Island Princess - Honest Thoughts Please

[Level six]

2 hours ago, vjmatty said:

 

Not sure why this is directed at me, I wasn't even responding to your post.  I was simply sharing the opinion expressed by Rick&Jeannie (the poster that I actually quoted and was responding to) that I have never been in a hurry to get off a ship.

 

 

Sorry didn't mean to quote you. 

[luvtravel]

We're booked on a 14 day cruise to Iceland leaving from Copenhagen in July in a premium balcony.  We originally booked the 28 day cruise (B2B I guess) but after reading about this ship reduced it to the 14 day one mainly because long time friends are also going.  Otherwise we would be going on the Oceania Iceland cruise - nicer ship and better itinerary.  But our friends are important to us and we want to see them - they live in Ontario and we live in the US.   I just hope, knowing it wont happen, that another ship is substituted.   We just changed from a mini suite to a premium balcony to be close to our friends who have a premium mini balcony.  They will have been on the ship for 14 days b/4 we board and from what I read will be happy to have the extra room in the cabin with the ship's public spaces so crowded.   I'm watching to see if a prem. mini balcomy becomes available near them but think the only difference from our category is the extra space, which is nice but not necessary for a 14 day, but great on the 28 day one.  - so far the ship looks totally booked..mostly guarantee rooms now.   I'm looking forward to spending time with our friends, but worry about the circumstances on the ship.   We're cruising to Alaska in May on one our favorite lines - Celebrity and a European Christmas cruise  on Celebrity too.  

[Level six]

49 minutes ago, luvtravel said:

We're booked on a 14 day cruise to Iceland leaving from Copenhagen in July in a premium balcony.  We originally booked the 28 day cruise (B2B I guess) but after reading about this ship reduced it to the 14 day one mainly because long time friends are also going.  Otherwise we would be going on the Oceania Iceland cruise - nicer ship and better itinerary.  But our friends are important to us and we want to see them - they live in Ontario and we live in the US.   I just hope, knowing it wont happen, that another ship is substituted.   We just changed from a mini suite to a premium balcony to be close to our friends who have a premium mini balcony.  They will have been on the ship for 14 days b/4 we board and from what I read will be happy to have the extra room in the cabin with the ship's public spaces so crowded.   I'm watching to see if a prem. mini balcomy becomes available near them but think the only difference from our category is the extra space, which is nice but not necessary for a 14 day, but great on the 28 day one.  - so far the ship looks totally booked..mostly guarantee rooms now.   I'm looking forward to spending time with our friends, but worry about the circumstances on the ship.   We're cruising to Alaska in May on one our favorite lines - Celebrity and a European Christmas cruise  on Celebrity too.  

That is a great cruise and one of the B2B we did.  Our friends were in the Presidental suite and it was really nice.  If you can get club class(are you already?)  it is far better. 

Just to add, it is not horrible on the Island Princess.  We had a great cruise (except getting covid part when we got home, we started feeling sick on the plane home the day of getting off the ship).  It is just not the best cruise ship we have been on.  It is fine, I would even encourage the B2B.  Don't let my or anyone's opinion make you not go.  We saw wonderful locations and the ship got us there, so that's a win.  Enjoy. 

[lesnpatty]

We were om the Island for a 24 day B2B this fall and loved it. The staff was great, we were very happy with all the dining venues, the staff  and the medallion on the  ship.  We rate it a 10, on of the best cruises we ever had on Princess.  We were on the Grand last May in AK and we were very disappointed with the ship and crew. 

[Bill B]

Can anyone who has been on the Island Princess recently tell me where (other than Churchill's lounge) the smoking areas are?

[PescadoAmarillo]

On 2/15/2023 at 7:07 AM, disneyochem said:

I showed hubby my first post.  His response was that he would sail on the Island again if it was the only option on a desired itinerary!

 

On 2/15/2023 at 7:07 AM, disneyochem said:

 

On 2/15/2023 at 8:02 AM, Paula_MacFan said:

…but the unique itinerary is the draw so another ship isn't an option.

