Star Princess or Coral Princess

We are planning an Alaskan Cruise for July 2017. We are looking at the northbound cruise from Vancouver on the Star and Coral. For you that have sailed on either ship which do you prefer and why. We are wanting to book a balcony cabin, so any suggestions regarding those cabins on either ship would be appreciated.

I'll be able to answer your question in a couple weeks.

We're going to be on the Coral in a few days doing a northbound Alaska, then taking the Star on a southbound.

We've been on both ships. The Star is a Grand class ship and without the Riviera deck, it is less crowded than the Grand class ships with the Riviera deck.

The Coral is smaller than the Grand class ships, is even less crowded but doesn't have Skywalker's, one of our favorite venues.

If I had to choose between the two, I'd call it a draw and make my choice based on schedule or price.

I'll be able to answer your question in a couple weeks.

 

We're going to be on the Coral in a few days doing a northbound Alaska, then taking the Star on a southbound.

Thanks , looking forward to your feedback. Hope you have a great trip.

Both ships are wonderful. If you do book the Coral, make sure your balcony is on the "bump out", not in the "in-dent", otherwise you will not be able to see forward or backward, only straight out when standing on your deck.

Hope that makes sense. Check deck plans if you are unsure.

I spent 32 days on the Star in April / May and loved every second!!

Alaska is wonderful, and I think you will enjoy it no matter which ship you choose!

Happy cruising! :)

I have an emerald cabin aft on the Star, port side, for the same price they have minisuites at the front of the ship, which would be closer to the upper deck, which is better?

We've sailed Alaska 5 (4.5? 5.1? 6? 4.6?) times on the Coral, Sapphire, Grand, Ruby (twice) and Crown (a one-nighter repo at the end of the season). If it wasn't going to impact my choice of itinerary/route, I'd pick the Coral first (lovely intimate feeling, never have to walk through a (smoky) casino, Horizon Court forward makes for majestic views enroute, walkway alongside Wheelhouse Bar felt so nautical as did many other areas of the ship. The Ruby would be a very close second, as the third MDR adds options, we enjoy the Pub Lunch in Wheelhouse Bar (perhaps now replaced with Salty Dog...oh well) and the Adagio bar, and the quiet views from behind Sabatini/SHARE or deck 19 aft.

I've sailed both and, to me, the answer is simple: CORAL

I'm not a well traveled cruiser but I've done a 10 day and a 15 day on Star and I've done a 17 day on Coral so I am familiar with both ships.

I don't care about Skywalker's. I find it cold in the daytime and unbearably loud in the evening. I emphatically do not like the music they play.

I like having Alfredo's Pizza served in Sabatini's at lunch time on Coral. I like the forward and aft viewing decks on Coral. I like the Universe Lounge and On The Bayou on Coral.

IC is next to the Casino on Coral but I didn't have any issues with that at all and was never bothered by smoke or noise.

I like both ships and wouldn't hesitated to sail either but, if the itinerary is the same, I would choose Coral for sure.

Loved reading this thread..

We are looking to do Alaska - Anchorage(whittier) to Vancouver end of June 2017.

We, too, have been reading up on the cruise ships -- Star and Coral.

Both weeks, same itinerary, different ships ...

Star being OV for less money than the week before on the Coral, being inside room..

We will be 2 adults and one 14 yo ...

What do you think? should I work w/price for the OV over the more expensive inside...

What feature should I look for on the ships thats better than the other?

thanks for the help!! :)

I've sailed on both, and I prefer the Star. Love that wrap-around promenade deck that's open up front.!

I've sailed on both, and I prefer the Star. Love that wrap-around promenade deck that's open up front.!

Thanks - i'm going to have to google search pictures, etc... and get a good picture of it all - i just have to deposit the Coral tonight, as it's going to expire... :)

thanks!

I've sailed both and, to me, the answer is simple: CORAL

 

I'm not a well traveled cruiser but I've done a 10 day and a 15 day on Star and I've done a 17 day on Coral so I am familiar with both ships.

 

I don't care about Skywalker's. I find it cold in the daytime and unbearably loud in the evening. I emphatically do not like the music they play.

 

I like having Alfredo's Pizza served in Sabatini's at lunch time on Coral. I like the forward and aft viewing decks on Coral. I like the Universe Lounge and On The Bayou on Coral.

 

IC is next to the Casino on Coral but I didn't have any issues with that at all and was never bothered by smoke or noise.

 

I like both ships and wouldn't hesitated to sail either but, if the itinerary is the same, I would choose Coral for sure.

I totally agree with you.

Tony

Obviously a trick question. :D

Having been on both ships (enjoyed them both) and having done Alaska a couple of times we would say...... Not any preference. We would pick either ship depending on the itinerary, cruise time and price (always concerned about the best deal). You will be happy with either ship. BTW, we love the Princess Alaska cruises. If all goes well we will be doing Alaska with Princess again in 2018 (reservation already made).

Thanks to everyone for the responses. We decided on the Coral because it was leaving the week we needed. I appreciate the advice about the bump out. We booked the first aft bump out on the starboard side.. I think this will be a great spot for us.

What's bump out? Does Star gave it. Gives you more room. Is it balconies?

Thanks to everyone for the responses. We decided on the Coral because it was leaving the week we needed. I appreciate the advice about the bump out. We booked the first aft bump out on the starboard side.. I think this will be a great spot for us.

Great choice! Have sailed on both ships twice...the Coral has an edge for me! Had bumpout D502 Alaska, C502 Panama Canal. Love the ambience of that ship. Good sailing!

A bump out is a balcony cabin that sits out further than other cabins. The Coral has a set mid ship and in the aft portion of the ship. I don't think the Star has the bump out balconies.

A bump out is a balcony cabin that sits out further than other cabins. The Coral has a set mid ship and in the aft portion of the ship. I don't think the Star has the bump out balconies.

Thanks - I googled it - it's balcony's :)

I've sailed both and, to me, the answer is simple: CORAL

 

I'm not a well traveled cruiser but I've done a 10 day and a 15 day on Star and I've done a 17 day on Coral so I am familiar with both ships.

 

I don't care about Skywalker's. I find it cold in the daytime and unbearably loud in the evening. I emphatically do not like the music they play.

 

I like having Alfredo's Pizza served in Sabatini's at lunch time on Coral. I like the forward and aft viewing decks on Coral. I like the Universe Lounge and On The Bayou on Coral.

 

IC is next to the Casino on Coral but I didn't have any issues with that at all and was never bothered by smoke or noise.

 

I like both ships and wouldn't hesitated to sail either but, if the itinerary is the same, I would choose Coral for sure.

why was there no smell of smoke when you were in the I C?.we have an addiction to cappuccinos...that is the only reason i do not book her.have they stopped smoking in the casino???

We've sailed both ships and have a preference for the Star as far as ships go. The balconies are far better on the Star because of the way they are positioned. The Caribe balconies on the Star are partially covered and larger. I think the Star balconies may provide a little more view, but that's just my perception. The Coral is a great ship in her own right, though.

This Alaska season Captain Michele Tuvo, we heard, will be on the Coral. That, alone, would tip the scales for me to sail the Coral. I would be happy sailing on any ship he commands. He's the best captain yet. :cool: