Is Island Princess really that bad??

[Cat9196]

FYI - I have always found that an immediate tweet and/or comment on the company Facebook page gets rear ends moving toward resolution quickly.

 

Catherine

[G&T Cruisers]

We just sailed on the Island Princess on a 7 day Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Wittier Alaska

this was our second time sailing on her with the first time going through the Panama Canal in 2014 and that was before the reno. We did miss the back viewing decks and the loss of the Vista lounge but other then that we really enjoyed this ship and would sail on her again.

[zahav1]

I was on the Island for 15 days in February, Panama Canal. Overall the ship was great, the dining room, public areas all in great shape. The problem we had was our mini suite, it was in pretty sad shape, dark grout around tiles, carpet needs replacement, couch sinking and dirty, etc. outside our cabin the hallway wall paper was torn and parts just scratched, etc.

 

The food was the best I've had on Princess, the Horizon Court was fantastic with the bakery area, the shows great, etc. We had a problem with the one day in the sanctuary, but that was a personnel issue not the ship itself.

[philabos]

As others have stated, the Universal Lounge was ripped out and replaced by cabins. The casino was made smaller, replaced by cabins. The ocean view gym was ripped out, and replaced by cabins. The promenade was cut at the aft elevator lobby and is now used for ersatz balconies. The gym is now in a dingy area inside on deck 6.

I happen to pay a lot of attention to the physical characteristics of the ship. Many people could not care less. I do. Personal preference.

I would note a similar "refurbishment" for Coral was cancelled.

[Pierlesscruisers]

My wife and I were on the FL to CA Panama Canal trip on the Island. For some reason, before that cruise the Island was my wife's least favorite ship for some reason but after that cruise it's now her favorite. Why? One thing was the Captain on the ship at that time, Captain Tuvo who is one of a kind. But otherwise it was the other crewmembers and the trip itself.

 

Tom

[tamsocal]

I have sailed on coral and island probably 8 times all pre Island renovation. Just sailed Island connisseur tour Alaska and we had a great time. mini suite-no issues. booked forward cabin intentionally to be near forward viewing decks. definitely noticed the remodeled areas and public areas that shrunk- casino, etc.

Disappointed that the kids club was moved interior on aloha- the kids definitely spent SIGNIFICANTLY less time outside on this cruise than any other and we had great weather.

IC was missed. back pool was missed. I didn't really care that the promenade does not let you walk full deck.

 

more of an issue for me is I do not like that the island spa is interior and the waiting room.

we had traditional dining. No issues with dinner and I never saw signifiant lines for daytime diners- yes there were waits at times but nothing sever like others had posted.

I would choose another shift if I had other options but if it has the itinerary I want and no other options- I would sail again.

[Jagwife]

I was on the Island for 15 days in February, Panama Canal. Overall the ship was great, the dining room, public areas all in great shape. The problem we had was our mini suite, it was in pretty sad shape, dark grout around tiles, carpet needs replacement, couch sinking and dirty, etc. outside our cabin the hallway wall paper was torn and parts just scratched, etc.

 

The food was the best I've had on Princess, the Horizon Court was fantastic with the bakery area, the shows great, etc. We had a problem with the one day in the sanctuary, but that was a personnel issue not the ship itself.

 

You have me worried! We are on the Island in 3 days and will be in a Mini Suite. B217 Baja deck. Hope that wasn't the suite you were in!

[OCruisers]

Island was better before the renovation, but is still a very nice ship and we wouldn't hesitate to cruise on her again. :)

[Colo Cruiser]

You have me worried! We are on the Island in 3 days and will be in a Mini Suite. B217 Baja deck. Hope that wasn't the suite you were in!

 

 

FWIW that is not a suite and the Princess description/name of a mini suite IMO should not have the name "suite" in it. :rolleyes:

[Murray's Pop]

FWIW that is not a suite and the Princess description/name of a mini suite IMO should not have the name "suite" in it. :rolleyes:

FYI, B217 is a "mini-suite".

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Forums mobile app

[DanaPointBob]

Been on 24 Princess Cruises and the Island is by far the worst of all the ships in the Princess fleet. Princess eliminating a two story lounge in order to sell more cabins is unbelievable. Removing the ability to amble around a deck without having to climb stairs or walk through the ship was a pleasure before and now, again unbelievable not possible. And finally, the ship is just not the same as the others in the fleet in that way that most Princess cruisers have come to know and enjoy.

