Recently back from Island Panama Canal

[J.A.H.]

We just returned from our first Princess cruise and just loved it. We have cruised on many other lines, and this is my new favorite. I was especially impressed with the crew (all were just so friendly and went out of their way EVERY time.). Also really liked the design of the inside cabins. I am spoiled by balconies but just couldn't afford it.........these are so much nicer than even the larger insides on some lines. All of the mirrors give the illusion of much more space, and I loved the "walk in" closet and that the bathroom is tucked away back there. Oh, and I must mention those cookies! :) I am the original cookie monster, and was in heaven when I discovered them. (Why do they hide this?!) I am now wearing at least a few dozen on my hips! Everyone has always been so helpful to me on these boards. Please ask any questions that you might have. I think someone else posted here that was on the same cruise, so maybe most of the questions got answered? Anyhow, thanks again to all who helped me to relax and enjoy!

Julie

[Druke I]

Haven't been on the Island Princess, but have been on her sister, Coral Princess, and thought it a very well designed ship.

 

And how about the Canal itself? The Panama Canal rates very high on my list of favorite itineraries.

 

We've done it three times, and might just do it again sometime.

[travel2much]

Will be doing this crusie in Jan. I am so excited and always on the look out for information on the Island Princess (I also love cookies and where to find them) tours and ports of calls. Any tips or suggestions would be very helpful and greatly appreciated!!!!! Sounds like you had a great trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jnc411]

Good to hear you enjoyed your cruise. We have done the Canal twice and are thinking of doing it again in 09 on the Coral the sister ship of the Island. You are a kindred spirit, I too am a cookie monster (my big weakness I am afraid.) Panama Canal is to date our favorite cruise itinerary. I think the two week carribbean next then the 15 day hawaii round trip, all great. Try those itinerarays if you haven't. Happy Cruising

Cori

[RickEk]

We've done the Panama Canal cruise twice now on Princess. The first one was on the Island Princess and the second was on the Coral Princess. Both ships are beautiful and IMHO are Princess' best ships.

[pklein9747]

We just returned from our first Princess cruise and just loved it. We have cruised on many other lines, and this is my new favorite. I was especially impressed with the crew (all were just so friendly and went out of their way EVERY time.). Also really liked the design of the inside cabins. I am spoiled by balconies but just couldn't afford it.........these are so much nicer than even the larger insides on some lines. All of the mirrors give the illusion of much more space, and I loved the "walk in" closet and that the bathroom is tucked away back there. Oh, and I must mention those cookies! :) I am the original cookie monster, and was in heaven when I discovered them. (Why do they hide this?!) I am now wearing at least a few dozen on my hips! Everyone has always been so helpful to me on these boards. Please ask any questions that you might have. I think someone else posted here that was on the same cruise, so maybe most of the questions got answered? Anyhow, thanks again to all who helped me to relax and enjoy!

Julie

 

Julie,

So glad to hear that your first Princess cruise was memorable. We have cruised Princess twice and once with RCCL and while they are close, Princess still has the edge. We're doing the 10-day Panama Canal in March 09 and are so looking forward to it. So many people say it was their favorite cruise.

 

So spill the beans...where are the cookies?? No, maybe you shouldn't tell me as I enjoy all the other food so much that the cookies may just put me over the edge...and out of my favorite outfits!:D

 

Also, what excursions did you take? Any recommendations or tips? I agree with you...the help from our fellow CC posters really allows us to relax and enjoy.

 

Pat

[Trish Ahoy]

On the Island Princess you can find the freshly baked cookies in the Horizon Court from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. The were usually found in two places in the Horizon Court, either back in the area near the piano where they served the free ice cream or just right after you leave the buffett area. Each day they usually had two kinds. The various kinds were chocolate chip, peanut butter, chocolate, or oatmeal raisen. The chocolate chip and the chocolate were especially good.

Just of the one of many things we loved about the Island Princess when we were on her in September. I wish Princess would build more ships like her and the Coral Princess.

[JWJs]

So glad you loved your Island Panama Canal cruise and thanks for your report.:):):) We have done the Panama Canal on the Island and the Coral. They were both fabulous cruises.

[janzhitty]

We will be on the Island Canal cruise next September. Can you tell us which excursions you took and how you liked them? Something about the ports? Which ones were tendered? Thanks.

[J.A.H.]

We will be on the Island Canal cruise next September. Can you tell us which excursions you took and how you liked them? Something about the ports? Which ones were tendered? Thanks.

 

We didn't have to tender in any of the ports!:D The itinerary showed tendering at Huatulco, but we lucked out. Maybe some other ship canceled? That was a nice port to just wander around in the little town and have a beer at one of the little beach huts. There is a swimming beach right there, and lots of people in the water. It was VERY hot the day that we were there. I'm afraid I am not much help on the shore excursions, as we had one booked in Aruba to snorkel but had to cancel due to minor medical issues. We had been on that same excursion before however, and loved it. In the other ports we just went off on our own and shopped at the craft markets, etc. Our table mates (Well, 6 inches away LOL!) booked extensive tours in all of the ports and came back very impressed. They said that Princess handles all of their excursions very well and that the buses, etc. were extremely comfortable. We thought that Columbia was expecially lovely. Very lush and tropical. (HOT!) It rainned buckets for a while, which was a treat for us as it never rains in So. CA. these days. We were not in that port long enough, in our opinion. Same with Huatulco, which we had been to before and love it. The canal was great as always. I just love the scenery around there. No shore excursions though and the shops and casino were all open. What's up with that, I wonder? In the past, there were always lots of excursions but that was RCCL and I always felt that staying on the ship was a much better idea there. If you want more info on the shore excursions, I will email our "table mates" and get the names of the ones that they liked. I do recall that in Guatamala they were VERY bothered by vendors. (Not so for us as we stayed near the terminal and the shopping there was low key and fabulous. They even had fashion shows and cultural talks.) Hope this helps. You will have a wonderful cruise!:)

[mae]

Thanks J.A.H. I've asked this before and really not had an answer. Can you tell me what the age group was on the Island for your Panama Canal cruise? Were there a lot of young children? We are going on the same cruise in Feb. I don't have a problem with children at all on a cruise but since this ship is smaller than any Princess ship we have been on I was just curious about that and the age of the majority of the passengers.

[Treven]

I tentatively have the Panama Canal cruise planned on for May, 2010, from FLL to SFO. I've heard so many good things about that cruise I'm really looking forward to it!!

[macaroni]

Did you stop in Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua? Our Huatulco stop was cancelled for next year.

[Gabrielle R.]

Did you stop in Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua? Our Huatulco stop was cancelled for next year.

We are on the Island in Dec. Huatulco is also canceled for us. I too was wondering about Nicaragua, Also.......

How about Gutamaula- did you hear of any excursions that people liked? How about Costa Rica? Any information for any of these would be awesome!

Gabrielle

[Plant]

Did you stop in Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua? Our Huatulco stop was cancelled for next year.

 

We are on the Island in Dec. Huatulco is also canceled for us. I too was wondering about Nicaragua, Also.......

How about Gutamaula- did you hear of any excursions that people liked? How about Costa Rica? Any information for any of these would be awesome!

Gabrielle

 

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua, is not ready for cruisers :(. If you're going there please book a ship's tour or stay on the ship.

[HKM]

I've noticed that nearly every cruise line, including Princess, offers the Pirate Boat Tour in Cartagena but I haven't seen a review by anyone who has taken it. Has anyone had any feedback on this tour? Is it suitable for children?

[J.A.H.]

Thanks J.A.H. I've asked this before and really not had an answer. Can you tell me what the age group was on the Island for your Panama Canal cruise? Were there a lot of young children? We are going on the same cruise in Feb. I don't have a problem with children at all on a cruise but since this ship is smaller than any Princess ship we have been on I was just curious about that and the age of the majority of the passengers.

