Alaska on the Coral in September?

[crusinbanjo]

Some Australian friends asked us to join them on the Coral Princess for the September 3, 2012 cruise to Alaska. Mrs Banjo & I have been to Alaska twice, (and showing my age here), the first time in 1990 on the original Island Princess, and again on the Regent Mariner in 2006.

 

So here is my dilemma, actually two dilemmas;

 

First I was reading another thread that said the Coral will be going into Dry dock in September, 2 weeks after our cruise. Will the ship be in good condition? Or will the ship & crew be looking like they are ready for some time off and some refurbishing.

 

Second, Mrs Banjo & I have never sailed on a ship this big! Actually, how big is this ship? The Princess website says it has over 700 balconies, but doesn't say the passenger capacity. We don't want to disappoint our friends, but we don't want to be disappointed by the ship!

 

Any help and comments are appreciated!

[CA Dave]

about 1970 passenger capacity.

 

I've only read other posts who say generally that some refurb activity may begin days or weeks before drydock but they try not to inconvenience the passengers. Some of those passengers have complained that they WERE inconvenienced.

 

In only 5 previous cruises I have never seen a ship in 'bad' condition but other more travelled passengers may have another take?

 

I hope this helps,

 

dz

[mr green]

By to days standards, Coral is a 'small ship', with more space per passenger than almost any other that you care to name.

Having said that IMO Alaska in Sept. is not the best time of year, cool, dark, and damp, might best describe it.

That being said Coral is a great ship.

 

john

[Carolyn&Phil]

We were on the Coral to Alaska this past September; late in the season, but we had a wonderful time. We also did the land portion to McKinley, Denali and Fairbanks. The entire cruise/tour was fantastic. We have been to Alaska twice but never experienced the fall colors.

 

The Coral was delightful, as some have said, smaller by today's standards, but we found it to be fine.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy your cruise.:)

[Loonbeam]

We did Sept in Alaska on the Coral in 09. You may not see as much sea life, but if you do the land portion the wildlife is plentiful and the temp cool but comfy!