Caribbean Princess vs. Coral Princess - Panama Canal

[Cruzinnana47]

Very psyched that the 2017-18 Itineraries have come out, including Panama Canal sailings. It's been over 8 yrs. since our 1st P.C. sailing, we are now discussing taking another canal sailing, either in 2017 or 2018. This time we are considering a partial itinerary, where we had done the full transit before. We loved the experience on the Coral in 2008, but now see that the Caribbean Princess will be sailing, and it looks like she will be going through the new locks. (BTW, Island Princess is out of the running--not happy that the aft viewing area was taken away to accomodate more cabins on that ship:()

 

As we've not sailed on the Caribbean Princess yet, could any of you who have sailed both the Caribbean and Coral point out the differences (other than # of pax), and which would be your choice between the two?

 

TIA.:)

[LeeW]

We got hooked on cruising on Caribbean Princess and have sailed both many times. Coral/Island are smaller and have indoor swimming pools, so you can watch and step outside to take photos. They also have viewing areas forward on Baja/Caribe and aft on Coral that they open during transits. But they likely will only go through the old locks. So if you want to do a partial on the new locks you are limited.

 

Lots of viewing areas on either class of ship from the Promenade and upper decks. We like the bow buffet on Coral/Island vs the aft buffet on Caribbean. Sanctuary is in different locations (bow Caribbean). Extra cost restaurants a bit different. Caribbean is taller, so you might get a better view from a Riviera balcony. Coral has "On the Bayou" show.

 

While we prefer Island/Coral, we have no problems sailing Caribbean if it is going to where we want to go when we want to sail. We do prefer the Caribbean ports to the long excursions and more sea days of a full transit.