ISLAND PRINCESS
The "Pathfinder." A purpose-built Panamax vessel designed to fit through the Panama Canal locks while offering a high percentage of balcony staterooms.
- Guests
- 2,200
- Tonnage
- 91,627
- Launch
- 2003
- Crew
- 900
The Prodigy Verdict
The Expeditionary Spirit.
The Island Princess (and her sister, Coral Princess) occupies a unique niche in the Princess fleet. She is specifically built to maximize ocean views while remaining slim enough to transit the Panama Canal locks. Unlike the inward-facing Royal Class ships, Island Princess is outwardly focused, with public decks designed for scenic cruising. She retains classic features like a wraparound promenade deck and the Bayou Café, a New Orleans-style steakhouse unique to this class. While she lacks the "glitter" of the newest ships, she offers superior crowd flow and intimacy.
- Travelers prioritizing itinerary (World Cruise, Canal) over water slides.
- Couples seeking a quieter, more traditional maritime atmosphere.
- Guests who appreciate the Bayou Café's unique menu.
- The decor leans traditional and lacks the modern flair of the Sphere class.
- The main pool areas are smaller compared to the Royal or Grand class ships.
- Balcony sizes vary significantly due to the ship's stepped hull design.
The Layout
Designed for scenic cruising, the Island Princess features extensive forward and aft viewing areas.
The Piazza
The European-style atrium. While smaller than on newer ships, it remains the social hub with street performers, glass elevators, and the International Café.
Promenade Deck
A classic teak wraparound deck. Essential for Panama Canal transits, allowing guests to walk the entire perimeter to view the locks.
The Sanctuary
The adults-only retreat located forward. On Island Princess, this area offers particularly good views over the bow for scenic cruising.
Movies Under Stars
The signature poolside LED screen. Princess provides fleece blankets and popcorn for evening movie screenings on the open deck.
Universe Lounge
A unique aft lounge found on this class. It serves as a secondary theater for enrichment lectures, cooking demos, and game shows.
Casino
A classic gaming venue located on Deck 6. Features the standard array of slots and tables, connected to the lively Explorers Lounge.
Dining & Provisions
The culinary program is solid and traditional, highlighted by the Bayou Café—a venue rarely found elsewhere in the fleet.
Main Dining
Provence & Bordeaux
Two primary dining rooms offering the standard Princess menu. Rotating nightly specials often feature regional dishes based on the itinerary.
Horizon Court
Buffet
The lido buffet located forward (unusual for Princess). Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views over the bow.
Bayou Café
New Orleans Steakhouse
A Coral-class exclusive. Serves Cajun specialties like jambalaya alongside steaks, often with live jazz music.
Sabatini's
Italian Trattoria
Princess' flagship Italian venue. Known for its multi-course feasts featuring handmade pastas and seafood.
Princess Pizzeria
Poolside
Located on the Lido deck. Serves fresh, thin-crust pizza by the slice throughout the day.
The Grill
Poolside
Standard poolside fare including burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Convenient for a quick lunch while swimming.
International Café
24-Hour Bistro
Located in the Piazza. The go-to spot for late-night snacks, morning pastries, and specialty coffees (coffee extra charge).
Chef's Table
Lumiere
An exclusive multi-course dining experience hosted by the executive chef. Includes galley tour and wine pairing.
Where It Sails
Island Princess is a true globetrotter, specializing in longer, more exotic voyages that require her specific dimensions.
- World Cruise (100+ Days)
- Panama Canal (Full Transit)
- Mediterranean & Europe
This ship is often chosen for the destination, not just the hardware. She fits into smaller ports and through the original Canal locks, offering itineraries the mega-ships cannot sail.
Check Availability
See current pricing for Island Princess sailings.
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Cost Reality
On longer itineraries (14+ days), the "Princess Plus" or "Premier" packages provide significant value by bundling daily essentials.
- Main Dining & Buffet
- International Café (Food)
- Movies Under the Stars
- Enrichment Lectures
- Specialty Dining (Bayou, Sabatini's)
- Alcohol & Soda
- MedallionNet Wi-Fi
- Sanctuary Access
The "Princess Plus" package usually costs about $60/day and includes drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. If you buy these separately, you will pay significantly more.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It is quiet, classic, and focused on the journey.
Relaxed and mature. You won't find go-karts or climbing walls here. The focus is on the ocean, reading, lectures, and good conversation.
Skews older (50+), especially on longer itineraries. Expect seasoned travelers who prioritize the destination over onboard thrills.
Ready to explore? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
The ship's stepped design means balcony sizes vary. "Bump-out" sections offer deeper balconies that are highly coveted.
Oceanview
A solid choice for destination-heavy cruises where you spend little time in the room. Some lower deck oceanviews have portholes rather than picture windows.
Caribe Balcony
On Coral-class ships, the balconies on Caribe deck are often larger than those on other decks, allowing space for full recliners.
Mini-Suite
Offers a sitting area, a second TV, and a bathtub. Located centrally, they are excellent for longer voyages where extra space prevents "cabin fever."