Choose between the two to Alaska

[frostypenguin]

If you were going Round trip which one would you choose? Island or Coral

 

If you were going One Way which one would you choose? Sapph or Diamond?

[JohnR49er]

We chose Coral southbound last month and had a great time, ship and crew were wonderful. Might have been the best cruise we have ever taken. We did the land portion first which worked out well. Don't think you'll be disappointed no matter what your choice.

[Coral]

The Island and Coral are doing one ways next year, same as Diamond and Sapphire.

 

I would choose Coral/Island - IMO - this is the best design of any Princess ship.

[frostypenguin]

We are undecided if we are going RT or one way next year so I'm looking for the best of both ways.

 

How much smaller are the Island/Coral than the Diamond?

[H2O babe]

I am on the 6/5/2006 sailing of the Island Princess. It is a southbound from Whittier to Vancouver. I don't think the Island and Coral will be doing RT next year. I am looking forward to a smaller ship and have read many good reviews of both the Coral and Island. After sailing the Carnival Glory and mingling with 3400 people I think I will enjoy less than 2000 on board! Good luck with your decision.

[wolfie11]

The Island and Coral are sister ships with virtually the same design. They also travel the identical route (one way as stated above), unless they have changed routing next year. Both are nice ships.

[katybird]

Go to Princess.com and you will see the routes etc. You can also check out the size of the ships as well.

At a quick glance I note for 2006 the Sapphire, Coral, Diamond and Island are doing one ways.

The Dawn and Sun are doing RT Seattle.

[frostypenguin]

Thanks for all the responses - I have checked the princess website and I am aware of the changes but since we are undecided still I wanted to get further feedback on the individual ships (pros/cons) so no matter what route we decide we could figure out which of the two ships per route is the better.

 

Thanks again :)

[katybird]

I know there are so many factors to consider when booking an Alaska cruise! We just returned 9/13 and had a wonderful trip on NCL Dream. We sailed RT out of Seattle and were very lucky to sail the inside passage both ways. It looks like Princess Sun and Dawn RT Seattle sail outside both ways. You will miss scenic sailing with this route. ..just wanted to point that out in case that is important to you.

[IBCAR18]

We were just on the Island and loved it! On decks 11 & 10 there is a wonderful huge balcony in the back (aft) of the ship! Totally covered and huge! We spent all our time back there....no crowds at all to fight. I would suggest saving big bucks by getting a inside cabin near this aft balcony and use it as your balcony. That's what we did and LOVED IT! We were in B724 on Baja Deck. Used our savings to go on great excursions. Good luck!

[boykin]

In the 2006 brochure it looks like the roundtrip from Seattle (Sun and Dawn) so the inside passage. We are undecided also, trying to weigh our options since we will be bringing our kids which means 4 airline tickets.