About the Island Princess

I'm trying to learn a little bit more about the Island Princess since she will be my home for the next 111 days! She carries 2,200 guests, a rather small number for cruise ships these days. A crew of 900 will wait on us, I feel sorry for them!!! I'm a good tipper so I hope our cabin steward is a good one. The ship is older but was refurbished in 2017, considering there was no cruising for some Covid years, I bet she is in pretty good condition. Guest Cabins: 987, Number of Decks: 16. Tonnage: 92,822, Length: 964 feet. Height: 204 feet.

Here is the Deck Cam if you want to take a look "real time" maybe you will see us? I understand family of those going through the Panama Canal right now got to watch the ship pass a few of the locks. 

There are Deck Plans for every deck, we are on deck 8, Emerald, in Cabin E305. I do like being close to an elevator, I hope it doesn't work out being too close!

There won't be a lack of food for sure! They say, "Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more." There are several Specialty Restaurants, but without paying a cover charge we can "Dine My Way" in either of the two dining rooms, The Bar and Grill, Princess Pizzeria, Horizon Court (buffet), La Patisserie, and 24-hour Room Service. Room service is complementary but there is a nominal charge for some items, such as pizza. I am not exactly sure where we get specialty coffees but they are also included in our package. I am sure I will find out quickly! 

The Plus Drink Package, Wi-Fi, and Pre-Paid Gratuities are all included as a "gift" in our package from the agency we booked with. Wi-Fi will be questionable at times, as it always is when cruising. Both that and the pre-paid gratuities are a great value. Of course the drink package is too but I would never purchase it because I would not drink enough to make it worthwhile. They estimate the value at $7,604.61 (that is a LOT of drinks), and the Wi-Fi at $1,106.67. I am feeling pretty certain I would never drink that many drinks, but it is nice not to be nickeled and dimed over a glass of wine. Our Plus Beverage Package includes the classics: sodas, specialty coffees and teas, cocktails, wine and beer up to $15 each. Even hot chocolate, water to go, smoothies and an unlimited juice bar. Whatever you want – with tips included! For certain it is nice that these "gifts" were included and we will enjoy them!

As I said, there are several Specialty Restaurants. I do want to try a few of them. We have requested to sit at a table of 8 for the daily dining room dinner. I am sure we will be meeting interesting people along the way. 

Only 11 more days until we board. Those that got on in Florida visited Cartagena, Columbia today. Of course, that port will be near the end of our cruise! This is a video about The Island Princess.




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