To call it "Bucket-List: cruise would elevate it to something it never was really intended to be. We were looking for a Christmas getaway that was warm and yet included sights never scene. So we chose the 10-day Panama Canal cruise.
We chose the Island Princess ship because there's no gimmicks, no flashy anything. It is stately and has order to it. No one will accuse it of being a party ship or rave about the late-night entertainment or all the kids' activities. It's a mid-sized "Love Boat" filled with mostly boomers—some rich that popped for all their kids and grands to join them for Christmas break.
The staterooms are plain and adequate with ample storage. There's a choice of restaurants but not such a vast selection as to cause confusion. You can count the choices on one hand.
Plain balcony. Sensible layout of doors, furniture, bathroom, light switches, closet, etc. Privacy when needed. Few space conflicts. Ample storage. Balcony average BUT chairs are adjustable and almost fully recline —unlike most cruise ships. Only one electrical outlet outside of bathroom (for shaver only) so recommend bringing mini-strip to be able to charge multi-items overnight. Larger TV than most older ships..