Alaska: Coral/Island v. Diamond

[charlielinda]

We've never sailed with Princess and I'm wondering what you thing are the differences between the two sizes for an Alaska cruise. We're trying to decide. It would be same itinerary - a little less expensive on Coral/Island but not enough to sway us. Any opinions.

[gertz]

I would take any of the three in a second. Coral and Island are my favorites with a slightly better passenger space ratio.

[2little time]

You will love them both! They are both wonderful and feel so much less crowded.

[Loonbeam]

See this thread from last week, they asked the same:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1328305&highlight=coral+diamond+alaska

[LuAnn]

all 3...I would take the Coral..just off her for Xmas cruise and she is a great size and I liked the interior "look" a little more than the Island..if you choose the Diamond and do ATD try the guacamole in the Santa Fe dining room...it is excellent!! LuAnn

[Talisker92]

We have been on both, and like the Coral a little better as it seems to be easier to get around

[Gerbz]

I haven't been on the Island yet, but have been on the Diamond and the Coral. I vote for Coral because the ship is very unique, IMO. I could spend days admrining the ship itself!

 

I was amazed at the attention to details around the ship. When dining in the Horizon, I felt like I was in a nice resort and actually felt like I was on vacation (as opposed to the Horizon on Diamond which felt like I was in a cafeteria).

 

The Bayou cafe is neat. I felt like I was really sitting in a cafe and enjoying lunch, while watching people walk down the "sidewalk"! Also, the area entering the casino and the casino itself is specatular. Even though I don't gamble, I found myself admiring the British themed area.

 

There are many, many more things I liked about the Coral, too much to name!!

 

That being said, the only drawback is that the ship is narrower and may be a little rockier during rougher seas.

 

I hope this helps! Perhaps someone else can comment on the above and the Island?

[IECalCruiser]

See this thread from last week, they asked the same:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1328305&highlight=coral+diamond+alaska

I would vote for the Coral. You can see my reasons on post #4 of the referenced thread.

[Putterdude]

Have been on both ships and while we really like the Coral we do prefer the Diamond. The Diamond is big without feeling big, it is much easier to get around on, the public areas are more spacious and the viewing areas are much superior to the Coral....the ability to sit in Skywalkers and watch the scenery is reason for me to vote for the Diamond which we did a b/b on to Alaska in Sept.

[starboardcruiser]

I sailed on the Diamond in Alaska and the Island on a partial Panama Canal transit. Personally, I thought the Island had more viewing areas (there are unobstructed spaces far forward on 2 decks that were hardly ever occupied and would be lovely for viewing the glaciers). and seemed less crowded than the Diamond. I felt as though I was always competing for space in pretty much any public area on the Diamond.