What will Island Princess look like after May 2015?

[remydiva]

OK so don't kill me.

 

I booked L721 for a Panama Canal 15 days in Feb 16. I have never sailed on the Island so I figure that if I don't like the reviews after the changes I can always cancel. I also think they could have achieved what they wanted without loosing so many popular venues and places.

 

Does anyone know where I can find out what the layouts of the new suites will be?

 

Did you note in the new design post May 22, 2015 that L 721 and all the Lido rooms have the Teen Center in the middle? :eek:

 

To me that means the huge potential for noise from teens coming and going..maybe i am old and cranky but it wouldnt be my first choice!

[BosoxI]

Just back from our first cruise on the Island. Really enjoyed the ship and I'm saddened to see what Princess is about to do to her. The Universe was really enjoyable, save for the few minutes we spent trying to view the Christmas show from its balcony. The promenade will be sorely missed, I know. With Princess' changing its itineraries it's getting harder to find cruises we want to take

Edited January 1, 2015 by BosoxI

[gooch47]

I for one would sorely miss the aft veranda on Caribe deck.

 

We called it the "back porch" and even though we had a large balcony, I spent a lot of time back there.

[newparks]

I for one would sorely miss the aft veranda on Caribe deck.

 

We called it the "back porch" and even though we had a large balcony, I spent a lot of time back there.

 

Same here!! I was on the Princess web site today looking for a cruise in November, couldn't believe that my favorite cabin B731 will be no more!!! Loved the fact I could have an OV and what I felt was my private deck just outside my door. It was a fantastic spot to be going through Panama Canal!!!

[R,D,W]

My husband and I will be sailing for the first time on Princess. We chose her for the itinerary of a full Panama Canal transit. While we are getting excited, I am also a bit nervous. Please respond with any helpful hints. Our last cruise was a TA on Oceania and before that we sailed to the Med on Regent. We have booked a mini suite. We enjoy trivia, fine dining, live shows, the casino, visiting with new friends, cooking classes, the spa, and quiet time. Please, does anyone have any hints. Anything we need to book before boarding? Any thing I need to know about cabin area? What about dress code including formal nights? We book our own excursions and are doing fine with that. Thank you, Thank you in advance.

[LabGuy64]

Perhaps they will install a virtual Promenade and then you can just stand in one spot and it will seem like you are walking along it.......then they can fit many more cabins in

 

So sad...it has been a number of years since we sailed on the Coral or the Island, but I remember a much wider promenade deck than the larger ships, one that was a delight to stroll on. I also remember those aft viewing areas at the back of the ship, through the door. And I also remember that the aft pool was only available to those who paid for the Sanctuary which I did not care for (correct me if I am wrong on this ship).

 

What an unfortunate direction for the Island, and assume the Coral will be next up..

[Colo Cruiser]

We just canceled our Nov Venice-Ft Lauderdale TA on the Island. :(

[sue2go]

Hmmm - now the drydock info shows an International Cafe will be added. I've heard so many good things that I think that's a good thing.

 

https://sites.google.com/site/princesscruisesfaq/ships/fleet-drydock-schedule

 

The specific entry follows:

 

From the Fincanteiri site, italian translations confirm International Cafe will be added, Horizon Court restructured, Universe Lounge remodeled, Casino remodeled, and up to 200 cabins added (likely some in the place of the Universe Lounge)

 

Forgive me for repeating if this has already been mentioned.

[dmwnc1959]

In regards to the Island Princess refit and Venice regulations regarding vessel size, I saw this on Cruise Industry News....I wish Princess Cruises would reconsider now that they can (supposedly) send a Royal-class back on the Mediterranean routes...

 

 

Monday, 12 January 2015

 

"The Italian Coast Guard ruling banning cruise ships over 96,000 tons from sailing through Venice’s signature channel has apparently been lifted, according to Italian media reports.

 

The degree banned big ships from sailing through the Guidecca channel.

 

The lifting of the ban may not affect traffic this year, as itineraries and deployment are already planned, but could play a factor starting in 2016."

 

Another article here...

 

http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/venices-controversial-cruise-ship-ban-lifted

 

 

...and here...

