Coral or Island Princess - Panal Canal Questions

[goldesq]

I am considering one of these ships for either Feb, March or April 2011 Panama Canal Cruises (Ft Lauderdale, Aruba, Cartegana, Panama, Limon and Jamaica). Is there a month that is preferable? Also, I cannot get prices online from my TA for Island Princes. I have to wait to call in tomorrow for Feb dates for the island Princess. Is Island preferable to Coral?

 

Any insight would be helpful!

[bjcanady]

I am considering one of these ships for either Feb, March or April 2011 Panama Canal Cruises (Ft Lauderdale, Aruba, Cartegana, Panama, Limon and Jamaica). Is there a month that is preferable? Also, I cannot get prices online from my TA for Island Princes. I have to wait to call in tomorrow for Feb dates for the island Princess. Is Island preferable to Coral?

 

Any insight would be helpful!

 

Don't know what is important to u on a cruise but if entertainers enter in then i can tell u that on the Coral is one of the finest musicans around, his name is Maurizo and plays in Crooners, we are considering the Coral just to sail and dance with him again.

[Loonbeam]

Other than Casino theming and a few other touches the two ships are almost identical. Go with the one with the itinerary that works for you .. Usually one of them is doing full transits and one partial each season. It looks like the Island is only doing 2 partials in early feb, the rest of the runs seem to be 15 day or longer full transits (the itinerary you listed is a partial transit)

 

The Coral is doing a number of 10 days in that time period (including the 10 day full transit which is not available in the following year, we wanted to take it)

 

 

I am considering one of these ships for either Feb, March or April 2011 Panama Canal Cruises (Ft Lauderdale, Aruba, Cartegana, Panama, Limon and Jamaica). Is there a month that is preferable? Also, I cannot get prices online from my TA for Island Princes. I have to wait to call in tomorrow for Feb dates for the island Princess. Is Island preferable to Coral?

 

Any insight would be helpful!

[MandD]

I don't think there is much difference between the ships. I would consider the itinerary, as Loonbeam suggested. However; you might keep in mind that the rainy season usually starts in May. We seem to be in a period of unusual weather activity and the rainy season might start a little earlier than usual. In other words, March might be a better choice than April.

[MandD]

I don't think there is much difference between the ships. I would consider the itinerary, as Loonbeam suggested. However; you might keep in mind that the rainy season usually starts in May. We seem to be in a period of unusual weather activity and the rainy season might start a little earlier than usual. In other words, March might be a better choice than April.

Let us know what you decide.

[goldesq]

Thanks. I was looking at 3/15, 3/25 or 4/4 for the Coral or 2/8 or 2/18 for the Island. They both have the same itineraries, that is Ft Lauderdale, Aruba, Cartegena, Panama, Limon, Ochos Rios then back to Florida.

 

I still do not know if there are benefits to picking a time or ship for these dates. The temps/humidity seem to be the same.

[Loonbeam]

Don't see much difference myself. Random thought, depending on who is going, do you want to spend Valentine's day on a cruise? (Could be good, bad or indifferent :) )

 

Thanks. I was looking at 3/15, 3/25 or 4/4 for the Coral or 2/8 or 2/18 for the Island. They both have the same itineraries, that is Ft Lauderdale, Aruba, Cartegena, Panama, Limon, Ochos Rios then back to Florida.

 

I still do not know if there are benefits to picking a time or ship for these dates. The temps/humidity seem to be the same.

[goldesq]

Well, I am going with my dad so Valentines Day is not really an issue for us although it might be a tad depressing for me (divorced and single). I wouldnt care though in the long run.

 

Just researched more and see that all 3 sailings on the island are sold out so I guess I have three sailings on the Coral to pick from. All being equal, I might just pick the 3/15 since it is closest to now.

[goldesq]

delete

[mr green]

Feb. or early March is considered the end of the 'Dry Season', in all probability it is also a little cooler.:)

 

john

[Talisker92]

We sailed on the Coral Princess with that itinerary on 12/5/10. The story and pictures of our trip are on our website http://www.stevekathytravels.com

[hulamoon]

Is this monsoon type rainy season? Is that just in the panama through costa rica area?

[Rick03Ultra]

My DW and I cruised on the Island the first week in April last year. No rain to speak of. It was very humid and the we only had light sprinkles during our canal by small boat excursion. If you get the chance while on the ship, try the wheel throwing pottery class. This class is only taught on the Island and Coral Princess. It was a great experience and a chance to bring home something to remember the cruise with.

[geoherb]

We were on the Island last month for Christmas. We had a great cruise.

[goldesq]

Thanks everyone. I am now leaning towards the Coral on 4/4 because the airfaire for 3/25 is astronomical. I suppose because its spring break the air is $$$. So, I guess its Coral for 4/4. The roll call is so tiny though. I wonder why that is. I have never ever seen a roll call with just about 10 posts.

[goldesq]

My DW and I cruised on the Island the first week in April last year. No rain to speak of. It was very humid and the we only had light sprinkles during our canal by small boat excursion. If you get the chance while on the ship, try the wheel throwing pottery class. This class is only taught on the Island and Coral Princess. It was a great experience and a chance to bring home something to remember the cruise with.

 

Not that it matters that much to me bc I know Princess takes care of this issue well but were there a lot of kids on the ship? I suppose this time of year is spring break.