Island Princess

As sister ship to Coral Princess, Island Princess is the only other ship in the Princess Cruises fleet built to Panamax size; the maximum size for a cruise ship to sail through the Panama Canal. With 90% ocean view staterooms, Island Princess is the perfect ship on which to experience the epic feat of engineering that appears on the bucket list of so many.

Whilst negotiating the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Mireflores locks, you will become engrossed in the history of the Panama Canal. Expert narratives will talk you through the canal’s creation, and you will even have the opportunity to dine on authentic Panamanian cuisine. The elegant Island Princess is the perfect ship on which to truly experience everything the Panama Canal has to offer.

Between exploring the Panama Canal throughout the autumn and winter months, Island Princess also offers itineraries to the Mediterranean throughout the summer.

Activities and Recreation

Choose to spend your time as busy or as free as you choose when on board the Island Princess. Activities and enrichment opportunities are vast and varied, but so too are chances to enjoy complete and utter relaxation.

The Lotus Spa is a signature feature across the Princess Cruises fleet and the Asian-inspired space on board Island Princess is a haven of serenity, complete with a dedicated pool, thermal suite, heated loungers, sauna and steam room, and an extensive treatment list. If relaxation with a sea breeze sounds appealing, head to The Sanctuary; an adults-only area on Lido Deck where shaded cabanas and padded loungers fill the perfect place to take in the ocean views between spa treatments.

Island Princess has three pools and six hot tubs in which to soak away your cares; the main pool, located on Lido deck, is equipped with a retractable glass roof, so even the wettest weather needn’t put paid to your pool visits.

Enrichment programmes on board Island Princess are some of the best around, immersing passengers in the destinations visited by means of National Park Service ranger talks, interesting travel guides and lectures by local experts. Exclusive guest speakers and knowledgeable guides provide a live commentary, as you sail through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Evening Entertainment

Though Island Princess may be classed as a mid-sized ship, her entertainment rivals that of her larger counterparts.

All of the Princess Theatre signature entertainment features are present, including the ever-popular Movies Under the Stars; an outdoor cinema screen located above the main pool, where films are shown throughout the day and popcorn and blankets make for movie nights with a difference.

The Princess Theatre also hosts afternoon movies, whilst evenings in the venue are reserved for spectacular stage productions. If comedy, cabaret and live bands are more your thing, pay a visit to the Explorers Lounge or Universe Lounge, or head to Crooners Bar and work your way through their extensive Martini list. Try your hand against Lady Luck at the Paris-themed Princess Casino to end your evening in style.

Dining

The intimate feel of mid-sized Island Princess, along with carefully designed dining rooms, means dinner always feels like a special occasion. Both Traditional and Anytime dining are offered on board; Traditional dining in the Provence Restaurant and Anytime dining in the Bordeaux Restaurant. Menus are thoughtfully created and meals are beautifully prepared, often drawing inspiration from the authentic cuisines of destinations on your itinerary.

Fresh seafood is the focus of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at speciality restaurant Sabatini’s, with irresistible antipasti and signature pasta dishes contributing to a tempting menu. A more relaxed vibe is accompanied by a New Orleans influence at Bayou Café & Steakhouse, where Seafood Gumbo Ya-Ya and Toulouse Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya appear on a Cajun and Creole-inspired menu.

Exciting shore excursions are plentiful on an Island Princess cruise to the Panama Canal or Mediterranean, and the ship’s casual dining options are a popular choice after a long day of exploring. The Horizon Court buffet is located on Lido deck, serving a vast and varied selection of foods all day and night. Have a chef make your omelette while you wait, or choose from endless fruit, bread, pastry and cooked breakfast stations. A vast lunch selection is ever-popular on sea days; while dinner sees daily specials from the main dining rooms appear alongside more seemingly endless and always delicious dishes.

Freshly baked, hand-tossed pizzas from the Princess Pizzeria are best enjoyed al fresco, while sweet treats from Sundae’s ice cream parlour and the delicious on board Patisserie are a must.

Dress Code

The recommended evening dress code is smart casual, with an open-neck shirt and trousers for men and a dress or smart separates suggested for women. Each seven night cruise usually hosts two formal nights and passengers on board Island Princess do tend to embrace the glamorous occasion. Tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit is acceptable for men, while women often wear evening gowns, cocktail dresses and smart trouser suits.

The dress code throughout the day is casual, with everything you would wear at a smart land-based resort considered acceptable. Shorts and distressed jeans are not permitted in the main dining areas at any time.