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2908206/Venice-overturns-ban-towering-cruise-ships-passing-historic-city-despite-opposition-listers-Michael-Douglas-Cate-Blanchett.html

 

:D

Edited January 14, 2015 by dmwnc1959

[Wehwalt]

I just spent 11 days on her and looked at the new plans. I can't say I'm thrilled, but it's their ship. I hope they put in an International Cafe, though, as someone above mentions. I think the Island and Coral are the only Princess ships where you cannot get coffee after midnight without calling room service. I hope the Horizon Court remodel opens them up, I don't like the "closed door" approach (unique on those two ships on Princess). I've always liked that you can usually go in to get water, coffee, or in the early early morning, a little box of cereal (on some ships)

 

I liked her when I sailed on her, and I'm taking the Coral in May. I guess I'll wait and see on the changes, next time I am minded to take her. I liked the openness, and that you could often just call for an elevator and it just came, not waiting as it stopped at every deck.

 

But one of the things I liked was the ability to walk all the way around Deck 15 (assuming you are doing this when the Sanctuary isn't operating) for my daily exercise, and that should be unaffected

Edited January 14, 2015 by Wehwalt

[UpcountryTravelers]

In regards to the Island Princess refit and Venice regulations regarding vessel size, I saw this on Cruise Industry News....I wish Princess Cruises would reconsider now that they can (supposedly) send a Royal-class back on the Mediterranean routes...

 

 

Monday, 12 January 2015

 

"The Italian Coast Guard ruling banning cruise ships over 96,000 tons from sailing through Venice’s signature channel has apparently been lifted, according to Italian media reports.

 

The degree banned big ships from sailing through the Guidecca channel.

 

The lifting of the ban may not affect traffic this year, as itineraries and deployment are already planned, but could play a factor starting in 2016."

 

Another article here...

 

http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/venices-controversial-cruise-ship-ban-lifted

 

 

...and here...

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2908206/Venice-overturns-ban-towering-cruise-ships-passing-historic-city-despite-opposition-listers-Michael-Douglas-Cate-Blanchett.html

 

:D

 

I agree! We can only hope that they decide to NOT spend all that extra money to add so many pax and ruin the ambiance.

[imescaping]

I just booked a 15 night Panama Canal for next December. The fact that the Island Princess held less than 2000 was a big factor in my decision. I also liked that the promenade deck went all the way around. After seeing the new deck plans, I am seriously having anxiety about it. A 7 night port intensive cruise with the lower space ratio probably wouldn't be a big deal, but 15 nights with 9 sea days stuck on the ship with crowds of people, I don't know. We booked a Mini Suite, so we can always go sit on our balcony if it is crowded, but for the price paid, I expect some great entertainment, fun and food not just hanging out in my room. I booked under the Anniversary sale, so I feel I got a good deal. I don't want to do anything rash, but at this moment I am leaning toward canceling my booking. I read an article in USA Today about the CEO that came on in 2013. While his credentials are impressive, I am not impressed by the direction he wants to take the company. ie having the different brands work more together instead of compete with one another. Sounds good, but if you are going to turn Princess or HAL into Carnival, you are going to lose a whole niche market. I just returned from a 3 day Carnival Ensenada (not my cup of tea, but we did it as an inexpensive short girl's trip) It was my 3rd Carnival cruise and wow have they fallen. After reading the article I could see the influence of the new CEO in the onboard experience. I felt what I paid was an OK price, ( and it was quite a bargain) had I paid more I would have been really upset. Sad thing is it was my Daughter-in-Laws first cruising experience. They didn't even give separate forks for salad/appetizer/dinner, they just kept removing the fork from the plate they were taking and set it back on the table. Seriously, that is not fine dining that is coffee shop. So I am worried about not feeling like I have gotten the value I paid for with the Panama Canal cruise. Sorry for the rant, I don't know if I am looking for someone to talk me out of cancelling or to validate my concerns.