 

On 2/15/2023 at 11:42 AM, Steelers36 said:

Look, the Island is just fine if you like the itinerary. 

it’s been very clear for a few years that Princess is purposely running their unique and (some might say) most interesting itineraries on the Island, including the World Cruise, now that the Pacific has been sold. They know it has a negative reputation- deserved or not- since the refit and is enticing people with, frankly, the best itineraries Princess offers. We have looked seriously at the cruises in Scandinavia and Iceland in late summer and fall (including the northern lights itineraries), as Princess offers nothing else quite like them, but haven’t been able to get past the reports of ship crowding and lack of dining options.

Edited February 17, 2023 by PescadoAmarillo

[Steelers36]

16 minutes ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

 

 

it’s been very clear for a few years that Princess is purposely running their unique and (some might say) most interesting itineraries on the Island, including the World Cruise, now that the Pacific has been sold. They know it has a negative reputation- deserved or not- since the refit and is enticing people with, frankly, the best itineraries Princess offers. We have looked seriously at the cruises in Scandinavia and Iceland in late summer and fall (including the northern lights itineraries), as Princess offers nothing else quite like them, but haven’t been able to get past the reports of ship crowding and lack of dining options.

Great DR Mgr in Provence took care of us.  Never had issue with MDR, other than this last trip we wanted a table move due to quite cold in rear center of DR.  Ended up at same table nbr we had around S.A.  

 

Buffet is spacious and bright with large side and forward windows.  Has equivalent of IC coffee bar there.  Sizeable library and game room with tables and chairs.  Has a wide promenade and better than Regal, Royal type.  Has loungers out there.  Has Bayou and Sabi's for SD options.  Yes, things are more compact, but the little Pacific was limited as well.  If you want to experience that northern itinerary, I wouldn't hesitate.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/14/2023 at 5:37 PM, waltd said:

Which cruise has the least amount of revisited ports?   Which cruise has the most sea days?   If a lot of sea days which ship would you be the most comfortable  especially if you have to sit inside? If a cold weather cruise everyone rushes to sit in the atrium during the day.      We go for the itinerary.  If port intensive we like  a sea day between ports, if possible.   We lean towards the older ships.  Have done both types.    The newer ships for us are nice but not as comfortable feeling.     Tough call. 

Sorry I have been busy at work so only just getting round to answering you. Thank you for your helpful questions which I’m hoping will help me to decide. Here are M6 answers to your questions;

Ports versus sea days - Island - 8 ports - 7 sea days

- Sky - 8 ports - 5 sea days

 

Revisited ports - Island - I have been to 2 but would like to do both again.

- Sky - I have been to 3 of the ports and would like to do one of them again

 

Ports I am excited to see - Island - 6

- Sky - 4 

 

Sitting inside on a cold weather cruise - Island - covered pool but apparently gets crowded

- Sky - no covered pool but I remember the atrium being large (but it was a half full ship)

Accomodation would be better on the Sky as would the number of dining venues. The island has a lot of sea days so the ship is important.

 

They are basically the same price but on  Sky we would get a mini suite for the same price as a premium balcony on Island.
 

Really tough call

 

 

 

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/14/2023 at 5:54 PM, StrawberryHill said:

Love the Coral Princess, smaller ship cruising.  Was on the Island thru the canal and will be again this summer in Europe.  Dont like the gym location on the Island, it feels as if you are in a basement.  The extra rooms they added did seem to make it feel more crowded. Dining availability was fine with us. We tend not to do the specialty dining or the buffet.   I would not book an aft cabin on the island, the new ones are pretty "flimsy".   Also miss the IC, the same as we miss it on the Coral.  Only on the Island this summer because of the itinerary and being on any of the Princess ships still beats being at work.  

Thanks for the tip on the cabins. 
 

It is a shame Princess haven’t put an IC on the island, that would make it much better.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 12:44 AM, blondee419 said:

I would never sail the Island again. We were on her post-retrofit for a Panama Canal full transit. To be fair, this was in the "before times" so she was full, but it was the most crowded and unpleasant cruise I've been on. I've also been on Coral, Island's sister ship, and would 100% book on Coral again. I will never book Island again unless it's a must-do bucket list cruise and Island is the last ship ever to do it. Add on top that the cruise director was the assistant CD on our Hawaii cruise on Star Princess a few years before, and is the WORST CD in my opinion. 

