Review Island Princess 2/10-25 Hawaii part 1

[Tallcruiser]

Island Princess 15day Hawaiian cruise Feb. 10th - 25th.

Where do I start? I may have to post this in parts.

This was my 3rd Princess15day Hawaiian Cruise. The best one yet. We enjoyed smooth seas going and returning. Feb. is colder while at sea. We had sunshine and good weather everyday.

The 1st ½ of the cruise our Captain was Mariano Manfuso. Once we were on the Islands Andrea Poggi took over as Captain. Our Cruise Director was Billy Hygate. Assistant CD Susan. They have a wonderful new staff. Natalie and Collette were great.

Embarkation: I know many will have their personal experiences due to our special circumstances. I can only share mine. Because the Noro plagued the previous cruise; ours was delayed . We did not embark until after 5PM. I am a Local so we had a smooth time. No problems getting on board. They ship was delayed for sanitizing. We sailed later after 7:30 pm. The crew had worked from 4 am on to ensure our safety. The ship remained under “Red Alert” for ½ the cruise. Because of the unusual circumstances our muster drill was held the following morning at 10am. Musters must be held with in 24 hours of sailing. Princess holds their Musters indoors at designated areas. Not outside on deck, as some ships do.

It was a while before the ship got back to normal. Self service of anything was discontinued the 1st half of the cruise. Nothing on the dinning tables. Even our Menus were just sheets of paper to be disposed of after each use. I kept mine for my scrap book. Your salt and pepper, creamer every thing were applied by the server. We touched nothing. Sanitizer was applied by crew at every venue. Use of public restrooms was discouraged. Everyone worked very hard to pull it off. Everyone worked very hard. Overall our service on the ship was Excellent!!! The only exception was at the passenger service desk. They must have ALL be new! I could go on …but suffice to say Passenger Service became the butt of a few jokes. That said, We had the best Cabin Steward. Farrell was exceptional. We were C607. He met every special request with a smile. I just loved that he called me Mum. LOL

C.D. Billy and Susan , did the morning show on TV every morning. He called it B.S. in the AM. They asked the trivia question and reviewed the Patter.

Natalie and Colette were one the C D Staff. They were new, but bent over backwards to arrangements for second get together for our Cruise Critic group and a Tea for the Red Hatters. Colette even made it possible to have a formal photo taken of our Red Hatters. Well Done ! I think Natalie learned something about CruiseCritic.com from us. They were very accommodating. Princess arranged 2 CC get together that were listed in the Patter. The meetings were held in the Crooners lounge.

A Roll Call was started before our cruise. We enjoyed posting on board. We met on board the ship and made wonderful friends I will treasure. We dined together a couple times and met in the evenings. One of our new friends, Leslie and Peter hosted cocktails in there cabin a few times. We all enjoyed each other so much. I can’t wait to see them all again in the future. I miss everyone already!

Shall I tell you about the ship? If you have questions, ask.

A general over view…..Laundry…. There is laundry, dry cleaning and pressing service offered for a fee if you are not an Elite member. Shirts, pants etc. running around $3.50 a piece. There is a bag provided in your cabin or ask your steward. There are self service coin operated Laundromats located aft on decks 12,11,10,9,8 and one mid ship deck 4. They are open 8 AM- 8PM.Wash is 4 quarters. As is dryer. There is detergent and softener also available in vending machine. Change machines, Ironing boards and Irons are also provided.

Deck 16 Aft, reached by stairs from deck 15, is Center Court Here you can spend the day in the sun. A clear view of the ocean behind the ship, while playing a game of basket ball, shuffle board or a game of chess on a GIANT chess board. There are events also scheduled here during the cruise.

Deck 16 forward is where the Splash Pool is located. This is a great secluded deck to enjoy full sun and cool down by putting your feet into the round 8in. Deep wading pool for adults. Ahhh! The view is the same as the webcam you have been watching.

15 Aft, is where the Princess Links is located. There is a 9 hole putting green . Putters and golf balls are provided. Also there s a Driving range Kevin Mumford is the PGA Pro there for instructions.

Forward deck15 is where the Grill and Grill bar are located. Great hamburgers, hot dogs bratwurst, veggie burgers and chicken breasts and sandwiches. The French fry’s are best there, hot and fresh! I loved the dogs & kraut, Mmmm.

