Live from the coral panama cruise

[BayCalif-Ariz R Us]

Hi from aboard the Coral Princess. Just dropping a line before we head out to Formal Night #1 so this is brief. For starters, we didn't get to the ship until about 12:20 Saturday....absolutely no lines and they told us they had started boarding at 11am. I guess you never know but in my experience, you often can start boarding quite a bit earlier than Princess says you can. In San Pedro, the Coral Princess was docked at berth 92. Other ships in port were the Norwegian Star and the Sapphire Princess. We all left about the same time.

The ship looks great, a lot of cosmetic work and paint and of course new carpets. DH looked down into the "new" sanctuary today and saw about 4 pax. The attendant was just standing around. At $10 for 4 hrs, I just don't see the attraction but maybe business will pick up. They did not replace the TV's with flatscreen but that's no problem. MUTS was popular today for the pro football games.The Computers@Sea instructor is fabulous. DH thinks the internet speed is a little faster than normal. We are using the WiFi in the room.

The CD is Billy Hygate and ACD is Donna. Both seem excellent. The elite lounge is uninspiring....was better on the Tahitian. Our CC group really was enthusiastic about getting together the first sea day, and everybody signed up for more M&Ms. Let me know if anyone has any questions. Denise

[cruiserjanet]

Hi there. I do have a question about the treadmills in the gym that I posted in this thread.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1087759

 

I'm a little confused. When you have time, please check this out and let me know what you see.

 

Also, is Deck 14 (behind the gym) completely blocked off as the drydock pictures show? So we can't go to the back of the ship on that deck anymore?

[ATL-Cpl]

Our wish-list of cruises has this one near the top. Keep posting!

 

Gilbert

[chrysalis]

Thanks for the report....we look forward to being on board with you in less than 2 weeks.

[Colo Cruiser]

Enjoy and say Hi to Billy for me! :D

[OCruisers]

Thanks so much! Looking forward to more of your "lives"! :)

[chaswill]

We will be doing a shorter version of your cruise in early January and look forward to your impressions of the ports and excursions. Look forward to reading your future posts. Thanks.

[Konagal]

Thanks for going live and volunteering to answer questions. Could you please tell me what nights (e.g. 2nd, 5th, etc.) are the formal nights (or do you know yet?) Will also be VERY interested in excursions people take -- ship sponsored and otherwise.

[newport dave]

As Chrysalis said, we look forward to being on board in 10 days time. As this is only our 2nd cruise and first on the Coral any good info is appreciated, especially good viewing points for going through the canal, we're in an inside cabin so have no balcony.

 

Also, we're Anytime dining, what are you doing. Would like to know if there are any queues to get in the MDR at night. We're not bothered about having a table for two, so are happy to share a large table with other guests.

 

One last thing, what will the weather be like in Los Angeles on the 7th Dec.

 

See you all soon.

 

All info much appreciated.

 

David & Jacki

[newport dave]

As Chrysalis said, we look forward to being on board in 10 days time. As this is only our 2nd cruise and first on the Coral any good info is appreciated, especially good viewing points for going through the canal, we're in an inside cabin so have no balcony.

 

Also, we're Anytime dining, what are you doing. Would like to know if there are any queues to get in the MDR at night. We're not bothered about having a table for two, so are happy to share a large table with other guests.

 

One last thing, what will the weather be like in Los Angeles on the 7th Dec.

 

See you all soon.

 

All info much appreciated.

 

David & Jacki

[Ula]

Denise,

Wonderful to hear from you. I am interested in the internet connection since I do have to check in with work in case of emergencies. Your posting will answer that question.

I don't know the computer classes Alan is taking but if he could check to see if they are offering the new versions of word and Excel I would be greatful. Had to upgrade to those and they are a tad different so a class would be good.

Have a great time and am looking forward to meeting you in two weeks.

