world cruise island princess

Island Princess® Cruise Ship

A floating retreat, bound for exciting destinations.

• Inaugural Cruise: July 12, 2003
• Christener: Jamie Salé and David Pelletier (Olympic Gold Medalists)
• Guest Cabins: 987
• Number of Decks: 16
• Tonnage: 92,822
• Length: 964 feet
• Height: 204 feet

Island Princess is your own private retreat on the sea. Whether you crave relaxation or exhilaration, you'll find the soothing Lotus Spa®, live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, casino gaming and more. And for a special treat, try the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, which features New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Your Vacation – Effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, front row seat for beautiful scenery, a room with a view, our most affordable option, for guests with limited mobility, included dining.

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. 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. 1

Dine My Way℠

Dine when, how and where you like.

Princess Pizzeria

Poolside pizza with pizzazz.

The Bar & Grill

Grilled burgers and dogs to go.

Horizon Court

An ever-changing selection of favorites.

La Patisserie

Café style to go, specialty dining.

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

A Taste of Italy, Enjoyed in Luxury

Prime steaks and seafood, exclusive glimpse into the princess kitchen, a (seafood) fan favorite returns, a private breakfast with a view.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with discovery™.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers.

The Ship’s Heart and Soul

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard.

Photo Gallery

Take home a unique photo keepsake.

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation.

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best wi-fi at sea, entertainment.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night.

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night.

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea.

Explorers Lounge

One of the ship’s coolest hangouts.

Marvelous Martinis and Melodies

Good Spirits At Sea

Good spirits, good stories, joyful rejuvenation.

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

Relax in a tranquil retreat just for adults, go ahead, be pampered – you deserve it, a host of ways to get an energizing workout, kids, teens & family.

Leave it to Princess to create experiences the whole family can enjoy. The destinations we visit come to life with our Festivals of the World celebrations and Discovery at Sea™ programs like Shark Week. If you’re looking for some friendly competition there’s Wii™ family tournaments, indoor and outdoor sports, and The Voice of the Ocean, our high-seas version of the TV singing sensation where guests choose the winner.

Explore the Treehouse

Step into the lodge, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

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Island Princess Overview

Indulge yourself with a cruise on the Island Princess, an elite ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet. You'll find it easy to make friends aboard Island Princess while discovering this entire ship. While onboard you’ll want to try The Bayou Café, which features flavors from New Orleans. For a truly invigorating experience, hop in one of the ship’s three pools, one of which lets you swim against the current. Whatever you do on the Island Princess , you’ll have lots of options and a big smile on your face. 

• Passenger Capacity:  2,200 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2003
• Last Refurbished: 2017

Island Princess Cruise Destinations

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of cruising destinations, as well as a Cruisetour program that is revered in the cruising industry. This impressive selection includes over 100 itineraries reaching over 300 ports all across the world. Whether cruise to take in the beautiful fall foliage of Canada and New England or a splendid voyage to sunny Tahiti, Princess Cruises can offer you a great value with an exceptional experience. Other destinations include, but are not limited to: Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Australia, and more. 

Satisfy your hunger for the unique and intriguing, whether it’s a rarely seen whale or a quirky new sport, with an Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Depart from New York with Princess Cruises to explore Bermuda and the Caribbean like royalty in classic Princess fashion.

If you enjoy the beauty of autumn, or feel that the colors of fall stimulate and inspire you—choose a cruise to Canada and New England.

When you choose a cruise to the Caribbean, you can expect a sun-laden and tranquil tropical experience.

You can find everything from castles to crepes, and villas to Van Gogh on a European cruise vacation.

Hawaii holds cultural delights and tropical pleasures in store for your cruise vacation.

Mediterranean

From the culinary magic of the Greek Isles to the serenity of the Amalfi Coast, cruising to the Mediterranean is like a dream.

Panama Canal

Experience the canal in all its grandeur and view the wonders of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans’ surrounding areas during your Panama Canal cruise.

Transatlantic

From coast to coast, take in the ocean breeze and interesting ports of call that come along with a Transatlantic Cruise.

