Coral or Island

We are planning a Trans Canal next Spring and both the Coral Princess and the Island Princess will be making the trip at the same time.. We've sailed the Island before (so long ago, I can't remember much) but, have never sailed the Coral.

I would really appreciate hearing comments from anyone who's sailed both.. I did look at the reviews.. some good, some not so good… seems pretty similar.

Both ships are pretty much identical. But the Coral has gone through a refurb that added the International Café. The Island won't get that until October, 2014.

Both ships are pretty much identical. But the Coral has gone through a refurb that added the International Café. The Island won't get that until October, 2014.

Besides adding the IC where the Casino Bar was previously located they also renovated the Horizon Court which has considerably improved the experience so I'd chose the Coral.

OP, usually one sails the 10 day partial transit from FLL & the other the full 14 or 15 day transit...has it changed? I've done the full transit between LA & Ft Lauderdale (once in each direction) and recommend a full transit if possible.

Depending on itinerary and full/partial cruise, I would pick the Coral since it has been reworked not too long ago at least until the Island is retrofitted. We sailed once on the Island on a partial since that was what was offered at the time we wanted to go. Now we will again be on the Island next month for a full transit because that is the itinerary being offered. We would rather have been on the Coral but it was not sailing the itinerary we wanted.

If having an International Cafe is essential to your enjoyment of the cruise, then pick the Coral.

Otherwise, either ship is a good one to be on.

We are looking at the transit from Ft. Lauderdale to the Pacific Northwest next Spring.. Thank you for the good advice.. I think the Coral is it! We love Princess and I know any of their ships would be wonderful..

We did Alaska a few years ago on the Island and loved it. Then we did Vancouver to FLL on the Coral. We much prefer her now. Going back to Alaska on her next Spring.

But honestly, either is a fine ship.

Cheers, Kenn

They are both terrific! my favs. But I would pick the Coral if I were you because of the recent upgrade, and you have not been on her before.

Both are good. I have an Island cruise booked this fall and did Alaska on the Coral this summer. If I was choosing now, I'd pick the Coral for the recent refurb. I had a great time on the Coral.

Does anyone know if the Island mini suites have the new beds? We had the new much improved beds in a Saphire mini to Hawaii, but really bad beds on the Golden balcony to Alaska. Sure hope so, I don't think I could do 15 days in a terrible bed. We are doing the full transit on 10/30.

Sun City Cruiser

Coral or Island? Do both! lol