Deck 14 Lido, is where most of you will spend time. Starting at the back of the ship ….the Fitness Center has a comprehensive weight and work out room. There are free weights and machines. The Treadmills and elliptical face looking out the windows with a view of the sea. The aerobics room has spin cycles and exercise balls. Both are well staffed. There are daily classes and trainers. Pilates, yoga, cycling, stretching, walking and all areas of conditioning. Deck 14 is also where the Lotus Spa is Located. Within the spa there is the Salon; where all services are offered. Hair, nails, makeup the works. Ladies, an “up do” runs about $45-50 . The Salon is on the Port side with windows to the sea. There is a ladies and gentlemen’s locker and restroom. There are no private showers or saunas in the locker rooms. Towels , robes and lockers are provided if you are enjoying a “Treatment” or have purchased a Sanctuary Pass … The treatment rooms run along the starboard side.. There is a Menu of services offered . The technicians in the spa are independent of the ship. They are well trained , informative and skilled. I loved my deep tissue massage. My friend swears by the hot stone and oil massage. So Tip as you see fit as they are not under the umbrella of inclusive tipping. The Spa runs specials and seminars every day. Some great 20-20-20 deals are offered toward the end of the cruise. 20 min. of 3choicesfrom testament at a huge savings. About $79.-$89.

The Lotus Spa offers the Sanctuary Suite. Open 8-8 sea days and 8-10 port days. Use of the Sanctuary’s included with treatments. There is a charge if you are not booked in a full suit. For single use day by day or an unlimited pass for the full 15days. I bought the 15 day pass, $150. P/p 0r $225. P/c. On board . There is no pre-ordering on line before the cruise. The Sanctuary offers several aroma therapy steam rooms, 1 dry sauna, 2rainshowers and the most comfortable heated concrete lounges. Sounds of trickling water and tinkling music in the a. Ahhh, heaven.

The Lotus Pool is a 2 level adult only pool area. It is enclosed by a glass panorama moveable ceiling. The pool is deep, fresh water with a wave resistance feature available. 2 Jacuzzis and showers. Plenty of comfy seating. Padded wooden lounges and chairs, with tables for other activities. Also in the lower Lotus pool area is a Ice cream Bar. A selection of premium ice creams, toppings and sodas for a charge about $3.75 up. (There is a build your own ice cream sundae bar every afternoon in the Horizon buffet for free! very good)

Up stairs in the Lotus pool area you can sun and read. There are more tables and seating. This also where the ceramics and pot throwing are offered.

back down moving through the automatic sliding glass doors …mid ship is the Lido pool where all the action is on sunny days. There is a stage where the Pat Juneau Trio play tunes. The pool is fresh water. There are showers, 3 Jacuzzi’s and plenty of lounge chairs. Many activities are held on the Lido deck. Water volley ball, best bar tender, ice sculpting, belly flop contest, Princess regatta and many more. Lido bar portside and Starboard Princess Pizza. Great pizza, no charge.

Horizon court forward Lido deck 14. Grand buffet offering 24 hr service. Serving variety of appetizers, cheese, crackers, breads, fruits, salads, hot and cold snacks and entrees. A Omelet bar in the am where you can have your eggs made your way. Hot and cold cereals. Lunch and dinner , there is a carving table, and dinner you can have fresh grilled to order steak, chicken , veal, or fish. Desserts! lots of deserts. I found the sugar free to be the best!! The same menu is served in the buffet as is in the dining room. I many cases I found the buffet to be fresher. Especially the 2 nights crab legs are served. In the Horizon Court--you can pile your plate high! Don’t forget the drawn butter. (oink oink) There are “special theme” buffets set up from time to time near the Horizon Bar. Chocolate buffet, dessert. Buffet, sushi………

At the top of the Atrium is Emerald deck 8. This is where the internet café is located starboard side. I heard it was slow and several times there were problems with the satellite. Also located on 8 are the card room portside where there is always a game going. Bridge is in the Patter every day. The library is starboard. There is a large selection of reading to check out. Large comfy club chairs facing a view to the ocean, a quiet place to nap or read. This is also where you will turn in your morning trivia answer.***

A ride down the glass panorama elevator in the atrium to deck 7. Many venues are on this deck. Forward is the upper level of the Princess Theater. Starboard is the wheelhouse Bar. Daily events are held here. Trivia, special interest lectures, digital photo classes, ukulele lessons and music and dancing. A full service bar. It is large ,with comfortable groupings of seating, low light, and wood work. Very cozy

Church Hill Lounge, Atrium deck 7. Starboard side. An enclosed room with comfy club chair and view of the ocean. A place to enjoy cigars and cognac.

