Great route cruising Canal but so so ship ambiance

Island Princess Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 81

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Island Princess

Sail date: December 20, 2015

Ship: Island Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: B232

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

We've never taken a cruise this long before and we are not retired, as most of the passengers are. Retired folks love the lenght of cruise and walk out wanting more but if you are in working age, it is a bit too much. The ship itself is so so in decor - dated. The entertainment is boring, and a huge disappointment was location of the gym in enclosed area. Any other ships have the gym on upper deck looking to the ocean and here they sacrificed gym location for the sake of adding more rooms -- huge mistake -- I will not recommend the ship to any friends. Food was good and the staff super friendly.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5
Very boring. Music was acceptable for older folks but it was same repertoire over and over again. Add some latin music!!! Did not care for sports and football games hijacking pool big screen.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
Gym located in a dungeon!

Cabin / Stateroom

Comfortable. Closet is very spacious w plenty hangers for clothing and storage space. Shower area a bit too small.

Ship tip

Don't get confined to structured dining. Do the free style and either dine solo or share table to make new friends.

Ports of call

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

3 out of 5

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

3 out of 5
Unable to tender due to strong winds

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

5 out of 5
Had a great tour arranged separate from the ship

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5
This was the highlight of the trip and the main reason for taking cruise, and did not dissappoint.

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5
You can skip a tour here. Just grab a cabbie to "old town" which is completely walkable with many shops and cafes.

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5
Best destination second to the Canal. We took a local "stingray" and snorkling tour that was one of the highlights of the entire cruise - loved it!

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5
We rented a car and headed to Miami beach to stay the night then flew back next day from MIA - at half the cost of flying day prior. Plus a night is Miami Beach is totally worth it!
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