Bayou" will no longer be performed(also agree the best show on Princess that I have seen)..and one poster mentioned that the Bayou Restaurant was going to be replaced with a Crown Grill .

We have cruised on both the Island and Coral and enjoyed the ship layout and amenities.

I am sorry to see the "cookie cutter" mind set for the Princess ships.

[Astro Flyer]

I'm really surprised by the removal of the Universe lounge. As the second largest venue, it (like the Vista on the Grand ships) was well used as an alternate venue for shows, bingo, etc. Wonder where they plan on moving all that stuff?

 

Without the Universe Lounge they won't be able to produce On the Bayou - the best production show I've ever seen on Princess and only done on the Island and the Coral making use of the triple stages in the Universe Lounge.

Here's a link to the most recent posts on another thread about these changes:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1985664&page=3

 

Some feel that Explorers & Wheelhouse can take the place of the Universe Lounge but I disagree because they're not true showrooms. The Universe Lounge had bad sight lines from the upper level & needed some modification. To eliminate it & to have only 1 showroom will make the Island like the other Princess ships with only 1 showroom...the smaller Ocean & Pacific sisters.

 

Moving the gym & aerobics center inside on a lower deck is something I haven't seen on any "cruise" ship since decades ago when "ocean liners" were converted to "cruise" ships. :eek:

 

Why have a multimillion dollar overhaul & to not add what has become one of Princess' most popular spots...International Café.

 

I understand their desire to add more income producing cabins but everything else to me is worse. They say that their very popular "On the Bayou" show can only be performed with the 3 rotating stages. They said the same thing that "Motor City" could only be performed in the Vista Lounge but they modified it to be in the Princess Theater.

 

To me there is nothing about the Island's overhaul that is an improvement...sad! :(

[RickEk]

Here's a link to the most recent posts on another thread about these changes:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1985664&page=3

 

Some feel that Explorers & Wheelhouse can take the place of the Universe Lounge but I disagree because they're not true showrooms. The Universe Lounge had bad sight lines from the upper level & needed some modification. To eliminate it & to have only 1 showroom will make the Island like the other Princess ships with only 1 showroom...the smaller Ocean & Pacific sisters.

 

Moving the gym & aerobics center inside on a lower deck is something I haven't seen on any "cruise" ship since decades ago when "ocean liners" were converted to "cruise" ships. :eek:

 

Why have a multimillion dollar overhaul & to not add what has become one of Princess' most popular spots...International Café.

 

I understand their desire to add more income producing cabins but everything else to me is worse. They say that their very popular "On the Bayou" show can only be performed with the 3 rotating stages. They said the same thing that "Motor City" could only be performed in the Vista Lounge but they modified it to be in the Princess Theater.

 

To me there is nothing about the Island's overhaul that is an improvement...sad! :(

 

Blame Venice. If they hadn't restricted cruise ships, there would have been no compelling reason to alter the ship and add more berths. Princess is just trying to maintain profitability in the Grand Med itinerary.

[Astro Flyer]

Blame Venice. If they hadn't restricted cruise ships, there would have been no compelling reason to alter the ship and add more berths. Princess is just trying to maintain profitability in the Grand Med itinerary.

I usually agree with you but I blame Princess. As I said it's understandable to add cabins however it's being done by making too many negative changes for me & also not adding an International Café is a mistake

 

I've read posts that larger ships can still go into Venice but not along the route close to Piazza San Marco. I haven't researched whether that is accurate or not however to me if I have a choice between the Island & another Princess ship it won't be the Island.

[beg3yrs]

I hope the ship will continue to feel spacious and not crowded with the extra people.

 

Well, I would hope that too though I expect the opposite.

[JimmyVWine]

I don't know if it was coincidence or design, but the Island had some great aft viewing areas that seemed perfect for Panama Canal observation. Those are all gone now. So take away public viewing areas, take away the Universal Lounge, place some features in some odd places, (Teen Center and Fitness Center in the middle of a bunch of cabins?...Photo Gallery in the Casino?) and neglect to add an International Cafe, and this re-design looks like a mash-up that does nothing to improve the ship.

[Astro Flyer]

I don't know if it was coincidence or design, but the Island had some great aft viewing areas that seemed perfect for Panama Canal observation. Those are all gone now. So take away public viewing areas, take away the Universal Lounge, place some features in some odd places, (Teen Center and Fitness Center in the middle of a bunch of cabins?...Photo Gallery in the Casino?) and neglect to add an International Cafe, and this re-design looks like a mash-up that does nothing to improve the ship.

 

I feel the same way & with the Island/Coral being about 15,000 tons larger than Sun-class ships & both having a similar passenger capacity, Princess had sufficient space to add more cabins without making so many negative changes & not adding an International Café.

Edited October 12, 2014 by Astro Flyer

[RunnerGirl26.2]

I am upset by the loss of the full/all around on one level Promenade. Was great to be able to walk all around the ship.

[Nancyquilts]

Without the Universe Lounge they won't be able to produce On the Bayou - the best production show I've ever seen on Princess and only done on the Island and the Coral making use of the triple stages in the Universe Lounge.

 

Love that show, and I feel so lucky that we're able to take the Panama Canal cruise before everything changes.

[boca7]

Just got off the Island Princess after a 15 day Panama cruise. Best & Worst:

 

Yes the ship is in need of updating and some repair. Major issues with their toilet system during our 15 day adventure. Our stateroom toilet would stop flushing a several days as a result of a "zone plumbing issue" which meant every toilet in that same "zone" was also out! Not fun having to run up and down decks looking for a toilet that was working.

Also had a navigation problem which delayed departure from Costa Rica. Not a big deal as we still made it in time to Panama Canal. Which was Awsome!

We heard that Dry Dock is not scheduled until March hopefully they will have some of these issues taken care of before then.

We noticed Tharp we're bringing on board some new furnishings , lamps, mattresses, etc so I imagine they will be doing some updates in the mean time!

 

Bests:

Chefs table - a must do

Sabatini's lunch and Dinners

Crab Shack

Sanctuary for Canal Crossing

 

 

 

 

 

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We`ll be on the Island shorty, what cabin were you in?

[mr green]

I have never cruised ON Island, [i favoured Coral simply because her dates have always been more convenient], however, with these reported changes, Island is off my radar FOR EVER.

To me the Universe Lounge the finest venue that I have attended at sea, bu,t lets see what else is happening, with over 10% more passengers the dining rooms will be a tad more crowded, tables a little closer together, or, more persons having to dine in the Horizon? Horrors.

And how about the extra staff, 70+, so where will they sleep??? I know, use the hospital beds, and hope that they will not be needed!!

Just a few observations from my perspective, so PRINCESS CRUISE LINES, I know that you read these boards, I have a message for you.

LEAVE CORAL PRINCESS ALONE!!!!!

 

john

[bachcruise]

These changes are really disappointing. I loved the Coral and was strongly considering a full transit cruise on the Island next year. Now I'm not so sure..

 

 

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[trbarton]

We`ll be on the Island shorty, what cabin were you in?

 

I was in C311, Same problems. Other people talked about the same problems.

 

Tom:)

[trbarton]

This may happen, but it is not currently shown on the deck plans

 

I just got off the Island and can tell you what was said about the Bayou show. It worked well in the Universal Lounge because of a revolving stage. There is no revolving stage in the Princess Theatre and the production staff and Princess are determining if it will work in the Princess Theatre without a revolving stage. No decision has been made as whether they will keep that show.

 

Yes it's one of the best Princess shows so it will be sad if they loose it.

 

The CD mentioned that they WILL be adding an IC during drydock.

 

Tom:)