Take an extensive, incredible voyage filled with everything from scuba excursions in the Caribbean to camel riding through the sand dunes of Egypt—choose a World Cruise.

Island Princess Departure Ports

Princess Cruises has one of the most extensive set of sailings. Their ships travel the world embarking from popular ports like New York City, Vancouver, Venice and Los Angeles. They also have cruises that sail from smaller, more exotic ports like Kobe in Japan and Valparaiso in Chile. We’ll help you find a Princess cruise you’ll love, give us a call today. 

Cape Town, South Africa

See the beautiful sights of Cape Town, South Africa’s most visited city, which offers cruisers natural beauty, plentiful wine, historical significance and a sense of peace.

Perth (Fremantle), Australia

Cruise to Perth and enjoy the blend of old with new, along with Western Australia’s natural beauty. Take in the vibrant culture as you enter old world cafés next to the lively bars all buzzing with music and locals.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Trieste, Italy

Sit back and enjoy the sea breezes in Trieste, an Italian city that despite being close to Venice is more akin to Vienna, the capital of the Hapsburg Empire. 

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Island Princess Deck Plans

Fiesta deck, promenade deck, emerald deck, dolphin deck, caribe deck, sports deck, island princess staterooms.

Balcony (B1)

The Premium Balcony stateroom is appointed with the same fine amenities as our Balcony stateroom but features a larger balcony. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore.

Balcony (B2)

Balcony (ba).

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It's also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bc), balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf), balcony (by).

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. This cabin has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It's also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Balcony (BZ)

Inside (IA)

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Inside (IC)

Inside (id), inside (ie), inside (if), inside (ib).

Twin beds that make up into a queen-size bed. Refrigerator and TV. Spacious closet. Bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (OV)

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. Features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room: two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (OW)

Oceanview (oy), oceanview (oz), oceanview (o5).

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room: two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (O6)

Oceanview (ob), oceanview (oc), oceanview (oe).

A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Club Class Dining, an exclusive dining area featuring expedited seating with no wait, expanded menu options, dedicated wait staff and tableside preparations. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more!

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of Champagne. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed, premium bathroom amenities and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Oceanview Mini-Suite features a picture window from which to enjoy the views. Includes exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, Window Suite includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive Suites. The Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Photo Gallery for Island Princess Cruise Ship

A lot has changed since the days of the Love Boat . Check out this photo gallery of what a Princess ship looks like in the 21 st century. 

After Hours Bayou Cafe

Island Princess

The Sanctuary

Top 10 Island Princess Cruises

• Island Princess 11 NIGHT Caribbean CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (May 2024)
• Island Princess 15 NIGHT Caribbean CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (May 2024)
• Island Princess 10 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Island Princess 11 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jun 2024)
• Island Princess 11 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024)
• Island Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jun 2024)
• Island Princess 23 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024)
• Island Princess 31 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Island Princess 21 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Island Princess 20 NIGHT Europe CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jul 2024)

Learn More About Princess Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about Princess Cruises' handicap accessible cruise ships and accommodations for guests with special needs, disabilities or mobility restrictions.

Savor dining aboard Princess Cruises, including the Main Dining Room, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, Crown Grill, Bayou Café, International Café, Chef's Table, room service and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Princess Cruises' onboard entertainment, including Movies Under the Stars, stage shows, dancing, karaoke, comedy shows, casino games, bars and lounges.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Princess Cruises' onboard activities, including movie nights, ScholarShip classes, pools, hot tubs, poolside activities, sports courts, art auctions, ship tours, duty-free shops and more.

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Learn how Princess Cruises takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Princess Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Unwind at Princess Cruises' spa and fitness programs from the Lotus Spa and Lotus Fitness centers. Relax with a massage, facial, pedicure or Botox, or get a workout with a gym class.

Special Events

From holidays to weddings, make your Princess Cruises vacation even more special by celebrating at sea.

Explore Princess Cruises' premium staterooms, including suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms. Princess Cruises' family- and mini-suites give you room to spread out.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Princess Cruises. Most ships have youth programs for ages 3+, including kidsitting, youth dining, youth centers and teen lounges.

