Princess Island versus princess star

[lannie180]

we need some input and help. We were thinking of cruising the Panama Canal next year for 19 days round trip from Los Angeles it is with the Island princess. In looking at the deck plan and reading cruise critics reviews and comments this ship was on dry dock and part of deck 7 bars/entertainment area is not there also deck 5 does not have the Piazza. We love watching people dance on deck 5 and the many different thing going on on that area. Also we love having a drink and having different bars with different things going on at night. So we are not sure about this ship. So we thought of may be taking the princess star round trip to Hawaii for 15 night. Again in reading cruises critics auditor review it say that the ship is lacking entertainment especially in the theater. So we would truly appreciate any input to help us decide. We looking for a ship close to the crown or the Ruby. The entertainment is important to us especially having many sea days. Please help. Thanks

[Pam in CA]

Huh? The Island has the Atrium and entertainment area with music. She doesn't have the International Cafe but does have two decks of lounges, specialty restaurants and shops which the Star doesn't. The Atrium extends from deck 5 to deck 8.

[FlaGirl13]

Just off the Island on Sunday. If you want to see the Panama Canal you don't have a lot of choices. Canal was amazing, ship not so much.

 

 

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[kathyt939]

There is not a hub of entertainment in the piazza on Island Princess. No seating or international cafe. There was music played by a quartet as we lined up for dinner but no dancing. I enjoyed the Island princess but was sad that there wasn't more in the Piazza. Star Princess has the International Cafe and had egg drops, horse racing, fruit carving, and much more in the Piazza plus some entertainment. The evening show were good on both.

 

 

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[Sillyjilly]

Star Princess is a smaller version of the Ruby and the Island is an even smaller version of the Star.

[fishywood]

Star Princess is a smaller version of the Ruby and the Island is an even smaller version of the Star.

 

Not exactly. (Actually not even close but I was trying to be uncharacteristically polite).

 

The two Panamax Princess ships (Coral and Island Princess) bear almost no structural resemblance to any of the four builds of Grand-class ships. Island is narrower but noticeably longer than Star (or Crown or Ruby as cited by the OP). Even with the unfortunate addition of new cabins in place of the Universe Lounge and the aft viewing areas, the lower pax capacity of the Panamax ships results in better passenger to public space ratios. The placement of the Horizon Court forward rather than aft allows both easier navigation of the pool deck and views of the Canal from the buffet seating (so be sure to leave your books and coats on a table super early on transit day...:rolleyes:)

 

Unfortunately the OP's strongly emphasized concern over the smaller atrium and adjacent facilities (a necessity in a ship that fits through the older Panama Canal locks) seems to be an insurmountable self-fulfilling prophecy. Their stated need for a ship closely related to their previously sailed ones rules out a Panama Canal cruise (at least until next season when Caribbean Princess sails the round trips from Ft Lauderdale). And while I have never been on a Princess Hawaii cruise most of the posts from them I have seen speak glowingly of the Hawaiian enrichment programs.

 

The OP should also take note that the "cruise critic auditor review" (?) of Star Princess is of an Alaska cruise, not Hawaii--and was clearly done several years ago as the DSC rate and specialty dining prices are all out of date, as is some of the info regarding MDR dining. And the con of "Nightlife and evening entertainment may be lacking" on the review splash page is in my opinion contradicted by the specific information on the Activities page of the review.

Edited April 12, 2017 by fishywood

[Sillyjilly]

Not exactly. (Actually not even close but I was trying to be uncharacteristically polite).

 

The two Panamax Princess ships (Coral and Island Princess) bear almost no structural resemblance to any of the four builds of Grand-class ships. Island is narrower but noticeably longer than Star (or Crown or Ruby as cited by the OP). Even with the unfortunate addition of new cabins in place of the Universe Lounge and the aft viewing areas, the lower pax capacity of the Panamax ships results in better passenger to public space ratios. The placement of the Horizon Court forward rather than aft allows both easier navigation of the pool deck and views of the Canal from the buffet seating (so be sure to leave your books and coats on a table super early on transit day...:rolleyes:)

 

Unfortunately the OP's strongly emphasized concern over the smaller atrium and adjacent facilities (a necessity in a ship that fits through the older Panama Canal locks) seems to be an insurmountable self-fulfilling prophecy. Their stated need for a ship closely related to their previously sailed ones rules out a Panama Canal cruise (at least until next season when Caribbean Princess sails the round trips from Ft Lauderdale). And while I have never been on a Princess Hawaii cruise most of the posts from them I have seen speak glowingly of the Hawaiian enrichment programs.

