Island Princess- Good or Bad?

[In Toronto]

We are considering a segment on the Island Princess World Cruise.  I just read a lot of really poor reviews of this ship.  It kind of makes me think no to booking it.  But, on the other hand, surely it can't be that bad if there are guests on it for many, many months.  

Any info on this?

Thanks

[Princess Cruises Fann]

I was on the Island for 14 days this past November. I have seen the negative reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise and have no complaints about the ship. I would certainly sail on the Island again. 

[Paula_MacFan]

We sailed on the Island for 12 nights in Sept/Oct 2023 and we had a great cruise.  Our mini suite was comfortable, the overall ship condition was good (fresh paint, furnishings in good repair), and we had plenty to eat.  We went to both Sabatini's and Crown Grill and they were very good.  We did miss the International Cafe but we managed to survive 🙂 

 

The Island tends to do unique itineraries and segments of the world cruises, so if you want to go to those places then the Island is the ship.  I wouldn't hesitate to sail on the Island again if the itinerary was right.  

Edited February 14 by Paula_MacFan

[walkingsoon]

Good. 

 

There are some (well, me anyway) who believe that all of the ships built 2004 and earlier are superior to all the ships built after 2004. It's just that simple.

 

Island gets a bad rap because they removed some public spaces to add extra staterooms. This makes it pretty easy to compare it unfavorably to its sister ship, Coral. But it still rates better imo for 'crowdedness'  than any of the larger ships. As Paula M notes, it deserves some extra credit for going places the others don't.

[We_like_to_cruise]

We spent almost four months on her last year and had a blast !

 

 

[teecee60]

Just did 20 nights on Island Princess in January... wouldn't hesitate about doing more!

[Teechur]

We sailed to Iceland aboard the Island in September. She's a bit tired, but adequate. Toilet issues for many and worn-out mattresses. Good food though! I would sail on this ship again if it were going to ports I want to visit, but I wouldn't choose this ship otherwise.

[memoak]

Much prefer the Coral for the space

[Paula_MacFan]

1 hour ago, Teechur said:

We sailed to Iceland aboard the Island in September. She's a bit tired, but adequate. Toilet issues for many and worn-out mattresses. Good food though! I would sail on this ship again if it were going to ports I want to visit, but I wouldn't choose this ship otherwise.

Interesting perspective although we both agree we'd sail again with the right itinerary. We were on Regal 3 weeks ago and found ourselves comparing her to Island which was our last cruise prior. We found the Regal more 'tired' than the Island in general condition, and our bed on Island was excellent compared to the sagging one on Regal. Our cabin in general on Island was in better condition than Regal, which had several things that needed attention.

 

Other things we like better about the Island:

 

Explorers with great live music vs the uncomfortable Princes Live venue with marginal entertainment choices.

 

Full sized Wheelhouse with dedicated musician space vs the smaller one cobbled onto the Crown Grill on Regal with limited musician space up against the walkway. Also lines of people waiting to enter CG blocking the Wheelhouse bar.

 

Lovely nightly music in Crooners on Island vs absolutely no events there all week on Regal.

 

Overall the Regal seemed very crowded compared to Island.

 

Our next 2 cruises are back on Grand class (Sapphire & Caribbean) so we are looking forward to those and are taking a break from Royal class. 

 

 

Edited February 14 by Paula_MacFan

[jeeper2]

11 hours ago, walkingsoon said:

 

Island gets a bad rap because they removed some public spaces to add extra staterooms. This makes it pretty easy to compare it unfavorably to its sister ship, Coral. But it still rates better imo for 'crowdedness'  than any of the larger ships. As Paula M notes, it deserves some extra credit for going places the others don't.

Thank you for saying that about “crowdedness.”  I am so disappointed that some of my favorite areas have been removed such as the Sanctuary floor with the little aft pool, and large game room.  I loved both the Coral and Island and have been shying away from the Island.  Maybe I will try it one day, if the itinerary is right.

[muffydawg]

We sail on the Island later this year--aside from itinerary the smaller passenger capacity of 2200 compared to the Grand, Caribbean & Emerald was a plus.

[LACruiser88]

The Island is our least favorite ship currently in the Princess fleet.  As a daily Fitness Center user, I HATE where they placed the Fitness Center in the re-build!  It feels like a dungeon with no windows.  With that said, if the itinerary is a unique one we will sail on her again.  We are currently booked on the March of 2026, 54-day, round-trip Los Angeles voyage.  I'm sure we will have a great time!

[Teechur]

50 minutes ago, Paula_MacFan said:

Interesting perspective although we both agree we'd sail again with the right itinerary. We were on Regal 3 weeks ago and found ourselves comparing her to Island which was our last cruise prior. We found the Regal more 'tired' than the Island in general condition, and our bed on Island was excellent compared to the sagging one on Regal. Our cabin in general on Island was in better condition than Regal, which had several things that needed attention.