Crooners Bar is center atrium and port deck 7. This is a great open central meeting location. During the day it served as a meeting place for many groups. Our1st CC get together was hosted here by Princess as our 2nd CC get together. Princess also arranged a Red Hatter get together, Friends of Dorothy, Service club, and Dr. Bob and Bill get-togethers. Crooners make a great Martini. At night it is Cocktails, Caviar, Music and Martini’s with Ron Merritt the resident Piano entertainment. He does a great job.

Also on deck 7 is the Wedding chapel Portside .There were a few weddings on our cruise. The chapel is also used for Computers at sea classes.

Starboard are the Art Gallery where you could browse artworks that are auctioned during the cruise a couple times at hosted champagne auctions, in the Explorers Lounge.

Next door is Sabatini’s. One of the alternative dinning venues. It is a charge of $20. P/p well worth it. A must do. At least once. Plan on dining for at least 3 hrs. There are many appetizer courses served. The only choices you will need to make from the menu are the Entrée and dessert. It is over the top in food. You will leave stuffed. The flavors, texture, presentation and service are irresistible. The Lobster is better that what is served in the dinning room. Our CC group had Dinner together hereon our way back. It was wonderful! Our group was so much fun!

Then it ;is the Bayou Café. There is a Jazz bar on one side .Live nightly jazz. The other side is the restaurant. Bayou is an alternative restaurant for a charge of $15. The menu is a Cajun flavor. Our C C group met here for Dinner together here on our 3 rd night. What fun we had.. I think everyone enjoyed their meals. The Lobster looked Fabulous. Wish I had ordered it! My meal was ok. A little too spicy for me. The service and the company were A+.

The back of the deck on deck7 is the upper level of the Universe lounge.

Forward deck 7-6 is the Princess Theater. So many events held here. Afternoon movies. Evenings stage Productions…

Early and Late assigned seating is served in the Provence Dinning room Deck 6 off the Atrium.

Meridian Bay and Calypso cove are the duty free shops. Liquor, sundries, clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, watches, formal and casual wear and accessories. There are sales run all the time. On the cruise back, a 75% off inventory clearance sale is thrown in the Provance dinning room. Get there Early!

Facets of course is beside the Casino. Its s a fine Jewelry Boutique .Lots of pretty upscale Bling Bling. A 50% off sale is hosted the last 2 days at sea.

 

Princess Casino and Shops are only open during sea days. Closed while in ports. The Casino has it all. Tables and slots. There are penny & nickel and up slots. There are slot and card tournaments throughout the cruise for a $20.fee. It get very smoky in the casino. There are2 days offered as non smoking in the casino. I thought Wahoo! But No --people still smoked cough ,cough. It didn’t stop me though. I left the Casino ahead! There is a video Poker game at the center of the bar. Pull up a stool and play Deuces wild. Order a drink from the bartender Tony! Tony is a great guy! Drop some quarters in that Poker game. I won $$$ on a $2.50 bet….. And I don’t know how to play poker! My friend won on the same machine the night before!!

The Photo shop and photo gallery are next door. The Photography are did a great job. They even met our request for a formal photo of Red Hatters. The Photo team were also very helpful with instructions and hints on how to use my Digital Camera. I took the class offered on board for $10. But I got further instructions free at the Photo shop. They are great.

Next is Explorers Lounge. All kinds of events are held here. Classes, meetings art auctions. In the evening there is a DJ and music & dancing. It is also where Karaoke and Passenger game shows are.

At the back o the ship deck 7& 6isthe Universe Lounge. Bingo during the day and Comedian, Magician and shows at night.

 

Deck 5 is Bordeaux Dinning room for anytime diners. It is the same floor plan and décor as the assigned seating dining room Provence. We chose “ anytime” personal choice dinning . It was wonderful. We were able to chose to sit at tables of 8 and some night just us. We did not have to wait long. Soon we found we enjoyed the service of Ana and Her Assistant Julio! Superior service. We loved them. Ask for Ana sections. You can call from your cabin to request a reservation for the table ,time and server of your choice. No waiting. After our excursions we did not have the pressure to quick dress and get to dinner. We enjoyed all the dinning Venues when we were ready to eat.