 

The OP should also take note that the "cruise critic auditor review" (?) of Star Princess is of an Alaska cruise, not Hawaii--and was clearly done several years ago as the DSC rate and specialty dining prices are all out of date, as is some of the info regarding MDR dining. And the con of "Nightlife and evening entertainment may be lacking" on the review splash page is in my opinion contradicted by the specific information on the Activities page of the review.

 

Been on all the Grand class ships: Grand, Golden, Star, Diamond, and Sapphire. And the Crown and Ruby. I also have been on the Coral and Island. They are in no way they same size! Unless of course the Coral and Island have been stretched and made taller in the past 5 years.

 

The Island and Coral are a smaller version of the Sapphire and Diamond with the HC on opposite ends of the ship. IMHO

 

BTW, the Star is doing Hawaii this year and next year

Edited April 12, 2017 by Sillyjilly

[fishywood]

Been on all the Grand class ships: Grand, Star, Diamond, and Sapphire. And the Crown and Ruby. I have also have been on the Coral and Island. They are in no way they same size! Unless of course the Coral and Island have been stretched in the past 5 years.

 

I did not say that Coral and Island are the same size as any of the Grand class ships (if those are the respective "they" you are referring to)--my whole point was that Panamax ships are necessarily structurally different and not different "versions" of the Grand class.

 

Grand, Golden, Star, Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby: beam 118 ft; lenght 950 ft

Island and Coral: beam 106 ft; length 964 ft

 

OK so the difference is somewhat trivial but yes Coral and Island are longer. And I stand by my previous statement that Coral and Island have better passenger-to-public space ratios than the Grand-class ships, Not more public space but with 25% fewer passengers than Star Princess (and 36% fewer than Crown or Ruby) a greater usefulness, especially with the different layout of the open decks up top.

[Sillyjilly]

I respectfully agree to disagree with you.

 

Smaller ship, less passengers. Less play room.

 

Bigger ship, more space for more passengers and more play room.

 

After over 50 Princess cruises on the previous mentioned ships, I have found the space available on the larger Grand Class ships to make the more people less conspicuous than on the Coral/Island. (Not counting the Crown and Ruby which are a class unto themselves.)

[skynight]

If you want a full transit of the Panama Canal on a Princess ship you have little choice. The Island does most of the transits with the Coral making the transit only few times during the year, usually when it repositions to and from Alaska. Although sister ships when built the Coral still has 200 less passengers, the Universe Lounge, small International Cafe, and other pluses that were removed from the Island.

 

When we were on the Star to Hawaii it was full of activities and shows in both the theater and the Vista Lounge. There is an Hawaiian program with uke lessons, hula, lei making, some entertainment and other things, plus all the normal day and evening activities.

[Colo Cruiser]

Actually the Island/Coral are longer than any other Princess ship except Royal/Regal/Majestic just not as wide.

[HimAndMeGoCruising]

We just got off the Island Princess on Sunday from the Panama Canal Partial Transit and found magnificent viewing options for the canal transit:

 

Forward Deck 10 and Deck 11 open decks - excellent for the approach to the canals and entering the locks. The decks are open with no glass for clear viewing over the front of the ship. Very few passengers used these decks.

Aft Deck 8 - spectacular for watching the lock doors close behind the ship and the working of the mule operators and cabling system. Again very few passengers used this deck.

 

These open deck viewing locations forward and aft were mentioned by the commentator during the transits but it didn't seem many people understood or were willing to walk down to see the view. We took it upon ourselves to convince the fellow passengers we met on transit day to give it a try and they were all so thankful to have the opportunity to experience the locks up close.

 

Balconies Aft Deck 8 - while exiting the canal through the Gatun Locks to the Atlantic, this section of the ship falls below the canal walls. From the last 3 or 4 balconies you have a view looking up the walls less than 2 feet in front of you. The walls are just an arms reach away.

[Thrak]

 

OK so the difference is somewhat trivial but yes Coral and Island are longer. And I stand by my previous statement that Coral and Island have better passenger-to-public space ratios than the Grand-class ships, Not more public space but with 25% fewer passengers than Star Princess (and 36% fewer than Crown or Ruby) a greater usefulness, especially with the different layout of the open decks up top.

 

No longer true for Island Princess. Much of the "public space" disappeared and was replaced with more cabins.

[kathyt939]

I loved Island princess and would go again but that being said you are correct that the space is limited.

 

 

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[JAF1]

We sailed on the Island just after her refit and vowed never to go back on her again. They have put additonal cabins on the promenade deck so it is not longer possible to walk all the way round but had left the sign up which said how many times right round the deck equalled 1 mile. The gym instead of looking out is now totally inside and is small (feels like being in a cupboard). Food and entertainment were fine but for us the loss of an entertainment lounge, outside space and change to the gym totally spoilt the ship. They also made some changes to the childrens areas but as we did not have children with us this did not affect us but others were complaining about it.

[Chief02]

we need some input and help. We were thinking of cruising the Panama Canal next year for 19 days round trip from Los Angeles it is with the Island princess. In looking at the deck plan and reading cruise critics reviews and comments this ship was on dry dock and part of deck 7 bars/entertainment area is not there also deck 5 does not have the Piazza. We love watching people dance on deck 5 and the many different thing going on on that area. Also we love having a drink and having different bars with different things going on at night. So we are not sure about this ship. So we thought of may be taking the princess star round trip to Hawaii for 15 night. Again in reading cruises critics auditor review it say that the ship is lacking entertainment especially in the theater. So we would truly appreciate any input to help us decide. We looking for a ship close to the crown or the Ruby. The entertainment is important to us especially having many sea days. Please help. Thanks

 

PCL destroyed the lovely aft lounge (Universe / Universal?) and replaced it with passenger cabins to make a buck. If the Coral is ever to be scheduled for the Panama Canal again, I would take her instead. She hasn't been destroyed . . . yet.

 

We were on the Star in 10/16 and she really needs a refurb. Regardless, I would take her to HI in a heartbeat, especially if Captain Tuvo is in command. Too much fun.

[UpcountryTravelers]

We're booked on the Coral this Fall for full transit of the Panama Canal. Coral is our favorite of 10 Princess ships we've been on. Because of the space ratio, it never feels crowded, and I much prefer the forward facing buffet....sip your morning coffee and watch her arrive in port. We've sailed Coral twice (Alaska) and Island twice (partial transit of Panama Canal). Because of the changes to Island, making it more crowded, we specifically chose Coral again. She's a beautiful ship and easy to get around. LOTS to like about the Coral Princess!.

[philabos]

PCL destroyed the lovely aft lounge (Universe / Universal?) and replaced it with passenger cabins to make a buck. If the Coral is ever to be scheduled for the Panama Canal again, I would take her instead. She hasn't been destroyed . . . yet.

 

We were on the Star in 10/16 and she really needs a refurb. Regardless, I would take her to HI in a heartbeat, especially if Captain Tuvo is in command. Too much fun.

Agree entirely.

We were on the Island Princess For the holiday Panama Canal cruise.

220 cabins added. Double deck Universe Lounge ripped out.

Gym moved from a view on Deck 14 to a hole in the wall on Deck 6 to add more cabins..

Casino reduced to add even more cabins.

Promenade deck cut at aft elevator shaft to create ersatz balconies for the new cabins.

 

 

 

I have been a loyal Princess customer for decades. What has been done to this ship is a disgrace.

My understanding is that a similar hack of Coral was cancelled. Hope that is true.

[Murray's Pop]

Have been watching this thread with great interest. We have been on the Star and enjoyed the ship layout and staff. Great cruise (Mexico Riviera from SF). We are going to be on the Island in Oct for a Panama Canal cruise.

 

As primarily HAL cruisers (with a few Celebrity Century cruises as well) we enjoy the "smaller" under 2000 passengers ships. We did have some concerns about the Island Princess after reading reviews posted after the refurbishing that added a bunch of cabins and took away public space, but are keeping an open mind and will see if we enjoy the ship after our cruise.