[ATL-Cpl]

Enjoy and say Hi to Billy for me! :D

 

 

I was great to meet you on CB last week. We were about 10 rooms forward of you. Tell DW that we smiled every time we walked past her door decorations!

 

Till next time

Gillbert

[Colo Cruiser]

I was great to meet you on CB last week. We were about 10 rooms forward of you. Tell DW that we smiled every time we walked past her door decorations!

 

Till next time

Gillbert

 

Will do!!

 

Great meeting you too. :)

[BayCalif-Ariz R Us]

Update Monday From the Coral Princess

 

OK Alan has made it his personal quest to find out as much as he can about Janet's inquiries about the gym/equipment. Trust me, this is not an imposition. What he loves most about cruising is exploring every aspect of the ship. He was probably the first to plunk down his $150 to take the ultimate ship's tour - yep, that's how much it costs. I wouldn't mind the expense if they just wouldn't also give him the plush (huge) Princess bathrobe and, of all things, official chef's jacket. He got them both before and we definitely don't need two more.

Konagal, they let us know upon embarkation that the formal nights would be Nov. 8 (day after embarkation) so we had that last night. Next is Nov. 15 (day 8), sea day between Puntarenas and Puerto Amador; and finally Nov. 20 right after Aruba. Next group boards Nov. 22.

Dave you asked about queues for the MDR - yes there have been waits both nights for dinner. 'Anytime" diners eat in the Bordeaux and traditionals in the Provence. Apparently lots of people are making reservations for the anytime dining room. We ended up eating both nights at times that meant we missed the evening's early entertainment at 8:15 so tonight I have made a reservation for 6:00 - we always like to share so I included that in the reservation. There were long lines on nights one and two, and we were given buzzers and had about a 20 minute wait - not a problem as the atrium bar is right there. But it threw us off the entertainment schedule. Food is very good, but we're not picky. As for the weather in L.A., I found it downright chilly on embarkation day, but anything below 78 feels chilly to me.! But several of us felt a bit cold playing trivia in the Wheelhouse this morning, so I would suggest sweaters/sweatshirts for wearing around the ship. It was blazing hot in Cabo today. I didn't go ashore but Alan did and reported that there are tons of little shops and places to eat/drink right off the ship.....and the merchants are "eager" as apparently they had to close their shops for several weeks during a recent hurricane. We hit each port twice so I'll see how many more "treasures" I need when we return to Cabo in several weeks. i got a good jump start on my tan sitting out on my balcony, but it definitely was too hot to stay out there more than a half hour.

Ula as I said Stephen is the greatest ever as a computer teacher. I think he had to cancel his first classes for Word and Excel due to lack of students. I just converted to Windows7 and Photoshop7. Stephen teaches Photoshop 6 but it's the same as 7. I am thrilled at what I learned already and have another class tomorrow. I would suggest you check in with Stephen as soon as possible - he did a "M&G" in the lobby in the evening on embarkation day and that's a good time to chat with him.

 

Denise

 

Janet, this is Alan. I checked out what you asked, to get to the Santuary leave the rear elevator lobby and go to the Port side then walk back outside, there is a gate where you go in. The Santuary is on deck 12. You can also go into the gym from the rear elevator lobby and the gym is on the port side half. in the rear of the gym you do look out on the about half the Santuary but you can still see the water. If you do not want to look over the Santuary you can use the equipment on the Port side and just look out at the water OR all the machines have TV sets on them.

Alan

[Konagal]

how cool is this to get all our questions answered in "real time"! Thank you.

[AndyTheK]

Thank you for doing this "live". We're booked on the Christmas/NewYears transit of the Canal - our first time both for the Canal, and for Princess.

 

Since Alan loves to roam the ship and pass back answers to little questions, I'd like some info on the casino: DW and I are table players (blackjack and craps). She uses a scooter for mobility, but plays blackjack at a regular table seat. Are the blackjack tables arranged in such a way that a scooter can maneuver behind the seated players? We were on one ship where there was a railing about three feet back of the tables - OUCH! As for the craps table, is there enough room for her to pull the scooter up to the table (think if it like "parallel park" at the corner position of the table, scooter sticking out past the end).

