Coral vs Star Princess for large group ages 10 - 80yos

[carpathia]

We are planning a celebration trip for this summer and have narrowed the two ships down to the Southbound Coral Princess and the Northbound Star Princess Alaska cruises. I know everyone says Coral is THE boat to the see Alaska because it is smaller and has nicer viewing areas, but as far as things to do/activities on board for a group with a wide age range (half the group will be kids/teens), which boat do you think offers more in the way of entertainment?

 

Thanks!

[Colo Cruiser]

You can't go wrong with either choice.

If I had to pick it would be the Coral.

[fishywood]

Star Princess does have Skywalkers nightclub for the late night dancers, and a much larger International Cafe for 24 hour munchies. Are you planning to all dine together most nights? You may have better luck with Star Princess' setup of three dining rooms vs. two on Coral. If you want to do fixed seating dining make sure every cabin is cross-referenced with every other under all the booking numbers so you will be assigned together. For early seating you need to book ASAP, likely there is already a wait list.

 

On Star the kids and teens clubs are in a better location with an separate open deck area for each group. Both ships have covered pools, but Coral also has the Horizon Court facing forward rather than located aft. Easy access and nice views, but also packed with table hogs on glacier cruising days.

 

Evening entertainment should be similar on both ships. There won't be as many options as on, say, a Caribbean cruise because Alaska is much more about the itinerary: some later port calls, plus the sun not setting until quite late, does reduce attendance at the shows. Nice to be able to hang out on the outside decks so far into the evening, weather permitting.

 

So honestly you can't go wrong with either. You would be best served finding an agent familiar with large bookings on Princess who can compare deals within each cabin category for you.

[jennybenny]

We've sailed on both. They are both great ships, but I agree with previous poster that the Star might be a better choice with the kids. My kids did not cruise with us when we went on the Coral. They were on the Star and loved it