It’s Monday!
Cruise Ship Monday
Today brings us Princess Cruises’ Island Princess (2003) and Coral Princess (2002).
Princess Cruises’ Coral-class ships were custom-built to transit the Panama Canal. The mid-sized ships weigh in at about 92,000 gross tons. With their smaller size, they have a cozier feel, but have fewer amenities and features than other ships in the Princess fleet.
These vessels appeal to the traveler who prefers to relax in a more intimate setting and delights more in the destinations visited than onboard attractions. The Coral-class ships offer lengthier journeys to fascinating destinations. As a matter-of-fact, Coral Princess is currently sailing a 131-day one-way itinerary from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Hawaii, to the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Alaska, and Canada before returning to California.
Both Coral-class ships offer traditional amenities like a sports deck, a grand atrium, and main dining rooms. Their attractions include Movies Under the Stars, Voice of the Ocean, an adults-only Sanctuary, a Lotus Spa, a casino and a piano bar.
Island Princess has three pools, and Coral Princess has four; however, they each have five hot tubs. The ship’s pool deck buffet is located at the bow of the ship offering a great view of the ocean.
The ship’s restaurants and lounges are nearly identical. Both ships have two main dining rooms, Sabatini’s Italian Trattira, Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse, Horizon Court, The Bar & Grill, La Patisserie, a poolside pizzeria, and an ice cream bar. Coral Princess also has an International Café.
The ship’s multiple entertainment venues include the Princess Theater; a lounge and disco called Explorer’s Lounge; a nautical-themed lounge called Wheelhouse Bar; and Churchill Lounge. Coral Princess also features the Universe Lounge which includes 3 revolving stages.
Island Princess is sailing a series of one-way itineraries between Port Everglades, Florida and Los Angeles, California. In March, she will sail a 54-day roundtrip South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand itinerary before she repositions to Alaska. Coral Princess will also reposition to Alaska in May after she completes her World Cruise.