 

TIA. and Shalom, Andy.

[newport dave]

Denise

Thanks for the info, hopefully, with you doing a 'Live from' the time should pass quicker before we're joining you on board.

Unfortunately for Jacki, I think I'm going to be even more excited than usual about this holiday because of your live from...

Looking forward to meeting all you B2Ber's soon.

PS. As to the weather for LA, anything in the 60's is still T shirt weather for us. Just to cheer you up, it was 40F when I came to work at 0730 this morning.

 

 

David

[Ula]

Denise,

Thank you again for doing this. Do have another question, are there any guest lecturers on the ship? Have been some very interesting ones on past cruises.

[chamima]

Also thanks from me for doing this "Live From". We are doing this cruise in Feb. and are following your adventures.

When you get to Puntarenas would you please keep your ears open for any news about a major bridge being out due to a bus accident. We have a private tour there and the operator said something about not being able to go somewhere because of this.

Thanks again and ENJOY!

[MSN-Travelers]

Denise, thanks for posting this "live from" thread. We will be following you in four months (March 7th sailing).

 

Can you please report when, or if, the captain makes changes to the ship's clocks and what the time differance might be between ship's clocks and local port time?

 

Thanks again for posing this thread ...

[Pia1913]

Thank you for doing this "live". We're booked on the Christmas/NewYears transit of the Canal - our first time both for the Canal, and for Princess.

 

Since Alan loves to roam the ship and pass back answers to little questions, I'd like some info on the casino: DW and I are table players (blackjack and craps). She uses a scooter for mobility, but plays blackjack at a regular table seat. Are the blackjack tables arranged in such a way that a scooter can maneuver behind the seated players? We were on one ship where there was a railing about three feet back of the tables - OUCH! As for the craps table, is there enough room for her to pull the scooter up to the table (think if it like "parallel park" at the corner position of the table, scooter sticking out past the end).

 

TIA. and Shalom, Andy.

 

Andy, I can answer the casino question for you. She will need to be using the very first BJ table near the entrance, because that is the only place wide enough for a scooter. Afterwards it's very difficult to even walk through, because slot machines back into the tables.

[dfields1814]

We were on the Coral in Oct right before she was in dry dock. We had a great cruise. Anytime dining does have waiting lines say after 6:00 or 6:15. There is only one dining room for anytime dining. We solved the problem by just arriving no later than 6:15.

 

I wonder how many of the crew is still with the ship after dry dock? Is Donna still the CD? We thought she did a good job. I remember this blond, curly haired dancer in the stage shows. She was really good. She was so enthusiastic. Turns out she was the line director whatever that is. Is she still there? At the end of the cruise my wife and I commented on her on those cards you fill out about crew members. The next morning we received a thank you note from her. I thought that was real classey.:)

[newfirsttimer]

Hi Denise, I have a couple of questions:

 

Is the pool at the Aft on Deck 12, Aloha, accessible to all the cruisers or only those who pay for the Sanctuary?

 

What is the best viewing position for the Canal crossing? Is it better to just move around as the scenery dictates? One of the people in my party is on oxygen 24/7, would they be better in the Horizon Court where it is air conditioned or would their starboard balcony be just as good where she can use the cabin when needed if it gets too hot? (we are on a westbound canal crossing in December).

 

I hope you are enjoying your cruise on the Coral. Thanks so much for doing the live post, it makes our upcoming cruise that much more excitng.

[Pia1913]

We were on the Coral in Oct right before she was in dry dock. We had a great cruise. Anytime dining does have waiting lines say after 6:00 or 6:15. There is only one dining room for anytime dining. We solved the problem by just arriving no later than 6:15.

