Any new news on Coral Princess’ drydock?

[dmwnc1959]

Was hoping that maybe someone had updated specific information on what Coral Princess is having done during her drydock later this year? Any chances they’ll add a new eatery or expand some of the casual dining options?

 

I know @chengkp75 is always on top of things with technical data, etc. Any insiders among our forum members? 

 

Looking forward to any news! 😁
 

 

[dmwnc1959]

Any chance that Princess Cruises will add another casual dining venue when she goes through this drydock period? I know she is the smallest ship in the fleet, but when compared to a similar-sized NCL Jewel-class cruise ship the latter has an abundance of complimentary and specialty restaurants.
 

I know Coral Princess has the pop-up options of Alfredo’s and Gastropub on sea days, but from what I’ve read these aren’t guaranteed.
 

It’s a shame they can’t gut the (ducks for cover) wedding chapel and fine arts gallery then replace them with a larger International Cafe - which almost seems like an afterthought wedged up against the casino - or maybe expand Sabatini’s so that Alfredo’s can be a permanent everyday option. 

 

😁

[SweetSoCalGal]

On 2/5/2024 at 12:42 PM, dmwnc1959 said:

Any chance that Princess Cruises will add another casual dining venue when she goes through this drydock period? I know she is the smallest ship in the fleet, but when compared to a similar-sized NCL Jewel-class cruise ship the latter has an abundance of complimentary and specialty restaurants.
 

I know Coral Princess has the pop-up options of Alfredo’s and Gastropub on sea days, but from what I’ve read these aren’t guaranteed.
 

It’s a shame they can’t gut the (ducks for cover) wedding chapel and fine arts gallery then replace them with a larger International Cafe - which almost seems like an afterthought wedged up against the casino - or maybe expand Sabatini’s so that Alfredo’s can be a permanent everyday option. 

 

😁

I haven't sailed the Coral yet, but I'd hate for them to take out the library or the card room to make room.. that would be sad.

[dmwnc1959]

1 minute ago, SweetSoCalGal said:

I haven't sailed the Coral yet, but I'd hate for them to take out the library or the card room to make room.. that would be sad.

From the video that I watched - which was a really great walk-through tour - the library looks pretty amazing. Not so much for the books, but just the space itself. I agree that it would be a very bad decision on the part of Princess Cruises if they ever considered replacing it. But they've been known to make some really bad decisions (i.e. the Island Princess refit). 
 

I did email Princess Cruises Special Services, and actually got a phone call back. The representative sounded quite knowledgeable and was very professional. But it was a wasted phone call since he really didn't/couldn't offer any information.
 

Since my final payment for the January 2025 Panama Canal cruise would have been due before the ship came out of the shipyard, and there were issues important to me that were unresolved, I decided to cancel and book with a different cruise line. Really sucks, because I was looking forward to cruising back with Princess again. 
 

[Arizona Wildcat]

1 hour ago, dmwnc1959 said:

From the video that I watched - which was a really great walk-through tour - the library looks pretty amazing. Not so much for the books, but just the space itself. I agree that it would be a very bad decision on the part of Princess Cruises if they ever considered replacing it. But they've been known to make some really bad decisions (i.e. the Island Princess refit). 
 

I did email Princess Cruises Special Services, and actually got a phone call back. The representative sounded quite knowledgeable and was very professional. But it was a wasted phone call since he really didn't/couldn't offer any information.
 

Since my final payment for the January 2025 Panama Canal cruise would have been due before the ship came out of the shipyard, and there were issues important to me that were unresolved, I decided to cancel and book with a different cruise line. Really sucks, because I was looking forward to cruising back with Princess again. 
 

Celebrity took out libraries and replaced them with cabins.  I agree, but expect the cost factor will win out.

[SweetSoCalGal]

27 minutes ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

Celebrity took out libraries and replaced them with cabins.  I agree, but expect the cost factor will win out.

Agreed. It's $ per square foot.. 

 

Anyone else know where we might find info on the upcoming dry dock?

[Tranquility Base]

9 minutes ago, SweetSoCalGal said:

Anyone else know where we might find info on the upcoming dry dock?

Coral leaves this month on the World Cruise.

I have no doubt the Captain will do a couple of Q & A presentations in the theatre.

 

You could ask on their roll call if someone would ask the question and report back. 

[memoak]

On 2/5/2024 at 12:42 PM, dmwnc1959 said:

Any chance that Princess Cruises will add another casual dining venue when she goes through this drydock period? I know she is the smallest ship in the fleet, but when compared to a similar-sized NCL Jewel-class cruise ship the latter has an abundance of complimentary and specialty restaurants.
 

I know Coral Princess has the pop-up options of Alfredo’s and Gastropub on sea days, but from what I’ve read these aren’t guaranteed.
 

It’s a shame they can’t gut the (ducks for cover) wedding chapel and fine arts gallery then replace them with a larger International Cafe - which almost seems like an afterthought wedged up against the casino - or maybe expand Sabatini’s so that Alfredo’s can be a permanent everyday option. 

 

😁

Believe it or not the vendor for the art gallery pays Princess a lot of money to run it

[dmwnc1959]

26 minutes ago, memoak said:

Believe it or not the vendor for the art gallery pays Princess a lot of money to run it

Money talks. It's just that the art gallery is probably the most mocked space on a cruise ship, and more often than not viewed as wasted space. The art is nice to look at, but in all likelihood that space could be better used to serve passengers. 
 

[dmwnc1959]

Any NEW news that I may have missed with updates on what Coral Princess is having done in October? Any specifics? 

[Reina del Mar]

I agree the library on Coral is amazing. Would hate for Princess to turn it into something else. However- as previous posters have mentioned- money talks and the library/ card room do not make extra revenue so not holding my breath!

[Yehootu]

We'll be on the Coral right after she comes out of drydock in Oct out of Singapore. I asked on the World Cruise Roll Call if anything had been heard and this is the response I got. Not sure if all inclusive.

"Carpet, outside maintenance.  Haven't heard of any major infrastructure changes.  Three weeks is a short dry dock.  I believe they are doing significant plumbing maintenance".

I would think if there were to be any "big" changes they'd be reflected on the deck plan graphics. Wasn't a big fan of the Bayou Steakhouse when we dined there on the Island several years ago. Will see if the Coral is any different.

Edited June 5 by Yehootu

[Mo Jito]

Here’s hoping « significant plumbing maintenance » means replacing fixed shower heads with hand held ones 🙂  

[LACruiser88]

We will also board in Singapore right after the dry dock, Oct 17th.  I'm planning on doing another "Live" thread and will report on what was done during the dry dock.