[Brisbane41]

I just booked a 15 night Panama Canal for next December. The fact that the Island Princess held less than 2000 was a big factor in my decision. I also liked that the promenade deck went all the way around. After seeing the new deck plans, I am seriously having anxiety about it. A 7 night port intensive cruise with the lower space ratio probably wouldn't be a big deal, but 15 nights with 9 sea days stuck on the ship with crowds of people, I don't know. We booked a Mini Suite, so we can always go sit on our balcony if it is crowded, but for the price paid, I expect some great entertainment, fun and food not just hanging out in my room. I booked under the Anniversary sale, so I feel I got a good deal. I don't want to do anything rash, but at this moment I am leaning toward canceling my booking. I read an article in USA Today about the CEO that came on in 2013. While his credentials are impressive, I am not impressed by the direction he wants to take the company. ie having the different brands work more together instead of compete with one another. Sounds good, but if you are going to turn Princess or HAL into Carnival, you are going to lose a whole niche market. I just returned from a 3 day Carnival Ensenada (not my cup of tea, but we did it as an inexpensive short girl's trip) It was my 3rd Carnival cruise and wow have they fallen. After reading the article I could see the influence of the new CEO in the onboard experience. I felt what I paid was an OK price, ( and it was quite a bargain) had I paid more I would have been really upset. Sad thing is it was my Daughter-in-Laws first cruising experience. They didn't even give separate forks for salad/appetizer/dinner, they just kept removing the fork from the plate they were taking and set it back on the table. Seriously, that is not fine dining that is coffee shop. So I am worried about not feeling like I have gotten the value I paid for with the Panama Canal cruise. Sorry for the rant, I don't know if I am looking for someone to talk me out of cancelling or to validate my concerns.

 

If I were you I would cancel. I personally have memorised that ship as one I will never go on after those changes.

 

The only thing you as a passenger can do is vote with your money and not go on the ship. If Princess keeps getting people book the ship then it justifies their changes to it and who knows what it will mean for the other ships in the future.

 

Once it is changed and people book to sail on it they have no right to complain any further. We all know the changes are bad for the ship and bad for cruising and the only way to send a message to Princess about it is not to book the ship.

 

I personally hope that when people realise what has happened that bookings completely die down for that ship forcing them to undo all the changes if they proceed.

[caribill]

the only way to send a message to Princess about it is not to book the ship.

 

 

You must let Princess know why you are not booking the ship.

 

The ship will probably continue to be full, mainly with first time cruisers who will not know what they are missing.

[compozer]

I have a b2b booked next fall and wish I knew what the cabins in the aft will look like. I selected a corner suite and on the new deck plans it show a wrap around balcony. I called Princess but of course no one knew anything about it. My ta checked with someone at Princess and was told that it will be a wrap balcony.

BUT

since it is not in dry dock yet, does anyone really know?? Or should I reword that:

Does anyone really know what the real changes will be??????????

 

I am just hoping that it won't be the same designer that screwed up the aft corner suites on the Royal. Had that booked two years out and they made changes along the way and really messed up the layout. I will cancel if the layout is anyway like them. I want to start planning our trip - I did book flights with EZAir - pricey but afraid there won't be much left after the reports come out after dry dock. At least I will have a little time to change our plans but we have many excursions to plan and hate to sign up and then cancel with people who worked hard getting them organized. And I really don't want to organize any myself and then screw things up for people signing up with me.

[Brisbane41]

I have a b2b booked next fall and wish I knew what the cabins in the aft will look like. I selected a corner suite and on the new deck plans it show a wrap around balcony. I called Princess but of course no one knew anything about it. My ta checked with someone at Princess and was told that it will be a wrap balcony.

BUT

since it is not in dry dock yet, does anyone really know?? Or should I reword that:

Does anyone really know what the real changes will be??????????

 

I am just hoping that it won't be the same designer that screwed up the aft corner suites on the Royal. Had that booked two years out and they made changes along the way and really messed up the layout. I will cancel if the layout is anyway like them. I want to start planning our trip - I did book flights with EZAir - pricey but afraid there won't be much left after the reports come out after dry dock. At least I will have a little time to change our plans but we have many excursions to plan and hate to sign up and then cancel with people who worked hard getting them organized. And I really don't want to organize any myself and then screw things up for people signing up with me.

