Coral Princess

A cruise through the Panama Canal not only offers a stunning sight of the Caribbean and Central America but can take you far more places – into the Pacific, up through the Mexican Riviera, and even between both North American coasts. Princess understands the importance of such a journey, both for experience and practicality. As such, the cruise line has two ships meeting Panamax standards, including the Coral Princess. Physically, the 12-deck ship providing ample accommodations for 1,974 guests optimizes this aspect in two ways: One, the vessel’s narrow enough to pass through, and two, 700 out of 1,000 rooms provide ocean views.

The Basics

Between the Sun and Grand Classes in size, this ship has a slightly more upscale atmosphere; as a result, cruisers are advised to wear smart casual attire and to prepare for two formal nights. As is the case with other Princess ships, this one charges all gratuities for onboard purchases into a charge account. Last refurbished in 2013, the Coral Princess provides the following accommodations: • 16 suites with private balconies • 192 mini-suites with private balconies • 527 balcony cabins • 157 ocean view cabins • 108 inside cabins 20 cabins provide wheelchair accessibility. As of 2014, the ship sails mainly itineraries that pass through the Panama Canal, including to the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera. However, the ship veers north at certain times of the year for Alaskan cruises.

Dining Options

The Coral Princess introduces a handful of less-typical dining choices, such as the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, where you can sample New Orleans-style cuisine while listening to live jazz. The rest of the cruise line’s standard dining options are as follows: Traditional: The classic cruise option includes scheduled meals in the Provence Dining Room. Any Time: Take meals at your leisure in the Bordeaux Dining Room. Specialty: In addition to the Bayou Café and Steakhouse, dine on delicious Italian food in Sabatini’s or try a variety of choices at Ultimate Balcony Dining. Casual: On your own schedule and according to your own tastes, have your meals on the ship’s buffets, patisserie, Sundaes Ice Cream Bar, pizzeria, The Grill, or with 24-hour room service.

Entertainment & Activities

Princess’ popular Movies Under The Stars® entertains just about everyone, with first-run movies, sports games, or concerts, but after lounging by the poolside, what else is there? Adults can hang out in The Sanctuary or see how far their luck goes in the Princess Casino. But sometimes, a cruise involves socializing and people-watching, and there are plenty of opportunities for that: Sip a few cocktails at the Explorers Lounge, Wheelhouse Bars, Churchill Lounge, or Crooners Bar, with smoking and non-smoking spaces available. Or for something more traditional, two pools, two hot tubs, a gym and fitness center, a 9-hole golf course, shuffleboard surface, and court for basketball, tennis, and jogging entice the side of you wanting to spend some time outdoors being active. At other times, you want to stimulate your mind, and for adults, do just that in the art collection and gallery, internet café, library, and writing room. Of course, many travelers seek out great deals, and with duty-free shopping at an onboard boutique, travelers certainly find it for a wide range of designer merchandise. For travelers under 18, programs like the Pelicans (ages 3 to 7), Shockwaves (ages 8 to 12), and Remix (ages 13 to 17) present opportunities for the youngest members. Spaces like the Fun Zone, Teen Center, and splash pools further enhance enjoyment for these age groups.