My mom and I were in an aft balcony, one of the retro-fitted cabins. The cabin was fine, but the lack of public spaces meant that there were fewer places for people to go when the weather was bad. 

There are a lot of sea days on the cruise we are looking at which does worry me a little if it could be cramped. I’m not sure if cruises will start to be full again this year. 

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 2:07 PM, disneyochem said:

Yes, as I mentioned the dining issue is the main reason we didn’t enjoy the ship (loved the cruise though!).  Our journey was part of the 2023 world cruise.  Hubby and I were intrigued and were thinking about the possibility of going on it next year.  At the end of two weeks, we’ve eliminated that possibility on Princess since next year’s world cruise is also on the Island!  
 

The food in the MDR was good—breakfast, lunch and dinner—we never had poor service or food.  It’s not always convenient to eat in the MDR.  The pool side grill was just okay, didn’t try the pizza joint but hubby said it was okay, nothing special.  We really missed not having the IC for a quick bite or light lunch/breakfast.  We only eat two meals a day while on board and missed being able to just pick something up.

 

The covered pool was great but since there were only two pools, it did get crowded. And it got crowded early!  People were saving lounges at 7 am in the morning—putting towels, books etc on them.  We walked through that area a few times in the afternoon on sea days and it was packed!  (As was all the public areas…)

 

The bed in our cabin was very comfortable—both hubby and I slept well the entire cruise.  The sofa in our mini suite was ‘well used’ and sagged a bit.  Not very comfy!  There were spots of rust and wear on our balcony but didn’t notice any in the public areas.  Our bathroom was clean but the fixtures were dated.

 

Mini suite had two tvs—they were interactive.  Able to order room service, check our account, watch movies etc.  Cabin only had one remote though.  Oh, and the room didn’t have a curtain to separate the bed from the couch area.  We missed that on this ship.  Hubby will sometimes stay up late and watch tv.

 

I showed hubby my first post.  His response was that he would sail on the Island again if it was the only option on a desired itinerary!

Thanks for all your information. Nice to know there is a grill and a pizza place near the pool and the TVs are interactive. The only Princess ship we have been on is the Sky so we really don’t have anything to compare it to. The thing that ship had over celebrity in my opinion was the dining options, but these aren’t available on the Island. 
 

it’s a hard weigh up of ship vs itinerary for us.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 2:47 PM, Rick&Jeannie said:

We were in a Dolphin deck mini-suite

Thank you

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 3:02 PM, Paula_MacFan said:

We haven't been on the Island yet but have a 12 night cruise booked for September. I've been wary of the whole trip based on reviews here but the unique itinerary is the draw so another ship isn't an option.

 

For comparison we just sailed on NCL Pride of America in Hawaii 2 weeks ago and had a wonderful time. The POA is almost identical in size and passenger load to the Island. We have always sailed on Grand and Royal class ships so we were a bit nervous about sailing on a 'small' ship. It was all for nothing as the trip was great.

 

Also have to chuckle a bit as the POA is back sailing at full capacity and has even less pool and public spaces than Island and we were suitably fed and entertained.

 

Given that experience we are now looking forward to our Island cruise even more 🙂

 

 

Thanks for your answer. For me it’s a weigh up between ship and itinerary. But you make a good point that you were worried about a small ship and it came to nothing. I might miss out on a great itinerary just because I’m worried about the ship. Very tough call.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 4:04 PM, Level six said:

Yes, but the grill is not on the same level as the pizza place like it usually is.  It was on the higher deck which was hard to get to and almost impossible for our friend in a wheelchair without having to go on the upper deck for half the ship in the cold wind.

 

We were on for 30 days and would probably never sail on the Island again.

 

Layout is weird, some main venues are on deck 6 (like explorers and not convient, especailly for friend in wheelchair who had to keep taking the elevator just for the main venues)

 

TV's were on demand(nice), bed was comfy.  Ship did have some rust, but crew was painting everyday, so it might be better now. 

 

Covered pool was nice area.  On our cruise, not many people used that pool (hot tubs were closed a lot of the time).  We would eat there because it was too cold to eat outside and the buffet was packed, even with 3/4 full ship (Baltic/Iceland)

 

Buffet in front of the ship and it seemed like a lot less seating.  

 

Always lines for dining room.........for any meal,long lines.  Our friends (wheelchair friend) had club class dining, so they had a far better experience with dining than we did. 

 

As I said, our cruise was not full and the ship always seemed full.  From the venues (explorers, theater, buffet) to the long lines getting on and off the ship.  We are elite and we still had to wait long times for tenders.  For the reasons above, I would not sail on the Island again, unless really, really a good itinerary or very, very cheap. 

Thank you very much for the helpful information. That sounds a bit like Celebrity Solstice class ships where the grill is a deck above the pool, we didn’t really find that to be a problem but I suppose annoying if one of you wants pizza and the other a burger.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 6:01 PM, TM said:

I have not.  We have not cruised since the pandemic began and have no plans to do so, at least for this year.  We don't like the fact that traditional dining is gone and in my humble opinion looking at the menus here on cruise critic the variety of food in the MDR has been significantly reduced and has a bunch of stuff I wouldn't eat.  When we do decide to cruise again it will probably be on Celebrity even though we are Elite on Princess and just a couple of cruises on Celebrity.  But like I said originally, I found our experiences in the Island, both before and after the renovation, to be excellent.

Thank you.

 

I think you would like Celebrity if you like traditional dining. We had that on our last cruise and it took the stress away each night to just walk straight to our table.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/15/2023 at 6:42 PM, Steelers36 said:

I have not read this full thread.  Look, the Island is just fine if you like the itinerary.  As it happens, we have had more days on Island than any other PCL ship - primarily due to 60 nights around South America, including the Canal.  Also, another 14, this past November in Med area.  Wouldn't hesitate to go on it for a desired voyage.  That said, if the Island and Sky were doing the same thing, I'd pick Sky or any other ship.

 

Thank you. They are both similar cruises but the Island is a better itinerary. Did you find the cruise you did in November crowded or did you find it ok?

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/16/2023 at 1:21 AM, reedprincess said:

Yes, there's pizza and grill on deck, different decks though, which is awkward.

Yes, pools are crowded, regardless of weather. Indoor pool gets super crowded if it's inclement outside, and both get very crowded if weather is nice..

Yes, a band plays in Explorer's and a duo or such in Wheelhouse. Pianist in the postage stamp Crooners..Once they're done, that's it. No nightclub or dancing area, a DJ at Explorer's, but that's not exactly a night club venue. And with the removal of the Universe Lounge which was used as a dance venue for later at night - there's nothing. 

It's an awkward deck plan. There's no craps in the casino, no space. Limited table games at all, it's small.

 

La Patisserie is not like the International Cafe. It's not open 24 hours and only serves a small warming counter too box of pastries in the morning or some finger sandwiches in the afternoons.. it does serve specialty coffees. And, is also home to Good Spirits.. and again, only open 5:30/6am to 10 or so at night..

Specialty coffees in the buffet also. Or delivered bus Ocean Now/Room Service...

 

Yes, we've sailed Royal class ships, many times.  Unless the itinerary was significantly better somehow on Island, we'd sail a Royal class ship any day and twice in Sunday... (Or any other ship on other lines!). 

 

 

Thank you for all the helpful information. 
 

One thing I didn’t like on the Sky is the small balcony and the lack of covered pool, both of which are not a problem on the island. So that’s something to bear in mind, but overall I think the Sky may be better mainly due to the dining and accommodation etc. So a weight up between ship and itinerary.

[Steelers36]

10 hours ago, Nicole&Pete said:

Thank you. They are both similar cruises but the Island is a better itinerary. Did you find the cruise you did in November crowded or did you find it ok?

Not crowded to us.  I didn't see pool areas crowded but it was mostly not a hot weather cruise - other than some of the ports and then everyone is off the ship.

[wowzz]

I do believe you are over thinking this. You are going on a relatively short cruise, not a 13 week world circumnavigation!

Listening to all the various opinions will drive you crazy if you are not careful.

Choose the itinerary you prefer - either ship will be fine for 14 days.

