Island princess Panama Canal

[lrockwitt]

Anyone done a B2B full transit on the Island Princess thru the Panama Canal? How was it?

 

 

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[paul929207]

Lisa,

 

We were supposed to do it last March, but had to cancel. Does that count? We may try again next year.

[lrockwitt]

Just want to know if it was good or indifferent? Getting ready to book and want some thoughts?

 

 

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[Nancyquilts]

We've done it on the Island and will be going again next week. I'm so glad we're going before she gets cannibalized. We like the fact that she is smaller than the new ships and has the production show, On the Bayou.

Edited January 31, 2015 by Nancyquilts

[lrockwitt]

You think it will be worse after she is redone?

 

 

 

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[Nancyquilts]

You think it will be worse after she is redone?

 

 

 

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I think so. She will no longer be a ship I love, and I don't plan to sail on her again.

[lrockwitt]

I might have to rethink this?

 

 

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[lrockwitt]

What is going to be different?

 

 

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[bhopal21]

What is going to be different?

 

 

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She is having quite a number of new cabins added to the ship.

 

Mike:)

[lrockwitt]

Is that a bad thing?

 

 

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[paul929207]

It will reduce the public space while adding passengers

[lrockwitt]

I have always cruised on larger ships and enjoyed lots of passengers. I love the International Cafe and hang out there. What Public spaces are they going to cut back on?

 

 

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[Plant]

Island Princess is our favorite ship and I'd hate to think that anything would be done to ruin the good things about her. For us it's Crooner's Bar with the best, friendliest bartender's, the back decks where we may be the last to see the view, but we're not crowded, and the wonderful Room Steward's.

 

We like the "small ship" feel, even if it isn't small.

 

We won't write this ship off until we try it again!

[shepp]

There are several changes-to-Island threads here; do a search. They are, for example, doing away with the Universe Lounge, one of the two major entertainment venues on the ship, and shrinking the gym and putting it in a windowless area. The Coral will remain unmolested, at least for now. There is a second-rate IC on the Coral, but none on the Island.

 

I've done two full transits and one partial, and enjoyed them all. I was able to do a lot of activities that I like (e.g., birding, ziplining) and I find going through the locks always interesting. But, frankly speaking, how are any of us supposed to know whether you'd enjoy the B2B without knowing anything about what you enjoy? As in: "I'm taking a cruise next month to the Sea of Cortez. Will I have a good time?"

Edited January 31, 2015 by shepp

[trbarton]

Anyone done a B2B full transit on the Island Princess thru the Panama Canal? How was it?

 

 

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I was on the September 27, 2014 cruise from San Francisco. You don't say what you would like to know about the cruise. How can I help. I'll answer any questions that you have. I also did a blog of the cruise.

 

Tom:)

[paluni]

We went L.A. to Ft. Lauderdale through the canal in November 2013. It was just great and the ship was great. We had a mini-suite which was great, since our daughter had an inside cabin and we had the nice balcony and room for us all when she came to our cabin. We had dolphin deck which was great - you can look straight down to the action in the locks. We had room service on the transit and it seemed to come in 5 minutes. So relaxing to sit on the balcony, listen to the TV commentary, and watch the scenery. I am sad to hear they will change the ship. I thought it was great and I hope it isn't worse after changing it. Maybe it will still be OK.

[lrockwitt]

I am concerned about B2B? Is there any different ports? Did you feel it was too long a cruise for a B2B going to the same ports? How small is the ship passenger wise?

 

 

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[waltd]

Best bet is to go on Princess website to see the ports listed. I don't believe the B2B has any different ports. I will say that you have to love sea days and just like being on a ship. We have done 2 one way trips and enjoy the down time. You are going to countries that are rather poor so if that bothers you I'm not sure you will like the back to back. We found them all interesting but if we did it a third time we might stay on board for some stops. We had a mini suite the last time and it was great having the bit of extra room. Since I was not a fan of the Universe Lounge I don't know how upset I will be once it's removed . Not sure about the extra passengers as the ship never felt crowded and was easy to manage getting around. No International Café on the Island but the Princess Plaza was a nice place to sit during the day.

Edited January 31, 2015 by waltd

[lrockwitt]

Thanks for the info.

I have already booked a partial transit on the Island Princess 10 days. I think I will stick with that as I am not sure about the ship?

 

 

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[waltd]

Thanks for the info.

I have already booked a partial transit on the Island Princess 10 days. I think I will stick with that as I am not sure about the ship?

 

 

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When you get back let us know what you think. Have fun.

[lrockwitt]

Not till January 2016

 

 

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[waltd]

Not till January 2016

 

 

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LOL Hopefully I still will be around. :)

Edited January 31, 2015 by waltd

[lrockwitt]

Can i use a coffee card on the Island Princess?

 

 

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[shepp]

Since I was not a fan of the Universe Lounge I don't know how upset I will be once it's removed .

 

While it's a dud design for a showroom, it does host the only nighttime shows besides the ones in the Princess Theater, including the much-lauded "on the Bayou," designed for that space. It's also used, among other things, for Zumba, line dancing, the Captain's Circle party, trivia. I have no idea where they could stick all that stuff, but then, since none of those things is revenue producing, maybe Princess will just axe them in pursuit of the mighty dollar.

[waltd]

Can i use a coffee card on the Island Princess?

 

 

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Most definitely. You will be able to use the coffee card at the Patisserie Bar. Shepp you are probably right. I'm sure the Explorers Lounge will be used a lot more but it still is not the dance space like the Universe Lounge.