ISLAND to S.A. (Questions for PartyBarbie, Pam, Thrak & Others)

Hi All. I wasn't planning this, but an email arrived today specifically promoting the 60-day S.A. cruise on ISLAND that begins JAN 24, 2018.

 

It looks like a great opportunity with many stops, plus a Canal transit (so it's roundtrip from Port Everglades).

 

The only thing that got me thinking was all the consternation I recall reading about regarding ripping up sections of the ISLAND and adding a lot more cabins/suites. Today, I have read a lot more about this, and feel I am reasonably well educated on this situation. I have also read some mixed reactions and feelings from folks who cruise a lot and have been on several ships in the line, including this one before it was changed. I get it - heck, if we do the Alaska land/sea tour one summer, I would look for a trip using Coral over Island.

 

But there isn't a choice on this South America journey. Princess has done similar before, but this one isn't being sold in segments from what I can tell, and IDK when they might do it again and who knows which ship they will use.

 

In a way, it's surprising not using a ship that can fit in the new canal, but I suppose it might be harder to sell a 60-day trip.

 

ANYWAY, I'd like to hear from CC'ers who have sailed the refurbed ISLAND and whether you would book it for this South American trip. It appeals to us over attempting to make a couple of trips down there by air and organize land tours. At least we can see and experience a lot of highlights and countries we would have visited.

 

Or would the prospect of 60 days on the ISLAND send you screaming for any other cruise?

 

Thanks in advance.:cool:

I was just on the Island for nineteen days. Yes, I'd book it. Is the ship's aft now downright ugly? Yup. Sad. The casino is smaller and the Universe Lounge is gone but I didn't miss them nor did I notice that there were more people.

 

There were a LOT of older people (average age was 72 and that includes a 1yo baby.) The pools were mostly empty and anyone could have their choice of lounger pretty much any time. Only three of us booked the Sanctuary for the whole cruise and we had a ball. :) The lectures were very well attended. Even the port lectures. You will likely have older passengers and similar experience on your cruise.

 

Some friends had one of the new cabins on Promenade deck and loved the cabin and location.

 

The buffet is vastly improved and I found it easy to get around with lots of room.

 

The only thing I really missed was the International Cafe. Not a biggie but it's a shame that wasn't added.

 

Alfredo's was open on sea days in Sabatini's, which I enjoyed.

Edited December 21, 2016 by Pam in CA

I am also just off the Island Princess, the same cruise as Pam.

 

Yes the casino is smaller (but we don't gamble). Surprisingly I didn't even miss the Universe Lounge. It would have been nice to have an IC, but there is a lovely pastry and coffee bar at the aft end of the Horizon Court. I think a lot of people missed out on this, especially the lovely Christmas Stolen they served on the last morning.

 

I followed the advice of other CC members and booked late traditional dining at 7:45 pm, so there was never a wait for dinner. We also ate at both the Bayou Cafe and Sabatini's. Yummy!

 

Yes, the Explorer's lounge can be crowded at times, but we never had a problem getting seats in the Princess Theater. We also spent a lot of time in Crooner's. Jim Long was an excellent piano player and the bar staff were some of the best I have ever experienced.

 

I didn't experience the dreaded "chair hogs". There were also plenty of seats for the MUTS.

 

Our cabin was one of the new ones on the aft Promenade deck. I loved the location, it was quiet, except for when we were coming into port or leaving. The vibration was bad at times, but I did love the 50 square foot balcony. It's all the wood from the Promenade deck. The shower and bathroom are a little bigger too, and the television is mounted on the wall, making it easier to view from the bed.

 

We were banned from using the balcony while the ship was in the locks, but we received compensation in the form of a $60.00 per person, per day, shipboard credit. Since we were in the canal for an overnight, our credits totaled $240.00 for the two of us.

 

We also got to see the "mule" driver right outside the balcony glass. Those little trains look pretty cool close up. ;) Before anyone asks, I was up and dressed. :D

 

I hope this helps. I would book Island again. The positives still outweighed the negatives for me.

If I really wanted the cruise and there was no other option then I would book it. I have stated that it is my least favorite Princess ship but it isn't horrible. We really missed having the ability to walk aft and see the wake view from the Promenade. We constantly felt like we "ran out of ship" when we were moving around. It wasn't a "bad" ship but was disappointing after having had a wonderful cruise on Coral the year before.

 

If you want the cruise and the ship making that run is the Island then, by all means, book it and enjoy!!!