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An Overview of Island Princess’ 2024 World Cruise

• April 14, 2023

Princess Cruises’ Island Princess is gearing up for a worldwide adventure starting on January 4, 2024. Sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the ship will visit 51 destinations in 27 countries and six continents, guiding guests through their travel bucket list.

As per our Guide to World Cruises , on this world cruise, travelers will have access to 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including The Acropolis, The Port Fortress of Cartagena and the ancient city of Ephesus.

Guests aboard the Island Princess can look forward to an overnight stay in Dubai and 11 late-night stays in ports.

The Island Princess departs from Fort Lauderdale but guests can also opt to embark on the ship from Los Angeles, California. The first port of call is Cartagena, Columbia before cruising the Panama Canal and reaching Puntarenas, Costa Rica. By January 11, the ship will already be in  San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua for a short stop before heading to Huatulco, Mexico.

Here’s the complete itinerary of the Island Princess’ 2024 voyage around the world:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Huatulco, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Los Angeles, California; Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii; Lahaina (Maui), Hawaii; Apia, Western Samoa; Auckland, New Zealand; New Plymouth, New Zealand; Picton, New Zealand; Dunedin, New Zealand; Fjordland National Park, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Burnie, Tasmania; Adelaide, Australia; Fremantle, Australia; Bali, Indonesia; Singapore; Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Salalah, Oman; Aqaba, Jordan; Suez Canal; Haifa, Israel; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Iraklion, Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; La Valletta, Malta; Catania, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Genoa, Italy ; Villefranche (Nice), France; Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Ceuta, Spanish Morocco; Cadiz, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Agadir, Morocco; Arrecife, Canary Islands; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; Kings Wharf, Bermuda; Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The 2001-built Island Princess accommodates up to 2,200 passengers in 1107 staterooms (including 128 suites and 181 Oceanviews) and features an array of dining experiences including Dine My Way, Princess Pizzeria, Horizon Court and La Patisserie.

Prices for the Island Princess’ world cruise start at $19,149.

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World Cruise 2023 - Occasionally Live from the Island Princess

By We_like_to_cruise , January 10, 2023 in Princess Cruises

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We_like_to_cruise

" Another from We_like_to_cruise! Thank you for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic! "

We_like_to_cruise was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' and 5 points.

Welcome to my occasional musings and reports from the Island Princess.   We are onboard for a total of 111 days (!) and have been having a blast the last few days.   It is only the first week of 16 so we are certainly in the honeymoon phase.   If you have read any of my previous postings (link below) you know that are are a couple in our 60s retired in the Tampa, Florida area.   We are a go-with-the-flow type (mostly) and glass-half-full (always).   OK enough with the metaphors.   But I promise to tell the good and the bad about our travels.   We have been on many cruises, but this is by far the longest.

The last few days have been filled up, so today I finally got a chance to sit down and compose my thoughts.   I will probably post in spurts after having the opportunity on sea days to write.   So, ports, although in the correct order, will not be posted each day. And, since CC makes it impossible to edit after the fact, I will copy and paste from a Word doc.

We booked this cruise – round trip from Fort Lauderdale - back in 2021.   Of course it was cancelled, twice, so we were super excited to finally board the ship this week.  

Could we spend almost four months on the Island Princess ???   Honestly we weren’t sure, so earlier this year booked a B2B that kept us on her for a month.   That was enough to convince us it was a go.   There have been ship wide changes even since that cruise six months ago; more about that later.

Although we had booked WC2023 quite a while ago, it was primarily in the last 12 months where we got serious about our planning and booking excursions.   We had a very very active Roll Call; I think there were 300+ contributors and well over 250 pages of information shared on this website.   Helpful hints on the visas we needed, private excursions, get-togethers, etc., were provided.   Members organized games, athletic events, pub crawls, slot pulls and more.   Wonderful group of people and I am grateful for their assistance.

Pre-cruise we had to make sure all of our bills were on auto-pay.   Had to file an extension for our taxes, notify our neighbors of our absence (our fantastic next door neighbor is retired law enforcement) and arrange for someone to come in and routinely check the house.   We had to make sure we had a sufficient amount of our maintenance meds.   Our auto insurer recommended we change our coverage at considerable cost savings since we would not be driving.   Almost every day we thought of another item for “the list”.   Yes, there is an enormous amount of preparation.

