Alaska 2014 Crown or Coral?

[Sandie]

Hi everyone,

 

The Crown Princess will be sailing in Alaska for the first time in 2014. I am wondering whether the size of the Crown could be a disadvantage for this trip, especially getting into the glacial areas. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Sandie

[gertz]

The Coral by heads and shoulders.

 

That being said the Crown and the Golden or Star or Diamond or Sapphire all are about the same size and all except the Crown are doing Alaska. The difference being the Crown has one more deck and 500+ passengers.

[zahav1]

Yes, the Coral, it may not have the international cafe just a "patisserie" for coffees and cakes. But still, my favorite ship so far. The Horizon Ct is in the front and a great place to sit and watch all the sights of Alaska. The ship also has a great library.

[BURNSMN]

Yes, the Coral, it may not have the international cafe just a "patisserie" for coffees and cakes. But still, my favorite ship so far. The Horizon Ct is in the front and a great place to sit and watch all the sights of Alaska. The ship also has a great library.

I believe the Coral just added the International Cafe.

[Coral]

I would not sail on the Crown to Alaska.

 

Definitely the Coral.

[Pam in CA]

Another vote for the Coral. The reasons being that she has over 1,000 fewer passengers and a much better passenger/space ratio, fore and aft public viewing decks, and her recent refurbishment and addition of the International Cafe. I love the Crown and have sailed on her several times but for Alaska or the Panama Canal, it's a no-brainer: the Coral.

[Lady Lexus]

Just got off the Coral a week ago (sigh) after a 2 week Canal cruise. Loved, loved, loved the ship. They have added an International Cafe right next to the casino - had some light lunches there. As others have said, the ship rarely seems crowded. She would be a great choice for an Alaska cruise.

[NewPennCruiser]

I've been on the Crown a couple of times and it's a fine ship but it's really meant for Caribbean cruising. Just cruised on Island last May and loved it especially in Alaska. If the itinerary is identical, my opinion seems to agree with everyone else so far. Hands down I'd pick the Coral. Dave

[Sandie]

Hi everyone,

 

Thanks to each of you for your great replies. It is so nice to have a place to go to ask questions to help with cruising decisions. We loved the Emerald and the Ruby and thought that the Crown would be great but were concerned about the size of the ship in Alaskan waterways. Your replies and explanations have been most helpful. DH will be especially happy that there is an IC for his afternoon cappucino - not to mention the just baked cookies. I also enjoy the salads/sandwiches there - a great alternative when coming back onboard instead of a big lunch.

 

Thanks again!

Sandie

[caribill]

I also would pick the Coral.

 

1000 less passengers on the ship means 1000 less passengers in the already crowded ports.

 

It also means 1000 less people trying for the limited number of places on shore excursions, either the Princess ones or independent ones.

[Bimmer09]

Try the Coral. You (like me ) may be glad you did. Superb ship and excellent crew. Great outdoor viewing areas without any blue glass or railings in the way.

 

Also a very uncrowded ship...1970 passengers on a 965 ft frame. Wide promenade decks too.

 

Norris

[UpcountryTravelers]

Absolutely the Coral. We have done Alaska twice on the Coral, and she has become on of my favorite ships. Never seems crowded.... and the views are fantastic.

[Sandie]

Thanks everyone,

 

It appears that the itinerary we want only uses the Island Princess. The Island is a sister to the Coral, but has she been renovated like the Coral?

[Coral]

Thanks everyone,

 

It appears that the itinerary we want only uses the Island Princess. The Island is a sister to the Coral, but has she been renovated like the Coral?

 

What is your itinerary?

[caribill]

Thanks everyone,

 

It appears that the itinerary we want only uses the Island Princess. The Island is a sister to the Coral, but has she been renovated like the Coral?

 

Not yet.

 

We were on her last summer and she is in great shape.

[Sandie]

The tour is "PB8" - Fairbanks, Denali, Copper River, Kenai, Whittier, Board ship - Voyage of the Glaciers (Hubbard, Glacier National PArk, Skagway. Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver).

 

Is Island scheduled for refurbishment before 2014?

[1012daisy]

Another vote for the Coral. The reasons being that she has over 1,000 fewer passengers and a much better passenger/space ratio, fore and aft public viewing decks, and her recent refurbishment and addition of the International Cafe. I love the Crown and have sailed on her several times but for Alaska or the Panama Canal, it's a no-brainer: the Coral.

When was the Coral refurbished? I love that ship. I was concerned about cruising on the Crown, Island, or Coral to Alaska just because the Crown has the International cafe.

[ntvsdgrl]

When was the Coral refurbished? I love that ship. I was concerned about cruising on the Crown, Island, or Coral to Alaska just because the Crown has the International cafe.

 

This past February.

[W5KAP]

Many have had their say but I just had to put in a good word for the Coral. It's mostly about her size. I love the Ruby and her sister ships but for Alaska the Panamax ships are great. We did the Island to Alaska in 2009 and then took the Coral from Vancouver through the Panama Canal and on to Fort Lauderdale. Of the smaller ships, the Coral gets my vote. Her front facing public "porches" are great when viewing the Glaciers!! Either way, you can't lose. Hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we did. We are heading back in 2014!!

 

Cheers, Kenn

[1012daisy]

This past February.

Thank you.

[ceba]

We've done Alaska and Panama Canal on the Coral. She's a great size and very beautiful

[cpcanuck]

sorry for some reason this posted in the wrong spot! oops! my bad!