Coral Princess 12/10-12/20

[Mike2131]

Just back from this cruise. If you have questions on ship. ports, excursions, etc., please post.

 

Experience:

 

05/96 Alaska on Celebrity Horizon

11/97 Caribbean on Dawn Princess

08/03 Alaska Cruisetour on Celebrity Summit

12/04 Panama Canal/Central America on Coral Princess

[Psee]

Hope you had a great cruise!

 

Just wondering about your dining experiences (PC dining, headwaiter, food, alternative dining, etc.).

 

Thanks! :)

[Mike2131]

Hope you had a great cruise!

 

Just wondering about your dining experiences (PC dining, headwaiter, food, alternative dining, etc.).

 

Thanks! :)

Hi!

 

Overall, we had a very nice cruise. In answer to your questions:

 

1) We opted for a fixed late seating and lucked into a nice table for six with good table mates. Next time we will probably choose PC. Some evenings we were tired from an all day tour and just ate in the Horizon Court.

 

2) Our head waiter was Marco but he was not much in evidence at our table. He paid much more attention to the table for 8 next to us (a lot of wine, celebrations, and probably tips). The same was mostly true of our waiter. Our Jr. Waiter, Rolando, however, was very attentive and took good care of us.

 

3) Food was hit-and-miss. Beef and seafood were universally good and the pastas (with the exception of Sabatini's) were completely forgetable. Horizon Court was OK with some dishes really good or really poor. Desserts throughout the ship were so-so, but better in the dining room.

 

4) Sabatini's was good, but be prepared for a lot of food. You only select your entree and dessert. All other courses are a tasting menu. The charge for Cappacino on top of the surcharge was a rude surprise.

 

5) The ship is very attractive and our cabin steward, Manuel, was top notch.

 

I hope the seas are a bit calmer for you than they were for us. All the snokeling (and most of the scuba) excursions in Grand Cayman were cancelled. Not much else to do since the Island Highlights tour was pretty much a waste of time. We loved Costa Rico, Belize, and Cozumel. The canal is fascinating, but Panama was a disappointment since we picked a dud of a shore excursion - the Caribbean Rainforest Nature Hike.

 

If I can answer any other questions, please let me know!

 

Mike

[ronl]

Who was the CD on your cruise,and how was he?

[Mike2131]

Hi:

 

All of the Cruise Director staff on the Coral were excellent. David was the Cruise Director, but our favorite was Peter, the Assistant Cruise Director. He was a stitch! Vicki, Sam, and Jack were also outstanding. This is one area where Princess definitely outshines Celebrity.

 

Good Cruising!

 

Mike

[cmm80124]

Hi Mike2131,

 

Quick question for you...I am going on the Coral in October 2005 as a honeymoon cruise. Which traditional dining time would you recommend so as to miss the fewest number of other onboard activities? We just got back from a 4 day Carnival cruise, and were disappointed that we missed so many activities due to our 8:30 dinner.

 

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

Carla

[Mike2131]

Hi Mike2131,

 

Quick question for you...I am going on the Coral in October 2005 as a honeymoon cruise. Which traditional dining time would you recommend so as to miss the fewest number of other onboard activities? We just got back from a 4 day Carnival cruise, and were disappointed that we missed so many activities due to our 8:30 dinner.

 

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

Carla

Hi Carla!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. There are a lot of activities in the evening (3 main venues - Princess Theatre, Universe, and Explorer's). In addition there are lounges with entertainment - Wheelhouse Bar, Crooner's, Jazz at the Bayou Cafe, etc.

While there are often 2 performances of the main show each evening. a late fixed diner seating will make it a rush to get to there. I would suggest Personal Choice Dining. That way you will not be rushed to make an early seating if you have taken an all day tour, and not have to run from dinner to a show from a late seating. The last thing you need on a honeymoon is a regimented schedule!

Have fun and, if you want any insights into the ports or excursions we took, just let me know.

Mike

[suzw]

Mike,

my parents are in their 60's but very active and upbeat. How was the nightlife? They just returned from the Start and loved it. Was this a much older crowd? Were people milling around late at night?

They are deciding between this and RCCL Brilliance...any thoughts?

Suzanne

[SuzanneE]

Mike, How was embarkation? I just read where passengers for the Grand P. had a real nasty time if they arrived early with 3 ships at Ft.L. How early did you arrive? Thanks:confused:

[Mike2131]

Mike,

my parents are in their 60's but very active and upbeat. How was the nightlife? They just returned from the Start and loved it. Was this a much older crowd? Were people milling around late at night?

They are deciding between this and RCCL Brilliance...any thoughts?

Suzanne

Hi Suzanne!

I have never been on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but I would expect they would probably have a younger crowd than that which was on this cruise. Probably a little more glitz as well. The length (10 days), dates (kids in school), and perhaps the destination undoubtedly contributed to the average age being 70+ (we are 47 and 55). Nightlife - all they could probably hope for (from a 50s-60s Sock Hop to Island Night to Production Shows to Karaoke to movies on the big screen to lounge acts)! We are early risers (especially for tours!) and were seldom out too late. I think there is something for everyone on the larger ships and the Coral is no exception.

