Buffet on Coral Princess - 15-day Panama Canal Cruise

[rjohn40787]

We're new to cruising...

 

As we contemplate Main Dining room vs. Specialty Restaurants vs. Buffet, we're curious about the buffet on the Coral Princess. The only buffets we're familiar with are those in Las Vegas. What should we expect in terms of the variety of food offerings and food quality? Do the buffet selections vary nightly? Do they have nights where they will feature a particular ethnic cuisine - e.g., Mexican, Indian, Chinese, etc. - and will that be announced in advance in Patters? Is more casual food - pizza, burgers, tacos - typically available in the buffet? If so, for lunch only, or both lunch and dinner? Thanks.

[JF - retired RRT]

We're new to cruising...

 

As we contemplate Main Dining room vs. Specialty Restaurants vs. Buffet, we're curious about the buffet on the Coral Princess. The only buffets we're familiar with are those in Las Vegas. What should we expect in terms of the variety of food offerings and food quality? Buffets are smaller than LV. Less variety, quality as good or better depending on the LV buffet you are familiar with and the ship.

Do the buffet selections vary nightly? Yes.

Do they have nights where they will feature a particular ethnic cuisine - e.g., Mexican, Indian, Chinese, etc. - and will that be announced in advance in Patters? Yes to all. See the back page of the Patter.

Is more casual food - pizza, burgers, tacos - typically available in the buffet? Pizza & burgers on Lido deck near the pool, tacos in buffet depending on itinerary (Panama???) If so, for lunch only, or both lunch and dinner? Pizza & burgers lunch & dinner. Tacos (if available) usually lunch.

See above:D

Edited March 9, 2016 by JF - retired RRT

[Colo Cruiser]

We're new to cruising...

 

As we contemplate Main Dining room vs. Specialty Restaurants vs. Buffet, we're curious about the buffet on the Coral Princess. The only buffets we're familiar with are those in Las Vegas. What should we expect in terms of the variety of food offerings and food quality? Do the buffet selections vary nightly? Do they have nights where they will feature a particular ethnic cuisine - e.g., Mexican, Indian, Chinese, etc. - and will that be announced in advance in Patters? Is more casual food - pizza, burgers, tacos - typically available in the buffet? If so, for lunch only, or both lunch and dinner? Thanks.

 

 

Check out my review on the Coral full transit Sept-Oct 2015 LA-Ft Lauderdale.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262278

[IECalCruiser]

No burgers or pizza in the buffet. The Coral has the Princess Pizzeria just outside by the pool on Lido deck where they offer three different pizzas by the slice from 11:00AM to 11:00PM and the next deck up on the Sun deck is the Bar and Grill with burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, bratwurst and Polish sausage and is also open from 11:00AM to 11:00 PM.

Edited March 9, 2016 by IECalCruiser

[cb at sea]

Not a fan of buffets...whether in Vegas or not!

[Colo Cruiser]

No burgers or pizza in the buffet. The Coral has the Princess Pizzeria just outside by the pool on Lido deck where they offer three different pizzas by the slice from 11:00AM to 11:00PM and the next deck up on the Sun deck is the Bar and Grill with burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, bratwurst and Polish sausage and is also open from 11:00AM to 11:00 PM.

 

 

Love the pizza and the burgers forward by the pool.

Always order a double cheeseburger. :D

[ar1950]

We're new to cruising...

 

As we contemplate Main Dining room vs. Specialty Restaurants vs. Buffet, we're curious about the buffet on the Coral Princess. The only buffets we're familiar with are those in Las Vegas. What should we expect in terms of the variety of food offerings and food quality? Do the buffet selections vary nightly? Do they have nights where they will feature a particular ethnic cuisine - e.g., Mexican, Indian, Chinese, etc. - and will that be announced in advance in Patters? Is more casual food - pizza, burgers, tacos - typically available in the buffet? If so, for lunch only, or both lunch and dinner? Thanks.

 

What date are you sailing? Be sure to find your Roll Call on CC and join in.

 

We usually sign up for anytime dining which gives us flexibility as far as where we want to eat on any given night (ie, main dining room, buffet, room service, etc.).

[shsce750]

For pizza try Alfredo's (in Sabatini's), available most days for lunch. Individual cooked to order personal pizzas. Much better than the pizza available by the pool.

[Colo Cruiser]

For pizza try Alfredo's (in Sabatini's), available most days for lunch. Individual cooked to order personal pizzas. Much better than the pizza available by the pool.

 

We ate there a couple of times. Pizza on deck is better. :p

[ar1950]

We ate there a couple of times. Pizza on deck is better. :p

 

Food. Always subjective. Especially when there is pizza involved. Maybe it would be better in both places if a few beers were involved? :rolleyes:

[RNGALNG]

We have been on only 11 Princess cruises. We took the Coral through the Panama Canal. I felt the buffet on that trip was the best one of all our trips. Loved the variety of salads especially. I have no idea if it was the ship or the itinerary but it was fantastic!

 

As far as pizza, both places have their own tastes. For a quick bite, we head to the pizza place by the pool. But the one in the piazza is great for sit down. They will even make one with toppings you like, not just the ones on the menu! So good, hot pizza with stringy cheese melted. . . . mmmmmm

[antsp]

Not a fan of buffets...whether in Vegas or not!

 

Most helpful

[TriumphGuy]

We enjoyed the variety and quality of the buffet on Coral, however for dinners and some lunches we mostly ate in the MDR.

I really enjoyed the Crab Shack, which was held a few nights in the Horizon Court buffet area. A $20 up charge, but well worth it to me.

I was a bit disappointed in Alfredo's, the pizza was too doughy for me. I like REALLY thin, crispy crust. It's all a matter of personal preference of course.

[Friscoonetwo]

There is also the International Café open all the time with sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts during the day and breakfast food in the AM