Lovely nightly music in Crooners on Island vs absolutely no events there all week on Regal.

 

Overall the Regal seemed very crowded compared to Island.

 

Our next 2 cruises are back on Grand class (Sapphire & Caribbean) so we are looking forward to those and are taking a break from Royal class. 

 

 

Sorry to hear that about the Regal. We sailed around the Baltic on her when she was pretty new. Beautiful ship then! Our next two cruises are aboard Emerald and Majestic. Can't wait! ⚓

[Paula_MacFan]

16 minutes ago, Teechur said:

Sorry to hear that about the Regal. We sailed around the Baltic on her when she was pretty new. Beautiful ship then! Our next two cruises are aboard Emerald and Majestic. Can't wait! ⚓

We've been on Regal 3x now and she's still ok, we were just surprised how much we enjoyed the Island more in comparison. Seems like people complain about the Island a lot here so our expectations were low, but concerns were unfounded.

 

I'm glad that others are chiming in with positive comments too.

[In Toronto]

I really appreciate everyone's input.

We LOVE the International Cafe so that is a definite negative, but as many of you mention, the itinerary is important.

Food for thought and will decide soon.

Thanks so much.

 

[AGE CRUISER]

Island is scheduled for drydock in September this year in Italy - I have no details on what is being done.  I love the Island as I love the smaller ships for actual cruising and different unique ports they can get to.  Recent sailings on her were 3 times last year (last one Dec/Jan), also on her in 2021 and 2022 and pre-covid.  There are a few odd things you see around which need updating/usual wear and tear but I saw nothing major they've done a good job with replacing carpets etc. There have been problems off and on with the air con/heating system as she's gone between different climates (had no heat in my cabin but quickly fixed but that was at restart and nothing since for me) and heard about odd toilet issues onboard on most recent cruise but happens on all ships. Booked on her again for December/January this year.  I had comfy bed, cabin good as were all the venues - food, service etc top notch compared to my personal experience on other ships last couple of years.  If it's someone who likes to sail with all the new bells and whistles, things like the International Cafe and having a wider choice of venues is important to your cruise experience then I would say the Island not the ship for you. I agree with previous poster the gym area is tiny, usually crowded and inside unfortunately - dungeon a good descriptor.  I just pick a more off time to work-out and focus on outdoors instead for my personal solution for gym but agree it's downside.   I enjoy this ship for the actual cruise experience, nice wide proper promenade deck which doesn't go all the way around anymore with the changes so you just cut through the ship to other side to make circuit, lots of open deck space up and down for viewing, relaxing, nice wide corridors doesn't feel crowded, there's indoor covered pool area if needed. Buffet is forward not aft so views amazing sailing along you can see what's coming I prefer it to aft settings. The officers and crew have been consistently good in my experience and many want to stay with the ship for their contracts which is nice. The odd time an issue but gets looked after.   Familiar faces - have some new inexperienced staff as on all the ships but do well to maintain good service standard throughout and any issues quickly addressed. Nothing is perfect.   As the atrium smaller it is crowded when there are events and more limited seating area.  I don't understand the many complaints I've read about the ship as my experience is opposite.  i can only guess perhaps those folks had expectations of the Island it couldn't deliver on because of what it is - a smaller unique ship.  If you choose to go enjoy!!  What an experience it would be!

[AGE CRUISER]

45 minutes ago, In Toronto said:

I really appreciate everyone's input.

We LOVE the International Cafe so that is a definite negative, but as many of you mention, the itinerary is important.

Food for thought and will decide soon.

Thanks so much.

 

 Coral has put tiny IC by the casino when good Spirits installed.  Unfortunately on Island they took out La Patisserie (International cafe) a few years ago and instead have the Good Spirits in the space..  In the morning you can get all the usual coffees etc at the bar and they have a case with morning pastries etc but not the same for sure.  In buffet have some of the same "food" grab and go you'd find at IC as well you'll find Amuletto for the IC coffee, teas.  But not the same.  Can also get coffees on pool deck "scoops" and sit outside.  The main thing of course if the missing food items we love from IC. But there is a work around like with everything.  You have a big decision to make!

[muffydawg]

33 minutes ago, AGE CRUISER said:

Island is scheduled for drydock in September this year in Italy - I have no details on what is being done.  I love the Island as I love the smaller ships for actual cruising...

