Coral Princess 10-Day Panama Canal Partial Transit. D631 - Fiji Suite

[Eagle_and_hawk]

 

David, can you or any others here reassure me that, with the smaller International Cafe, we can still get the fresh baked croissants and pastries. We have our coffee card, and I am looking forward to the IC.

 

I seen both at the IC. It changes throughout the day. I was usually down there getting coffee between 5:30 - 6:00AM each morning and there was croissants and breakfast pasteries in the case. I thought I had a couple of pictures, but too much reflection from the glass cases.

 

Around lunch time, seen a couple of cold sandwiches and wraps, along with pasta/bean salads. In the late afternoon, seen more desserts.

[Jasperdo]

There is one at the very front of Baja Deck. It says "no admittance", but on canal day, the staff wil let it open up for passengers to stand on. There are some pictures of the transit around the forums that show folks standing out there and you can see it's not a balcony cabin.

I hope you don't mind if I chime in here on your fabulous review to post a few photos showing the "secret door" area on Baja Deck forward since people have been asking about it. Just go all the way forward on either Baja or Caribe Decks and you'll come across this door:

 

 

Go through it and you'll be on a terrific outdoor deck which is great for viewing the Canal. The next 2 photos are going through Gatun Locks:

 

 

 

When you're not in a lock this area is still open, but not nearly as crowded. The next 2 photos are going through Culebra cut:

 

 

 

I'm really enjoying your review. Our Panama Canal cruise on the Coral Princess is the best cruise we've been on.

[Eagle_and_hawk]

I hope you don't mind if I chime in here on your fabulous review to post a few photos showing the "secret door" area on Baja Deck forward since people have been asking about it. Just go all the way forward on either Baja or Caribe Decks and you'll come across this door:

 

Go through it and you'll be on a terrific outdoor deck which is great for viewing the Canal. The next 2 photos are going through Gatun Locks:

 

When you're not in a lock this area is still open, but not nearly as crowded. The next 2 photos are going through Culebra cut:

 

 

I'm really enjoying your review. Our Panama Canal cruise on the Coral Princess is the best cruise we've been on.

 

Thanks for adding these pictures as knew I had seen them somewhere.

Our original mini-suite was on Baja, close to this door and planned on being out there until we went with the suite.

 

Always looked like the place to be, especially to get good pictures without the glass.

[sunsetbeachgal]

David, can you or any others here reassure me that, with the smaller International Cafe, we can still get the fresh baked croissants and pastries. We have our coffee card, and I am looking forward to the IC.

 

 

We are big fans of the IC, we start every day with a cup of coffee or latte and a treat to go with it. The variety of items on the Coral IC is not what it is on the larger ships. It seemed to change here and there. I also love the warm, freshly baked almond croissants on the larger ship IC. The items on the Coral are not baked right there and frankly were varying degrees of freshness. Loved having the IC, so just some things were better than others.

Edited February 22, 2016 by sunsetbeachgal

[Eagle_and_hawk]

I usually try to not post pictures that are not very clear, however maybe able to tell a little from the

first one I took at the IC, some time during the cruise:

 

g90 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

The second glass case was clearer. I regret not going back to take a few more through out the day while walking around:

 

g91 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

We were always looking to see what was in there, although just got desserts a couple of times after lunch

when something looked good while walking by.

[Jasperdo]

Thanks for adding these pictures as knew I had seen them somewhere.

 

Always looked like the place to be, especially to get good pictures without the glass.

You're welcome. This is definitely the place to go if you want a forward view of the Canal. You're right about that annoying blue glass on the upper decks. It really detracts from your view, especially if you want to take some pictures. They're a great wind break on a sea day, but on Canal day, they're annoying.

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Thursday - February 11th.

 

The seas were angry this morning.

 

Limon by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

There was a lot more ship movement last night as we were getting closer to Limon, Costa Rica.

We woke up to see us sailing into darker skies and rougher looking waters.

 

We had an excursion planned that was almost all outside, and the weather was not looking favorable.

We had to be off early, and had breakfast delivered again at 6:30AM.

It arrived on time, and just as we sat down for a quick bite, the Captain came on the intercom to give an update.

He was in contact with the port authority and they were reporting 30 knot winds, with 10 foot swells.