Deck 4 is where the Medical Center is located. Thankfully we personally had no need to visit. Regretfully one unfortunate individual did have a Medical Emergency. The Captain came on over the PA announcing the emergency, requesting any passenger with a blood donor card, type O blood to make a donation. The individual was transported to Honolulu.

Well that covers the decks. I haven’t even mentioned the Ports or excursions. Let me know if you want more info. We did have an excursion in all but one port.

I tried to warn you this was long!

[haggis]

Thanks for taking the time to do this report. We travel on 12th March to Hawaii, less than a week now, and your report was really appreciated.

Jimmy

[bdjam]

Thanks for the tour of Island Princess - got me reacquainted with the ship!

[Coolmama_1]

Sounds fabulous so far! Can't wait for part II!:)

[Bucky3]

Really like your good detail. Our cruise coming up in April, so all info much appreciated. Please tell us about your experiences in the ports. So glad you have had such great weather. Thanks so much for posting. Look forward to the next installment.

[Bucky3]

I do have a question: Can you recommend a nice table number for just the two of us? I don't want to get stuck in that entryway where we saw tables for two!

[Grego]

Quite the detailed review and very much to the point of explaining the proceedures used by the staff to protect against another large Noro outbreak.

 

I'm glad to read that they are forcing people to use the sanitizers at every opportunity and limiting the use of the public restrooms, although inconvenient, will help against those that are in too much of a hurry to wash before leaving and contaiminating the rest of the ship.

 

Looking forward to hearing about your tours and anything else you might be wanting to share.

[Sooner-b-Crusin]

I'm looking SO forward to part II.

 

Thanks a million.

 

We board on 3/27.

 

Pat

[RodneyG]

We had Farrel in Dec/Jan, he was a fantastic cabin steward , diffident , unobtrusive , prompt and handled all requests well. We rewarded him hansomely at the end. As we did our exceptional waiter JESUS , he even sang in the diningroom.

We really enjoyed our cruise.

[port345]

Really enjoyed your review - glad to hear about the smooth seas. There are SO many posts commenting on bad weather during the winter months. Rocky seas, huge waves, motion sickness, wind, cold...etc., etc. plus missed ports due to inclement weather. I read the Hawaii weather is typically wonderful, but that the sailing is not. I guess it's the luck of the draw.

 

I look forward to other details, were your other experiences here also that positive? Esp., weatherwise, I would like to take this and want to know when is the best time to book?

 

Port 345

[Leslieswiger]

A VERY good report Maxine.. We are Platinum with Princess and this was our 8th. 33 cruises under our belts now. We had a mini-suite B228. This suite had the full tub/shower and extra large balcony. We were able to entertain ten at a time in this suite in confort. Of all our cruises, we had to put this one at the top. Also, never have we had such a group of wonderful people as we had with this CC. I hope that Maxine will send me her phone # as we do want and keep in touch. Will be calling the others as well. One thing that OUR group did on the Roll Call, was send each other our pictures. This put faces to the Threads and some of us even called one another. OUR big mistake was staying at the San Pedro Holiday Inn. No service what so ever and the place needs a good cleaning and lights. My advice is stay away. :eek: We were sooooo pleased with this cruise, we are booking the China trip. Maxine...again your report was great and do keep in touch. You have my e-mail and your always welcomed.:) Who ever takes this cruise, I only wish it will be as enjoyable as ours.:p

Happy Sailings......Leslie Swiger:)

[SHIPMEOUT]

I do have a question: Can you recommend a nice table number for just the two of us? I don't want to get stuck in that entryway where we saw tables for two!

 

A great table for two is #35. This table is in Ana & Julio's section and you will enjoy the location and their wonderful service. We sure did! After being seated there once halfway through our cruise, we reserved the table every night thereafter. Just talk to the Maitre 'D about reserving it or call DINE to make your reservation for that table.

 

Cindy

[LARGIN]

Leslie.. How was the ride up that high and forward.? We will be in B211 on our Hawaii cruise..

[LARGIN]

Tallcruiser.. Thanks for the great review.. Cannot wait until our Hawaii cruise next month..