If true she's getting some TLC in September then it will be quite exciting to sail her in early October

[AGE CRUISER]

20 minutes ago, muffydawg said:

If true she's getting some TLC in September then it will be quite exciting to sail her in early October

It is true as of now - it's on Princess Website Island Princess ship description -- when on in December I was told by a senior officer it's happening and in Italy.  Like you I'm looking forward to seeing her spiffed up on my December sailing!!  Enjoy your October!

[Aggie83]

I was on the Island this January going from FLL to LAX.  This was the first segment of the 2024 World Cruise.  I purposefully chose the Island because it was transiting through the old locks of the Panama Canal.  I have not been on the Coral to provide that comparison.  General notes, thoughts, observations, etc.:

 

• While onboard, they installed a new MUTS screen.  Quality was excellent.
• There was also new pool area furniture waiting to deploy after LAX. 
• Brand new washers and dryers were installed while we were on the ship.
• It appeared that the carpeting was fairly new, as I didn't see any worn or frayed areas. 
• Overall, the upholstered furniture was in excellent condition.  Nothing that appeared worn out. 
• The Piazza is not as large as on the Royal class ships; however, it extends 4 floors versus the typical 3.  Then again, it is narrow enough to go through the old locks and the Royal class ships can't.
• It seemed that the shops were smaller on the Island compared to the Royal ships.
• The casino is small and isolated.  On the plus side, you don't have to walk through a smokey casino to get anywhere.
• Horizon Court is forward versus aft.  This means there is no outdoor seating area like you have when it is aft.
• No common area at back of ship to sit, relax, have a drink etc.
• Never, ever had an issue finding a place to sit and relax.  Lots of chairs and love seats available all over.
• The Wheelhouse is large.  Which is a good thing, because it was a very popular place.
• The ever-popular Crooners is also large.  Never had an issue finding a place to sit for our pre-dinner cocktail. 
• I haven't been a fan of the Explorer's Lounge on any of the ships we've been on.  I think that is because it is usually a dark place with a low ceiling. However, I liked this one.  There was a very comfortable seating area next to a window.  
• No International Cafe.
• No Vines.
• No lower-level exit for the Princess Theater. Only exit was at the rear.  
• Our cabin was aft on 10.  Loved that I could be on the decks below 10 and walk aft and take the last bank of elevators (or stairs) up to 10.  No dining room blocking my way. The aft elevators were never crowded.  Usually rode in them solo.
• The captain came through the MDR one evening and introduced himself.  That was a nice touch.  We've never experienced that before.

If the itinerary was right, we would board the Island again.

 

Edited February 14 by Aggie83
Added context.

[memoak]

4 hours ago, AGE CRUISER said:

 Coral has put tiny IC by the casino when good Spirits installed.  Unfortunately on Island they took out La Patisserie (International cafe) a few years ago and instead have the Good Spirits in the space..  In the morning you can get all the usual coffees etc at the bar and they have a case with morning pastries etc but not the same for sure.  In buffet have some of the same "food" grab and go you'd find at IC as well you'll find Amuletto for the IC coffee, teas.  But not the same.  Can also get coffees on pool deck "scoops" and sit outside.  The main thing of course if the missing food items we love from IC. But there is a work around like with everything.  You have a big decision to make!

The area for snacks next to the casino they now call the IC has been there for years before Good Spirits showed up it also served as the casino bar

[Familycruzer11]

Appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and impressions of Island Princess.  I've had some of my most enjoyable vacations on ships that have gotten terrible reviews, so I take them with a grain of saltwater.. ha ha..  We are looking at Island for a full transit NYC- LAX  in fall 2025.  We love the gym, so will have to cope with the dungeon I suppose, but I am sure we will manage.  Does anyone know if they have the fitness classes as on the other ships?  I saw in one of the above posts that while there is no IC, specialty coffees can still be found - hope that is true.  Also hopeful that some of the new vegetarian and vegan menu offerings are (or will be) available on Island.

 

Looking forward to reading reviews after the drydock later this year.  

[walkingsoon]

Regarding the gym, the windowless lower deck location has the one small benefit that the only people in there are actually using the gym to exercise. This is a nice change from the sun and lido deck locations with large groups of loud lookie-loos barging through, people sitting on the machines eating pizza while looking at the view, etc. I actually kind of liked the Island gym.

[eclue]

Is there a library on the Island?  Just booked 21 day from NY to Southampton and then 10 more days in Europe.....I am an avid reader and do not like a kindle....just curious if I need to bring extra books??

[Teechur]

48 minutes ago, eclue said:

Is there a library on the Island?  Just booked 21 day from NY to Southampton and then 10 more days in Europe.....I am an avid reader and do not like a kindle....just curious if I need to bring extra books??

Island has an extensive library. The largest I've seen on a cruise ship. I found many new, popular titles on board, as well as classics. Foot traffic passes through the library, so it is not always a quiet place to read.