Hi All. I wasn't planning this, but an email arrived today specifically promoting the 60-day S.A. cruise on ISLAND that begins JAN 24, 2018.

 

It looks like a great opportunity with many stops, plus a Canal transit (so it's roundtrip from Port Everglades).

 

 

BTW, I just want to add that I love this itinerary! You could even book it B2B with the 15-day Panama cruise that leaves from LA (for us west coast folks).

 

This is my one of my dream cruises. It's the one we hope to do for DH's retirement in five years. I would book it in a heartbeat, then watch for price drops. I would actually prefer the Island for this cruise over a smaller ship, like the Pacific.

 

So jealous! But happy for you. :D

 

We were banned from using the balcony while the ship was in the locks, but we received compensation in the form of a $60.00 per person, per day, shipboard credit. Since we were in the canal for an overnight, our credits totaled $240.00 for the two of us.

 

Why were you banned from using the balcony? That would be very disappointing to book an aft balcony and not be able to use it.

Why were you banned from using the balcony? That would be very disappointing to book an aft balcony and not be able to use it.

Because of the lines needed to anchor and secure the ship.

Why were you banned from using the balcony? That would be very disappointing to book an aft balcony and not be able to use it.

 

When you go through the locks, there are steel cables attached to the ship on the Promenade deck. If a cable were to snap and hit you, there would be serious consequences.

 

When not in the actual lock, you are free to use the balcony as much as you want. We knew this prior to the cruise and were given the compensation of $240.00, for about the loss of about four hours use of the balcony.

 

We also got to see the mules (small trains) really close up and wave to the conductor. :D It was kind of a highlight for me, lol.

I am really glad to see this thread! I put a deposit down over a month ago, when there was some sort of promotion (free grats, free in-class upgrade, and something else...). Deposits were only $100 per person.

 

My husband is ambivalent about the cruise, but I think would warm to it.

However, I've been concerned with the mixed reviews on Island. Very concerned after your recent report, Thrak,as I find myself tending to agree with your perspective in general. Have been waiting to hear back from Pam & partybarbie after your recent cruise..so this thread is exactly what I was looking for :-)

 

I feel much better about the Island now. Our only prior Princess experience was a few months ago on the Grand, which we loved.

 

Thanks,

Mary

I had cruised on the Island a few times prior to last year's dry dock. I was concerned about the changes too, so I took a few precautions.

 

I booked a balcony and figured if the ship was too crowded, I could retreat there.

 

I also booked late Traditional dining because I didn't want to experience the waits in anytime dining. I booked early enough so that we could get a table for two. It was perfect as it was right next to a window.

 

We had around 1,400 elite and platinum members on our cruise, so I avoided the platinum/elite happy hour. We had a sip and sail package, so we went to Crooner's for martinis instead. :D

 

We made sure to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the start of any shows, to ensure our choice of seats.

 

I think if one were to book early dining or anytime dining, one might have a different experience. Or maybe if a lot of kids were on board, then the pools might be more crowded. I think the Island is great for longer cruises, with an older crowd. We really had a wonderful time on her.

Edited December 22, 2016 by partybarbie

You don't think it's too small for 60 days?

You don't think it's too small for 60 days?

 

We are also just off the Island Princess, the same cruise as Pam and PB and concur with their assessments.

 

It is not small by any stretch. At 964' long (longer than the Grand) and 2,000 passengers, it is also larger than all but the newest HAL ship. Wake views are on deck 8 - so go in last doors aft on Prom and up one deck then head aft.

 

We had one of the new Lido cabins aft and loved it especially being close to the Spa and covered (with A/C) Lotus Pool. Aft cabins on any deck get the vibes. We think of them as alarm clocks for port days. Ship was beautiful ... inside ;'>

 

Crew was caring, friendly and did a good job. MDR team, steward (Kamal with Simon helping) and Room service were some of the best we've had.

Edited December 22, 2016 by Ferd Berfle

You don't think it's too small for 60 days?

Nothing small about it. As said, it's longer than any other Princess ship except for the Royal and Regal. I loved being on deck 8 and having the Atrium extend right up to deck 8.

I wasn't planning this, but an email arrived today specifically promoting the 60-day S.A. cruise on ISLAND that begins JAN 24, 2018.

 

 

Also thinking about this cruise. Were there any special promos in the email?

I want to thank everyone who posted so far for your detailed and thoughtful remarks. I had noticed that several of your had cruised on ISLAND in the past month.

