Ship for Alaska

[Namvvet68]

23 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

I have sailed on Coral Princess and Star Princess.  I choose Coral.  Her Horizon Court Restaurant overlooking the bow is great for Alaska sightseeing, particularly when the weather outside is not the best.  Star Princess is a nice ship, but it does not have that type of venue.

The location of the Horizon Court forward with 180 degree view was great for us. We spent hours playing games and watching the beautiful scenery go by.   The other ships do not have anyplace inside with that kind of view.

I would also check the dates of the last refurbishment for each ship.

[BarbinMich]

7 minutes ago, Namvvet68 said:

The location of the Horizon Court forward with 180 degree view was great for us. We spent hours playing games and watching the beautiful scenery go by.   The other ships do not have anyplace inside with that kind of view. . .

Yes, that was a pleasant surprise when we first sailed on the Coral although we didn't go there except for meals.

[rkacruiser]

18 minutes ago, Namvvet68 said:

We spent hours playing games and watching the beautiful scenery go by.

 

Forgive, please, this negative comment.  It's meant to be informative.

 

Playing games or just occupying table in the Horizon Court during prime meal times without dining is something that many do.  Tables, during prime meal times, are at a premium for those guests who are there to primarily dine.  Finding a place to sit was a constant problem that I had on Coral Princess (and even on Royal Princess as well--for the same reason).  

[Namvvet68]

33 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Forgive, please, this negative comment.  It's meant to be informative.

 

Playing games or just occupying table in the Horizon Court during prime meal times without dining is something that many do.  Tables, during prime meal times, are at a premium for those guests who are there to primarily dine.  Finding a place to sit was a constant problem that I had on Coral Princess (and even on Royal Princess as well--for the same reason).  

On 5/26/2020 at 2:29 PM, rkacruiser said:

I have sailed on Coral Princess and Star Princess.  I choose Coral.  Her Horizon Court Restaurant overlooking the bow is great for Alaska sightseeing, particularly when the weather outside is not the best.  Star Princess is a nice ship, but it does not have that type of venue.

The location of the Horizon Court forward with 180 degree view was great for us. We spent hours playing games and watching the beautiful scenery go by.   The other ships do not have anyplace inside with that kind of view.

I would also check the dates of the last refurbishment for each ship.

 

We did not occupy tables during crowded times, only when there were plenty of empty tables. 

[Namvvet68]

We did not occupy tables during crowded times, only when there were plenty of empty tables. On our cruise the HC was not crowded most of the time. Have had harder time finding a buffet table on other ships.  We now eat most of our meals in one of the any time restaurants or Crown Grill.

[rkacruiser]

3 minutes ago, Namvvet68 said:

We did not occupy tables during crowded times, only when there were plenty of empty tables. 

 

Thank you for doing so.  More cruise guests need to be so considerate.  

[Eagle_and_hawk]

It would be the Coral for us too, as our favorite ship in the fleet. Two Panama Canal runs & one in Alaska.

[Papa Yoda]

12 hours ago, Coral said:

I swore the Sapphire has loungers and the Star (and similar ships) have chairs on the deck. Things may have changed since I was on them.

 

Wide with lounger, I'd say you are right

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/sapphire-princess-300/member-4/82891/

Edited May 28, 2020 by Ferd Berfle

[nini]

We prefer the Grand Class with Vines and an International Café (in a nice location).

with the Star and Sapphire, you will also get Skywalker's for viewing. We loved it because

while in Glacier Bay et. we could be outside and then run into Skywalker's for a warm

break. We also loved it for a viewing area and games during the day.

 

We personally do not care for the Coral. Yes, Horizon Court is in the front of the

ship and you will be lucky to see out if they clean the windows. It was not easy to see out

on our Panama Canal cruise because it was also humid. The International Café is next 

to the smoky casino and there is no Vines. Yes, I know it is a very popular ship. 

 

So, bottom line, book the one that suits you best. We have cruised Alaska 4 times!!! LOVE IT!

 

 

[westcoaster]

On 5/27/2020 at 11:33 AM, Coral said:

I swore the Sapphire has loungers and the Star (and similar ships) have chairs on the deck. Things may have changed since I was on them.

You are correct, at least in my experience on both ships.  The Sapphire had the full loungers while the Star only had shorter length chairs.  The narrower deck on the Star would limit the amount of walking space if they used the full length loungers.

[Coral]

37 minutes ago, westcoaster said:

You are correct, at least in my experience on both ships.  The Sapphire had the full loungers while the Star only had shorter length chairs.  The narrower deck on the Star would limit the amount of walking space if they used the full length loungers.

I have spent a lot of time on those loungers in Alaska and Norway. Great place to watch scenery go by and read a book.

