What will Island Princess look like after May 2015?

[caribill]

 

So I am trying to figure how behind the loop I am on the plans for this dry dock. When did it become know that Princess was replacing several public areas with hundreds of cabins?

 

See the date when this thread was started

Edited April 9, 2015 by caribill

[caribill]

 

But then again, Disneyland doesn't discount the admission price either if a venue is closed... :)

 

But they do have a sign where you purchase tickets listing which attractions are closed that day. So you can choose whether to pay and go in or not.

[gacruisergal]

We got off the Island Princess on Tuesday morning and must say we had a wonderful time. The only sign of the retrofit were two lamp shades in our closet which were for the new bedside lamps to be installed. Since the shades were larger than the existing ones, I assume the lamps will be larger also. We didn't miss the Universe Lounge in the least since everything was handled very well regarding Princess Elite passengers. One of the best cruises and staff ever.

[caribill]

Without debating the pros or cons of the refit I can say I definitely find it wrong to sell people a cruise without advance notice that a major venue will be unavailable. People should be told in advance and the cruise should be discounted. When I book a cruise I expect to be able to use all the venues normally available.

 

 

We were on a RCI B2B2B while the ship was being modified for use in the Asian market area.

 

Cruise Critic roll call members provided the information about the construction.

 

Early on, various calls to RCI were met with there is no construction during the cruise.

 

Then, finally two months before embarkation RCI admitted there would be construction. Basically the casino would be unavailable for most of the first segment and various shops would be closed during all three segments. One bar may have been unavailable during each segment.

 

Pricing did not change, but there was $100/cabin OBC given on two of the three segments.

 

In the RCI case, no entertainment venues were being modified or eliminated. Except for those who like to donate money in the casino, the passenger experience was not adversely affected. Getting the OBC was nice anyway.

[Cruise Arizona]

See the date when this thread was started

 

 

That must explain the price difference. With Island Princess being build specifically for Panama Canal cruise (Canal size will be expanding soon), it makes me wonder what Princess is thinking in adding all these cabin and decreasing public space.

 

Are they trying to make Panama Canal cruising more affordable? Will the ship be eventually leaving princess and/or doing more traditional routes when the new Canal opens.

 

With a 2k price difference between Celebrity and Princess it certainly makes the Princess option attractive, I'm just going to be watching very carefully the comments post re-fit to see how it affects the quality of the cruise.

[Colo Cruiser]

That must explain the price difference. With Island Princess being build specifically for Panama Canal cruise (Canal size will be expanding soon), it makes me wonder what Princess is thinking in adding all these cabin and decreasing public space.

 

Are they trying to make Panama Canal cruising more affordable? Will the ship be eventually leaving princess and/or doing more traditional routes when the new Canal opens.

 

With a 2k price difference between Celebrity and Princess it certainly makes the Princess option attractive, I'm just going to be watching very carefully the comments post re-fit to see how it affects the quality of the cruise.

 

They won't have to keep the Island/Coral in the canal if/when the expansion comes online.

[Thrak]

That must explain the price difference. With Island Princess being build specifically for Panama Canal cruise (Canal size will be expanding soon), it makes me wonder what Princess is thinking in adding all these cabin and decreasing public space.

 

Are they trying to make Panama Canal cruising more affordable? Will the ship be eventually leaving princess and/or doing more traditional routes when the new Canal opens.

 

With a 2k price difference between Celebrity and Princess it certainly makes the Princess option attractive, I'm just going to be watching very carefully the comments post re-fit to see how it affects the quality of the cruise.

 

There was originally a lot of speculation that the ship was being refitted to handle the new restrictions in Venice but since that time the restrictions have been changed or lifted. Both Coral and Island were built specifically as Panamax ships. Since they are selling off Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess I don't think they have any other ships that can make the transit due to size restrictions. With the opening of the new canal coming soon Princess will be able to schedule larger ships for the transit. At this point I would guess that revenue stream is the main thing driving the changes. More passengers = more revenue.

 

While many people are upset and saddened by the coming changes the fact remains that there is a huge pool of potential cruisers who won't know the difference as they have never cruised on either of those ships in the past. I think Princess is more concerned with future revenue than with hurting the feelings of past cruisers who like Coral and Island just the way they are now.

[IECalCruiser]

There was originally a lot of speculation that the ship was being refitted to handle the new restrictions in Venice but since that time the restrictions have been changed or lifted. Both Coral and Island were built specifically as Panamax ships. Since they are selling off Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess I don't think they have any other ships that can make the transit due to size restrictions. With the opening of the new canal coming soon Princess will be able to schedule larger ships for the transit. At this point I would guess that revenue stream is the main thing driving the changes. More passengers = more revenue.

 

While many people are upset and saddened by the coming changes the fact remains that there is a huge pool of potential cruisers who won't know the difference as they have never cruised on either of those ships in the past. I think Princess is more concerned with future revenue than with hurting the feelings of past cruisers who like Coral and Island just the way they are now.