 

We are thinking along with Barbie - it seems like a dream cruise. We are retired (at least semi-retired) and I fully expect to be among the "younguns" on board. But that's okay.

 

I appreciate your logic, Barbie, for you and hubby to book that balcony and where you did, but we aren't going to layout that kind of dough for 60 nights. I am thinking of going to a OV Obstructed (maybe even a GTY) and we might get upgraded or be able to move on a price drop if lucky. At least we will have some daylight. (We are normally happy with an INSIDE for a Caribbean cruise and spend the savings on Sanctuary - as I would have done with the OBC for the Canal). Not sure what folks think of INSIDE or OV's on ISLAND, but I have read the Obstructed's are pretty blocked and have checked Renmar's catalog of photos.

 

As for DINING... we have cruised many times with friends and now it will most likely be the two of us. We can probably get TD early for 2 (we are fine with earliest DR time), but 60 evenings with just the two of us might be a bit much (not that I don't love my wife). We have said if we do this, we need to meet some people and we could make a good connection or two. But if we book a TD table for 4, that means two couples are mostly stuck with each other for 60 nights and it can be awkward to move out of that. AT dining would be perfect because you could request table for 2 or for 4 each night, and if that connection was made with another couple, we could no doubt get a set table for 4 whether in TD or AT.

 

Bottom line on DINING, is I am not sure whether to be concerned about the AT stories (they are mixed afterall). I am thinking if we go early for AT (before 6pm), it won't be bad.

Another factor is that many of the port stops are long and if out touring, it may be hard many days to be back on board and ready to dine before 6pm.

AT choice gives a lot of flexibility whether the day is @Sea or a Port of Call. It also gives flexibility on tablemates - or not. (Not interested in going > 4 because meals can drag on).

 

Any thoughts or insights on dining on long voyages is appreciated. Longest we have been on our own is 7 nights and with friends 10 nights.

BTW, Late Dining is not an option for us - we prefer to eat early as my wife likes her sleep - so any late excursions could mean a trip to the buffet for dinner.

 

 

PAM - I was happy to read your experience with Sanctuary as I know you are a fan of it as are we. Needless to say (I think), I would only want to book the @Sea days because we'll be off the ship a lot and it's just too darn expensive for 60 days, even @$30 per. YIKES - $1800 each. (I know - don't look at it that way.. HA HA). So, every voyage can be different, but I doubt folks will be booking full voyage. SOO,,, was ISLAND working on the new policy that on embarkation day passengers can reserve ahead for their selected days?

 

Anyone know how early ahead one can book the Canal crossing day?

Edited December 22, 2016 by steelers36

BTW, I just want to add that I love this itinerary! You could even book it B2B with the 15-day Panama cruise that leaves from LA (for us west coast folks).

 

This is my one of my dream cruises. It's the one we hope to do for DH's retirement in five years. I would book it in a heartbeat, then watch for price drops. I would actually prefer the Island for this cruise over a smaller ship, like the Pacific.

 

So jealous! But happy for you. :D

 

Sure - we like it because of two factors - it's round-trip from FLL, so we can fly down early (or even drive) and stay some time in Florida pre-cruise. I also like that this South American trip includes a trans-Canal trip (another check off the bucket list as we have not done that).

It's like two cruises in one!!

 

 

The buffet is vastly improved and I found it easy to get around with lots of room.

 

The only thing I really missed was the International Cafe. Not a biggie but it's a shame that wasn't added.

 

Alfredo's was open on sea days in Sabatini's, which I enjoyed.

 

Yes, I agree on the good news and I knew all of the above.

Don't they have special coffees and hot chocolate at the patisserie place, however?

Pam, Ferd --

 

thanks for info about relative size of the Island. I obviously had no idea.

I'm most experienced with RCCL, and I can name all the classes of ship there :-)

 

So, with Princess, Regal and Royal are the newest & biggest. CB is the smallest? How many classes of ship are there? We were very happy with the Grand itself and that class of ship - and we do tend to like larger ships. So sounds like there is plenty to like about Island.

 

Mary

Also thinking about this cruise. Were there any special promos in the email?

 

OBC depending on level of cabin booked - up to $600.

Free grats (that will be a $810pp benefit for us).

 

Promo Codes NZ-, ZC-

There is also a campaign code. Call Princess and look into it.

IDK who all got the email, but the voyage has been for sale.

Had we known, we could have booked it under 3-for-free and got an upgrade as well.