Our friends and family always asked the same question – how do you pack for four months at sea?   Early on we decided to bring a core group of clothing for about 14-16 days.   We would then plan on doing laundry on a sea day every few weeks at one of the convenient Laundromats, one on each floor.   A container of detergent pods, some dryer sheets and we were set.   We are nearly Elite, will become so during one of the segments, so that will take some of the pressure off.  

Our trial run of packing our clothes was quite frankly a disaster.   Way too much stuff! More like a month’s worth of clothes, not two weeks.    (Not pointing any fingers, but DW owns an awful lot of shoes!)   So, we took everything back out of the eBags and scaled down.   We realized to save space in the cabin all luggage must fit under the bed.   So instead of bringing four large suitcases, we brought two large ones and numerous smaller ones that could all fold up inside the large one.   That is where some of   the “freebie” duffels and bags DW got from her DSW shopping came in handy.  

Embarkation day was January 5 and on January 4 we had 14 bags packed.   The two largest bags held our clothes and formal wear.   The other bags held medication, vitamins, health and beauty aids, shoes, shoes, hiking boots, electronics, cameras, games, a box of 50 skinny hangars, etc., etc.   And etc.

Fortunately everything found a place in our cabin and now it is quite cozy.   We do not feel cramped at all and had no trouble storing all of our belongings.   We did leave some “stuff” in bags under the bed if it was not needed on a regular basis.   Everything fit under the bed as planned and all shelves and drawers were filled.

Here is a link to my last Live From -

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The day before Embarkation Day

Driving from our home to the port takes about 4 hours.   On a shorter cruise we might just park our car there or off-site. Not for 111 days though!   We booked a rental car (thank you big box membership club) and picked it up at TPA the day before.   I am usually an Alamo guy, I like walking out to the rental car lot and picking my own car.  

This time we had to use Avis because they had a rental car return office very close to the port.   I was pleasantly surprised when upon pick up of my reserved “intermediate” car I was given a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe.   It only had 150 miles on the odometer !   It was their top of the line model with leather seats and all of the bells and whistles.   Avis also provided a QR code on my phone for exiting without stopping at the checkout booth.   It worked flawlessly.   Great job Avis !   Upon exiting the rental car area TPA provides a “GPS” pull off area so if you have a rental you can pull over to input your navigation info.   Smart !   I took a little time to adjust the seat, mirrors, familiarize myself with the control for lights, wipers, etc.   Then home in a lovely SUV.   And the cost for the one day rental was only $53.00.  

Uh oh, I forgot to take the Sun Pass, so had to take a couple of back roads to avoid tolls.   Rookie mistake !

Embarkation Day

Of course everything easily fit into the large SUV some we packed the night before.

Up early we hit the road around 7 am.  It is a straight run down 75 South to Alligator Alley into Fort Lauderdale.  By late morning we dropped off our bags with the porters and hoped we would see them again in a few hours  Fingers crossed. 

We drove the couple of miles to return the rental, first stopping to fill it with gas.  Well, the $50 rental took $40 worth of gas.  Still not bad for transportation to the port for less than $100. After drop-off, we were immediately able to board the shuttle bus back to the port.  Easy peasy. Again, thank you Avis.

Embarkation was a breeze.  We were in Group One and walked right in.  A minor delay at the security screening due to yours truly.  There was some concern about my mini multi-tool.  After emptying my flagged carry on, dumping its contents on a table and discussion among three agents it was deemed acceptable.  Whew.  I brought a guitar with me and the day before one of its strings broke.  So, I figured with so much time on the ship it would be easier to change the strings on board than beforehand.  Hence the multi tool to help remove the old strings.  Yes, DW has her shoes and I have my guitar!

Interestingly, after security, at formal Princess check-in we only had to show we had a passport and verify that our mailed medallions worked correctly.  Our pre-cruise instructions from Princess advised we needed ETA’s (visas) from Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka to board and we needed a pre-cruise COVID test which we took the day before.  None of that info was verified, not sure why.

