Colo Cruiser Posted September 15, 2015 #26 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Thanks for the comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanmarcosman Posted September 15, 2015 #27 Share Posted September 15, 2015 That was a helpful review, thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrayFal Posted September 15, 2015 #28 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Same as on the other Princess ships. $25/person for Sabatini's and for the steakhouse. Thx :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare js10 Posted September 16, 2015 Author #29 Share Posted September 16, 2015 We did Sabatini's while on the Coral--wonderful meal and service and, as stated, $25. The only surprise for me was how empty it was. I forget what time we were seated but there were only three other tables being served while we were there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TriumphGuy'sWife Posted January 1, 2016 #30 Share Posted January 1, 2016 js10, Thanks for your review; that was great. :) Our first cruise ever is February 5 to Panama Canal! Very excited, and we've been reading as much as we can here on CC. Diane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seafoam Green Posted January 1, 2016 #31 Share Posted January 1, 2016 Nice review - thanks for posting. Loved the partial transit on the Coral last February, while feet of snow fell at home... :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiFunCruiser Posted January 2, 2016 #32 Share Posted January 2, 2016 Nice review, thank you and glad you enjoyed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramley8 Posted January 3, 2016 #33 Share Posted January 3, 2016 Just off the Coral Princess 11 day Panama Canal partial transit out of Ft. Lauderdale. First a sincere thank you to all the Cruise Critic members who provided valuable information as I prepared for this cruise. From the suggestion to read Path Between the Seas to the tip to stake out a spot early on the "secret" forward balcony on the Baja deck for the morning passage through the Gatun Locks, you're input made this wonderful cruise even more enjoyable. Pre-cruise and Embarkation We stayed in the Hilton Marina for the night before the cruise. A bit pricey at $210 but extremely convenient to the cruise port. We even saw a few cruisers walking from the hotel to the port. This would only be practical if you were on a Princess ship since their berths are the closest to the hotels on 17th Street. We took a cab from the hotel and it was actually similar in cost to shuttle tickets. Be aware, however, that friends staying at the Hyatt Pier 66 which is almost as close as the Hilton took 45 minutes to get to the Coral berth due to severe traffic and had quite an expensive cab ride. We were told there were nine ships in port on the day we left and even a town as experienced with cruise traffic as Ft. Lauderdale had a hard time handling it. For those intending to take their allotted wine quota on board there is a Walgreen's a block away and they have a limited selection there. Another positive is that the water taxi Stop Five is only steps from the hotel's property. Big City Tavern on Las Olas Blvd. was a great place for drinks and food and was only minutes from two water taxi stops. We arrived at the port at 11:30, were processed very quickly, sat for about 15 minutes in the lounge, and were on board by 12:15. Ship, Staff, Food, Entertainment We were on deck 11/Baja in a forward standard balcony cabin. The Coral Princess is in great shape for her age. Although it is a large ship it has a small feel, perhaps due to the narrow width that allows passage through the Panama Canal. The casino is very small but the other public areas seem to be approximately the same size as other ships I have been on. I had read on CC that the showers in the standard balcony cabins were small but we were still surprised at the dimensions. Anyone who needs a shower of anything close to normal size should seriously consider looking a the mini-suites. Chair hogs were alive and well but lounge chairs could always be found in forward areas away from the pool. As would be expected on an 11 day itinerary, it was an older crowd on this particular cruise. We were told by many people that the shop was at full capacity but we did not experience lines or waits anywhere on board including the elevators. The port side of the ship seemed to have the best views as we entered four of the five ports. I found it interesting that on the third day of the cruise our cabin attendant told us that we were scheduled for carpet replacement the following day. She said it was completely up to us and when we declined it was not big deal. Evaluation of food is purely subjective. For dinner we had traditional dining, late seating and I personally found the food to be consistently very good but not quite rising to the level of outstanding. The food was always hot and the portions were appropriate considering how many courses are offered. The vast majority of passengers followed the dress code on both formal and smart casual nights. Food in the buffet was fine. At breakfast there was never a line for the buffet or for omelets which is very unusual. The pizza is not only the best at sea, it is better than most on land as well. Ditto for the fresh rolls which I consumed at breakfast, lunch and dinner! The only real negative for me on the entire cruise--and a change from past Princess cruises--was the constant attempts to sell water and beverages while we were eating meals at any time of day and at any venue. In the Horizon we were approached multiple times during breakfasts to purchase water for port visits or to purchase different varieties of mimosa type drinks. At dinner we were offered drinks of the day and specialty coffees while we were eating. Yes I know, all you have to do is say no, and I politely did so. But multiple times for the same product during the same meal is over the line for me. Our room attendant (Marikris) and our head waiter (Christian) were outstanding. The entire bar staff at Crooners worked hard for us each evening and always had a smile even when things got hectic. I found it interesting that the cruise director (Susan) somehow found