[westcoaster]

18 minutes ago, Coral said:

I have spent a lot of time on those loungers in Alaska and Norway. Great place to watch scenery go by and read a book.

My favorite spot on the ship!  If I have the choice, I would always pick Sapphire/Diamond or Island/Coral over the regular Grand Class ships because of the wider promenade with loungers.  I believe the Sun Class ships also have the wide decks with loungers, but it's been about 20 years since I was on one of those.

[StrawberryHill]

Coral - Our favorite ship. A bit smaller than the other 2.   Feels less crowded  Been to Alaska on the Coral and loved it

 

Sapphire next - Been to Alaska on the Sapphire.  More room for viewing , but more people on board

 

Star is last choice because I have never sailed on the Star

1

[LoriPhil]

Have sailed all three and the Coral remains our favorite for Alaska.  Wide promenade deck encircling the ship, fore and aft deck public viewing, terrific library with large comfy chairs in front of picture windows, with the card/game room (also with large windows) on the opposite side. We enjoy the Horizon Court location - in addition to the panoramic viewing it’s much easier to find seating when the dining area is a contiguous space.  Any of these ships would offer a great experience, but we would choose the Coral.

[Coral]

21 minutes ago, westcoaster said:

My favorite spot on the ship!  If I have the choice, I would always pick Sapphire/Diamond or Island/Coral over the regular Grand Class ships because of the wider promenade with loungers.  I believe the Sun Class ships also have the wide decks with loungers, but it's been about 20 years since I was on one of those.

Likewise! I loved the Sun Class ships also but it has been awhile since I have sailed them. Too long actually.

 

I do like the Vista Lounge on the original Grand class over Club (con)Fusion.

[ElkGroveCruiser]

Any ship that'll get me there!

[Thrak]

I guess I need to revise my earlier posting. I had forgotten about Sapphire having the wide promenade deck and I absolutely love Vines. Given these lapses in my earlier considerations I might have to go with Sapphire as first choice. I do love the fore and aft viewing decks on Coral (and have a favorite cabin on that ship) The extra wide promenade and Vines really do make a difference.

[Dar & Bob]

Thank you everyone for your responses.  We have decided to go with Sapphire, the date and the price helped in the decision.  

I still look forward to any tips for a great trip.  

 

[BigHouseFootball]

I’ll throw my question in this thread instead of starting a new one. 
 

Wife and I are Royal Caribbean vets but seriously  considering Princess for Alaska, which would be our first on Princess. 
 

we are also looking at these ships with a balcony cabin. Any recommendations? From looking at pictures it seems like some balconies people can look down on you from above? 
 

what decks/locations are best for balconies and which locations would you avoid?

 

thank you!

[Coral]

7 hours ago, BigHouseFootball said:

I’ll throw my question in this thread instead of starting a new one. 
 

Wife and I are Royal Caribbean vets but seriously  considering Princess for Alaska, which would be our first on Princess. 
 

we are also looking at these ships with a balcony cabin. Any recommendations? From looking at pictures it seems like some balconies people can look down on you from above? 
 

what decks/locations are best for balconies and which locations would you avoid?

 

thank you!

Look at Caribe balconies on Star/Sapphire. They are half covered half open and larger than some other balconies on other decks.

[Dar & Bob]

1 minute ago, Coral said:

Look at Caribe balconies on Star/Sapphire. They are half covered half open and larger than some other balconies on other decks.

I seem to remember that Dolphin was fully covered, I realize those are mini suites.  Is that the case?

 

[Coral]

3 minutes ago, Dar & Bob said:

I seem to remember that Dolphin was fully covered, I realize those are mini suites.  Is that the case?

 

Emerald Minisuites that are aft are covered and are great. If you get it E731 on the Sapphire, it is the best cabin IMO and has a larger extended balcony (not including suites). Dolphin are not covered.

Edited May 29, 2020 by Coral

[Roger88]

If I plan a nonbudget cruise, balconies are mandatory. I like to stay on my balcony and view the ocean and breath some fresh air without the need of leaving my cabin. This is some sort of luxury you get when you cruise in a cabin with a balcony. I wonder whether they will rise in prices. Such cabins will be most demanded these days cause everyone want to have a fresh air circulating in their cabin 

[Dar & Bob]

1 hour ago, Roger88 said:

If I plan a nonbudget cruise, balconies are mandatory. I like to stay on my balcony and view the ocean and breath some fresh air without the need of leaving my cabin. This is some sort of luxury you get when you cruise in a cabin with a balcony. I wonder whether they will rise in prices. Such cabins will be most demanded these days cause everyone want to have a fresh air circulating in their cabin 

Right now the prices are the same or a bit lower than the cabin I had on hold for this summer.  With the new Princess Plus I can get all the extras for a small price and was able to even get club class.  So IMO the prices are actually down a little comparing 2020 to 2021