Tell me about the Coral Princess PLEASE!

[KeepCalmBearOn]

4 hours ago, WisCruiser2 said:

Anyone may use the Sanctuary pool, I believe.

 

I think that is true, but I can't imagine why you'd want to. It is barely bigger than a Jacuzzi. It is fine if you are using The Sanctuary to pop in and cool off, but the other pools are better because of size and seating.

[jondfk]

20 hours ago, Bgwest said:

Is the “Sanctuary Pool” on 12 available only to those who book the Sanctuary?

 

Yes, we've seen folks wander in and make use of the pool.  It's very small (but very deep).  A couple of people laid towels out and dried in the sun on the benches that surround it.  Nobody said a word.

 

Still, I'd suggest that the conservatory pool is far nicer unless you're staked out for the day in the Sanctuary.

 

One can access this pool from the Sanctuary, but also from, Aloha Deck, port side (starboard side of Aloha deck has the kids center which blocks access).  

[rkacruiser]

10 hours ago, cborzill said:

Thanks for reminding that Diamond and Sapphire were built by Mitsubishi.

 

If you choose to research the construction history of Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess by Mitsubishi, it's an interesting story.

 

Sapphire Princess (now #2 of that Class) was supposed to be #1 of that Class and was named Diamond Princess.  Diamond Princess (now #1 of that Class) was supposed to be #2 of that Class and was to be named Sapphire Princess.  

 

Doesn't make any difference, but the construction history of the two ships is interesting, I think.  

[lois1112]

On 11/25/2019 at 8:05 AM, Gracie115 said:

I hope you will post a review after your Antarctica trip, we are interested in hearing everything about it!

I will post something, if you have any questions you can e-mail me at lois 1112 at aol dot come (no spaces and appropriate symbols) 

one word of advise is if you want to go to volunteer point with Patrick Watts, book now. I booked by tour with him 2 years out, he was "sold out/ full" 18 months before the trip. 

[Gracie115]

7 minutes ago, lois1112 said:

I will post something, if you have any questions you can e-mail me at lois 1112 at aol dot come (no spaces and appropriate symbols) 

one word of advise is if you want to go to volunteer point with Patrick Watts, book now. I booked by tour with him 2 years out, he was "sold out/ full" 18 months before the trip. 

 

Thank you!! I will definitely be watching for your posts!

We have booked with Patrick Watts for Volunteer Point, so that's taken care of for us.

[Gracie115]

Anyone else have any stories/info about the Coral Princess?

[juliet]

Just got off of the Coral this morning from a 15 day Panama Canal cruise.  We were in a mini suite and liked it a lot.  Funny to read other peoples opinions.  Guess with everything in life some people like, others dislike.  That's what makes horse races.  

This was our first cruise on Princess and like smaller ships like the Coral.  I can answer other questions if you have any.

[Gracie115]

14 hours ago, juliet said:

Just got off of the Coral this morning from a 15 day Panama Canal cruise.  We were in a mini suite and liked it a lot.  Funny to read other peoples opinions.  Guess with everything in life some people like, others dislike.  That's what makes horse races.  

This was our first cruise on Princess and like smaller ships like the Coral.  I can answer other questions if you have any.

 

HI, thanks for your comments.  Were you in a Club Class mini suite?  What kind of condition did you find the ship in? Some have mentioned that it was really showing it's age.  From others comments it sounds like service is great on the ship, did you find that to be true?  Anything else you might want to add is welcome!!!

[juliet]

1 hour ago, Gracie115 said:

 

HI, thanks for your comments.  Were you in a Club Class mini suite?  What kind of condition did you find the ship in? Some have mentioned that it was really showing it's age.  From others comments it sounds like service is great on the ship, did you find that to be true?  Anything else you might want to add is welcome!!!

We originally wanted Club Class but there weren't any left when we booked.  Other than the seating perk and location of the stateroom I'm not really sure what the benefits are.  We were in anytime dining and were seated quickly at all times. The ship is not huge so wherever your stateroom is, it's not a long, long walk to either end IMO.  So why spend the extra money on Club Class?

I thought the condition of the ship was good.  Maybe those who've taken cruises on a newer, glitzy ship may find the Coral to be old but we were very happy.  I wouldn't let that deter you at all.  

Didn't go to any shows so can't tell you about them.

We're on a cruise mainly to relax and not to be entertained, but there's something going on somewhere every night. 

Plenty of places to sit and read in and out.

The ship never felt crowded at all.  

