Island Princess: Which Cabins to AVOID for a Perfect Cruise

One of the best features of Princess Cruises' Island Princess, a mid-sized cruise liner, is its modern design, warm environment, and beautiful routes to places like Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the South Pacific. On the other hand, it is a fact of life that all cruise ships have certain cabins that are superior to others, while some may not be the most enjoyable at all.

Some cabins have great comfort, views, and reasonable prices- while others may have disadvantages like noise, small space, or blocked views. This paper presents a non-biased view of the Island Princess cabins to steer clear of and gives you useful tips for selecting the best stateroom for your upcoming trip.

Cabin Categories of Island Princess

Photo Courtesy: Princess Cruises

Rather than going through the cabins you shouldn't go to, it is better to know the main onboard accommodations first.

• Interior (Inside) Cabins: These rooms of about 155–165 square feet with no window are the cheapest choice. They are small but designed for people who do not stay much in their cabin.
• Oceanview Cabins: Oceanview Cabins: These cabins come with a window or a porthole and have a square footage of 160 to not more than 200.
• Balcony Cabins: These are the likeliest pick, giving 210–250 square feet including a private balcony. Perfect for scenic cruises.
• Mini-Suites and Suites: The biggest cabins are mini-suites and suites with bigger bathrooms, top-notch amenities, and separate living areas. They will be the ones for the long-distance superior treatment or indulgence.

The ship was modernized with new cabins and renewed decor in 2015, yet its offensive structuring is from 2003. Hence, the ship's layout has some spots where cabins are more noisy, smaller, or less stable during rough seas.

Cabins to Avoid on the Island Princess

The Island Princess, however, offers an overall pleasant and comfortable cruising experience, yet there are some cabin types and places that cannot handle certain travelers. The main ones to avoid or to be careful of are listed below.

1. Inside Cabins at the Front or Rear (Forward or Aft)

Inside cabins are a good option with reasonable price, however, those placed at the very end or at the very back of the ship are not without drawbacks. The bow (front) cabins usually get more motion feeling, especially with the waves being not so friendly, and the noise from the anchor or the docking might come in sometimes. The stern (back) cabins might feel a little bit of the engine and systems' vibrations.

Best alternative: You may go for an inside cabin that is in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck to get both stability and peaceful surroundings.

2. Oceanview Cabins with Obstructed Views

There are some oceanview cabins on Island Princess that have windows that are partially blocked by lifeboats or ship structures. The light will come into those cabins but there will be no ocean view, making them less attractive for those who like to visit scenic spots on the itinerary.

It can be disappointing if you have booked an ocean view room expecting to watch the landscape passing by.

Best alternative: Search for cabins that are specifically marked as “unobstructed,” particularly those on the higher or forward decks.

3. Balcony Cabins with Limited or Exposed Verandas

In case of cruise with stops in Alaska or Panama Canal, balcony cabins are the best choice. However, they come with different types of verandas. Some are narrower or shallower than others, and a few suffer from exposure to wind and have solid railings that block the view when seated.

Balconies on the ship's forward corners are particularly windy while those near lifeboats may have partial visual obstructions. Moreover, some decks have overhangs that block some sunlight.

Best alternative: Opt for mid-ship balcony cabins with glass-front railings that provide a splendid combination of privacy, protection, and visibility.

4. Cabins Directly Below or Above Public Areas

Accommodations located directly under the most bustling public places like the Lido Deck, swimming pool, or even buffet may be subjected to some noise from those places either during the morning or at night. The disturbance may consist of chair sliding sounds, footsteps, or even soft music played during events.

Some cabins directly under lounges, theaters, or gyms also get some noise from above.

Best alternative: Pick a cabin surrounded by other cabins both above and below it for the ultimate in quietness.

5. Cabins Constructed With the 2015 Refurbishment

The Island Princess was overhauled entirely in 2015 and among that was the creation of new cabins in the previously vacant areas. These new staterooms are often built with walls of less thickness and inferior if not different materials in comparison to the original cabins of the ship. Some of them are situated nearer to mechanical spaces or crew corridors.

They will still be comfortable, but they may have more vibration or noise coming from outside.

Best alternative: Go for cabins of the original ship layout which usually have thicker walls and superior sound insulation.

6. Standard Cabins with Small Bathrooms and Limited Storage

Apart from the smaller categories, especially the inside and oceanview rooms, some have very small bathrooms with limited and inconvenient shower stalls and virtually no counter space. This could be a problem for taller visitors or those who enjoy having a little more space.

Storage is likely to be less in these cabins as they have been fitted with fewer shelves or have got closets even narrower than those in the older ships.

Best alternative: If space is a big factor for you then you might want to consider upgrading to a mini-suite or a suite where the bathrooms and storage facilities are very spacious.

7. Lower Deck Cabins Near Crew or Service Areas

The cabins, which are built close to the service widths, storage areas or laundry can sometimes be disturbed by light noise coming from the crew working, especially during the night hours.

Princess Cruises keeps its first-class services, and on-board activities are in full swing 24/7.

Best alternative: If booking a cabin on the lower deck, consult the deck plan and keep away from rooms adjacent to the service areas or at the ends of corridors leading to crew access points.

8. Cabins Near Elevators or Stairs

Cabins that are next to the elevator shafts aren’t the quietest places, although they are very accessible. They have continuous and constant noise from people walking. Doors will frequently open, there will be conversations and people moving around, all of which can be heard even when trying to sleep.

Best alternative: A cabin located a few doors away from the main elevator area would be much quieter and more private for restoration and other things.

Selecting the Right Cabin on Island Princess

First, luxury, economy, and location should be correctly balanced when searching for the perfect cabin. The following tips will assist you in making a wise choice:

• Examine the Deck Plans with Quite Scrutiny: Before booking, the first thing to do is to check the official deck plan of the Princess Cruises. Find out what is there, above, under and next to your cabin.
• Pick the Right Deck Height: The lowermost decks are the most stable ones, but they may not offer vast views. The uppermost decks give better views but may be subject to more movement.
• Verify Balcony Features: There is inconsistency among balcony cabins in size, coverage, and railing design. Look for glass-front balconies that allow easier viewing.
• Settle the Price with Luxury: Once, a slight upgrade—like transferring from an inside cabin to an oceanview—was enough to raise the comfort level dramatically.
• Opt for the Mid-Ship for Better Balance: Mid-ship rooms feel the least motion, and at the same time, they are the most convenient ones for elevators and stairs that experience the highest usage.
• Look for the Noisiest Places: In case you are a sensitive sleeper, far away from the areas where theaters, pools, lounges, or crew corridors are located would be the best option for you.

Princess Cruise Deal & Offers!

Explore the world in style with exclusive Princess Cruise offers. From sun-soaked Caribbean escapes to breathtaking Alaskan adventures, there’s a perfect journey for every traveler. Book now and enjoy limited-time savings, onboard perks, and unforgettable experiences.

Princess Cruise Deal & Offers!

Photo by Princess Cruises

Which Cabins Are the Best Choices?

Although there are cabins to avoid that this guide is mainly about, still several great options are available on the Island Princess.

• Balcony cabins mid-ship on the higher decks offers the best stability, views, and access combination.
• Mini-suites are perfect for spaciousness if taking long trips or if there is a family traveling along.
• The cabins for people with special needs are very well-constructed and are located just right for the patients with reduced mobility.

The areas of the staterooms as well as the routes of the Alaska or trans-canal voyages can be the ones offering more comfortable and quiet experiences.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises' The Island Princess is still one of the most delightful ships in the fleet, presenting an atmosphere of classic cruising and routes that display nature's and man's maritime engineering's beauty. However, like on every other ship, the placement of the cabin could significantly impact your comfort.

By avoiding cabins close to noisy areas, with obstructed views or in high traffic locations, you will have a more pleasant experience. It is worthwhile to consult the deck plans and get to know the variations in cabin types so as to book mid-ship spots which would be the most comfortable for you from the time you board until you disembark.

FAQs About Island Princess Cabins to Avoid

What is the best deck to stay on for the Island Princess?

The middle decks (like Baja or Caribe Decks) are frequently perfect.

Are inside cabins too small or uncomfortable?

Inside cabins on Island Princess are small but very well planned. They are a good fit for those who travel on a budget or for those who mostly stay outside the cabin. On the other hand, if you like the sun or are kind of claustrophobic, then you should move to an oceanview or balcony cabin.

Is motion sickness a problem on Island Princess?

It is a mid-size ship, so motion is more experienced like on a smaller ship and less than on larger ones. The option of a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck deluxe motion is the best place for those who can’t handle sea sickness.

What’s the difference between a Deluxe Balcony and a Premium Balcony cabin?

Private verandas are the same in both, but Premium Balcony cabins might have a bit larger outdoor space or more sought-after position. However, some “premium” categories don’t differ much in size, so it’s advisable to compare deck plans before the big upgrade.

Are the cabins quiet?

Most cabins are calm, but those placed close to elevators, theatres or beneath public decks might get some noise from these areas. Generally, the choice of a cabin with staterooms on all sides is the quietest one.

Are obstructed-view cabins worth booking?

In case of the price being your main concern along with the requirement of just a little bit of daylight, blocked ocean view cabins can be a good deal. On the other hand, if you are going to take the pleasure of watching the landscape from your room, then a clear-view cabin or balcony is a much better choice.