Panama Canal Island Princess New Year Cruise - anyone done this?

[Jsim2011]

We are thinking of booking Island Princess Panama Canal Dec 30 2019 Cruise.      We have only sailed Princess once before and that was on Royal.   Island Princess is a much older ship and we are wondering if we might be disappointed.

 

Would love to hear from anyone that has sailed on here, especially this itinerary and also anyone who has sailed on her over the holidays.

 

thanks

[RSF Cruiser]

We did this cruise over the December holidays two years ago, and it was one of our favorite cruises. It was our second time to cruise the Panama Canal, and we found it just as fascinating the second time as the first. The first time we were on the Coral in January, and the second on the Island in December/January. Without a doubt, we preferred sailing over the holidays. Everyone is in a more upbeat mood than usual - including the crew. Although you pay a premium to sail over the holidays, there are more activities, special events, and decorations. Even if you don't have kids, we found the holiday events fun - ginger bread house making, carols with snow in the piazza, story time with Santa, and I can't remember the other things. New Years Eve was incredible - there was music everywhere. They also have holiday foods like Christmas Stolen (it's delicious).

 

We've been on other holiday cruises, and the Island was the most fun - I'm sure that's because of the cruise director and staff, so some of the events may differ, depending on the cruise director. Bottom line: holiday cruises are terrific.

 

Many people on these boards hate the Island because of the remodel. Some of the public spaces were converted to cabins and the promenade deck doesn't encircle the entire ship. We did not find the ship to be any more crowded than any other cruise ship over the holidays. We love the Island - It's actually our favorite Princess ship. Part of the reason is we always stay in aft suites, and Aloha 729 is our all time favorite aft suite. Since it's one of the added cabins, the furnishings and lighting are a bit more modern than S6 suites on the other ships. We liked the fact that there was no wet bar, and then two sinks in the bathroom. The balcony was mainly uncovered, but huge - look at the deck plan to see how big! I can't compare the Island to the Royal, although we will be taking the Royal in January to Mexico and will be in one of the corner aft suites. The balcony and cabin look wonderful, so it's possible the Royal will become our favorite ship!

 

Let me know if you have other questions - we've been on a lot of Princess cruises and ships...

[hillslife]

We did it a couple years ago... very fun.. big party with drinks, hats 🎩, balloons .. very fun and festive ... I like the Island and would definitely do it again ... enjoy 😊 

[Jsim2011]

thanks for the replies.