Formal nights you see people in full dress and others in casual but more dressy.  So whatever you like to wear is fine.  My husband wore a button down shirt and dark dockers.  I wore black pants and a little dressier top.

The service is great and most of the time the staff is very helpful.

Hope that helps.  Anything else, let me know.

 

[Gracie115]

13 minutes ago, juliet said:

We originally wanted Club Class but there weren't any left when we booked.  Other than the seating perk and location of the stateroom I'm not really sure what the benefits are.  We were in anytime dining and were seated quickly at all times. The ship is not huge so wherever your stateroom is, it's not a long, long walk to either end IMO.  So why spend the extra money on Club Class?

I thought the condition of the ship was good.  Maybe those who've taken cruises on a newer, glitzy ship may find the Coral to be old but we were very happy.  I wouldn't let that deter you at all.  

Didn't go to any shows so can't tell you about them.

We're on a cruise mainly to relax and not to be entertained, but there's something going on somewhere every night. 

Plenty of places to sit and read in and out.

The ship never felt crowded at all.  

Formal nights you see people in full dress and others in casual but more dressy.  So whatever you like to wear is fine.  My husband wore a button down shirt and dark dockers.  I wore black pants and a little dressier top.

The service is great and most of the time the staff is very helpful.

Hope that helps.  Anything else, let me know.

 

 

It helps a lot!!  We don't care much about shows either.  Sounds great and am sure we will be quite happy with the Coral. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[kootz]

Can anyone tell me where the smoking areas are on the Coral?  Covered/Uncovered?

 

 

[Mr_Plow]

1 hour ago, kootz said:

Can anyone tell me where the smoking areas are on the Coral?  Covered/Uncovered?

 

 

Not sure if there are others but deck 15 port side towards front of ship and Churchill lounge deck 7.

[KeepCalmBearOn]

On 12/6/2019 at 12:30 PM, kootz said:

Can anyone tell me where the smoking areas are on the Coral?  Covered/Uncovered?

 

I recall a smoking area out on the Promenade Deck, aft and starboard; plus the Churchill Lounge.

[TravlingGato]

On 11/21/2019 at 5:58 PM, jondfk said:

I'll constrain my comments to Coral as requested.  We've sailed her more than any other single Princess ship and have another voyage booked in April, so clearly there are things we like including:

 

A full promenade.  Having recently sailed Royal I don't find the same negative passion for the elimination of this feature, still it's nice to use when available and Coral has a good version with many access points making for an easy evening stroll or a longer daytime linger.  The deck is quite deep in most spots making for a good deal of shade in warm climates.

 

Coral slightly breaks the mold not having Crown Grill but has a cajun steak place instead "Bayou Cafe".  I no longer go in for this sort of spicy food but I recognize it's nice to have something a bit different.

 

Continuing the New Orleans theme Coral has a show made only for her:  "On the bayou" which is performed in the Vista lounge.  It's a fun show very much tailored to the room.  Again something a bit different.  

 

We like a cocktail before dinner and Coral has one of the best Crooner's bars in the fleet.  A nice place to stop before or after dinner.

 

Horizon Court on Coral is up front with some great views forward this is quite different from her Grand and Royal class fleet mates.

 

As noted she is at present the second smallest Princess ship in terms of passenger count.  It's hard to believe that a PANAMAX class ship can be considered small - but she is compared to today's giants.

 

There are some negatives of course:

 

We're Sanctuary buffs and Coral has the worst version in the fleet.  it's an afterthought space at the back of the ship.  Very little shade and very few amenities nearby (really only the gym).  Service is usually at a good standard, but there just aren't many spaces at all and only about 25% have any reliable shade.  Wake views are fantastic though.

 

The International Cafe is likewise an after through added a couple of dry docks back.  It's a small space near the casino with a more limited selection of food compared to larger ships.  It's nice to have but doesn't provide anything like the sort of dining flexibility the larger ships have.

 

There's no denying she's showing her age here and there.  Dry docks and fluffing up the bedding can only go so far.  Tile and grout in the bathrooms are really showing their years.  You'll notice little things here and there that just haven't been fresh and new for a long time.  Mostly what you'll notice is how far along the general level of glitz and polish has moved.  We were on Coral, Ruby and Royal in quick succession last year each one about 10 years newer than the prior it's impossible not to notice how basic some of the Coral public spaces are.

 

Still, she's a genuine favorite of ours and I expect we'll continue to seek her out particularly on itineraries with lots of outdoor viewing (like Alaska or Panama Canal) she's just ideally suited for these missions.  Huge amounts of deck space for such things.

