We very much enjoyed our cruise on the Island Princess. Probably would not take this one again, only because we've seen all that we'd care to see. We're older and not into ziplining and bobsledding through the jungle, or snorkeling. We've already booked into another for next year on the Crown Princess for the southeastern Caribbean.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Super smooth - and they started about an hour earlier than expected. No glitches.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Main dining room OK (anytime seating). Specialty Dining (Deluxe Balcony Dinner and dinner at The Crab Shack) was superb.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Didn't do much on board - mainly relaxing, sunbathing & reading. Heard that some of the shows were really good.
Entertainment
We didn't go to any - too tired.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All of the ship's personnel were great - cheerful & personable. No Grouches.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very clean throughout. Only problem is that public announcements are not piped into staterooms - so if you hear any, you have to open your door to hear them clearly. But it's understandable (and Carnival does them the same way.)
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
The Deluxe Balcony Dinner was $100 for the 2 of us (plus an extra tip) - but it is a bargain considering that you get a champagne split, appetizers, soup, choice of 2 (8oz) lobster tails or surf&turf and desert. So we highly recommend it. If the weather isn't good - you can have it in your stateroom and it's way better than what you get in the dining rooms.
We embarked & dis-embarked at this port. We live in Florida so drove to Ft. Lauderdale and spent the night before at the Hilton Hotel (very nice) plus 10 days parking and shuttle service to the port and back.
Did the bus tour plus Rose Hall historic plantation. Much like Mt. Vernon, but not quite as well restored (but they had to start with a total wreck).
Bought some Jamaican Blue Mt. Coffee from a store in the shopping area at the pier - in Keurig cups, dated the month previous, but absolutely way beyond stale when we brewed it at home. Had to throw it out and it took 24 hrs to get the foul taste out of my mouth. The fresh brewed cup at the store, however, was wonderful.
Did the bus tour, incl'g hilltop monastery and shopping stops (at places where we suspect the tour guide gets kickbacks). But the worst aspect was the street vendors who absolutely badger you to buy their stuff. Will not take "NO!" for an answer and leave you alone. Put me in a totally negative frame of mind to even consider buying anything from anyone or any shop. Way worse than similar shopping in Falmouth, or Puerto Limon, or Georgetown. They should take Cartagena off the itinery and add someplace nice. Oh, and traffic in Cartagena is a NIGHTMARE! I would NOT suggest anyone try to drive in it. Emeralds are hugely expensive, but will be discounted (your guide may be helpful in advising.) (price some at jewelry stores at home before going.)
Stayed on board. This was a stop to pick up those who had taken shore excursions rather than ride the ship into & back out of the P. Canal. Was only a somewhat short stop and no apparent shopping available on the pier or close by.
We did the canal tour via pontoon tourist boat - seats abt. 50, has a covered roof. It was low key and enjoyable - saw the basic collection of wildlife - iguanas, sloths (3), howler monkeys (at a distance).
We did the submarine tour of the coral reef area - went down to 107 ft. It's well set up - 34 seats in 2 rows back to back so that everyone is facing a large porthole and has a good view.
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