 

Any other questions, just let me know!

 

Mike

[Mike2131]

Mike, How was embarkation? I just read where passengers for the Grand P. had a real nasty time if they arrived early with 3 ships at Ft.L. How early did you arrive? Thanks:confused:

Hi Suzanne!

When they say arrive after 2:00 PM to avoid crowds, I think they are right. We were actually early (11:30 AM) since we had arrived the night before the cruise to avoid any bad weather in the Northeast. Embarkation was delayed due to a Coast Guard inspection (certainly not the fault of Princess) and we stood in line for well over an hour. Otherwise, we could have gone on-board about 12:00 Noon. After that, it went smoothly and fast. Unfortunately, no champagne and then no one to escort you to your cabin. Celebrity does that and and it is a nice touch.

Definitely be aware of one possible disembarkation snafu. We waited an hour for curb-side check-in at the Fort Lauderdale Airport only to find out that, since we were coming from a cruise ship, everything had been printed and was waiting inside the terminal! We then had to wait almost another hour to finally check in for our flight. No one had told us the procedure, so there was a lot of frustration and wasted time. At least four ships had docked that morning, including the QM2. What a zoo!

Hopefully our experience will benefit everyone else!

Mike

[beachlovergirl]

Mike -

 

We're thinking about a Panama Canal cruise on the Coral (we're both mid-50's). Just wondering what is the best time of year to go. What was your weather like? I don't mind the heat but not fond of humidity.

 

What was your absolute favorite thing about the Coral?

 

Thanks!

[llund]

Thanks for all the information. We are leaving Tuesday on the Coral for the New Years Eve cruise! We are so excited. We do have late dining (traditional) as we have a group of 8. I know it is a rush to get to the shows but have done it before on other ships. How close is the dining room to the theater? Is it hard to get seats in the theater? I kept checking the weather while you were on your trip and it showed rain. Were they just quick tropical thunderstorms or did it rain a lot?

[Mike2131]

Mike -

 

We're thinking about a Panama Canal cruise on the Coral (we're both mid-50's). Just wondering what is the best time of year to go. What was your weather like? I don't mind the heat but not fond of humidity.

 

What was your absolute favorite thing about the Coral?

 

Thanks!

Hi!

We were told that the best time of the year is the dry season and that starts in December/January. December is transitional and, based on our weather, I would agree. While it was warm to hot, humidity was not really a problem. It was, however, often cloudy and very windy. In addition, there were some pretty rough seas, especially enroute to Grand Cayman from Panama. In fact, all the snorkel, and most of the scuba, tours were cancelled in Grand Cayman due to rough seas. That put the passengers from 4 ships ashore in Georgetown! Our schedules made a December departure necessary, but I would suggest January or perhaps even February.

The absolutely best things were Costa Rica and Belieze - spectacular scenery and wildlife. Favorite things onboard the Coral? The wine tastings, the Lotus Pool (a quiet retreat!), and, believe it or not, bingo and the horse races. The latter 2 items were due to the cruise staff who really made it fun! Least favorite thing? The guest lecturer - boring!!!!!!!!!!!

Good cruising!

Mike

[Mike2131]

Thanks for all the information. We are leaving Tuesday on the Coral for the New Years Eve cruise! We are so excited. We do have late dining (traditional) as we have a group of 8. I know it is a rush to get to the shows but have done it before on other ships. How close is the dining room to the theater? Is it hard to get seats in the theater? I kept checking the weather while you were on your trip and it showed rain. Were they just quick tropical thunderstorms or did it rain a lot?

Hi!

It depends on which theatre you are going to. You will be in the Provence Dining Room on Fiesta Deck. It is accessed from the Plaza, just forward of mid-ships. The Princess Theatre is all the way forward and one deck up on Promenade. The Universe Lounge is all the way aft and can be accessed from either the Promenade or Fiesta deck. The Explorer's Lounge is on the Fiesta Deck just forward of the Universe Lounge. We did not go to many shows, but Explorer's sometimes was filled up.

Weather was very windy and we had some rough seas. Rain was restricted to sea days and at night so it was not a problem. A few drops hit in Cozumel, but not enough to even be called a sprinkle. We had a lot of clouds, though, so it was around. Beautiful weather in Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. Sunny, but windy, with rough seas in Grand Cayman and overcast in Cozumel.

If you want any isights into excursions, let me know. We had some great ones and one 2 duds.

Have a great cruise!

Mike

[llund]

Thanks Mike. The only excursion we booked through princess was the Ocean to Ocean and a scuba in Belize for my husband. we are going ziplining in Limon, with Captain Marvins for the stingrays in GC, Dune Buggy ride in Cozumel and a private tour guide in Belize. I am glad the rain did not bother you. I was surprised you were able to tender in Grand Cayman due to the winds. We have been there before and have done the stingrays. Only doing it again to be with our friends. We were going to rent a car and drive to the East side of the island, but after the hurricane damage, my husband and I decided not to do this.

