Princess Cruise Line
Island Princess Cruise Review
Hawaii

Jean-Marc Larocque
Number of Cruises:
Sailing Date: February 20th, 2006

This cruise was probably the best (15 days )we have taken so far in spite of the weather which was somewhat cooler than expected. This was our 19th cruise and our 3rd on Princess. Embarkation was efficient and relatively fast ( I say ‘relatively’ because the bit of delay we experienced was not entirely Princess’s fault since RCCL’ s Vision of the Seas which was to have left the day before ours had been delayed because of a mechanical problem and was embarking on the same day, Thus port people were doing their best to efficiently service both our ship and the unscheduled Vision). Generally it went smoothly and personally have no complaints about it. The Island Princess is a beautiful ship, exquisitely clean and extremely well laid out. Public rooms design however is so-so – certainly not as well designed as on RCCL , Holland America or Celebrity (other lines we have cruised with). However the shows and especially the comedians were great. Also Hawaii Bob (Bob Basso – of Hawaii Five-0 fame) was the guest lecturer on our cruise and he made it a wonderful learning experience. What a learned, enthusiastic, multi-facetted and thoroughly enjoyable ambassador for his chosen state. As well, a retired TWA pilot, a Mr. Barron was also onboard and his lectures on his life adventures at TWA, (especially for an aviation buff such as myself) were not to be missed.

Our stateroom (Balcony on Dolphin deck 9) was the most beautiful we have had to this point (except for the shower stall which seemed a tad smaller than usual and the all too common cloth curtain that just seems to want to stick to you all the time – yeesh! You’d think they could do something about that!) Our room steward was just marvelous. He couldn’t do enough for us. The room was immaculate thanks to Francisco. We just had to ask and what we needed appeared. The food in the Horizon Court was great. Good variety, plentiful and always available (and free ice cream in the afternoon and evening – Imagine that!). Not like some other lines which don’t seem to have much to offer after 10 in the evening except for room service.

Lobster which is mostly seen once during most cruises was always available in the alternative restaurants ‘Bayou Café’ and ‘Sabattini’s’ (mandatory cover charge) and appeared at least 3 times on the menu of the regular dining rooms. As well the pizza bar and the hamburger grill opened during the day were an appreciated diversion. The anytime dining available on Princess is just the best – Never had to wait for a table for two for dinner, anytime we wanted between 6 and 10 p.m. The wait staff as well was efficient and thoroughly enjoyable. There were a lot of sea days on this cruise but that was just fine with my wife and I. As I still work full time I wanted a cruise which would give me plenty of time for R & R and not to many hectic and lengthy tours. It was exactly what we needed and wanted. It was for us the most refreshing and relaxing cruise we’ve been on. If you think we sound absolutely overjoyed with this cruise – you’re right. I can’t find anything really negative to say about it. We already booked two more cruises (one in Oct. New York/New York to the Caribbean) and the Hawaii cruise (yup, same one) for next February.
 

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