How is Island Princess? bucket list cruise

[zoena]

We were on the Island Princess way back in 2009 on an Alaskan cruise. We loved it. It never seemed to be crowded. We finally went on one on the new RC big ships on our last cruise and we decided we loved the large newer ship (only if it were empty!) Those new big ships are so crammed and crowded with people and are getting premium prices. Its like being in a sardine can!! We are now booked on a neat one of a kind cruise on the Island in June and we are very happy to be on a smaller cruise ship. If you want all the bells and whistles go on a large ship. But you should try a smaller ship sometime for comparison. Its not that we won't go on others, its just a nice breath of fresh air to not be shoulder to shoulder with people all the time.

[geoherb]

I sailed on the Island on a partial Panama Canal cruise before the refurbishment. When I booked back-to-back cruises a couple of years after the refurbishment, I was concerned about the lack of public space. The Universe Lounge was one of the places we had loved on our first Island Princess cruise. But I had a great time. I enjoy the wide, walkable outside Promenade Deck. That's the feature I miss the most on the Royal and newer ships. 

 

I'm booked to sail on the Island on June 4. It's a strange itinerary--Halifax, Boston, Norfolk, and Charleston. There will be some passengers disembarking in Boston--and others getting on the ship that day. The great thing about the itinerary is that the port days alternate with sea days. One bad thing is that we'll be in Norfolk on a Monday, when the Chrysler Museum of Art is closed.

[Nebr.cruiser]

I agree with you about the newer Princess ships--I like the older style much better.  Real promenades, more connection to the ocean, etc. etc.  The Sapphire, the Emerald, etc. just suits us better.  Public spaces in the newer ships are just a mess.  

 

Of the older ships, I still don't care much for the Island.  But I'd sail her again for the right itinerary.  I like the Coral better.

[Retired-N-Happy]

16 hours ago, Nebr.cruiser said:

I agree with you about the newer Princess ships--I like the older style much better.  Real promenades, more connection to the ocean, etc. etc.  The Sapphire, the Emerald, etc. just suits us better.  Public spaces in the newer ships are just a mess.  

 

Of the older ships, I still don't care much for the Island.  But I'd sail her again for the right itinerary.  I like the Coral better.

Thank you for being one of many old time Princess cruisers that enjoy sailing on one of the older smaller nine ships in the the fleet that were built before the six Royal Class ships and the Sun Princess.  

There is a certain demographic that enjoys the smaller ships with their old time elegance and 360° promenades.  On the other hand, there are others that enjoy the amenities of the newer builds and look forward to seeing how Princess will move into the future with their new builds.

[Rick&Jeannie]

On 5/18/2024 at 7:00 PM, Treasure Hunter said:

We are on the Island June 4-14 for a cockamamie cruise with only 4 ports- Boston, Halifax, Norfolk and Charleston. We were on her the first year she sailed. Any cruise is great. This will be our 35th on Princess. We love the entertainment especially the nighttime games and quizzes. Plenty on time on this cruise. Not happy about the small casino although I heard they added more slots in the music venue next to the casino. Wish they’d do away with the smoking. Food is just fine.

We're doing this same itinerary for June 25th.  Yep, it's a bit strange!

[ksm77]

We will be on the Island for a 21 day cruise in July this year.  This will be our 24th cruise on Princess.  Have cruised on the Coral her sister ship but not the Island.  I know what they did with the remodel.  The things I will miss most is the International Cafe & Vines.  We do not mind a smaller ship. This post has encouraged me though as to the condition of the ship. I don’t mind if it is an older smaller ship as long as it is kept in good shape.