[Tandy22]

Do you know or know how we could find out which balconies on Coral are covered.

 

Susan

[Mike2131]

Thanks Mike. The only excursion we booked through princess was the Ocean to Ocean and a scuba in Belize for my husband. we are going ziplining in Limon, with Captain Marvins for the stingrays in GC, Dune Buggy ride in Cozumel and a private tour guide in Belize. I am glad the rain did not bother you. I was surprised you were able to tender in Grand Cayman due to the winds. We have been there before and have done the stingrays. Only doing it again to be with our friends. We were going to rent a car and drive to the East side of the island, but after the hurricane damage, my husband and I decided not to do this.

The tender ride in Grand Cayman was indeed challenging! Just for reference, here are the tours we took!

 

1) Costa Rica - Cost Rica's Favorites. This was a combination of the Arial Tram and a cruise on the Tortugero Canals. The arial tram was pretty and sedate, but the canal cruise was a real highlight. Lots of wildlfe - sloths, 4 groups of Howler Monkeys, Crocs, Caimans, big Iguanas, an Eyelash Pit Viper, a Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, lots of birds, etc. Daniel was the absolute best tour guide I have had anywhere!

 

2) Panama - Caribbean Rainforest Nature Hike. A real dud. The train should be a much better choice.

 

3) Grand Cayman - Island Highlights. There were not many choices since all the water-based tours were cancelled due to weather. The tour was not very interesting, but the hurricane damage was very evident - and sad. It will be a while before they are back to normal.

 

4) Cozumel - We split up in this port. I opted for Tulum and found it very interesting. Anyone going should wear a swimsuit under their shorts and take a towel. There is a beautiful beach below the ruins. My girlfriend took the Swim with the Dolphins. It was the highlight of her entire cruise!

 

5) Belize - We took the Lamanai and River Cruise. The cruise was interesting with wildlife, although not as much as in Costa Rica. The ruins were outstanding with two troops of very active and vocal Howler Monkeys. We barely made the last tender since the departure from Belize was 4:00 PM. The ship had to send a tender back for one couple (not on a ship's tour).

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Mike

[Mike2131]

Do you know or know how we could find out which balconies on Coral are covered.

 

Susan

Hi Susan!

I had read about this concern before the cruise. We were on the Caribe Deck and our balcony was completely covered. While returning on a tender, it appeared that some on Aloha and Baja were only partially covered. I think people could look over the railing and look down on those balconies.

 

Your travel agent would be the best souce of info for specific locations.

I hope that helps a little. Have a great cruise!

Mike

[Guest THE EDS]

Hi Susan

 

I, too was on the Coral 12/10 to 12/20 in cabin B339 Baha deck we could look down on ALL the balconies below. Baha balconies are fully covered. Hope that helps

 

THE EDS

[Mike2131]

Hi Susan

 

I, too was on the Coral 12/10 to 12/20 in cabin B339 Baha deck we could look down on ALL the balconies below. Baha balconies are fully covered. Hope that helps

 

THE EDS

Hi!

Thanks for the extra insight on the balconies. We were in C217 and could not look down into any other balconies. Since you were more mid-ships, it seems that the exposure changes as you go forward.

How did you in the rough seas between Panama and Grand Cayman? Thee was quite a lot of movement toward the bow.

Thanks!

Mike

[oneknee]

We did not feel the rough seas too much in our stateroom (d705). It did make the pool more fun though..kind of a wave pool on the at sea day!

 

Pat

[thepocketrockett]

We were also on the 12/10 - 20 cruise. Dolphin deck's balconies are totally open. When I called Princess and asked them about it they said it was partially covered as it was when we were on Dolphin deck on the Grand. There was absolutely no privacy. The sea got very rocky the night we left Panama for Grand Cayman and as other people have said all tours were cancelled in Grand Cayman. But it does have good shopping so that should be some consolation:)

[Guest THE EDS]

How did you in the rough seas between Panama and Grand Cayman? Thee was quite a lot of movement toward the bow

 

We have been on in the last 2 years the Horizon, the Zenith, the Constellation (New England) and the Oosterdam this was by FAR the worst movement, even in mid ship we were really rockin' and rollin'. On the Zenith we out ran a hurricane and there was nothing as bad as the Coral.

 

THE EDS

[Guest THE EDS]

Hi!

Thanks for the extra insight on the balconies. We were in C217 and could not look down into any other balconies. Since you were more mid-ships, it seems that the exposure changes as you go forward.

How did you in the rough seas between Panama and Grand Cayman? Thee was quite a lot of movement toward the bow.

Thanks!

Mike

I posted a reply it seems without your quote Mike so the reply really doesn't make much sense so I am posting another to clear up the mystery message

 

THE EDS