Pam, Ferd --

 

thanks for info about relative size of the Island. I obviously had no idea.

I'm most experienced with RCCL, and I can name all the classes of ship there :-)

 

So, with Princess, Regal and Royal are the newest & biggest. CB is the smallest? How many classes of ship are there? We were very happy with the Grand itself and that class of ship - and we do tend to like larger ships. So sounds like there is plenty to like about Island.

 

Mary

 

I'd group them like this:

 

ROYAL CLASS

MAJESTIC/REGAL/ROYAL

 

CROWN CLASS

RUBY/EMERALD/CROWN + CARIBBEAN (mostly same, a few layout differences for most part)

**** I have seen these identified as GRAND CLASS, but things evolved over time, so it seems odd. And IDK all these ships, so maybe others have different opinions, but suffice to say that the above are commonly grouped together. Certainly RUBY/CROWN/EMERALD are triplets. *****

 

GRAND CLASS

GRAND/GOLDEN/STAR/DIAMOND/SAPPHIRE + CARIBBEAN (I prefer to think of CB as part of CROWN group as it is so very close to them, but technically I guess it belongs here

 

SUN 2

CORAL/ISLAND

 

SUN

DAWN/SEA/SUN

 

And last, but not least in many eyes (I've never had the pleasure), is the PACIFIC, the last small ship left.

 

Princess-dot-com has all the details on the fleet, including technical specs and deck plans.

Edited December 22, 2016 by steelers36

I'm going to book it. We have nothing to lose with FCD on file. Just need to investigate some things with Princess and then find best agent with best pricing.

Also thinking about this cruise. Were there any special promos in the email?

 

OBC depending on level of cabin booked - up to $600.

Free grats (that will be a $810pp benefit for us).

 

Promo Codes NZ-, ZC-

There is also a campaign code. Call Princess and look into it.

IDK who all got the email, but the voyage has been for sale.

Had we known, we could have booked it under 3-for-free and got an upgrade as well.

 

It occurs to me after poking around more and recalling that some folks receive emails with casino fares and special booking promotions (of which I have never personally received one), that this may be a targeted email to Captains Circle customers who indicated interest in South America in their profiles? It will be interesting to see if anyone else received it and posts here.

 

I have to follow up with Princess before I contact any TA's to understand all the goodies. I just did a booking on courtesy hold online and an additional OBC showed up I was not expecting and there was no mention of the free grats (I know that is not an OBC; rather Princess credits the stateroom account on board by crediting back the daily grat fee). Still, I would like to see it confirmed in the booking (and maybe it shows up once deposit is down).

 

Once I know all I get from Princess, I can then determine if I get all the same goodies plus TA discount.

Hope this helps if you don't get same deal. If you are a CC member, be sure to sign in and then try a shadow booking and see what you get.

 

BTW - those free grats will pay for 20 days in Sanctuary for each of us on @Sea days (which covers vast majority of them and some will be just too cool to sit out there for a long time).

Edited December 22, 2016 by steelers36

now I'm a little confused about relative sizes of Island and Grand.

 

from the Princess web site, it seems that while Island is longer it isn't overall "bigger":

 

Let's see if I can make a sort of table:

 

Grand:

• Lower Berths 2606
  
• Length 949 feet
  
• Decks 17
  
• Crew 1150
  
• Tonnage 107,517
  

 

Island:

• Lower Berths 2214
  
• Length 964 feet
  
• Decks 11
  
• Crew 900
  
• Tonnage 92,000
  

 

 

Seems that while Island is longer, it's overall smaller, fewer people, 2 dining rooms, etc. Is there enough to do for 60 days?

 

Thanks,

Mary

Edited December 22, 2016 by Mary loves to travel

steelers36 --

 

when I did a trial booking online just now, signed in, I was shown free grats and a free specialty dinner, plus the extra on-board credits (that weren't listed anywhere else). Signing in also gave a $100 per person price reduction.

 

I'm wondering if you got a code that gives you a better price, but does not include the free grats? and which would be the overall better deal.

 

 

still very intrigued by this cruise -- and it's in Rio for Mardi Gras, right?

 

 

Mary

 

We were banned from using the balcony while the ship was in the locks, but we received compensation in the form of a $60.00 per person, per day, shipboard credit. .

 

Would happen to know if those in the aft cabins on the Aloha deck are also banned from their balconies while in the canal?

 

Did you get an email prior to the cruise letting you know or did you not find out until you were on board?

Thanks in advance