We only had a few carry ons with us, so proceeded directly to the Provence Dining Room for our traditional sit down luncheon of salmon and salad and a cold drink.  Service and food was great and the portions were large.  We have never been disappointed with the salmon on Princess!

After lunch we headed up to our cabin, a deluxe balcony.  Nice size room with a nice large covered and uncovered balcony.  We were pleased.  We always book midship in both directions – vertically and horizontally.  Our luggage had not yet been delivered, so we put away what we had hand carried, watched the required safety video and checked in at our muster station, Sabatini’s.  While there we made three reservations for dinner and then walked over to the Bayou Steakhouse and made two more.  Our early booking bonus included five specialty dining credits so we made reservations for all of them scattered a few weeks apart on sea days.  We had zero problems getting a reservation and were surprised no one else was on line to make one.  Our times and dates were later confirmed on the Medallion app.

We had a drink by the pool and relaxed for sail away. 

Before dinner we stopped back at the room to dress.  Hmm.  No luggage.  Our wonderful cabin steward advised us it was “on the way” and not to worry. 

First night at dinner was honestly a disappointment.  The server seemed a bit scatterbrained and inexperienced.  The first course was served promptly and was good.  However, we then were waiting and waiting for our mains.  I could see our server in the distance peering into a screen with her head in her hands and a puzzled look on her face.  For quite a while it seemed.  Finally when the meal was served the food was not hot.  I asked her if it could please be re-heated and she made a face and left.   It was consequently delivered to me by the head waiter and the server never returned to our table.  At all.

We skipped dessert and decided to go back and hopefully unpack.  On the way out, I asked the maitre’d if it would be possible to please have the same table we had during the earlier B2B.  He agreed and said it would be our table for the remainder of the voyage.  Fortunately we also inherited a seasoned waiter and assistant waiter – more on that later.

 (We do generally like sitting at a large table and meeting new people.  However, there is also a benefit to getting through dinner in a reasonable amount of time to make it to the shows. Hence our decision for a table for two.  We will meet others elsewhere.)

Back to the cabin – yay! Our luggage has arrived.  Unpacked and an after dinner drink in Crooners before calling it a night.  A long day – we promptly fell asleep in those wonderful Princess beds.

Our next couple of days were at sea.   DW participated in pickleball and Mah Jongg, we both did trivia and went to the shows.   We had pizza and beer for lunch out at the pool, wandered through the offerings in the Horizon Court buffet for breakfast and had our dinners in the MDR.

Our young CD, Cole was enthusiastic and inviting and we participated in some of the activities.

The medallion app onboard worked flawlessly for ordering food and drink no matter what your location – in your cabin, poolside, on deck.   We could also easily locate each other on the ship. .   We ordered on the cabin tv and by directly calling room service.   Our orders have all been filled correctly and pretty promptly – within 30 minutes.

  The internet met expectations with reasonably fast speeds and no down time (yet).   DW even streamed a Netflix movie the other night.   Other than the initial dinner waiter, every single staff person we have interacted with has been friendly and courteous and professional.   You can see that the dining staff especially are working very hard, but they always greet you with a smile.

We are now at a specific table every night at a specific time.   It is very easy to just walk by the lines of people and directly there.   As mentioned earlier, both the waiter and assistant waiter are experienced and already know our drink choices and the little things that make us unique.

The ship is older, but I think it is classy and beautiful.   If you have read any of my previous postings, you know that we never take the elevator.   (Ok, maybe on embark / disembark day due to luggage).   But our location is great for heading upstairs to the buffet or downstairs to the public spaces.   The forced exercise makes me feel a little less guilty about some of those delicious desserts!

Our cabin is roomy enough, at least for the time being.   That opinion may change 100 days from now!   Shower is powerful with plenty of hot water.   The toilet works with no issues. Yes, the shower is tiny.   Room temps are a little warmer than I would like.   Not a problem at night, but during the day, even with the curtains closed it could be cooler.   I called maintenance this morning and they have been busy working in the ceiling for the last hour!   I asked them if they were building me a new air conditioner.   Lots of hammering and banging.   Will keep you informed on the results.

