Texas Tillie Posted January 11, 2008 #1 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I'm planning an Alaska cruisetour for August, 2008. Have determined that the Copper River Explorer from Anchorage has the best of what I want to see. Now I need to select a ship for the cruise part. Background, I am 61 and not an "old lady", but not a party animal either. This will be my third cruise - last August on the HAL Volendam from Seward to Vancouver after a land tour (not from the cruise line) and a 7 day Western Caribbean this past November on the Crystal Symphony. I know it's going to be a little difficult to "regress" after Crystal - but for Alaska this will work. (And there is that little thing called $$$!) I generally liked HAL and found the size of the Volendam to be just about right. Since the Island and the Coral are the "smallest" ships Princess offers on the southbound route, I'm looking at both. They seem to be identical, but it appears from what I've read here on CC and other places that the Island gets slightly higher ratings. I'm open for any suggestions! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Tillie Posted January 12, 2008 Author #2 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Should I assume, since no one has responded to my question, that the Princess regulars don't think there will be any difference in sailing on the Island or the Coral, and that I should just book either based on the date that's best for me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelnAl Posted January 12, 2008 #3 Share Posted January 12, 2008 I have been on both, the Island for Alaska and the Coral for the Panama Canal. Really could not see any difference between them. The layout was exactly the same. Others on the CC board rate the Coral as the best due to crew, ambiance, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted January 12, 2008 #4 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Other then a few decor differences both ships are identical. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenna Posted January 12, 2008 #5 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Took an Alaskan cruise tour on the Island this past September. It was great!! I met quite a few passengers who had been on both ships and the comments were: identical in lay-out and also in service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Tillie Posted January 12, 2008 Author #6 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Thanks for the info. I think I'll be going with the Island because the date is better. Once I get with my TA it all could change. I'm planning on a mini-suite. I see that the AF does not have the verandah. If I do an AE guarantee, how often (if ever) does Princess upgrade you to an AC or better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted January 12, 2008 #7 Share Posted January 12, 2008 If I do an AE guarantee, how often (if ever) does Princess upgrade you to an AC or better? In Alaska probaly not that often as the sailings will usually fill up to capacity. If you know a particular cabin that you want then grab it, otherwise get the gty and hope for the best. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mully too Posted January 13, 2008 #8 Share Posted January 13, 2008 I agree. You will love either ship. We did the Island on the Panama Canal cruise and the Coral to Alaska. Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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