Coral vs Island

[golfb4cruzing]

We are looking at doing the Panama Canal again, once is never enough. We were on the Coral last time and it's our favorite ship now. The website is showing the Coral in LA next year and Island doing the Canal trip from FLL. I didn't see many differences from the Deck Plans, can anyone elaborate if there is? We spent many hours in the Lotus pool and area aboard the Coral, is it the same on the Island?

 

Appreciate any help. 

[rcp6146]

We spend a lot of time in the Sanctuary, aft end facing the wake.  The Coral has a two deck section and a pool in the Sanctuary.  The Island has cut it down to one deck and no pool. . . 

 

[neverbeenhere]

I see the Coral sailing from Fort Lauderdale next year. 

[Astro Flyer]

I attempted to quote a side-by-side comparison of the Island  but couldn’t do it & the changes resulted in a worse ship.  So I’d take the Coral every time unless the Island’s fare & itinerary were much better.

 

Click on this link to hopefully be able to view the before & after deck plans of the Island...the Coral is still the great “before” deck plans.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2111465-island-princes-drydock/?tab=comments#comment-44943533

Edited November 11, 2018 by Astro Flyer

[Astro Flyer]

Delete...unable to directly quote the deck plans post. 😳

Edited November 11, 2018 by Astro Flyer

[golfb4cruzing]

13 minutes ago, neverbeenhere said:

I see the Coral sailing from Fort Lauderdale next year. 

On a 10 day trip out of FLL ? I saw it doing ocean to ocean and the Caribbean Princess thrown in during November. I just read they have no IC and being an early riser in search of good coffee, that was depressing.

[golfb4cruzing]

15 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

I attempted to quote a side-by-side comparison of the Island  but couldn’t do it & the changes resulted in a worse ship.  So I’d take the Coral every time unless the Island’s fare & itinerary were much better.

 

Click on this link to hopefully be able to view the before & after deck plans of the Island...the Coral is still the great “before” deck plans.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2111465-island-princes-drydock/?tab=comments#comment-44943533

Thanks for that info. It all looks easy enough to deal with. The Casino on the Coral wasn't much to speak of so it saved me money. Early morning coffee may be the only issue.

[neverbeenhere]

Sorry missed that. But just like other things I don’t consider it a complete trip unless you go all the way. 

[jasbo49]

9 minutes ago, golfb4cruzing said:

Thanks for that info. It all looks easy enough to deal with. The Casino on the Coral wasn't much to speak of so it saved me money. Early morning coffee may be the only issue.

Early morning coffee was a big issue for me. There was nowhere to go for coffee until 6:30 or 7 a.m.

 

This was December 2015, so I don't know if something has changed. The limited viewing areas after its dry dock were a problem too. And the rear view of the Island is just embarrassing. 

 

Jim

[golfb4cruzing]

2 or 3 hours before morning coffee is a game changer for me. I get up, walk around the ship and normally hit the IC for my first 3 or 4 cups of fresh coffee. If I can get Room Service delivered on Lido poolside at 5am, I can make do.

[golfb4cruzing]

Does anyone know if the Casino or Casino Bar has coffee early in the morning ?

[Astro Flyer]

15 minutes ago, golfb4cruzing said:

Does anyone know if the Casino or Casino Bar has coffee early in the morning ?

As I recall on ship’s with an IC it has brewed coffee overnight for free because it’s the only place to get coffee when the buffet is closed.  Since the La Patisserie is the Island’s version of the IC then you might be able to get free brewed coffee there between about midnight & when the buffet reopens.

 

Checking past Patters on all of those cruises it shows the buffet opening at 0500 for continental breakfast.

Edited November 11, 2018 by Astro Flyer

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

I'm in same boat & consider early morning Brewed coffee (NOT buffet) a necessity.

I'm confused, since Island has LaPatis... is that considered an Int'l Cafe or Not?

Do you get coffee cards to use there? What about on Coral?

 

[frugaltravel]

The Island was butchered with the addition of cabins in the back and the removal of a lounge.  More people on board, less public space.  Lines were long for ATD, hard to get a seat in the theater unless you arrived 45-60 minutes early and other frustrations.  I personally would not sail the Island again.

 

[golfb4cruzing]

I talked with our TA and she has been on the Island since the refit and the LaPatis does fill in for the IC. I need my fresh brew. So I went ahead and booked for next October and repeat the Canal trip. Why not ??