Princess Cruises
This is a comfortable mid-size ship for mature-age cruisers
The Ship. Coral Princess (sister to Island Princess) has an instantly recognizable funnel due to two jet engine-like pods high up on its structure, but these really are mainly for decoration. Four diesel engines provide the generating power.
The layout is quite user-friendly and less disjointed than on many ships of a similar size. The interior layout is similar to that of the Grand-class ships, but with two decks of public rooms, lounges, and bars instead of just one. Sensibly, it has three major stair towers. Coral Princess has a walk-around open promenade deck, a feature appreciated by many. An adults-only ‘Sanctuary’ area is available as an extra-cost quiet zone, with comfortable padded sunloungers. There’s a large ‘Movies Under the Stars’ screen in a second pool area forward of the funnel.
The ship has a Wedding Chapel, from which a live web-cam can relay ceremonies via the Internet. The ship’s captain can legally marry (American) couples, thanks to the ship’s registry and a special dispensation – though this may depend on where you live – to be verified when in the planning stage. The Wedding Chapel can also host renewal of vows ceremonies, for a fee.
Also, at the forward end of decks 10 and 11, doors open onto an observation terrace.
Niggles include the fact that the forward elevators go between decks 15 and 7, so you need to change elevators to get down to the dining rooms on Deck 5. Also unpopular are the user-unfriendly automated telephone system, the small cabin towels, having to pay extra for items such as ice cream, and needing change for the washers and dryers in the self-service launderettes.
Overall, however, Princess Cruises delivers a consistently fine, comfortable, well-packaged product, always with a good degree of style, at a competitive price.
Accommodation. With many different price categories, there’s a wide choice: 16 suites with balcony (470 sq ft/43.6 sq m); 184 mini-suites with balcony (285–302 sq ft/26.5–28 sq m); eight mini-suites without balcony (300 sq ft/27.8 sq m); 527 outside-view cabins with balcony (217–232 sq ft/ 20–21.5 sq m); 144 standard outside-view cabins (162 sq ft/15 sq m); plus 108 interior cabins (156 sq ft/14.5 sq m). There are 20 wheelchair-accessible cabins (217–374 sq ft/20–34.7 sq m). All measurements are approximate. Almost all outside-view cabins have private balconies. Some cabins can accommodate a third, or third and fourth person, which is good for families with children. Some cabins on Emerald Deck (Deck 8) have a view obstructed by lifeboats.
Suites are located on either Deck 9 or Deck 10, but none has an aft view. There are also four Premium Suites, located sensibly in the ship’s center, adjacent to a bank of six elevators. Six other suites, called Verandah Suites, are located further aft.
Nearly all accommodation is equipped with a refrigerator, personal safe, interactive TV, hairdryer, satellite-dial telephone, and twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed. All cabins have a bathroom with shower enclosure and toilet. Suites and mini-suites (there are several price categories) come with a bathtub, separate shower enclosure, and two TV sets.
Cabin attendants have many cabins to look after – typically 20 – which does not translate to fine personal service.
Dining. The two main dining rooms, Bordeaux and Provence, are located forward, on the two lowest passenger decks. Both are almost identical in design and layout. The ceilings are quite low and make the rooms appear confined. They have plenty of intimate alcoves, and tables are for two to eight. There are two seatings for dinner (or you can opt for ‘Anytime Dining’ in the Bordeaux Restaurant), while breakfast and lunch are on an open-seating basis. You may have to wait at peak times.
Although portions are generous, the food and its presentation are disappointing and standardized – it’s mass catering, after all. Fish is often disguised with sauces or coatings, the choice of fresh green vegetables is limited, few garnishes are used, and cheese is either pre-sliced or diced. Pasta dishes are acceptable (though voluminous).
Horizon Court, a casual eatery that is open almost 24 hours, is located in the forward section of Lido Deck, with superb ocean views. Several self-serve counters provide breakfast and lunch buffets, and offer bistro-style casual dinners in the evening. The venue is a bit short on seating, however.
There are two specialty dining rooms: Sabatini’s and the Bayou Café. Both cost extra. Sabatini’s is an Italian eatery, with colorful tiled Mediterranean-style decor; it is named after Trattoria Sabatini, the historic institution in Florence. It has Italian-style pizzas and pastas, and Italian-style entrées (mains) – all served with flair. The food is both creative and tasty, with seriously sized portions. Sabatini’s is by reservation only, and there’s a cover charge.
Bayou Café (reservations required) is open for lunch and dinner and has a cover charge (this includes a Hurricane cocktail). It evokes the charm of New Orleans’ French Quarter, with wrought-iron decoration, and features Cajun/Creole cuisine. The venue has a small stage with baby grand piano.
Entertainment. The Princess Theater is two decks high and, unusually, has much more seating in the upper level than on the main floor. Productions are colorful, glamorous affairs with well-designed costumes and good lighting.
A second entertainment lounge (Universe Lounge) is used for cabaret-style shows. It also has two levels – a first for a Princess Cruises ship – and three separate stages, enabling non-stop entertainment without constant set-ups. The room, with a full kitchen set, is also used for cooking demonstrations and other life-enrichment participation activities. There is a good mix of music in the various bars and lounges.
Spa/Fitness. The Lotus Spa is located aft on one of the uppermost decks. It contains men’s and women’s saunas, steam rooms, changing rooms, relaxation area, beauty salon, body-treatment rooms, and an aerobics exercise room and gymnasium with ocean views and high-tech muscle-pumping equipment.
Sports enthusiasts will find a nine-hole golf putting course, two computerized golf simulators, and a sports court.