CLIA has voluntarily agreed to abide by the restrictions, even if they are not law at this time. The Pacific is the only Princess ship sailing into Venice in 2016.

[dmwnc1959]

A few pictures of Island Princess arriving at Trieste this past week:

 

http://ilpiccolo.gelocal.it/trieste/foto-e-video/2015/04/07/fotogalleria/l-island-princess-in-arsenale-per-grandi-lavori-1.11191837?ref=search#2

 

:D

[Colo Cruiser]

Can't get past the first 2 photos. :(

[Astro Flyer]

Can't get past the first 2 photos. :(

 

I was able to view all 8 photos on the CC app & on the Safari web browser by clicking the arrow on the right side.

[jasbo49]

Incidentally, and from out of left field, I know there has been some discussion as to whether the new Island would feature an International Café. According to this site, they're putting one in:

 

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

 

I'm glad to see there will be one. The smaller the ship the more I wonder about limited choices. A restructured Horizon Court sounds promising, too. Islands rather than a line, I assume.

 

Jim

[IECalCruiser]

Incidentally, and from out of left field, I know there has been some discussion as to whether the new Island would feature an International Café. According to this site, they're putting one in:

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

I'm glad to see there will be one. The smaller the ship the more I wonder about limited choices. A restructured Horizon Court sounds promising, too. Islands rather than a line, I assume.

 

 

 

Jim

That is an unofficial site that gets info from CC and other sources. Good info, but with no direct info from Princess.

[jasbo49]

That is an unofficial site that gets info from CC and other sources. Good info, but with no direct info from Princess.

 

That's true. In this case, they said they were getting their information from the shipbuilder's website:

 

"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)"

 

Jim

[Travelw]

The pictures showing the Islang going in for dry dock are great. Any chance of getting pictures of updates during dry dock? My wife and I are on the May 22nd sailing.

 

Thanks

 

Dennis

[cruisin froggy]

We booked our cruise of a lifetime to the Meditterean in September on the Island Princess. A couple of months after we booked the cruise and our flights (non refundable) all the information on the changes came out. Unlike those of you who have decided to cancel your cruise on the Island Princess, we cannot because we already have the fights booked. We were so excited as this was a cruise we dreamed of taking when we finally retired this year. Reading all of the negative comments about how horrible the ship will now be with overcrowding, not enough lifeboats, no aft viewing places, no track around the promenade deck, cutting back on entertainment etc. etc. has taken all of the excitement and anticipation we were feeling looking forward to the cruise and turned it into anxiety and apprehension. :eek:

 

I feel the same. We are new to cruising and CC. We only "know" the Star, the Grand and the Crown Princesses. So far, we enjoyed our cruises immensely. While on the Grand, the Hawaiian cruise, the future cruise director told me how beautiful the Island Princess was going to be after her dry dock. We are booked on a b2b 4/16 and was excited to go on a Panama Canal cruise. Now, after reading all of the posts about how horrible the Island Princess will be and no one will sail on her again, instead of looking forward to our cruise, I'm dreading it. We can't cancel so we have to go. I'm afraid we may be so miserable based on all these posts we may just stay in our cabin the whole cruise. Thankfully, we booked a mini suite so at least we will have more room.

[jasbo49]

I feel the same. We are new to cruising and CC. We only "know" the Star, the Grand and the Crown Princesses. So far, we enjoyed our cruises immensely. While on the Grand, the Hawaiian cruise, the future cruise director told me how beautiful the Island Princess was going to be after her dry dock. We are booked on a b2b 4/16 and was excited to go on a Panama Canal cruise. Now, after reading all of the posts about how horrible the Island Princess will be and no one will sail on her again, instead of looking forward to our cruise, I'm dreading it. We can't cancel so we have to go. I'm afraid we may be so miserable based on all these posts we may just stay in our cabin the whole cruise. Thankfully, we booked a mini suite so at least we will have more room.

 

Keep in mind that many of us here on Cruise Critic tend to get all over-wrought about our First World problems. We're not talking about where our next meal is coming from here; we're talking about how much we're gonna suffer on a cruise ship.

 

I don't mean to make light of your concerns or those of others, but I'm very much looking forward to our December canal cruise on the Island. Along with all the things people are getting worked up over, the ship will reportedly be getting an International Café and a redesigned Horizon Court. I suspect old worn-out furnishings and carpeting will be replaced, rusty railings painted, etc. And there will still be viewing areas up front.

 

Admittedly, I'm at an advantage here. I booked knowing people were worried about these changes. But I'd rather look at the bright side. What are the chances Princess is trying to make the ship so unpleasant that no one will want to sail on it anymore? I think we'll be fine, and we'll still be on a cruise, which is one up on most other people.

 

Jim

Edited April 15, 2015 by jasbo49

[Thrak]

I feel the same. We are new to cruising and CC. We only "know" the Star, the Grand and the Crown Princesses. So far, we enjoyed our cruises immensely. While on the Grand, the Hawaiian cruise, the future cruise director told me how beautiful the Island Princess was going to be after her dry dock. We are booked on a b2b 4/16 and was excited to go on a Panama Canal cruise. Now, after reading all of the posts about how horrible the Island Princess will be and no one will sail on her again, instead of looking forward to our cruise, I'm dreading it. We can't cancel so we have to go. I'm afraid we may be so miserable based on all these posts we may just stay in our cabin the whole cruise. Thankfully, we booked a mini suite so at least we will have more room.

