Coral or Diamond to Alaska

[klgallo]

We have three families (six adults and three kids--4,6,11) planning a trip to Alaska next June. We are looking at the Coral and the Diamond. Which one should we chose?

 

Thanks for all your help!!

[Druke I]

Perhaps a hard call.

 

I much prefer Coral/Island Princess to the larger Diamond Princess.

 

I think any ship too large to fit through the current Panama Canal locks is too big!

[Roxilla]

The Coral is laid out very nicely and does not feel as crowded. It seems more intimate although it is still a large ship. My vote is on the Coral.;)

[Coral]

Here are the answers to your question the other day:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=576206

[donna travels]

I was on the Diamond June 2-9 and found the ship was laid out really nice and never did we feel crowded at all. I also didn't feel like I was on a very large ship. I was surprised at the amount of families on the ship however you never really saw the kids. Do the southbound cruise and I would not recommend the Dolphin deck for balconies as they are open, do the Caribe deck.

[Embracedbylife]

My vote is for Diamond :) I loved sailing her to Alaska this past May! Didn't feel over crowded at all.

[tbenson81]

We have been on both the Island and the Sapphire and I will give you a few reasons why the Sapphire / Diamond is better. Dont get me wrong, the Island is a terrific ship, but its lacking in some areas and doesnt seem to have any real advantages over the Sapphire / Diamond. I disagree with the statement that the bigger ship feels more crowded, we really didnt get that impression. Anyways - here are just a few reasons to choose the bigger ship.

 

1. More dining choices - 4 main dining rooms all themed on the Sapphire / Diamond. Offers a little more variety.

 

2. Much, much, much better theatre. The sapphire/ diamond has 2 levels with entrances and is much easier to get in and out. If you are on the island or coral - there is only 1 level you can enter from. The island / coral theatre is smaller and you have to get there 5 hrs early to get a seat.

 

3. Better Casino- Much bigger casino with better layout

 

4. Skywalkers - nice aft lounge with great views in Alaska

 

5. If you book early enough, you can score a true aft balcony on the bigger ship. There are no true aft balcony cabins on the island or coral. These are great for the inside passage