A few minutes later, he came back on to tell us the decision had been made to not risk trying to dock.

This changed today into a sea day, and we turned towards the Cayman Islands.

 

They had a new daily patter printed and delivered to the mailboxes in a couple of hours, with some photocopies at the PAX desk sooner.

The patter was the same after around lunch time, since that's when most were to be back on board.

 

This is the updated patter for the sea day:

 

G1 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

G2 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

G3 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

G4 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Since it's another sea day, we picked out some things in the patter to do during the day and relaxed.

I did notice tonight was Crab Shack night again:

 

g20 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

We did not go ourselves as not a fan of Crab.

If it had been Scallop Shack, then would have been first person in line.

 

I decided to include a few more pictures around the ship of public areas,

for those who have not sailed on her.

 

The Wheelhouse bar is a favorite as I like anything nautical.

This is the area outside the main entrance and one of the

many things we like about the coral is the extra seating outside the lounges:

 

g21 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g23 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g24 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Once inside, there is comfortable seating and also a dance floor in

which a couple different bands were there throughout the evening.

Earlier in the evenings before the live entertainment was there,

I believe there was pre-recorded ball room dancing music.

It's listed with times in various patters.

 

g25 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g26 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

There is also the other entrance to Wheelhouse, just off the elevators.

 

g27 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Just to the left in that picture, through that opening is two small sitting areas that would be nice to sit in, if you wanted to hear the music,

but not be in the middle of it.

Good locations for couples card playing or just relax out of the flow of the main entrance.

It was quiet in here and rarely seen anyone sitting in here.

There was some old nautical items on the wall that was interesting to read.

 

g28 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g29 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

This is also where they had the Buy-one-get-one for a $1 drinks from 3:00 - 4:0PM.

That is when it was most crowded and they did give out raffle tickets

each night for a couple of drawings the last night for some bottles of wine.

[Eagle_and_hawk]

The atrium also had some remodeling done during the dry dock and a few pictures of it.

 

g30 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g31 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g33 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g34 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

One of the Champagne waterfall being set up:

 

g32 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

We were in the Universe Lounge several times during the cruise for various events.

I may have posted some of these earlier in discussing the dry-dock, although a few more that may not be there.

It has the main floor with the stage & also balcony area on the deck above, so two entrances with staircases inside:

 

From upstairs, looking down on the stage:

 

g35 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g38 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

The upstairs sitting areas:

 

g37 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

 

g36 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

g39 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Dinner this night was Italian theme and the servers were dressed up in the red and white stripped shirts.

It was a nice change from the last 3-4 days that was Caribbean themed menus.

 

The menus for 2/11:

 

G5 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

G6 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

G7 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

We had a bottle of wine tonight, sent to us by Michele Castiglioni, the Hotel General Manager.

It was a nice surprise and went well with the Italian dinner.

 

 

 

g57 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

This was an item that was not on the menu, that the servers were preparing near by.

I don't recall what they called it, but did have a little to start the meal.

We thought it was good and somewhat spicy.

It would have been really good with scallops and shrimp in it.

 

g53 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Melanzaine alla Parmigiana

grilled eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese gratin and basil leaves

 

g50 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Pasta e Fagioli

simmered red beans, pasta soup crouton

 

g51 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Minestrone all' Ortolana

Traditional Italian vegetable soup with pesto crouton

 

g52 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Capesante e Gamberi Gratinati

Sea scallops and shrimp, light cream sauce, gratinated with fluffy whipped potatoes

 

g54 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Filetto di Salmon alla Griglia

Swiss chard, caponata, saffron-infused potatoes

 

g55 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

And for dessert, of course:

 

Tiramisu

espresso, zabaglione cream, bittersweet cocoa.

 

g56 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

Tomorrow is Friday, another scheduled sea day.

[golfb4cruzing]

Every day you add makes me more excited for this October.

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Every day you add makes me more excited for this October.

 

I am glad you are enjoying it. I am a little concerned it's too picture intensive, although I am trying to at least describe each picture a little to help those who have not sailed on the Coral before.

 

I am sure you will have a great trip in October as we are already thinking about our trip back to Alaska next year.:)

[vino100]

I am glad you are enjoying it. I am a little concerned it's too picture intensive, although I am trying to at least describe each picture a little to help those who have not sailed on the Coral before.