As far as excursions go, we have booked a number of “must-sees” with the ship.   Not a fan of the busload of people who have load and unload and wait for Mabel in the gift shop and stops for shopping.   But some ports were so important or such a distance away that we acquiesced.   We have also booked quite a few more private tours.   Details of all will be explained as the trip progresses.

Ken the cruiser

Looking forward to following along! We just did a 38-day B2B on the NCL Jade from Athens to Dubai and then onto Cape Town. I see it's going to be awhile before you get to Dubai followed by going through the Suez Canal, but that section of the cruise for us was awesome, especially going to Petra and Valley of the Kings. BTW I would have thought Princess would have thrown in unlimited laundry if you booked a World Cruise. Have a great cruise!!

You need to be outside while heading into this port to view the modern city center with its skyscrapers.   Lovely and a bit unexpected!

We like to walk and typically walk a few miles every day at home.   According to our calculations, the distance from the cruise port to the Old City was a bit over two miles.   Certainly not unreasonable in our minds.   And, since we were leaving early in the morning, the weather was not much different than what we were used to in Florida – warm and humid but not yet oppressive.

After leaving the ship, we wanted to verify our directions with one of the local personnel outside.   His opinion was that it was not possible to walk and we should take a taxi.   OK, thank you.   We walked a bit further and   a different gentleman conferred with his colleagues.   Between some English and Spanish back and forth our route was confirmed.   Leaving the port we were inundated with cabbies offering to take us into the city.   The price quickly dropped from $20 to $10 as we demurred.   A couple even followed us down the street honking and yelling their prices out the window.

To get outside the port we had to walk through a beautiful aviary; we spent time there on our return but first briskly walked through to head to the Old City.

We did walk into the city and it was about 2 ½ miles through some interesting neighborhoods.   We never felt at all unsafe and stopped a few times to ask residents if we were on the right track.   All were helpful and friendly.   One used to live in Miami and reminisced about living in Florida.

We had pre-booked a Guru Walk tour meeting at 10 am by the clock tower in front of the Old City.   Our guide, Isaac met us and checked us in.   Guru Walks are led by local residents and you pay at the end what you wish.  

There were about 20 of us.   Interestingly, we were the oldest (by about a factor of three).   All the other participants were young people and different nationalities.   Example – we met participants from the UK, Netherlands, Brazil, US, and Colombia.   I would venture that almost all were in their twenties.  

Isaac had a chest mounted amplifier and a headset mic which worked well to explain the sites.   The tour lasted nearly three hours and included stops at:

• Santa Teresa Square

• San Pedro Claver Square

• Aduana's Place

• Cars Square

• Proclamation Square

• Cathedral

• Simon Bolivar Square

• Santo Domingo Square

• Mercy Square

Isaac was knowledgeable, spoke excellent English and was very proud of his city.   A great tour and well done.    Isaac even took our group into a park where we took pix of iguanas and a sloth climbing on a tree.   After the tour ended, he helped the two of us get a cab back to the ship - $5.   For both of us.   Thanks Isaac!

Back at the port, we now unhurriedly walked through the beautiful aviary filled with hundreds (?) of parrots, flamingos, and peacocks.   Very lovely.   They also had a large air conditioned gift shop and restrooms.   Truly one of the nicest cruise ship terminals we have walked through

Thanks for the excellent reviews.  I always follow WC blogs, but have not seen one for a Princess ship, and we are primarily Princess Cruisers.  Enjoy!

Thanks for doing this. We will be following along as we are on the World Cruise in June from Sydney on the Coral Princess

How many cruise credits will you get on the 111 day world cruise? Just curious.

Aloha.  Thank you for taking the time to post.  As a previous poster wrote, this is a first I have seen for princess and much appreciated. We love cruising and have been blessed to have seen the world with various cruise lines and via air/land.  We divide our time between NY and Honolulu with cruising for us set to resume hopefully this summer.  Enough of us…keep posting and love the pictures! Smooth sailing. 

californiagirl

Thank you for taking us along.  A WC is on our bucket list.  I see your cruise goes east to west.  I’ve heard that is the best direction as you gain time as you travel.  Easier on the body.

