Emerald or Coral

[lbfluffy]

We would like to do a cruise to the Panama Canal next Fall. I noticed the Coral and Emerald both do similar itineraries except one comes into LA the other San Francisco. SF is a couple hours closer to us.

 

So if anyone has suggestions let me know please.

 

Thank you

[InAlabama]

One thing to consider is which set of locks do you want to see. The Coral will use the old locks (largest ship that can use them) and the Emerald will use the new larger locks.

[lbfluffy]

One thing to consider is which set of locks do you want to see. The Coral will use the old locks (largest ship that can use them) and the Emerald will use the new larger locks.

 

What is better? I’ve never been through the Canal. I’m trying to get my cruise booked when my TA starts her sale on June 21st.

[msmoger]

We like the Emerald (and Crown and Ruby) but for the Panama Canal you can't beat the Coral. It has great viewing options. Also, if this is your first canal cruise, I would suggest the old locks which are very historic. Another reason to choose the Coral.

[wheezedr]

Personally the Coral would be the way to go. Nothing better than seeing a Panamax move through the old locks.

[memoak]

I love the Coral - one of my favorite ships

[lbfluffy]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

[Coral]

For me - it would be an easy choice with the Coral Princess.

[Thrak]

I like both ships quite a lot. For the first ever canal crossing I would definitely say to take Coral so you can see the old locks. Coral has great viewing decks both forward and aft on Baja and Caribe decks. Just go to the end of the hallway and then out the doors to the open viewing areas. We did a 17 day full transit on Coral in 2015 and it was great. We're booked for a 19 day partial transit in November and will be on Coral (even in the same cabin) for that one as well. Someday we will likely traverse the new locks but not yet.

[lbfluffy]

I like both ships quite a lot. For the first ever canal crossing I would definitely say to take Coral so you can see the old locks. Coral has great viewing decks both forward and aft on Baja and Caribe decks. Just go to the end of the hallway and then out the doors to the open viewing areas. We did a 17 day full transit on Coral in 2015 and it was great. We're booked for a 19 day partial transit in November and will be on Coral (even in the same cabin) for that one as well. Someday we will likely traverse the new locks but not yet.

 

Great. I think with the special I have to book a balcony or higher. I’m thinking I’ll gamble with a guarantee if it’s available

[Cuizer2]

We would like to do a cruise to the Panama Canal next Fall. I noticed the Coral and Emerald both do similar itineraries except one comes into LA the other San Francisco. SF is a couple hours closer to us.

 

So if anyone has suggestions let me know please.

 

Thank you

 

I've done a full transit and a partial transit. Both times I went through the old locks. I have not been through the new locks, so I'll have to give that a try in the future. However, I am already book through 2020.

 

Here are about 200 photographs from my full transit in February 2008 ...

https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-VnbZQS

 

Here are my photographs from my partial transit in December 2016 ...

https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nHf7fs

 

And here are my pictures of of the Emerald Princess from an Alaska cruise in May 2018 (yes, last month) ...

My balcony cabin -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-BthcK4

The Crown Grill -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-PXXLVW

Other restaurants -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Restaurants

The Sanctuary -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-5GXt5S

Share (it is a restaurant) -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Share

Inside the ship -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-ScMJsj

On deck -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Ship-on-deck

The outside of the ship -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Ship-outside

The pools -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-zCFcMS

[JF - retired RRT]

The old locks use the historic "mules" to guide/steady the ship through the locks. Fascinating to watch.

From what I understand the new locks don't use "mules". Plus (I think), you can see at least some of the new locks from the old locks. When we went through, we were able to see some of the new section under construction.

[skynight]

The old locks use the historic "mules" to guide/steady the ship through the locks. Fascinating to watch.

From what I understand the new locks don't use "mules". Plus (I think), you can see at least some of the new locks from the old locks. When we went through, we were able to see some of the new section under construction.

There was plenty of room side to side and front to rear in the new locks for the Caribbean Princess (just about the same size as the Emerald). You are correct, no mules, they use tugs boats. Having been through both the original locks and the new locks I think the old ones are much more interesting.

You can't really see the old locks from the new Aqua Clara locks. I don't know about the Pacific side.

[lois1112]

Basically Just off (May 5th) the Coral for the Canal. Loved the ship. Its my second time through the canal and loved it (old locks both times) I would do the Coral

[jagsfan]

We also loved Coral. In our opinion, the food was the best we’ve had on any cruise line in years. The ship was easy to get around, and you could move from one viewing area to another quickly if you wanted.

I would pick Coral for any itinerary, I think.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[lbfluffy]

I've done a full transit and a partial transit. Both times I went through the old locks. I have not been through the new locks, so I'll have to give that a try in the future. However, I am already book through 2020.

 

Here are about 200 photographs from my full transit in February 2008 ...

https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-VnbZQS

 

Here are my photographs from my partial transit in December 2016 ...

https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nHf7fs

 

And here are my pictures of of the Emerald Princess from an Alaska cruise in May 2018 (yes, last month) ...

My balcony cabin -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-BthcK4

The Crown Grill -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-PXXLVW

Other restaurants -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Restaurants

The Sanctuary -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-5GXt5S

Share (it is a restaurant) -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Share

Inside the ship -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-ScMJsj

On deck -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Ship-on-deck

The outside of the ship -- https://www.smugmug.com/2018-Emerald-Princess/Ship-outside

The pools -- https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-zCFcMS

 

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

I think you all are convincing me to do the Coral

[Debbdo]

We did the partial transit on the Coral in 2014. Absolutely love that ship! We were able to see some of the new locks waiting to be installed. They are HUGE!! (The size of 4 football fields!!!). Cruising on the Emerald to Alaska in September. Enjoy your cruise...the Panama Canal is a fascinating trip.

[lbfluffy]

We did the partial transit on the Coral in 2014. Absolutely love that ship! We were able to see some of the new locks waiting to be installed. They are HUGE!! (The size of 4 football fields!!!). Cruising on the Emerald to Alaska in September. Enjoy your cruise...the Panama Canal is a fascinating trip.

 

Thank you. I hope to book this cruise soon.

[cr8tiv1]

Add me to the Coral list. No competition at all. The Coral is the only way to see the "Historical Locks".

[lbfluffy]

I booked it. The one day sale is on June 21st so my agent has me booked and the perks will be applied on that day.

[Lucky TGO]

My vote go to the Coral. Have a great time no matter what ship you decide on. :)

Tony

[Eagle_and_hawk]

We would pick the Coral hands down, and go through the old locks. We have done the partial transit twice and if we had the time, would do it again. I hope she is still sailing when we retire someday and take the full transit.