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review.:)

[Leslieswiger]

Largin....I thought of you a couple of times during the cruise.:eek: This part of the ship Baja deck forward (Bow) is perfect. The only difference with your cabin, is that your balcony will not be covered. All the crew that we came in contact with were most professional.:) Absolutely no problem with ANY of the crew. Ask the maitred for HIS wine list. Not a bad list and it goes from $40.-$600. The maitred will not give up his wine list and keeps it with him at all times. Only wish they had proper glasses for the different wines. It's really not a problem as I still enjoyed every minute.:p Happy Sailings...Leslie Swiger:)

[TorontoTL]

Thanks for taking the time to post that detailed review. I wish I had a cruise booked on the Island Princess now that I've read your review.

[Leslieswiger]

Benny I can asure you that you would enjoy the Island Princess. She is a well kept ship and a beauty. Go ahead and give yourself a treat..BOOK A CRUISE ON THE ISLAND PRINCESS:D Happy Sailings....Leslie Swiger:)

[sparkle]

Hi Robin,

 

You are doing such a great job on the review! We had so much fun! Memories of the cruise will keep me happy for the rest of the winter.

 

I did a regular review for the review section, and it will go on there after they review it. I am copying it onto a thread on the Princess forum as I'm not sure how long that will take. It's not as good as yours, but you are the Recreational Researcher, so everyone depends on you to submit an outstanding review, like you are doing:). Keep up the great work!

[LARGIN]

Largin....I thought of you a couple of times during the cruise.:eek: This part of the ship Baja deck forward (Bow) is perfect. The only difference with your cabin, is that your balcony will not be covered. All the crew that we came in contact with were most professional.:) Absolutely no problem with ANY of the crew. Ask the maitred for HIS wine list. Not a bad list and it goes from $40.-$600. The maitred will not give up his wine list and keeps it with him at all times. Only wish they had proper glasses for the different wines. It's really not a problem as I still enjoyed every minute.:p Happy Sailings...Leslie Swiger:)

Thanks for the info.. I'll ask the Maitre D' (BTW.. What is his name?) for his wine list... If no large wine glasses, I will buy a couple in Honolulu.

[Tallcruiser]

Thanks everyone, I will try to get part 2 out soon.

 

Just a quick note....

 

Like Shipmeout said, there are 3 great tables for 2 in Ana's section. All of them are about the center of the dinning room. Table 35 and 35 "A" are next to each other. Close enough to visit with each other as we enjoyed with Shipmeout.:D But separated enough, if you chose to be alone. Table 36 is alone. No table next to it. All are good choices.

 

The other thought was.... we have no control over the seas or the weather. I have enjoyed this itinerary the end of March and the end of April and now in Feb. The weather in Haawaii has always been beautiful everytime. The seas 2 out of 3 times have been " rocky" 2 days out and 2 days back. This recent trip in Feb. was smooth all the way. It is a crap shoot with Mother Nature. I say go prepared! Take motion sickness meds with you just in case. Take warm clothes for the breeze days at sea. The front of the ship does have more movement than the center or the back. I have had cabins in all places for this cruise. Recently it was C 605 ( not 607 opps:o ) The rule stands... the more center your cabin the less rocking.

 

I am looking forward to your review Sparkle!!!

 

Now go --- Cruise and enjoy!!!! :D

[Leslieswiger]

Largin....I have not gone through my notes as of yet. I believe the name was Philip. He would be about 55yrs. and had an art of selecting the right wine for the meal. I let the selecting up to Philip and was alway's pleased. Oh yes, he will be the one with a white jacket on. Happy Sailings...Leslie Swiger:) Our table # was 169 and enjoyed the area.

[SHIPMEOUT]

Reviews well done my friends Tallcruiser and Sparkle!

 

I am still working on mine and will post in two parts also.

 

Hard to believe just last week....think about where we were....

 

Miss you all

- Cindy & Al

[Tallcruiser]

Hey Shipmeout!!!

 

 

We could have a comedy act to take to the seas! Subject: The Pursers desk and Passergers services! LOL:p

 

Looking forward to your review Cindy!

 

A week ago was frantic and tearful! I hated to say good bye. We had the best group of new friends!

 

We will all have to have a reunion cruise. How about Alaska?:D

[TorontoTL]

My partner and I had planned to be on the Island Princess for the last sailing it is doing to Hawaii. Unfortunately we have had to cancel our plans as he has had significant problems with his back. As a result we have no cruises booked whatsoever. I find having no cruises booked very depressing :( Hopefully he'll feel better soon and then I can book a cruise.:D