Excited to follow along!

I will be following along.  I will be on the Island in Nov. for 14 day Mediterranean and Israel 

 Also following.  We are onboard in July.  Have a great adventure. 

Thanks for the posting. Will follow your.  Enjoy reading it. 

Have a wonderful trip.

by "we like to cruise".........greetings from sarasota......great report and we are following along!

regarding your rental car and drop off.... we have a budget car rental one way to port everglades in April for a transatlantic.....since Avis and budget are as one, did you drop off the rental at :

Looking forward to following your Blog.

Thank you for your updates.  We will be boarding the Island when you return.  We are doing the 15 day Panama Canal - coast to coast - May 11th - 26th.  This will be our first time on the Island and first time doing the Panama Canal.

We are boarding the Island in California - not Florida.

On 1/10/2023 at 11:40 PM, polmcs said: How many cruise credits will you get on the 111 day world cruise? Just curious.

Hm good question.  I will find out.  I do know we already have enough credits to become Elite mid-way.

21 hours ago, tml1230 said: by "we like to cruise".........greetings from sarasota......great report and we are following along!   regarding your rental car and drop off.... we have a budget car rental one way to port everglades in April for a transatlantic.....since Avis and budget are as one, did you drop off the rental at :   Ft Lauderdale Cruiseport Shttl,EV3 2520 Miami Rd,   FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316 US   if so ....it sounds like you had a good experience?   thanks in advance and safe travels!  

Yes, that is indeed the location we used for the Avis drop-off.  There is a small office for final payment and the shuttle bus was waiting to take us the couple of miles back to the ship.  Very easy.  Good luck!

Good news with our AC.  As mentioned above, maintenance was here for well over an hour.  I heard lots of banging and hammering, lol.  When they were finished they knocked on the balcony door and said it was fixed.  Yes, it was.  Dramatic difference in temps, so we are happy.  Now the room is comfortable at a mid-range level on the thermostat compared to being warm with the thermostat at its coldest setting.

Guest Services called an hour later to make sure all was working properly.

Guest Services apologized and provided us some OBC for our inconvenience.

An officer knocked on our door an hour after that to make sure the AC was ok.

Good job and followup by shipboard personnel!

26 minutes ago, We_like_to_cruise said:   Hm good question.  I will find out.  I do know we already have enough credits to become Elite mid-way.

They may not credit you until the very end of the cruise   We were blue for 76 days although it was 5 segments  It depends if you booked it as one cruise

Panama Canal

We had previously done a partial transit on the Coral Princess.   It went into Gatun Lake and then we disembarked to take an excursion ferry through the remaining locks out to the Pacific.   At the time of that voyage, we were working and it was a shorter 10 day round trip from Fort Lauderdale.

This would be our first cruise ship transit all the way from the Atlantic side to the Pacific side.

As before we would be passing through the original narrower locks since Island Princess is a Panamax vessel.

Most passengers were up early for the transit through the Panama Canal.   The Horizon Court was crowded very early and the choice aft tables were quickly filled up.   Many took their coffee outside to set up for pictures and videos.   We were given a schedule in advance- the pilot would join us at 07:15 and we would enter Gatun Locks at about 08:45.   The pilot would take control of the ship through all of the remaining locks and would leave the ship at 17:45.

The early-birds had choice outdoor viewing spots.   However, at least at our location, most gladly allowed people to squeeze in briefly to take a few pix.   The atmosphere was very friendly and exciting and the weather was lovely.  

An on-board guide narrated our passage through the canal with facts and anecdotes.

We stayed until the ship went through the initial locks and entered Gatun Lake and then wandered to other ship locations to take more pictures. Finally we spent the rest of the day on our balcony.   Lunch was ordered in and eaten outside.   We were warned the delivery would be slower than usual and it took nearly an hour.   I guess a lot of people had the same idea as we did.

What a fascinating day – traversing an engineering marvel of such grand magnitude.   Truly a humbling experience.

Prior to our initial voyage I read the de rigueur “The Path Between the Seas” by David McCullough.   As a refresher for this voyage we watched a PBS American Experience documentary titled “Panama Canal Gateway to the American Century” (2011). I can recommend both!