 

I would say that the average age was quite high........ there were many very elderly folks on the ship, and almost no children. Most of the time, it didn't feel crowded. The buffet at certain times was a bit busy, but you could kind of figure that out. I don't think that you will find many children on these longer cruises. Tends to be older and alot of retired folks. I don't mean this as a slam, but there were a few that probably shouldn't have been there as they had SO much trouble getting around. Bless their hearts. (This did not detract from our experience at all!)

 

Julie

[J.A.H.]

Did you stop in Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua? Our Huatulco stop was cancelled for next year.

 

Yes, we did stop there. We walked into the little town. It was a Sunday, and I think all of the locals showed up to check us out. It was a very poor looking area, but safe and there was a large street market with crafts, etc. and a "street fair" like atmosphere. Our table mates enjoyed their excursion. Again, I know it was an all day thing, but would have to ask them exactly which one it was. That is such a bummer about Huatulco. It's one of the best ports, in my opinion. Hope this helps.

 

Julie

[J.A.H.]

We are on the Island in Dec. Huatulco is also canceled for us. I too was wondering about Nicaragua, Also.......

How about Gutamaula- did you hear of any excursions that people liked? How about Costa Rica? Any information for any of these would be awesome!

Gabrielle

 

Our table mates went on excursions in both Guatamala and Costa Rica, and enjoyed them both. Most of these are pretty long..........that's why you are in port for the entire day. In Puntaranus (sp) there is a huge craft fair all along the beach/pier area with lovely wood carvings and other good buys. It's a nice place to hang out. Some bars right along the water. Again, I would have to check with them to see which excursions they took. Sorry I don't know more about that off hand. :o

[J.A.H.]

I've noticed that nearly every cruise line, including Princess, offers the Pirate Boat Tour in Cartagena but I haven't seen a review by anyone who has taken it. Has anyone had any feedback on this tour? Is it suitable for children?

 

We saw that boat from the ship, and it looked pretty boring and lame, but can't say for sure what anyone thought. My guess would be that kids would be bored? I have seen pirate ship excursions from other cruise lines where they appeared to be having a ball........firing fake cannons at the ship, etc. A real family type of thing. This one didn't look like that. Again, could be way off on my assesment.

[RickEk]

I wish Princess would build more ships like her and the Coral Princess.

 

That is my wish too... but it's not in the cards. Apparently the Island and Coral Princess are expensive to run and since Panama is building a wider canal, the point will be moot in the next few years when most every cruise ship afloat will be able to transit the Canal.

[mae]

Thanks again J.A.H. for your reply. That's kind of what I thought it might be. We are not quite seniors yet but our children are all out on their own. I am guessing that on sea days I won't have to fight for a chair on deck in the sun and there should be plenty of room in the piano bar after sun down. These are both good things. I value and treasure the good knowledge and common sense that I have gleaned from the older generation so my husband and I both look forward to sharing that time and making new friends. Thanks to everyone who have shared ideas about ports of call and shore tours. It's all been valuable information for us.

[J.A.H.]

Thanks again J.A.H. for your reply. That's kind of what I thought it might be. We are not quite seniors yet but our children are all out on their own. I am guessing that on sea days I won't have to fight for a chair on deck in the sun and there should be plenty of room in the piano bar after sun down. These are both good things. I value and treasure the good knowledge and common sense that I have gleaned from the older generation so my husband and I both look forward to sharing that time and making new friends. Thanks to everyone who have shared ideas about ports of call and shore tours. It's all been valuable information for us.

You are very welcome! No, I don't think that deck chairs or room in the piano bar will be any problem. They have notices all over the ship and in the Patter re: not saving chairs, etc. Actually, one thing that struck me about this cruise was the friendliness and good manners of fellow cruisers. (And the crew!) Have a great cruise.

Julie

[janzhitty]

JAH, Thanks for the info. If you would be so kind as to ask your tablemates about their excursions that would be very helpful also.

Jan

[melana]

I have been doing some research on the Panama Canal cruises for 2010 and I think I may do the 10 day Ft. Lauderdale roundtrip on the Island.

 

I haven't even been on my first cruise yet and I am already thinking about booking my second...I really want to see the Panama canal and that sounds like a great trip for myself and my cousin. And from the research I have done it looks like Princess may offer just what I am looking for...