Coral Princess
Coral Princess / Princess Cruises
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Cruise

Coral Princess

Our Ship Review
by Nancy Dunn
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

There are some destinations where cruise ship size really matters, none more than the Panama Canal. The 2,000-passenger Coral Princess was built to fit the specific criteria needed to navigate the canal’s original locks and (along with her almost-identical sister, Island Princess) spends much of the year traversing the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic and back, and also taking guests on a global adventure during Princess Cruises’ world cruises. The ship’s small size means the onboard activities are more laid-back than on megaships, with sitting back and enjoying the view a preferred way to pass the time.

What We Love

Wheelhouse Bar: There are plenty of cozy places for two at this Promenade Deck bar, and large windows frame the night sky over the sea. Live music adds to the atmosphere. For piano singalongs, guests can also head to the cozier Crooners Bar.

Good Eats: Princess Pizza actually serves some of the best slices at sea, and there's usually a variety of toppings available. As for extra-fee specialty dining, New Orleans-themed Bayou Café and Steakhouse offers a full menu of steaks and seafood, including Cajun fare like all-time favorite gumbo. Coral Princess also features Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Chef’s Table Experience for guests who don’t mind paying extra for specialty dining as well as the complimentary Horizon Court buffet restaurant and the deckside Bar & Grill for burgers, bratwurst, and grilled chicken.

Best Known For

Expert Narratives: Whether you’re cruising through the Panama Canal or making your way around the world, Princess is skilled at enhancing the sights with knowledgeable commentary.

Rooms With a View: The majority of Coral Princess’ cabins have a view, including 883 staterooms and suites with balconies — critical for the ship's longer itineraries. 

Who It's Best For

Cruisers With Time on Their Hands: Most of the guests fall into the over-50 age range and have the kind of schedule needed to take the lengthier cruise through the Panama Canal or around the world. If you’re looking for youthful companionship or you miss having kids underfoot, this is not your ship.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

This is an Older Ship: Although refurbished in 2019, Coral Princess is a mid-sized, older ship, so you shouldn’t expect cutting-edge design or the more spacious bathrooms of newer ships in the fleet.