Coral, Island, Star

[uppitycats]

These are the three ships that I'm focusing on, for a cruise through the Panama Canal. (complete transit).

 

Here are my issues: I will not be getting off the ship -- I use a wheelchair, and most of the excursions aren't really conducive to someone in a chair.

 

My husband is not likely to get off the ship, unless he finds a last-minute excursion that appeals to him. He's not thrilled about going to the Panama Canal, but is doing it to make me happy (and if Momma's happy, everyone's happy! :D ) So itinerary isn't so much an issue -- we've never seen any of this part of the world before, so wouldn't know the difference between the ports anyway (but if you know of a particular excursion that REALLY is a "must-do", let me know! I'll ask on the Panama board, too! :) )

 

So I'm looking for on-board activities.

 

In the past we've always liked Princess' on-board lectures (we've been on several cruises to Alaska, for example). And I love the afternoon tea, my husband loves the Wheelhouse Bar (at least that's what it was called on the Sun). We don't "do" the casino or bingo, but have been known to play with trivia from time to time.

 

We've been on the Island...are there any significant differences among these three ships that we should know about, that might tip us to one over the other?

[Ljoy]

I did the Panama Canal cruise on the Coral which is the sister ship of the Island Princess. Good size ship as far as being easy to get around.

I've never been on the Star

I'm sure they are all good.

[mii]

You can eliminate the Star as that ship cannot fit through the canl. so that leaves the Coral and the Island and they are sister ships so basically they are the same. I have been on the Coral 6 times and love that ship. The Island is the same.

 

marilyn

[Colo Cruiser]

The Coral/Island are sister ships and identical barring the wetdock the Island went through in May 08. On it the sanctuary was added and a general spiffing up.

 

The Coral has not had its big drydock yet but it is coming in the future.

 

The Star is too big to fit in the canal so no Panama for it.

[marne001]

These are the three ships that I'm focusing on, for a cruise through the Panama Canal. (complete transit).

 

Here are my issues: I will not be getting off the ship -- I use a wheelchair, and most of the excursions aren't really conducive to someone in a chair.

 

My husband is not likely to get off the ship, unless he finds a last-minute excursion that appeals to him. He's not thrilled about going to the Panama Canal, but is doing it to make me happy (and if Momma's happy, everyone's happy! :D ) So itinerary isn't so much an issue -- we've never seen any of this part of the world before, so wouldn't know the difference between the ports anyway (but if you know of a particular excursion that REALLY is a "must-do", let me know! I'll ask on the Panama board, too! :) )

 

So I'm looking for on-board activities.

 

In the past we've always liked Princess' on-board lectures (we've been on several cruises to Alaska, for example). And I love the afternoon tea, my husband loves the Wheelhouse Bar (at least that's what it was called on the Sun). We don't "do" the casino or bingo, but have been known to play with trivia from time to time.

 

We've been on the Island...are there any significant differences among these three ships that we should know about, that might tip us to one over the other?

..at the ease of leaving the ship and getting around in most ports. I do not know your exact itinerary, but would guess Colon (Panama) you should take the tour to the locks. Another port might be Limon, Costa Rica and unless you want to see the Chagress river, stay on board--I have seen it once and will be enjoying the ship that day.

 

If you have a small "scooter" rather than a full wheelchair, you will get around the ship and port easier (I know, duh). Be sure to book a wheelchair room so you can turn around!!!

One good thing about Princess is the back rows in the theater are reserved for wheelchairs so you can just roll up and park beside one of the mini table-ets.

 

Aruba is nice, but might be harder for you to get around.

 

Marne

[uppitycats]

The Coral/Island are sister ships and identical barring the wetdock the Island went through in May 08. On it the sanctuary was added and a general spiffing up.

 

The Coral has not had its big drydock yet but it is coming in the future.

 

The Star is too big to fit in the canal so no Panama for it.

 

That's interesting information about the Star!! I'd asked about it on another thread, and it seemed like it was doing full transits?? Anyway..

 

OK..cross THAT one off my list! :)

[LARGIN]

No Star and since the Island and Coral are identical sister ships you have an easy choice. Personally I prefer the crew on the Coral..

[Colo Cruiser]

That's interesting information about the Star!! I'd asked about it on another thread, and it seemed like it was doing full transits?? Anyway..

 

OK..cross THAT one off my list! :)

 

Maybe referring to the Star going around the Horn?

[travelnnana]

Princess is very good with wheelchair passengers - talk to them aboutthe tours - Im going to upload my Canal Cruise album to Picasa - I will send the link when I get it done