 

We're booked on Island next June and I'm not worried at all. Yes, it will be a different experience without a wrap-around Promenade. I don't use the gym at all (one look at me and you would probably guess that right away :o) so that won't worry me. I do think having a gym without windows looking onto the sea is pretty strange though.

 

I don't think there will be a zillion more passengers because they will still be constrained by the number of lifeboats, etc. It "may" seem crowded but I will get to have a first-hand comparison as the cruise we have booked before the one on the Island is on the Coral which is the sister ship to Island. We will be on Coral before the refit and then on Island after her refit. Remember, the same sort of things were said about the "absolutely horrible monstrosity" that would be the Royal and many other people have since posted how much they love the ship.

 

I am certainly not "dreading" my cruise and won't let pre-conceived opinions of others derail my anticipation of the cruise or my enjoyment of the cruise when it finally rolls around. Don't put too much faith in the doomsday attitude of many posting in this thread. For people who have never been on the Island as she is currently configured there will be nothing for them to compared it to and they will almost certainly be happy with the ship, happy to be cruising, happy to not be at work, etc. I know that's how my wife and I will be feeling. :D

Edited April 15, 2015 by Thrak

[FawnRiver]

We're booked on Island next June and I'm not worried at all. Yes, it will be a different experience without a wrap-around Promenade. I don't use the gym at all (one look at me and you would probably guess that right away :o) so that won't worry me. I do think having a gym without windows looking onto the sea is pretty strange though.

 

I don't think there will be a zillion more passengers because they will still be constrained by the number of lifeboats, etc. It "may" seem crowded but I will get to have a first-hand comparison as the cruise we have booked before the one on the Island is on the Coral which is the sister ship to Island. We will be on Coral before the refit and then on Island after her refit. Remember, the same sort of things were said about the "absolutely horrible monstrosity" that would be the Royal and many other people have since posted how much they love the ship.

 

I am certainly not "dreading" my cruise and won't let pre-conceived opinions of others derail my anticipation of the cruise or my enjoyment of the cruise when it finally rolls around. Don't put too much faith in the doomsday attitude of many posting in this thread. For people who have never been on the Island as she is currently configured there will be nothing for them to compared it to and they will almost certainly be happy with the ship, happy to be cruising, happy to not be at work, etc. I know that's how my wife and I will be feeling. :D

 

 

That's exactly how we feel. We won't miss what we haven't experienced and we are counting the days until our cruise on the Island in September.

Looking forward to hearing your opinion.....

[wowzz]

We're on the Island next April and I couldn't care less about those critics that are declaring that the 'revised' ship will be the worst vessel to ever sail!!!

We're looking forward to it, and I couldn't give a hoot what anyone else says, especially as the re-fit hasn't even finished.

[cruisin froggy]

Thanks everyone. You're right. We have never been on the Island so we won't know the difference. As far as the Promenade, we like to walk around for exercise and when we get to the end because of new cabins, we'll just turn around and go back from whence we came and do it again. I'm looking forward to the cruise and sure we'll be happy with the ship if for no other reason than that its going to take us on a marvelous journey! Thanks again for your reassurances. :)

[laughing husky]

We are sailing on the Island in October...and despite all of the Island bashing...it appears that...(according to roll call) we are having a lot of "famous" people on board....I think many people...especially on the port heavy Med cruises....are looking for an itinerary....not the ships pluses or minuses...After a a 7-10 hr port day, I suspect that many of the available venues won;t be nearly uses as much as usual...but following our cruise in the TA back to Fort Lauderdale.....the comments will be interesting....

[MGnut]

We're on the Island next April and I couldn't care less about those critics that are declaring that the 'revised' ship will be the worst vessel to ever sail!!!

We're looking forward to it, and I couldn't give a hoot what anyone else says, especially as the re-fit hasn't even finished.

 

April 2016? Which one - eastbound or westbound? We are doing the westbound complete to Vancouver. If it's the westbound one, come join our roll call. It needs more people!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2042021

 

We were on the Island westbound Panama canal in 2008, and again from Alaska to Vancouver in 2014. She is still in great shape, and I don't think most of the upcoming changes will affect our cruise very much.

 

With traditional dining, that should rule out long waits for dinners. And we normally use the outside Promenade deck mostly for viewing and for moving from one end of the ship to the other, rather than complete circuits, so that won't bother us much. I guess we'll find out - but I'm sure we'll have a wonderful cruise.

[runnerodb83]

I found a photo of the Island in drydock from someone in Trieste - link on my site:

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

[Colo Cruiser]

i found a photo of the island in drydock from someone in trieste - link on my site:

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

 

 

 

ouch!!!!!!!!! :(