coral, island, sapphire or diamond?

[joanna111]

I am getting ready for a 7 day one way cruise between Vancouver and Anchorage (either direction.) I've only done one other cruise -- an Alaska cruisetour with HAL. I enjoyed HAL but only Princess has the itinerary that I want.

 

So how do you experienced cruisers compare these four ships? We're trying to keep the cost down so we definitely won't get a balcony. The most important factors are quality (not quantity!) of dining and an elegant "ocean liner" ambiance -- no interest in shows or casinos or other activities.

 

The other factor is good viewing areas from the different decks since we'll be seeing so much of Alaska from the ship.

 

Thanks for you advice.

[Pam in CA]

I am getting ready for a 7 day one way cruise between Vancouver and Anchorage (either direction.) I've only done one other cruise -- an Alaska cruisetour with HAL. I enjoyed HAL but only Princess has the itinerary that I want.

 

So how do you experienced cruisers compare these four ships? We're trying to keep the cost down so we definitely won't get a balcony. The most important factors are quality (not quantity!) of dining and an elegant "ocean liner" ambiance -- no interest in shows or casinos or other activities.

 

The other factor is good viewing areas from the different decks since we'll be seeing so much of Alaska from the ship.

 

Thanks for you advice.

The Coral and Island are sister ships and just about identical, and the Sapphire and Diamond are sister ships and also pretty identical. For viewing, the Coral/Island are the best because they have public viewing areas on multiple decks both forward and aft so they have much better viewing. They are also longer than the Sapphire/Diamond but have about 800 fewer passengers. They're narrower because they are "Panamax" ships.

 

Dining, service and amenities are pretty much the same on all Princess ships. The differences, as I'm sure you know from HAL, are with the Maitre d' and CD. I'm 3-star Mariner on HAL and I find it very similar to Princess.

 

The Coral/Diamond's buffet is at the front of the ship with large picture windows; the Sapphire/Diamond buffet is at the back of the ship. The Sapphire is going into dry dock this weekend so she'll be spruced up and get MUTS (the big screen outdoor movie) and the International Cafe which has pastries, muffins, cookies, salads, etc. "to die for."

 

If it were me, I'd go on the Coral or Diamond and chose a cabin either forward or aft to be closer to the viewing areas (and, possibly, the buffet.)

[GloriaF]

Coral is my favorite Princess ship. It used to be Regal but she's retired (or did they move her to Australia?).

 

Anyway, Regal gave a true ocean liner ambience, and I think Coral is next to it. Having less pax makes a huge difference IMHO.

 

Coral has a small viewing area on deck 9 (E) as I recall that puts you fairly close to the water and the scenery. There were never more than a few others in this area. As Pam mentioned, Coral has multiple forward and aft viewing areas.

 

Also, on the AK cruise Princess served true AK dishes one day on the pool deck outside of the buffet: reindeer chili is one I recall.

[abbydancer2003]

Those are my four favorite ships. The only thing I don't like about the viewing areas on the Coral/Island are the panes of glass or plastic on the top viewing decks - it does make me feel like I'm watching through a window. It's been years since I've been on the Sapphire or Diamond, though, so maybe they have them too and I don't remember.

[Putterdude]

Having done a number of cruises on the Diamond, Sapphire and the Coral, for Alaska our choice would be the either the Diamond or the Sapphire. There are more dining venues on these ships and they have wonderful viewing opportunities including on top of the bridge. On really inclement days they have the aft facing Skywalkers lounge which neither the Coral or the Island have. The Coral and Island were designed for the Panama Canal transits and are narrower then the other ships and this in manifested in narrower lounges and hallways (not as though you will be spending a lot of time in the hallways:)).

[as19111]

I will be on the Coral next week, and I anticipate that I will like the ship and it's smaller number of passengers. As Pam mentioned, the viewing decks are an advantage and the Promenade deck goes completely around omitting the steps up and down to go full circle.

 

I've sailed to Hawaii on the Diamond, and I really liked that ship. They had four (I think I heard it's down to 3 soon like the Sapphire) anytime dining rooms with different themes like Pacific Moon, Savoy, Santa Fe and Vivaldi. The food was the same but each offered a nightly specialty unique to the theme of the room. Traditional dining is in the International dining room. It also has a covered pool, The Conservatory. Skywalkers is nice quiet place to visit in the daytime for reading. The Internet Cafe was another nice spot.

[2little time]

I am getting ready for a 7 day one way cruise between Vancouver and Anchorage (either direction.) I've only done one other cruise -- an Alaska cruisetour with HAL. I enjoyed HAL but only Princess has the itinerary that I want.

 

So how do you experienced cruisers compare these four ships? We're trying to keep the cost down so we definitely won't get a balcony. The most important factors are quality (not quantity!) of dining and an elegant "ocean liner" ambiance -- no interest in shows or casinos or other activities.

 

The other factor is good viewing areas from the different decks since we'll be seeing so much of Alaska from the ship.

 

Thanks for you advice.

You will love Alaska. I feel the Island is very similar to HAL. It is less crowded with wonderful inside and outside viewing areas. As Alaska weather is unpredictable, the inside areas are used the most. I love the game room where you can sit and play games right by the window.

[abbydancer2003]

I will be on the Coral next week, and I anticipate that I will like the ship and it's smaller number of passengers. As Pam mentioned, the viewing decks are an advantage and the Promenade deck goes completely around omitting the steps up and down to go full circle.

 

 

Although the Promenade deck goes behind a crew area at the front, so no views from the front of the ship.

[UpcountryTravelers]

If it will give you an idea: we did Alaska on the Coral a couple of years ago. Last November we did b2b on the Sapphire (Mexican Riviera and Hawaii). We're planning another Alaska cruise this year with some friends. It will be on the Coral or Island.

[as19111]

Although the Promenade deck goes behind a crew area at the front, so no views from the front of the ship.

 

That's ok, my knees appreciate the full wrap around and no need to climb the steep steps.