 

We already know what the changes look like. Go to Princess Cruises main website, click on learn about cruising and select ships. When you find the Island Princess then click it and go to deck plans. Two options will come up. 1 - Sailing between now and 22nd May 2015 and 2 - Sailing after May 22nd 2015.

 

All you have to do is select sailing after 22nd May 2015 and you will be shocked by the draconian changes that turn it into a transport ship and no longer a cruise ship.

 

My concern is if people don't say anything about it or complain then it gives Princess the green light to make-over every ship in their fleet with drastic changes like that if they know they can get away with it.

 

If you know you will not be happy sailing on a ship full of cabins and stripped of entertainment venues then do not sail on it. Just remember with all the new cabins comes hundreds of new passengers meaning some passengers will miss out on a seat in those shows, dining rooms and deck chairs.

[compozer]

We already know what the changes look like.

.

 

That is not necessarily true. As I said, I booked the Royal two years out. Yes there were also deck plans published, but six months out our cabin number was changed. They rearranged some of the cabins and redesigned the corner suites on some decks.

 

So, the deck plan really doesn't mean it is a done deal.

 

And yes, I have studied both the before and after deck plans. You may be talking about eliminating certain areas for the public and yes, that doesn't make me happy with Princess at all but I am specifically talking about the cabin I would be staying in for over a month.

[B&J1]

WOW! :eek: We were going to do the T/A from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale in Nov. but now seeing what the changes are going to be I'm really having second thoughts. :(

[LabGuy64]

Carnival fallen?...where could they have fallen to? they have allways been at the bottom......

 

Personally I don't like the small ships...more stable in rough seas....and as for entertainment...the bigger ships can justify richer and more varied entertainment as more money has been spent in fares etc. Just my opinion of course

 

 

I just booked a 15 night Panama Canal for next December. The fact that the Island Princess held less than 2000 was a big factor in my decision. I also liked that the promenade deck went all the way around. After seeing the new deck plans, I am seriously having anxiety about it. A 7 night port intensive cruise with the lower space ratio probably wouldn't be a big deal, but 15 nights with 9 sea days stuck on the ship with crowds of people, I don't know. We booked a Mini Suite, so we can always go sit on our balcony if it is crowded, but for the price paid, I expect some great entertainment, fun and food not just hanging out in my room. I booked under the Anniversary sale, so I feel I got a good deal. I don't want to do anything rash, but at this moment I am leaning toward canceling my booking. I read an article in USA Today about the CEO that came on in 2013. While his credentials are impressive, I am not impressed by the direction he wants to take the company. ie having the different brands work more together instead of compete with one another. Sounds good, but if you are going to turn Princess or HAL into Carnival, you are going to lose a whole niche market. I just returned from a 3 day Carnival Ensenada (not my cup of tea, but we did it as an inexpensive short girl's trip) It was my 3rd Carnival cruise and wow have they fallen. After reading the article I could see the influence of the new CEO in the onboard experience. I felt what I paid was an OK price, ( and it was quite a bargain) had I paid more I would have been really upset. Sad thing is it was my Daughter-in-Laws first cruising experience. They didn't even give separate forks for salad/appetizer/dinner, they just kept removing the fork from the plate they were taking and set it back on the table. Seriously, that is not fine dining that is coffee shop. So I am worried about not feeling like I have gotten the value I paid for with the Panama Canal cruise. Sorry for the rant, I don't know if I am looking for someone to talk me out of cancelling or to validate my concerns.

[imescaping]

If I were you I would cancel. I personally have memorised that ship as one I will never go on after those changes.

 

The only thing you as a passenger can do is vote with your money and not go on the ship. If Princess keeps getting people book the ship then it justifies their changes to it and who knows what it will mean for the other ships in the future.

 

Once it is changed and people book to sail on it they have no right to complain any further. We all know the changes are bad for the ship and bad for cruising and the only way to send a message to Princess about it is not to book the ship.

 

I personally hope that when people realise what has happened that bookings completely die down for that ship forcing them to undo all the changes if they proceed.