 

I wonder how many of the crew is still with the ship after dry dock? Is Donna still the CD? We thought she did a good job. I remember this blond, curly haired dancer in the stage shows. She was really good. She was so enthusiastic. Turns out she was the line director whatever that is. Is she still there? At the end of the cruise my wife and I commented on her on those cards you fill out about crew members. The next morning we received a thank you note from her. I thought that was real classey.:)

 

I was on the same cruise and we thought Donna was awful. Even as an asst. she was awful. Then when she took over for Billy when he went home on an emergency, things got worse.

 

So happy to hear that Billy has returned. Now they should get rid of Donna. She does not in any way have CD or even asst. CD capabilities.

[BayCalif-Ariz R Us]

I composed the following comments offline and then have cut and pasted them in. I see a couple more questions - Pia seems to know about the scooter situation. All I can say is Alan just reiterated that the casino mgr said "not a problem." I commented a bit on ACD Donna below - I have not personally seen her "in action" but as I said, she does appear a bit bored on the morning show. Billy generally carries it along well. Newfirsttimer: the pool you speak of is reserved for the Sanctuary. As for the passenger on oxygen, they will just have to try it out for themselves. Even outdoors on the open deck may be OK? Otherwise I'd think that any balcony would have a good view, or just stake something out right next to a window.

We have not been to a show with the Princess dancers yet so can't comment on whose there.

 

AndytheK - Alan checked out the casino and spoke to the manager about suitability for scooters or wheelchairs. The manager said absolutely no problem; just check in with him and if necessary they move chairs around to make room. I've only been in there once to play and a nice gentleman helped me figure out the odds of 21 but he was also keeping an eye on his wife who was in a wheelchair severely handicapped with Lou Gehrigs disease. She was playing the slots without problems.

Yes Ula as always there are guest lecturers. In fact Alan is sitting in on one even as I type on the subject of "Is Pluto a Planet." I decided to pass on that one. He just got back to the room and said it was "very very technical" but interesting. I would have nodded off at the first "very".Ok I just looked at the Scholarship at Sea flyer we got and this particular guest lecturer specializes in "the universe", with topics like "Chasing and Observing Solar Eclipses; The Stars and the night Sky, etc. I will be more inclined to follow the lectures of Emile Baladi, who lectures on the various ports we'll be visiting. I was in my element on one cruise when the guest lecturer was a retired Asst. D.A. from Los Angeles who had worked on many of the big cases - Charles Manson, O.J., Robert Blake etc. On our last cruise one of our CC members was a doctor and he had worked for the company which developed ******. He gave a talk on that which I understand was well attended. It just depends on what you're interested in!!!!

Chamima i'll try to remember about the bridge in Puntarenas but you might want to remind me later. Or, you can pretty much find out anything you want to know by starting a separate general interest thread. No doubt people who have been there recently will be able to help. I am especially looking forward to our visits to Costa Rica and Colombia. Don't know if I'll even go ashore in Acapulco tomorrow as I enjoyed my day on the ship in Cabo very much.

MSN - the time change thing has been quite annoying. We're only 3 days out and already we have set our clocks back TWICE!!!! Plays havoc with your mornings. Because FLL is three hours ahead of L.A., I guess we'll have one more roll-back but I don't know when.

Those of you taking this cruise in the future, absolutely do bring bug spray - the good stuff with DEET. Everybody who went into Cabo encountered flying insects and I did too just sunbathing on my balcony. They're not overwhelming - just annoying. I like CD Billy Hygate very much, but ACD Donna comes off as a bit tired or bored - at least on the Morning Show which is where I see them. Billy and his wife life in L.A. and he was telling a cute story about getting his son into this tony school there. He mentioned that his son now goes to the same school as Alex Trebek's son - information which is totally irrelevant of course. Speaking of irrelevant I must now hie myself down to the Wheelhouse and join my teams mates for the aftrnoon trivia which is labeled as ""Totally Useless Trivia." Actually we've won prizes twice....so no complaints there.

Bye for now Denise