Best Balconies for RT Panama trip

[intriguedkp]

My DW and I are about to book a RT Panama cruise on either the Coral or Island. I realize they are virtually identical ships, and have visited the wonderful website (http://mysite.verizon.net/res76zxu/princessbalconies/) showing which cabins are covered, partial, etc.

 

What I would like is personal experience as to best locations for this specific cruise from previous Panama cruisers.

 

In other words, do the bump-outs provide a better view, and how exposed, really, are the larger balconies on the lower levels.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

And yes, after one sailing on Norwegian, we are looking forward to being back on Princess.

[as19111]

My DW and I are about to book a RT Panama cruise on either the Coral or Island. I realize they are virtually identical ships, and have visited the wonderful website (http://mysite.verizon.net/res76zxu/princessbalconies/) showing which cabins are covered, partial, etc.

 

What I would like is personal experience as to best locations for this specific cruise from previous Panama cruisers.

 

In other words, do the bump-outs provide a better view, and how exposed, really, are the larger balconies on the lower levels.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

And yes, after one sailing on Norwegian, we are looking forward to being back on Princess.

 

You might want to consider forward or aft for the convenience of going to the open observation areas on Baja, Caribe and Dolphin decks as you transit the canal. We had a mini (D518)on Dolphin (deck 9) midship and it was convenient to the center elevators and everything else on the ship, but it was a long and winding walk to the observation areas. You really need to move around the ship, but we did enjoy our balcony for part of the transit...especially that early am start under the Bridge of the Americas.

[KruzPrincess]

I had D418 on the Island last November. I loved that location. It was mid-ship on the bump-out and had a mostly covered larger balcony. I could see forward and aft. It was very convenient to mid-ship amenities. If you plan on being on your balcony for part of the transit, I highly recommend a cabin on the starboard side. The port side gets the morning sun and can be very hot while the starboard side is in the shade. I enjoyed breakfast on my balcony during the transit and it was very comfortable.

[intriguedkp]

I had D418 on the Island last November. I loved that location. It was mid-ship on the bump-out and had a mostly covered larger balcony. I could see forward and aft. It was very convenient to mid-ship amenities. If you plan on being on your balcony for part of the transit, I highly recommend a cabin on the starboard side. The port side gets the morning sun and can be very hot while the starboard side is in the shade. I enjoyed breakfast on my balcony during the transit and it was very comfortable.

 

I was wondering about the sun. That is helpful to know. Not sure if my DW will like being "exposed" from above on the "D" balconies though.

[KruzPrincess]

I was wondering about the sun. That is helpful to know. Not sure if my DW will like being "exposed" from above on the "D" balconies though.

 

Mine was 3/4 covered and only about 1/4 uncovered. I'm a person who has to have a covered balcony and I didn't have any issues. The only time anyone could look down was when I was right at the rail. I'm not sure if all Dolphin balconies are like mine, but I was happy.

[pkamison]

Did this cruise in March 2012 on the Island - take a caribe deck balcony - larger and has 4 chairs so you can put your feet up and enjoy - also you can go through the "secret" door in the front to view as you go into the Canal (fun) - good laundry also on this deck if you need it

[Tiffany's mom]

We had a mid-ship Caribe balcony. But If I did it again I would want a more forward caribe balcony. It is closer to the forward deck which you would want to be on when the ship go into the locks. Check which side you want - for less sun- as it will get hot in the afternoon.

 

Pam

[Esprit]

We had limited cabin choice but opted for Aloha deck, forward and on the port side so now I'm really pleased based on the comment written here.

 

It's also well placed for the Horizon Court so we can "grab n' go" without missing much

[Podgieree]

We had E735 on the Island and LOVED it! We were able to touch the sides of the canal from our balcony. My husband even leaned over and touched his head to the side! (Not that I recommend doing that, just stating what happened.)

 

[buckeye82]

I had D418 on the Island last November. I loved that location. It was mid-ship on the bump-out and had a mostly covered larger balcony. I could see forward and aft. It was very convenient to mid-ship amenities. If you plan on being on your balcony for part of the transit, I highly recommend a cabin on the starboard side. The port side gets the morning sun and can be very hot while the starboard side is in the shade. I enjoyed breakfast on my balcony during the transit and it was very comfortable.

 

 

I am confused. I will be on the dolphin deck on the Island Princess this October and according to the website listed by the OP there are no bump out cabins on that deck.

[SeaTeach]

We started our journey through the Canal from the Caribbean side (Nov.). We were mid ship in D422 which was great. There was neither a problem seeing nor being "exposed", but with wet rumps. Our chairs and loungers were wet from sea spray most of the time. Being on the 9th deck was a little too low for maximum balcony usage if you didn't wish to explain why you were wet. LOL

[blazerjan]

We did this cruise on the Coral and had Mini Suite forward on the Caribe.. (C230) covered balcony and very private. We did not notice any more motion than in other parts of the ship but did hear the waves hitting the bow sometimes. We were very close to the viewing deck in the front of the ship which in our case was great because it was raining the day we did the canal... everyone wanted to be under cover on the viewing deck and we could go back to our cabin when it got crowded out front...The one drawback we found was the forward elevators do not go all the way down... so you need to walk to another bank of elevators to get to the dining room, casino, etc

[poncho1965]

I am confused. I will be on the dolphin deck on the Island Princess this October and according to the website listed by the OP there are no bump out cabins on that deck.