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• Princess Cruises unveils unprecedented 2026 World Cruise with 52...

Princess Cruises unveils unprecedented 2026 World Cruise with 52 destinations

Princess Cruises has revealed details of its forthcoming 2026 World Cruise aboard the Coral Princess , a remarkable 114-day journey encompassing 52 ports across 28 countries spanning 6 continents. This itinerary marks the most extensive global reach ever offered on a Princess World Cruise.

The cruise is now open for bookings, allowing travelers to seize early booking advantages and secure their place on this extraordinary 114-day voyage covering 35,000+ nautical miles.

The 2026 Princess World Cruise introduces several exciting new features:

• An inaugural visit to Boracay , an idyllic tropical destination in the central Philippines celebrated for its stunning beaches and upscale resorts, marking a first for Princess Cruises.
• Coral Princess will also make its maiden World Cruise stops at Puerto Chiapas, Mexico , and Ponta Delgada in the Azores Islands.
• This immersive journey encompasses visits to 52 unique destinations, providing access to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe.
• Additionally, guests can look forward to extended port stays with "More Ashore Late-Night" experiences in 13 ports, including iconic cities such as Singapore , Sydney , and Honolulu , as well as an overnight stay in Hong Kong .

The cruise offers 2 departure options, sailing roundtrip from both Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) on January 5, 2026, and Los Angeles CA on January 21, 2026. Travel enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their spot early for this unparalleled adventure at sea.

Princess Cruises Reroutes 2025 World Cruises Amid Red Sea Attacks

Amid the ongoing missile attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, Princess Cruises is rerouting both of its 2025 world cruises.

Now, instead of visiting the Middle East or Asia, the cruises will visit new ports in Africa and Europe. Princess Cruises leaders made the decision after “extensive consultation” with global security experts and government officials.

"We know our guests will understand and appreciate the change to our upcoming 2025 itineraries to avoid certain areas," says Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. "These global events beyond our control have necessitated these reroutings but we are pleased to continue to ensure these world cruises retain destination-rich itineraries with incredible stops along the west Africa coast and the Mediterranean."

The world cruise offered onboard Island Princess will depart January 5, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale or January 20, 2025, from Los Angeles. The 116-day voyage will travel more than 36,700 nautical miles and visit 46 destinations in 24 countries on six continents. 

The revised part of the cruise will take place from February 16 through April 9. From Sydney, the ship will visit Melbourne and Perth before sailing on to South Africa, Namibia and the Cape Verde Islands. Travelers will then head to Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Montenegro before resuming the scheduled itinerary in Malta.

Guests who were originally scheduled to depart or join the cruise in Dubai on March 14 must now embark or disembark in Cape Town, South Africa, on March 9. Disembarking guests will be refunded for four days of the cruise fare, while those who join the ship earlier than planned will not have to pay extra. All affected guests will receive a $300 onboard credit.

The other 2025 world cruise, offered on Crown Princess, will depart from Auckland on May 31, 2025, and Sydney on June 4, 2025. The 113-day sailing will visit 42 destinations in 22 countries on five continents. The vessel will no longer transit the Suez Canal and, instead, will travel around Africa. Princess is still finalizing the details of that itinerary.

Princess is not the only cruise line affected by the missile strikes: Royal Caribbean also rerouted its 2024 world cruise , and Holland America Line adjusted the itinerary of its 2025 world cruise , to name a few.

Carnival's Princess brand revises 2025 world cruise routes amid Red Sea tensions

The company said the banner's two "2025 World Cruises" - Island Princess and Crown Princess - would no longer be visiting the Middle East and Asia, and instead would offer new port stops in Africa and Europe.

Carnival had said in March it will probably not be sailing through the Red Sea region for the rest of this year and early next year due to persisting hostilities.

The cruise operator said on Tuesday that Island Princess - which was scheduled to depart from the U.S. in January - would now depart from Sydney in Australia in February and travel via South Africa to end its journey at Malta.

Crown Princess - which is scheduled to visit 42 destinations in 22 countries - will also travel via Africa. However, the company did not provide more details on the full revised itinerary for the ship.