[DreamflightPat]

Been on 24 Princess Cruises and the Island is by far the worst of all the ships in the Princess fleet. Princess eliminating a two story lounge in order to sell more cabins is unbelievable. Removing the ability to amble around a deck without having to climb stairs or walk through the ship was a pleasure before and now, again unbelievable not possible. And finally, the ship is just not the same as the others in the fleet in that way that most Princess cruisers have come to know and enjoy.

 

I have just got off the Island Princess and really enjoyed her. Didn't find any problems. I like the smaller size ships rather than the newer mega style phones.

[Steelers36]

I have just got off the Island Princess and really enjoyed her. Didn't find any problems. I like the smaller size ships rather than the newer mega style phones.

 

Nice to read that. What was your DR dining choice and time? Which of the two DR's were you assigned to?

 

Thanks.

[DreamflightPat]

Nice to read that. What was your DR dining choice and time? Which of the two DR's were you assigned to?

 

Thanks.

 

I choose Traditional Dining late sitting. I was given 19.45 which was perfect for me and I chose a table of 8. As I travel solo I like a table of 8 as you usually get a good mix. I was in Provence Dining Room. Hope you enjoy your cruise as much as I enjoyed mine.

[DreamflightPat]

I have just got off the Island Princess and really enjoyed her. Didn't find any problems. I like the smaller size ships rather than the newer mega style phones.

 

Ooops, predictive text!!!! It was meant to say mega style ships not phones😄

[Dunk]

I sailed on the Island this spring, in one of the new balcony cabins on the Promenade deck.

 

The one place I really felt the crowding was in the buffet. During traditional meal times, it was hard to find a table, and the walkways around the tables are very congested. Otherwise--no trouble in the MDR (we eat late, however), or finding a seat for the entertainment.

 

I did enjoy having one of the new cabins--it has the updated décor from the Royal class, and the balcony was teak as it had previously been the walkaround promenade.

[cruisin froggy]

I have just got off the Island Princess and really enjoyed her. Didn't find any problems. I like the smaller size ships rather than the newer mega style phones.

 

We were on a b2b on the Island through the Panama Canal and we loved the ship! We didn't sail on her prior to the renovation so I cannot compare that. The only draw back that we found was having to pass through if you want to walk the promenade deck and no International cafe. I love the Intl' cafe so I really missed it. However, the Bayou Cafe was outstanding, the food great and the show on the Bayou was the best show I've seen on princess. Our cabin was mid ship so no rattles etc. So, being on hert for 30 days, we really felt we "knew" her and I would sail on her again.

[laughing husky]

I sailed her on a med cruise. I wanted the itinerary and the right time. It was after the refit. I believe it was the Corfu suite we were upgraded to. You might ask Keith as he was in the one next door to him although we never met. We had very little vibration, I thought it was wonderful. I should be so lucky again. Now the balcony suite next to us had a bit more vibration than we did, but we all thought it was fairly minimal for the water at the time. It had 2 balconies as I remember and a different layout. My husband did not like the gym in a windowless, small room...I had no complaints.

[rentlady]

Just got off the island princess on Sept 20th in Vancouver. We were on this ship a few years ago and loved it. This time HATED it! The public rooms were overcrowded. In order to get s seat in the theater, you had to be there at least 30 to 40 minutes early! There were way to many passengers for the limited areas. Seating in the piano bars and horizon court was a real issue.:eek: We were assigned anytime seating, but most of the time we were directed to the traditional dining room on another deck!. Imho, book another ship.

[DreamflightPat]

Just got off the island princess on Sept 20th in Vancouver. We were on this ship a few years ago and loved it. This time HATED it! The public rooms were overcrowded. In order to get s seat in the theater, you had to be there at least 30 to 40 minutes early! There were way to many passengers for the limited areas. Seating in the piano bars and horizon court was a real issue.:eek: We were assigned anytime seating, but most of the time we were directed to the traditional dining room on another deck!. Imho, book another ship.