 

I am sure you will have a great trip in October as we are already thinking about our trip back to Alaska next year.:)

 

Oh no.........please keep the pictures coming .. :D Loving all your comments and the pictures. Like they say " a picture is worth a thousand words "

[Wishing on a star]

Yes, I too am becoming more excited with anticipation of our cruise on the Coral. I didn't mean for you to go back and post more pictures!!! But, yes, the pictures are wonderful. And, now I know what those doors look like! I am vertically challenged, and also want to find areas away from the blue glass windbreaks!.

 

Your extensive and wonderful review has been a blessing.

 

Italian night is one night that we would probably plan to do specialty dining. But, your photos and the menu look great!

Edited February 23, 2016 by Wishing on a star

[Northender]

The pictures are wonderful. Keep up the great work.:D

[kml246]

Hello, David.

 

Thank you for all the excellent information and scans. We leave for the same cruise on the Coral March 6. I'm using your information to plan our dinners and activities.

 

A couple of questions:

 

1. Since our cruise will be identical to you, does anyone know if the activities and menus stay the same?

 

2. Your scan of page 3 of the Feb 9 Patter is identical to your scan of page 3 of the day before, Feb 8. I expect that is not what you intended. Do you have the correct scan, and do you know which day is correct?

 

Thank you, and keep 'em coming, please.

 

Kevin

[Basmelech]

Ditto! Wonderful review and photos. Our turn is rapidly approaching and although it will be our first time, with your directions we will feel right at home.

[Dreamer115]

I am loving your review and I don't think there it is possible to have too many pictures. Keep them coming. Thanks so much.

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Hello, David.

 

Thank you for all the excellent information and scans. We leave for the same cruise on the Coral March 6. I'm using your information to plan our dinners and activities.

 

A couple of questions:

 

1. Since our cruise will be identical to you, does anyone know if the activities and menus stay the same?

 

2. Your scan of page 3 of the Feb 9 Patter is identical to your scan of page 3 of the day before, Feb 8. I expect that is not what you intended. Do you have the correct scan, and do you know which day is correct?

 

Thank you, and keep 'em coming, please.

 

Kevin

 

First question might be good for someone on the cruise before us to see how close they are.

My impression is they keep them pretty close to the same during the same season.

The menus, at the bottom, actually are noted in the lower right hand corner as ## of the 15 day Caribbean,

so also assume they are somewhat standard across more cruises than just this one.

 

As for #2 - I knew the copy & paste would eventually get me somewhere

with all the quick posting in a row :)

 

This is the correct one for 2/9:

 

E3 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Friday - February 12th.

 

Today is another sea day and formal night in the MDR. It's also lobster night and have been looking forward to it.

 

The Daily patters for today:

 

H1 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

H2 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

 

H3 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

h4 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

[Eagle_and_hawk]

Since it's a sea day, no advance plans except see what is happening onboard,

read some books on the iPad, and more relaxation.

Sitting out on the promenade deck in a lounger is a great way to watch the world pass by.

 

We decided to attend the cooking show in the Universe theather.

We have watched Iron Chef and some of the other Food network shows through the years, and looked like something to do.

It was the cruise director versus one of the main chefs.

We are glad we went as was enjoyable and there was one

more later in the cruise just making desserts.

 

h15 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

h16 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

 

By this time in the cruise, we had heard most all the bands and were heading to different lounges after dinner to listen.

We thought all three of these were good, along with the piano players.

 

The band Xtasea was at sail away and in Explorer's Lounge most nights. They played a good variety of music everywhere we heard them play.

 

h31 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

h30 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

 

The Coral Princess Orchestra was also good.

 

 

h33 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

We missed the one night they played with Ray Coussins in the Princess theather as that would have been a great evening of music.

We did catch a little towards the end and not much seating available.

 

Gemstone was in the Wheelhouse Lounge most evenings and enjoyed their music several times.

 

 

h32 by Cool Runnings, on Flickr

 

I am in the process of trying to convert & upload to youtube a sample of these bands

performing, just so others can get an idea of the music onboard for upcoming cruises.

Music is a lot like food, very subjective as what different folks like.