 

We were on Dolphin deck starboard and were on a bumpout :D

[gliles]

I had D418 on the Island last November. I loved that location. It was mid-ship on the bump-out and had a mostly covered larger balcony. I could see forward and aft. It was very convenient to mid-ship amenities. If you plan on being on your balcony for part of the transit, I highly recommend a cabin on the starboard side. The port side gets the morning sun and can be very hot while the starboard side is in the shade. I enjoyed breakfast on my balcony during the transit and it was very comfortable.

 

OH MY, I never even thought about that....we are on the starboard side from a guarantee so woo hoo!

[intriguedkp]

Thanks for all the replies. I will go for the Starboard side Caribe balcony.

[janina]

We had E735 on the Island and LOVED it! We were able to touch the sides of the canal from our balcony. My husband even leaned over and touched his head to the side! (Not that I recommend doing that, just stating what happened.)

 

That is pretty wild:)

[Ryancoke]

We were A214-as far forward as you can be on port side, deck 12. Had little movement for that far forward. Only crew cabins forward of us. Yes it was warm in the morning on the Caribbean to Pacific transit but presumably less warm than starboard was in the afternoon. We had no balconies in front of us so had an easy view forward. We had a better view of most sights including the rail line, river mouth into the lake, new lock construction on the Gatun end, Noriega's very Big House and Panama City. But still it's nice to move around the ship a bit.

[flamomo]

We had B439 on the Coral ... in the middle of the middle "bump-out". Great midship location, with nothing to obstruct our views.

 

I would not choose the cabins on the forward "corners" of the bumpouts .... no protection from the wind when at sea, which could hinder the enjoyment of the balcony while at sea, cruising along at 20 knots or so. JMO

Edited September 21, 2012 by flamomo

[Infi]

Have done the canal twice with Princess. First trip we had C426 on the Island, second trip was B437 on the Coral. Both are midship, on the bumpout. I would highly recommend either cabin - or any on the bumpout - as only with those cabins can you see fully forward or fully aft. Perfect for the canal transit. Both cabins had great views and easy access to the midship (the most convenient) elevators. (We had friends who stayed closer to the forward elevators and found it especially frustrating to have to go a roundabout way to get to the MDR every day.)

[2Fltravelers]

Have done the canal twice with Princess. First trip we had C426 on the Island, second trip was B437 on the Coral. Both are midship, on the bumpout. I would highly recommend either cabin - or any on the bumpout - as only with those cabins can you see fully forward or fully aft. Perfect for the canal transit. Both cabins had great views and easy access to the midship (the most convenient) elevators. (We had friends who stayed closer to the forward elevators and found it especially frustrating to have to go a roundabout way to get to the MDR every day.)

 

Based on what you say would you recommend that I keep the bump out C503 on the Island and not opt for an aft D716? How was the balcony? My concern is the size of that bump out balcony.

[Infi]

Based on what you say would you recommend that I keep the bump out C503 on the Island and not opt for an aft D716? How was the balcony? My concern is the size of that bump out balcony.

 

That's a tough call. I've never stayed in one of the corner rooms on the bumpout, but I've seen the photos on the Coral/Island site and it looks like they have very little privacy from the non bumpout rooms adjacent. You'll be able to look aft and forward, but I think having your neighbor immediately next door would be irritating after awhile. The aft D716 looks nice also, and because you're on a bumpout section, you'll be able to see both forward and back. If you don't mind being so far aft, I'd probably go for the Dolphin cabin, if only because of the potential privacy issues with C503.

[2Fltravelers]

That's a tough call. I've never stayed in one of the corner rooms on the bumpout, but I've seen the photos on the Coral/Island site and it looks like they have very little privacy from the non bumpout rooms adjacent. You'll be able to look aft and forward, but I think having your neighbor immediately next door would be irritating after awhile. The aft D716 looks nice also, and because you're on a bumpout section, you'll be able to see both forward and back. If you don't mind being so far aft, I'd probably go for the Dolphin cabin, if only because of the potential privacy issues with C503.

 

Thanks for your input. After much consideration I decided to go for C503 on the bump out. All of your points are valid and I considered it but in the long run the possibility of vibration concerned me more than privacy. I'll post here after the cruise and let everyone know if I made the right decision. I hope I did:)

[Infi]

Thanks for your input. After much consideration I decided to go for C503 on the bump out. All of your points are valid and I considered it but in the long run the possibility of vibration concerned me more than privacy. I'll post here after the cruise and let everyone know if I made the right decision. I hope I did:)

 

Good point - I hadn't even been thinking of the vibration from being aft. I do think the location of C503 can't be beat, I think you'll really enjoy the convenience of being midship. The Coral and Island are very long ships! ;) Have a great cruise.

[KruzPrincess]

I am confused. I will be on the dolphin deck on the Island Princess this October and according to the website listed by the OP there are no bump out cabins on that deck.

 

Sorry for the confusion. There actually is no bumpout on Dolphin, but there are cabins below the bumpout which is where I was. Those cabins under the bumpout out have mostly covered balconies.

[buckeye82]

Sorry for the confusion. There actually is no bumpout on Dolphin, but there are cabins below the bumpout which is where I was. Those cabins under the bumpout out have mostly covered balconies.

 

 

Thanks!