Island Princess: The Ultimate Guide

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Island Princess isnโt the flashiest cruise ship in the fleet, but thatโs the point. Sheโs the kind of ship that gets you to the bucket-list destinations and even a world cruise if youโre feeling adventurous. With around 2,200 passengers, sheโs got that smaller-ship vibe where youโre not queuing for hours at the buffet or battling for a pool lounger.
This guideโs got everything you need to know about Island Princess: where sheโs sailing in 2025/26, what to expect onboard, where to eat, what to do, and even a peek at the deck plan so you donโt get lost on your first day.
2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations
Island Princess is all about those big, bucket-list adventures, and for the 2025/26 season, sheโs setting sail on epic voyages, perfect for those looking to tick a few continents off their list.
First up, you have the World Cruise: 116 nights of non-stop exploring. Kicking off from Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles in January 2025, youโll visit a whopping 51 destinations across 26 countries. Passengers will get to stop in ports like Bar in Montenegro, Taranto in Italy, the Greek islands of Patmos and Volos, plus a whole stack more.
Then, in early 2026, Island Princess switches gears with Panama Canal crossings, a fan favourite. Picture yourself gliding through one of the worldโs most famous engineering feats, with stops along the way in places like Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Oranjestad in Aruba.
And if youโve got the South Pacific on your bucket list, youโre in luck. Thereโs a 54-night adventure in March 2026 that kicks off from Los Angeles and sails all the way down to Australia and New Zealand. With stops in Auckland, Tauranga, Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane, and Noumea, passengers will get a heap of sea days to soak up that Pacific sun.
And if youโre keen on something shorter, there are also Canada & New England itineraries (like 10-nighters from New York to Halifax and Boston), plus some Mediterranean and Hawaii sailings scattered in.
Dining and Culinary Experience
Foodโs a massive part of any cruise, and Island Princess doesnโt hold back. Youโve got a solid mix of sit-down spots, grab-and-go options, and a few special treats/
The main dining rooms, Bordeaux Dining Room and Provence, do the classic cruise anytime dining thing: multi-course dinners with white tablecloths and menus that change daily. Expect seafood, steaks, pastas, and delicious and varied desserts.
Then there are the specialty restaurants:
- Sabatiniโs: Italian done right with homemade pastas, seafood, and decadent desserts.
- Bayou Cafรฉ & Steakhouse: A Cajun-Creole vibe with dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and juicy steaks.
- The Crab Shack (seasonal pop-up): A seafood feast with crab legs, mussels, and shrimp (great for Alaska sailings).
- Chefโs Table Experience: A special, multi-course dinner hosted by the executive chef.
- Ultimate Balcony Dining: A private, multi-course dinner served on your own balcony.
For casual eats, thereโs the Horizon Court buffet, the Patisserie for sweet treats and coffee, the Princess Pizzeria for a quick slice, the Trident Grill for burgers and hot dogs, and of course, room service for those lazy mornings or midnight snacks.
Onboard Activities (Family, Kids, Couples)
Island Princess has a bit of everything when it comes to keeping you busy at sea.
For families and kids, the Camp Discovery Youth and Teen Centres have activities for different age groups. They have everything from arts and crafts to karaoke, scavenger hunts, PlayStation tournaments, and movie nights. The kids will be sorted, giving adults a chance to relax.
Couples can make the most of the Lotus Spa, chill out in the adults-only Sanctuary with a cocktail in hand, or cuddle up for a movie under the stars. If youโre feeling active, thereโs the gym, dance classes, and a sports court for basketball or a cheeky game of pickleball.
And for everyone else, thereโs a casino, live shows (Broadway-style performances and guest entertainers), art auctions, trivia, wine tastings, culinary demos, and even a spot of shopping if youโre in the mood.
Whether youโre a spa junkie, a foodie, a trivia whiz, or just want to lounge by the pool, thereโs always something to do on Island Princess.
Accommodations Details
When it comes to where youโll sleep, Island Princess has options for every type of traveller.
If youโre keeping it simple, the Interior Cabins are cosy and budget-friendly. You get a comfy bed, a bathroom, and a desk. Basically, everything you need to rest up between adventures.
If you want a bit more, the Oceanview Cabins give you a picture window (no balcony), so you can wake up to ocean views without splashing out too much.
The Balcony Cabins are a solid upgrade, with your own private outdoor space. Perfect for a morning coffee or sunset drinks.
If youโre after a bit more room to spread out, the Mini-Suites step things up with extra space, a separate sitting area, and a bigger bathroom.
And if youโre feeling fancy, the Suites are the top-tier option. Thereโs a range:
- Penthouse Suites
- Premium Suites
- Vista Suites
All of them have loads of space, a big balcony, and extras like priority boarding. Each suite type has its perks, but they all come with that extra touch of luxury.
Deck Plan
Island Princess is spread across 15 decks (12 for passengers), and while sheโs not a mega-ship, thereโs still plenty of space to explore.
The Lido Deck is where youโll find the pools, hot tubs, and the Horizon Court buffet. Up top on the Sun Deck, youโll get the best views (perfect for a sunrise coffee or sunset drinks).
Decks 5 to 8 are the social hubs, with the main dining rooms, the theatre, lounges, and shops. Cabins are mostly spread across Decks 9 to 12, so itโs easy to nip between your room and wherever youโre heading next.
Thereโs a total of 1,107 cabins onboard, with room for around 2,200 guests. Facilities include nine restaurants and piano bars, a wheelhouse bar, six lounges, four swimming pools, five Jacuzzis, a gym, spa, casino, and all the usual cruise fun. And with a crew of around 900, thereโs always someone on hand to sort you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is everything all-inclusive?
Not quite. Your cruise fare covers a lot (like your cabin, main dining options, entertainment, and most activities), but itโs not a free-for-all. Drinks (unless itโs water, your afternoon tea, or basic coffee), specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and tips are extra.
If you want a more all-in experience, you can get a package like Princess Plus or Princess Premier. Theyโll bundle in drinks, Wi-Fi, and some specialty dining, so youโre not constantly reaching for your wallet.
Is there a dress code onboard?
Yes, but itโs a relaxed affair. During the day, anything goes: shorts, t-shirts, sandals, whatever keeps you comfy. At night, the vibe depends. Most nights are smart casual (nice dress, collard shirt), but a couple of nights per cruise, they go all out with formal nights. Thatโs your chance to dust off the suit or cocktail dress, if youโre up for it.
Is the cruise suitable for solo travellers?
Island Princess doesnโt have dedicated solo cabins, but plenty of solo travellers still hop on board. They often run meetups for solo cruisers, and there are group activities, shore tours, and social events where itโs easy to chat to people.
What types of people travel with this ship?
Island Princess tends to pull in a slightly older crowd, such as couples in their 50s and 60s, plus a few solo adventurers and multigenerational families here and there. Itโs not a party ship full of 20-somethings, so the people who come are usually up for long itineraries, world cruises, and exploring far-off destinations.