the time to lead the daily Zumba class in addition to all of her other duties. A clear majority of the staff were sincerely friendly, a minority seemed to want to be somewhere else. The major production shows were the best I have ever experienced on a cruise. Do not miss Motor City, On the Bayou, and Dance. The singers and dancers were extremely talented and enthusiastic. I was very pleased to see that Princess still has a live orchestra and the costumes and sets were more like you might find in a land based theater rather than a cruise ship. The "pool band" was fine and played multiple venues throughout the day and night. If you are looking for a cruise with nightclub style dancing after 10:00, the Panama Canal itinerary will probably not suit you. The ship did a good job with the Super Bowl and MUTS seemed popular. No matter what was going on around the pool, you can always find a seat in the hot tub. Ports Aruba--we spent the day on Palm Beach. The city bus terminal is directly across the street from the cruise port and fares are $2 each way and run every 15 minutes. This is far cheaper than a taxi and the buses are clean and convenient. We took a one mile walk on the beach starting at DePalm pier. We found a nice section of the beach where we could sun and swim. We then walked back stopping at the Moomba Bar for a drink and then the Bugaloe Bar on DePalm Pier for lunch and drinks. Bugaloe is a great bar! Cartagena--we did the Princess excursion, "Old City On Your Own." The bus stopped briefly at the fortress for pictures and then gave us a 45 minute guided tour of the Old City. We then had approximately 1 1/2 hours to explore further on our own. We could have saved a little by using a taxi here and doing it on our own but due to the limited time in port we opted for the security of an excursion. Panama Canal--Up at 5:00 and on the forward viewing area on deck 11 by 5:15. The door is marked "No Admittance" but a room attendant assured us that the area was available on the day we were visiting the Panama Canal. We were the only people there for 15 minutes or so but the area gradually filled and by 6:15 it was shoulder to shoulder. It is magical approaching the canal from miles away in the dark. By the time you actually enter Gatun Lock the sun is up. By 8:30 or so we were in Gatun Lake and hustling to eat breakfast with everyone else prior to going on an excursion. After much deliberation (and with the help of multiple CC posters), we decided to take the full transit by ferry. We experienced all of the positives that people told us we would and none of the negatives that we were warned about. The experience in the locks is completely different in a small vessel as compared to a cruise ship. The ferry features seating that is 95% covered or enclosed so heat was not a problem for us. The lunch was much better than the "bag lunch" we had been warned about and the wait to enter the locks was minimal. I asked one of the guides on board if I could get some pictures from the top of the ferry and he took us to the bridge where we met the captain and the canal pilot. The view of the Pacific and Panama City is very impressive. We were back on board by 5:00 or so. Costa Rica--We did the Princess excursion to the Veragua rainforest. This is an educational excursion that is $129 but well worth it. The only negative is the road that must be used to get you there. If you get motion sickness or have a bad back that is aggravated by a very bumpy ride you might want to think twice about this trip. Jamaica--We hired a private tour through Marvyn's Paradise Tours. Marvyn (you will get to know him on a first name basis if you use him!) quoted a price of $60 apiece to visit Blue Hole, a gated beach, and Scotchies for lunch. We also had to pay the $10 entry fee to Blue Hole and buy our own lunch. You really cannot get a feel for Blue Hole without visiting it. It is basically a beautiful waterfall with four or five small but deep pools of water downstream. A guide helps you to the falls and then gives you the option to jump into the pools from ledges of varying heights above the water ranging from maybe five feet to thirty feet. If you do this, try to get there as early as possible. We were the second car there and it was peaceful and private. With thirty people there the experience would not have been the same. The road to the falls is barely a road and will test your nerves as much as the jumps! Our driver gave us a tour of Ocho Rios on the way to the beach where we stayed until we got hungry for lunch. Then on to Scotchies for lunch--jerk chicken or pork for $4.50 and Red Stripes for $2.00. This place has been featured on the Cooking Channel and should not be missed. The nice thing about this itinerary is that all three venues are within thirty minutes of each other so you really never worry about getting back to the ship. Marvyn was highly recommended on Trip Advisor and our experience was very positive as well. Random thoughts I found this itinerary to be one that provided a wide variety of experiences. It is educational and features a great deal of history. You can visit beaches and rainforest. You visit another continent. You can cross the continental divide. It is a Caribbean cruise but much more. I have posted this before but I continue to worry that these ships are just getting too big. Multiple ships visiting small Caribbean ports are changing the very nature of these beautiful islands. I once again learned a great deal by simply engaging the staff of Coral Princess in conversation. I have found that asking crew members about their home countries, their families, their experiences on board almost always leads to an interesting exchange. Invariably they have personal stories that are amazing and sometimes heartbreaking when you consider the sacrifices they are making for their families back home. Again, thanks to the Cruise Critic community for the assistance that you provided that helped to make this cruise a su Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramley8 Posted January 3, 2016 #34 Share Posted January 3, 2016 Js10 what a great Review you have convinced me to give the Coral a try also your tips regarding where to go to eat and drink in Fort Lauderdale are most beneficial to us as we will be coming from the Uk thank you for your advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare js10 Posted January 4, 2016 Author #35 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Bramley8--Entire cruise was wonderful but the two highlights were the full transit by ferry excursion and the visit to Blue Hole. Enjoy your trip and be sure to post a report on your return! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jovisoul Posted January 10, 2016 #36 Share Posted January 10, 2016 Thank you for your review! We are doing this exact itinerary on the Coral beginning Oct. 29th! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeyancho Posted January 10, 2016 #37 Share Posted January 10, 2016 Thank you for your review! We are doing this exact itinerary on the Coral beginning Oct. 29th! You will love it! We were on the Dec 7,2015 sailing, it was amazing. Be sure to attend the enrichment lectures, they really add to the experience. Not the shopping talks, but the lectures given by Dr Dean. The Coral is a great ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMR123 Posted January 10, 2016 #38 Share Posted January 10, 2016 Need a little advice for canal day. If I take an excursion other than a full transit excursion of the locks ( I don't think I can convince DB to take that excursion) will I still have enough of a viewing of the Coral going through the locks? or will it be short lived? I do plan on taking getting off the ship and taking some type of excursion that won't be a full day. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollon Posted January 10, 2016 #39 Share Posted January 10, 2016 Can you describe the shows, I'll be on the Coral in Alaska, so I'm assuming the shows will be the same., Was it just singing and dancing or is there a storyline, etc. Was there plenty of activities to do onboard, games, trivia, comedy club - thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
golfb4cruzing Posted January 10, 2016 #40 Share Posted January 10, 2016 Thank you for your review! We are doing this exact itinerary on the Coral beginning Oct. 29th! We are as well and the excitement is growing daily. Every review seems to say great things about the ship and the stops. We have a trip in April but all we seem to talk about is this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeyancho Posted January 10, 2016 #41 Share Posted January 10, 2016 Need a little advice for canal day. If I take an excursion other than a full transit excursion of the locks ( I don't think I can convince DB to take that excursion) will I still have enough of a viewing of the Coral going through the locks? or will it be short lived? I do plan on taking getting off the ship and taking some type of excursion that won't be a full day. Thanks I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. It takes 2 hours to transit the locks. Everyone does that. Then the ship anchors on Lake Gatun. Shore excursions debark here. The ship then transits the locks in the opposite direction. The tours meet up with the ship where they dock in Colon. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare js10 Posted January 11, 2016 Author #42 Share Posted January 11, 2016 CMR123--Do some research on CC about the full transit by ferry excursion--you will find many responses, some strongly recommending the excursion and some strongly recommending against it. My two cents is that the excursion is a must unless you plan to return to the Canal some day and take a full transit on the ship. While simply passing through Gatun locks will give you a complete appreciation of the lock system (and I have been told that going back through on a nearly deserted ship is very cool!), you will miss so much else such as the Cut, the water level perspective, and the entry into the Pacific with a view of the Panama City skyline. It is a full day but I found it very doable and I was 64 years old at the time of the cruise. Either way you will love the Canal experience! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northender Posted January 18, 2016 #43 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Does the Coral Princess have a Chefs Table on the partial transit? Thanks.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted January 18, 2016 #44 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Does the Coral Princess have a Chefs Table on the partial transit? Thanks.:) Yes. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northender Posted January 18, 2016 #45 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Thanks, Keith. I didn't want to start a new thread for this question. :D:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted January 18, 2016 #46 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Thanks, Keith. I didn't want to start a new thread for this question.:D:D:D Your welcome. Of course its still up to the MD/Exec Chef if they will hold them on a particular cruise. Interest is also a factor. Not enough sign up then its a no go as well. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunbird51 Posted January 19, 2016 #47 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I think I know but will someone answer so I'll be sure. After transit by ferry of the Gaillard cut and the Pacific locks, then boarding a bus in Panama City, where exactly do you meet back up with the ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare h20skibum Posted January 19, 2016 #48 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I think I know but will someone answer so I'll be sure. After transit by ferry of the Gaillard cut and the Pacific locks, then boarding a bus in Panama City, where exactly do you meet back up with the ship? The bus takes you back to the dock in Colon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunbird51 Posted January 19, 2016 #49 Share Posted January 19, 2016 Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabulous Posted January 26, 2016 #50 Share Posted January 26, 2016 Thanks for a great review. What were the prices of a tour off the ship, and was there enough availability. Any other info u have would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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