Right now, I am sitting on a lounge chair on the shaded Promenade deck of the Island Princess, a midsized cruise ship in the Princess Fleet. We are sailing from Florida in the USA, through the Panama Canal and then north to Vancouver, Canada.
As I listen to the gentle waves splash against the sides of the ship, I can see the distant shadows of an island to starboard. Occasional people pass briskly by as the Promenade deck serves as a walking track, one of many optional ways to exercise while enjoying the days at sea.
I could be walking, but I choose to write. Yesterday my Fitbit saw 15,000 steps, an arbitrary figure I target to allow myself to eat dessert.
It’s not just the sweets I need to walk off, the food on this ship is incredible.
We generally like to eat at traditional mealtimes, although one could eat continuously from 5.30am to midnight.
Today is day three of a 19-day cruise. Tomorrow we arrive in Aruba, our first port. Later we will visit Cartagena (Colombia), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), and Los Angeles (USA).
Sailing on the Island Princess is like living on a floating resort, offering options spanning the continuum between active and relaxation.
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We have also attended a guided stargazing session and a lecture on blogging. We have yet to visit the casino, library, disco, any of the several bars, mini golf, table tennis, basketball court or spa.
To be honest, we were a bit hesitant to take a cruise with ten days at sea. However, so far, so good. I will never be one to spend my day sitting at the pool, but there is more than enough to keep me happy.
What makes this ship really special is the service that is nothing short of five stars. Each staff member and officer we have encountered is friendly, helpful, and attentive. Seriously, they always appear happy, laugh at our jokes, and smile.
I guess the obvious downside to us, is the bonus to many – we get only a small taste of each port-of-call, a tourist view rather than an opportunity to participate in the culture.
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Read next: Reflections of an 18-night Princess Cruise.
Have you sailed on the Island Princess or any other cruise ship? What was your opinion?
Disclaimer: In addition to VIP treatment onboard the Island Princess we were provided with many complimentary extras. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Sonoran Lights at Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona
Travelera
May 8, 2016 at 9:10 pmIt looks good, I am so jealous, I never get so many days of holidays to do a long cruise like that, it is true that it is a short time in every port and I always love to stay longer but you can have a taste of many different places, it is lovely to get up every morning in a different place! <3
xxx
http://www.travelera.es
Rhonda Albom
May 9, 2016 at 9:13 amLOL – I am older than you, maybe one day you will get a long sail. There are many cruises that are only 3-4 days.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
May 6, 2016 at 8:40 pmBeing at sea is not one of my strength hehe. I am so scared of waves!
This ship looks so amazing. Like a city on its own! So complete!
Rhonda Albom
May 7, 2016 at 9:42 amYes, it is like a floating city.
Steve
May 6, 2016 at 3:38 amLooks like fun. We’re looking at either Princess or Norwegian for our next cruise.
Rhonda Albom
May 6, 2016 at 12:02 pmWe have sailed on both and think that Princess is a step up from NCL.
Amy
May 5, 2016 at 7:24 pmoh nice, hope you’re enjoying it all 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruise ship but we get different ones berthing here in Tauranga all the time from November until April.
Rhonda Albom
May 6, 2016 at 12:55 amWhen they are sailing not full they offer huge discounts. Maybe you could get on one from your home port someday.
Barbara Radisavljevic
May 5, 2016 at 6:49 pmThank you for describing this. There must be something wrong with me, but I guess I prefer land. I don’t think I’d fit into the cruising life. I guess I prefer road trips. I like nature more than cities, and my idea of a vacation is to get a cabin by a lake or river near or in the woods with a fireplace. I’d bring a few books I’ve wanted to read and my computer for the evenings and spend my days taking photos in the woods. The only thing I think I’d like about cruising is the food, and I’m fat enough already.
Rhonda Albom
May 6, 2016 at 12:54 amLOL – yes there is way too much food on the ship. I do read and write a bit during the day, but very limited internet. I probably should have added the cost of internet above into the negatives.
Indah Nuria Savitri
May 5, 2016 at 12:19 pmI have bern wanting to try the cruise but I haven’t got a chance. It looks like a great trip indeed
Rhonda Albom
May 6, 2016 at 12:52 amCruising is a fun way to travel.
Molly
May 5, 2016 at 4:56 amLooks like an amazing trip, the food looks fabulous
Mollyxxx
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 9:02 amThe food keeps on getting better and bette – and endless.
Comedy Plus
May 5, 2016 at 3:57 amI’m glad you’re having a great time. Cruising is not for everyone. Hubby and I had a great cruise out of Miami to the Caribbean. We paid for VIP and got what we paid for. When we went to Hawaii (same cruise line) we again paid for VIP and were treated horribly. I’ll never get on another cruise ship again. Not to mention we were sicker than dogs with whatever when through the entire ship. So our cruises will be on our own boat from now on. Far more pleasurable.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 9:01 amWow Sandee, sounds like a terrible experience. Maybe you could try a different cruise line? Princess seems pretty good.
Shere A
May 4, 2016 at 11:33 pmWe have never been on a cruise, but we were thinking of taking one in Norway from bergen to the very north. Well, if we find a camper, we will take a ferry from Denmark to Bergen which takes 16 hours, so a bit of a short cruise
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 2:00 amWe cruised Norway in 2012. It is a really lovely way to see the Fjords.
E
May 4, 2016 at 11:30 pmI’ve never been on a cruise before. The juxtaposition of the mega cruise ship and entertainment and the block of flats with the beauty of the islands is really striking.
E xx
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 2:00 amYes, it is a great mix.
Hilary
May 4, 2016 at 9:27 pmWonderful – so pleased for you … and yes the downside and the upside … but worth doing … enjoy – I shall enjoy the posts that come our way … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 1:59 amClearly the upsides out weigh the down sides.
Lexa Cain
May 4, 2016 at 7:32 pmOMG! It sounds wonderful! It looks wonderful! I WANNA GO TOO!!!! Since that’ll never happen, I really appreciate you sharing all the pics with us, especially the LOBSTER!! *salivate, slobber, grin*
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 1:58 amThere are many more posts to come from this ship – we are 19 days and several interesting ports.
stevebethere
May 4, 2016 at 6:36 pmWow! that looks brilliant enjoy the cruise, loved the look on the waiters face LOL
Have a cruisetastic week
Rhonda Albom
May 5, 2016 at 1:58 amThe staff seems very tuned into who they can be silly with, and who is more serious.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
May 4, 2016 at 12:08 pmWow! Now that’s a long and luxurious cruise. Enjoy.
Rhonda Albom
May 4, 2016 at 3:38 pmLuxurious and relaxing.
Cody Hewson
May 4, 2016 at 11:15 amThank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like the cruise has been spectacular so far and I know if it’s like a normal Princess experience you’ll continue to be amazed.
Rhonda Albom
May 4, 2016 at 3:37 pmYes, so far it is pretty amazing.