[Nicole&Pete]

Just now, wowzz said:

I do believe you are over thinking this. You are going on a relatively short cruise, not a 13 week world circumnavigation!

Listening to all the various opinions will drive you crazy if you are not careful.

Choose the itinerary you prefer - either ship will be fine for 14 days.

Thanks I think your right, to be honest I wasn’t expecting so many responses to this. I’m not good at making decisions at the best of times, and now I have lots of different thoughts to consider lol. Because we both work we can only really cruise once a year so we like to make sure we’ve picked the best option. 

[wowzz]

1 hour ago, Nicole&Pete said:

Thanks I think your right, to be honest I wasn’t expecting so many responses to this. I’m not good at making decisions at the best of times, and now I have lots of different thoughts to consider lol. Because we both work we can only really cruise once a year so we like to make sure we’ve picked the best option. 

I fully understand your desire to make the right choice, and agree that it is difficult when you get so many diverse opinions. 

On a personal note, after we had booked our Island cruise,  I started reading various reviews. People were saying how Island had been ruined,  that they would never cruise on Sky again etc etc. We actually began to dread getting on board - eventually we stopped reading the reviews. 

And, as you know, we ended up having a great time. Obviously we did not know what Island was like, pre-refit, but that was of little relevance to us. In retrospect I should never have read the reviews !

As long as you are aware that Island is a smaller ship than Sky, with fewer amenities,  and manage your expectations accordingly, I am sure you will have a good time.

I still think that you should let the itinerary dictate your final choice.

Let us all know what you decide. 

[Nicole&Pete]

Just now, wowzz said:

I fully understand your desire to make the right choice, and agree that it is difficult when you get so many diverse opinions. 

On a personal note, after we had booked our Island cruise,  I started reading various reviews. People were saying how Island had been ruined,  that they would never cruise on Sky again etc etc. We actually began to dread getting on board - eventually we stopped reading the reviews. 

And, as you know, we ended up having a great time. Obviously we did not know what Island was like, pre-refit, but that was of little relevance to us. In retrospect I should never have read the reviews !

As long as you are aware that Island is a smaller ship than Sky, with fewer amenities,  and manage your expectations accordingly, I am sure you will have a good time.

I still think that you should let the itinerary dictate your final choice.

Let us all know what you decide. 

Agreed, I like to have realistic expectations before going somewhere to avoid disappointment but your right sometimes reading reviews doesn’t always help, both positive and negative in my experience.

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/16/2023 at 2:47 AM, G&T Cruisers said:

We have been on the Island 3 times first was 15 day Panama Canal cruise before the retrofit then a 7 day Alaska cruise and just recently a 14 day Caribbean Holiday cruise we love this ship and would go back on it without hesitation.

We were Aloha forward your right below the buffet area easy to get to,We had no problems with long lines at the buffet area or wait times in the dining room 

Have been on several Royal class ships and yes they are nice but we still prefer the Island 

Thank you very much. 

[Nicole&Pete]

On 2/16/2023 at 1:22 PM, gkkapp said:

We were on the Island last summer.  A note on the lack of the IC.  The buffet area had square glass containers with "snack" food in the afternoon, maybe earlier.  They were things like you might find at the IC, chips and salsa, salads etc.  While we didn't get them (prefer pastries or cookies for snacks) friends did and were very pleased.  Just my thoughts.

 

<<<Karen>>>   

Karen,

 

Thank you for the information. 
 

Did you find the ship crowded at all?

 

thank you 

[gkkapp]

On 2/19/2023 at 1:41 AM, Nicole&amp;Pete said:

Karen,

 

Thank you for the information. 
 

Did you find the ship crowded at all?

 

thank you 

Sorry not to reply sooner but we were on a cruise.  The ship was only 45% full so I really can't answer the question.  Went back and read your first post.  I would choose the best itinerary.  To me that is more important then the ship.  Once you are on the ship you can work around any problems like dinner reservations etc.  The one thing you can't change is the itinerary.  I thought the Island was very nice.  Just got off the Caribbean Princess which was "packed".  No problems getting dinner reservations or getting on off and on even with all the crowds.    

 

Hope this helps.

 

<<<Karen>>>