Hopefully, Princess doesn't ruin the Coral as they did the island Princess with the 220 berth increase at the expense of passenger quality experience..

[V_icki_e]

Hi everyone.  I know this is an older thread, but with the news that the Coral is moving to Australia for the 21/22 season it's been a source of great information!  I'll be grabbing a mini-suite when bookings open this Wednesday, but am a bit confused as to whether all balconies have full coverage?   I'm looking mid-ship, so can anyone shed light on which mini's have a fully weather proof balcony?    I'm also secretly hoping that they add a Sterling Steakhouse or Crown Grill before she comes to us - I'm not sure whether Gator Ribs from the Bayou Steakhouse are my thing 🙂 Thanks all! 

[FineAsFrogsHair]

Jules and I have sailed on Coral 3 times in Mini-suites.  She is our favorite.  We liked the location of E711 when we did the Southbound Alaska cruise.  These cabins are fully covered, just stay forward of the nightclub on the deck below.  We were near the laundry which was handy and did not cause any problems as far as traffic or noise.  We really enjoyed Crooners as our regular hang-out.  Coral is not as crowded as Island Princess where they added about 200 more cabins and moved the gym down to the Promenade deck where the Universe Lounge was and there are no windows to look out of when you work out on the machines.  You can get a great steak at the Bayou.  Enjoy the Coral, she is a very special Princess Gem!

Stan   

[V_icki_e]

7 hours ago, FineAsFrogsHair said:

Jules and I have sailed on Coral 3 times in Mini-suites.  She is our favorite.  We liked the location of E711 when we did the Southbound Alaska cruise.  These cabins are fully covered, just stay forward of the nightclub on the deck below.  We were near the laundry which was handy and did not cause any problems as far as traffic or noise.  We really enjoyed Crooners as our regular hang-out.  Coral is not as crowded as Island Princess where they added about 200 more cabins and moved the gym down to the Promenade deck where the Universe Lounge was and there are no windows to look out of when you work out on the machines.  You can get a great steak at the Bayou.  Enjoy the Coral, she is a very special Princess Gem!

Stan   

 

Oh thanks so much - great advice!  We love the Sun and Sea Princess, so are excited that the Coral is coming to visit us as they seem to be similar in a lot of ways!  It will be nice to have a new cruise countdown that has a chance of not being cancelled...fingers crossed 🙂  Cheers, Vickie.

[MamaFej]

We are looking to book a 2022 cruise on the Coral tomorrow. We were leaning toward a deck 10 cabin for the larger balcony, but it looks like balconies might not be fully covered, as Deck 11 seems to be a bit indented. Is that just a matter of the drawing being a bit off, or is it actually an issue, please?

 

We will be onboard for 26 days at the end of summer and beginning of fall, so we want to make sure we will truly enjoy the cabin and balcony. 

 

We will be using FCCs for this cruise, with less than $1000 USD out of pocket. We have time to save up more money if we'd be better off in a more expensive cabin (within reason). 

 

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide insight and advice. 

[FineAsFrogsHair]

I like to use the site www dot cruisedeckplans dot com to compare where rooms are.  They have a tool that shows the deck above and below any cabin so you can pretty much tell where the covered balconies are.  You'll also be able to tell if you may experience noise from above or below, like the nightclub aft on Deck 7 on the Coral.  We've booked on Deck 8 near the nightclub, but slightly in front of it with no problem.  Hope this helps.  Coral is one of the oldest in the fleet, but she is my fav.

Stan

[MamaFej]

Thanks, @FineAsFrogsHair, my browser and that website don't play nicely together, so I tend to use the deck plans on CruiseMapper. I open three browser windows, make them narrow, and line up the stairs and elevators, so I can see what's above and below. I'll definitely check out Deck 8.

 

 

I had forgotten about $1000 in gift card refunds, so, considering that money is already spent, we could get a mini suite for about $1000 more out of pocket, after the FCCs and gift cards. With 26 days onboard, I think we might appreciate the additional space and I believe there's a better bathroom, as well?

 

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good mini-suite location? 

[FineAsFrogsHair]

I would be looking at booking E706 or forward to E625.  These are all mini-suites that are covered.  E624 and E625 are both next to the lifeboats and are a bit more exposed.  E632 and 33 are by the stairs/elevators, so there may be hall traffic noise.  E707 is right by the laundry.  

Stan

[CDaze71]

***BUMP***
With the Coral Princess about to head down under to Brisbane soon, I thought it might be good to refresh this thread. We are booked in a Baja Mini Suite in June.