 

I just disembarked the same cruise as you. Sept 20th in Vancouver. I do not agree with your comments. I was late sitting, traditional dining at 19.45 and then went on to the theatre about five minutes before the show and did not have a problem getting a seat in the theatre. Yes, if you want to be at the back maybe but always seats further down. I always managed to get seat without problem in the Horizon Court. I found the staff were wonderful on the Princess and would not want to put people off of sailing on her.

[DanaPointBob]

Just got off the island princess on Sept 20th in Vancouver. We were on this ship a few years ago and loved it. This time HATED it! The public rooms were overcrowded. In order to get s seat in the theater, you had to be there at least 30 to 40 minutes early! There were way to many passengers for the limited areas. Seating in the piano bars and horizon court was a real issue.:eek: We were assigned anytime seating, but most of the time we were directed to the traditional dining room on another deck!. Imho, book another ship.

 

I was on the same sailing and totally concur. Anyone who states otherwise about the overcrowding is writing total fiction because they are just diehard Princess groupies! The post stating that there were plenty of seats at the theater even arriving five minutes before the show is absolute nonsense.

[Colo Cruiser]

I was on the same sailing and totally concur. Anyone who states otherwise about the overcrowding is writing total fiction because they are just diehard Princess groupies! The post stating that there were plenty of seats at the theater even arriving five minutes before the show is absolute nonsense.

 

 

I agree........

We have sailed the Island many times.

There was overcrowding on our Island cruise post dry dock.

Lines around the atrium for AT dining from 5p to 8:30 for all 21 nights.

The Head Waiter dealing with nasty demanding/screaming/yelling passengers at the door.

Standing room only for "On the Bayou" in the Princess theater even arriving there 45 minutes prior to the show.

Extremely difficult to find seating in the HC for lunch or dinner.

 

 

IMO adding 152 plus cabins to a ship, removing major public areas and not adding ANY additional public space (especially dining) can only create these now prevalent problems.

I am not saying some don't experience a problem free cruise. This is just OUR experience.

Edited September 26, 2017 by Colo Cruiser

[partybarbie]

Having spent 19-days, post dry-dock, on the Island, I rarely experienced any crowds at any of the public venues. The only lounge that was crowded, at least to me, was the Explorer's lounge.

 

We had late traditional dining, so there was no waiting for a table. Our productions shows, sometimes pre-dinner, weren't crowded. We could always find a seat in the Horizon Court, and our favorite lounge, Crooner's.

 

Long waits, for Anytime dining at peak times, can be a problem on any ship. As experienced cruisers, we often do the opposite of what everyone else is doing, thereby avoiding the crowds. IMHO, I thought the Island felt less crowded than both the Crown and the Caribbean. I would have no problem sailing on her again.

[AZ Ocean Lover]

We just got off from a short cruise between Vancouver and LA and we were lucky enough to have beautiful weather (except of a short period of rain the first day). I think rain always adds to the feeling of overcrowding. Like most, we hated the fact that they cut off the promenade but making a u-turn and walking the other way wasn't a real hardship. Lounges always had enough seating and the MDR was busy but we had club class so didn't have to wait. We could always find a table in the buffet for breakfast and lunch. We too were disappointed that there isn't an International Cafe on this ship but at the far end of the Horizon Court there is a delicious display of desserts and a barista to make coffee drinks. I didn't see a big difference between this area and the IC as far as selection. I never did go there for lunch so I don't know if they have sandwiches and salads like a typical IC. The food overall was a little disappointing to be honest. There was always something we could select but we both agreed that it seemed to be a notch below other Princess ships. They do have an Alfredo's open for lunch in Sabatini's. The pizza was great there but the pizza upstairs wasn't as good as it's been on other ships.

 

We were in a bump out mini-suite facing forward which was a huge mistake on my part for selecting this cabin for this particular cruise. The balcony was VERY small and the table was very big. We ended up moving the table into the cabin just so we could move around a bit. It was also very windy and the weather was really too cold to enjoy it. It might be a great cabin in a warmer climate. We made do by arranging the furniture to look out the sliding door. With the wrap around glass balcony we did have a pretty good view.

 

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the Island. I was really prepared to hate it since I had been on both the Island and Coral previously. We really had a very pleasant get away.

[matadams4u]

Based on your experience it sounds like by adding alfredos they are making some changes to elevate the cruise experience.