That is the way I am leaning right now. I am refundable until Sept. so I was thinking maybe I would wait and see what people who sail in June, July and August think of the changes. Just not sure at this moment. I also, have gone over the ship in my head and am not liking it at all. I have been on enough cruises to get a relative feel from the deck plans.

[imescaping]

Carnival fallen?...where could they have fallen to? they have allways been at the bottom......

 

Personally I don't like the small ships...more stable in rough seas....and as for entertainment...the bigger ships can justify richer and more varied entertainment as more money has been spent in fares etc. Just my opinion of course

LOL, I know, right. I was comparing Carnival to Carnival. Although my prior two Carnival cruises were far superior to my last 2 Royal Caribbean cruises. As for the large ships, I don't prefer them. That is another reason this is so sad, I think this new CEO is trying to turn all 9 of the brands under Carnivals umbrella into Carnival. The great thing about all the different cruise lines is there was something for everybody. Carnival and Princess have generally appealed to different people.

[Brisbane41]

LOL, I know, right. I was comparing Carnival to Carnival. Although my prior two Carnival cruises were far superior to my last 2 Royal Caribbean cruises. As for the large ships, I don't prefer them. That is another reason this is so sad, I think this new CEO is trying to turn all 9 of the brands under Carnivals umbrella into Carnival. The great thing about all the different cruise lines is there was something for everybody. Carnival and Princess have generally appealed to different people.

 

When you look at their history all lines had different markets and different styles. Princess was in no financial danger when it was acquired by Carnival and I have seen nothing but standards drop on some lines ever sine Carnival got their claws in them. Namely P&O standards have deteriorated.

 

The thing about Carnival is that short gambling cruises are their bread and butter. That is their income. They know no other form of revenue raising apart from the style that made them. Princess made their revenue off the style of cruising we grew used to. Carnival cannot understand this concept as it is totally alien to them. What I find sad about Carnival is that they seem to treat all lines the same and all the good things are gradually going.

 

These changes of Island Princess reek of Carnival greed and is not the Princess style.

[dmwnc1959]

I think the 'Princess-style' you elude to disappeared with the first of the Grand-class, and well before Carnival Corporation got ahold of them.

 

I'm not quite sure what happened between the years they were de-merged from P&O, and why they were bought out. If they were doing that well they wouldn't have had the need to take on a parent-company again.

 

:cool:

 

 

When you look at their history all lines had different markets and different styles. Princess was in no financial danger when it was acquired by Carnival and I have seen nothing but standards drop on some lines ever sine Carnival got their claws in them. Namely P&O standards have deteriorated.

 

The thing about Carnival is that short gambling cruises are their bread and butter. That is their income. They know no other form of revenue raising apart from the style that made them. Princess made their revenue off the style of cruising we grew used to. Carnival cannot understand this concept as it is totally alien to them. What I find sad about Carnival is that they seem to treat all lines the same and all the good things are gradually going.

 

These changes of Island Princess reek of Carnival greed and is not the Princess style.

[Tyskie]

Everyone has a valid point in one way or another but I guess we'll really not know the outcome until after the "make-over".

 

We have been on the Coral for the Panama Canal................decided on the Island for our first trip to the Mediterranean. BUT, I chose the Island because of the itinerary. I'm not cancelling! My cabin level won't be changed, I'm not interested in suites and basically (like POA-NCL Hawaii) I plan on using the Island as a floating hotel. I might never get back to Europe so plan on enjoying myself to the fullest :D;):cool:

[LabGuy64]

You have to do what's best for you however, if it was me....I would wait as long as I can (just not so far as I would lose anything at the time i cancel) I don't recall when they will be rolling Island out but when they do Princess will be putting up video on Youtube., i would take a look at the changes first.....you never know..i might be nice....at least you can really know what you are cancelling on.

 

 

 

LOL, I know, right. I was comparing Carnival to Carnival. Although my prior two Carnival cruises were far superior to my last 2 Royal Caribbean cruises. As for the large ships, I don't prefer them. That is another reason this is so sad, I think this new CEO is trying to turn all 9 of the brands under Carnivals umbrella into Carnival. The great thing about all the different cruise lines is there was something for everybody. Carnival and Princess have generally appealed to different people.