Coral Princess Cruise Reviews - Reviews

the panama Canal cruise was absolutely wonderful. Seeing the panama canal and going through it was amazing. Anyone who is interested in history and world economics will be fascinated. the ship was beautiful=had to be smaller to go through. the other ports-Aruba, Panama, Cost Rica, and Gran Cayman were beautiful and interesting. loves he semi sub in Aruba, the panama canal Railway and Colon tour, the rain forest in Costa Rica-and really enjoyed the Cayman island tour and seeing turtles but especially swimming with the sting rays- I thought I would be afraid- but they are friendly and tour guides are very knowledgeable. On the ship, enjoyed the lectures on panama and other ports. also participated in the princess pop choir  and performing songs from the sound of music in the Atrium of the ship..

We had a nice time with a lot of friendly fellow cruisers.  Horizon Court Buffet food was surprisingly good and varied each day.  Ship broke down in the middle of the ocean for 7 hours, so we were unable to stop at Cartagena, Colombia.  That was extremely disappointing.  Dining room food was good for the service, but waiter service was really lacking.  There was definitely a lack of concern and rushing guests through meals.  I really think service overall has gone down hill with tips being automatically added on to each bill.  The ship had some areas that were quite stinky from who knows what.  We've also never been on a ship that had so much cigarette smoke--guessing it was wafting from the the smoking room.  Our mini suite cabin was very nice.  Closets and storage space were well planned.  

Our cabin was very pleasing and the balcony was great.

It was one of my most relaxing cruises.

Most of the excursions were very interesting and lots of fun. 

It was like coming home, since this was my 9th cruise.

I LOVE Princess and intend to cruise again on Princess.

This was a wonderful experience and we would highly recommend this cruise.  Starting with Melissa at American Airlines travel to leaving the ship,  it was all great.  The parking at PARK AND GO, the embarkation with our cabin ready immediately, the welcome buffet and the staff waiting for us and making us feel welcome,  it was all a great start and it just kept getting better.  The dining room,  we ate most meals there,  the varied menu and quality of the food was amazing.  Our waiters, Abdul and Marcos,  were happy and helpful making the dining experience way above average.  We did the CHEF'S TABLE,  well worth the $$$, a wonderful celebration of delish food and wine.  The entertainment was first class all the way.  We are not smokers, and were pleased to not have to deal with smoke.  Our balcony was smoke free and no one smoking on theirs !! 

The main thing we noticed on the Coral Princess is that ALL the employees are happy, always smiling and happy and willing to help in any way possible.  We took lollipops with us and gave them out to many employees in every position, what joy we experienced from their appreciation.  A special thank you to Guedo, the head chef, Abdul, Marcos, and Joaquim in the dining room, Glenn our room steward, and  Carmen in the bar.  We hope to travel on the Coral Princess again.

The first three days was great. Then I got sick. I never left the ship the whole ten days on board. I spent more time in the medical center than any other place. I had pneumonia. But the medical team was really good.

I had an amazing time.  The staff who attended to our rooms were so understanding and professional, polite and courteous in a way that made my experience on this cruse so enjoyable.  I had an opportunity to talk to them and I just felt like they were there to cater to my every wish.  I felt like they were friends and family   It was sad to leave when it came time to return home .I love the human aspect of the cruise.  In certain areas the staff were allowed to talk to us.  In the  buffet dinning area not so much.  I guess it was because they had so much to do and was always on the move to attend to other customers.  I must say that they were still polite.

This was our 6th. cruise with Princess and it was great. They treated us very well. Food was superb and the shows were excellent. We took tours in every city. There were lots of things to do in the ship. The Coral was the best ship in the float.

This cruise visits locations that I had only imagined getting to visit but never thought I would get the opportunity to do so.  Very enlightening and educational.

This was our 10th cruise with Princess. We love the feel of the ship, the freedom of small venues, great places for dancing, attitude of employees.  The Coral had all those things going.  The Problems:

(1) Stomach flu hit our family the week before this cruise, my wife the day before departure (nausea, vomiting, fever). We had to decide between canceling or catching the ship in Aruba.  We opted for Aruba. Delta was great in helping.  In talking to someone at the enroute office, I was told catch the ship in Aruba, and to bring a letter from the physician. Rich told me that gratuities would not be charged for days we weren't on board, and the captain had choice to gift per diem shipboard credits for days we missed.  Admin was great about welcoming us, however the cabin hadn't been cleaned and the bed had been slept on.  When I took the letter and went to the Burser's desk, I was treated with an attitude that I was trying to cheat Princess, and received nothing for response, only a condescending attitude.  While attitude was better in dealing with Customer Relations, policy was not.  Lesson:  if you have the flu a day or two before traveling, suck it up and climb on board as Princess has no desire to address this issue.

(2)  Anytime dining is not anytime.  First night on the ship, dining room at 6 and were told to get in a line (40 minutes) or come back at 8 pm. Reservations were available between 8 & 8:15 each morning for 5:15 or 5:30, or 7:15 & 7:30.  There is a seating problem, and anytime dining is a myth.

(3) The sanctuary, small pool on three levels is a pay availability ($20 half day or $40 full day).  From people who used the rear three decks, I was told they never saw more than a half dozen people in the area.  That area has been adult only, or reservation only, but this was first time there was an upcharge.  It is the equivalent of airline baggage and snack charges.  Princess needs to do better.  I wanted to take a picture passing through the Panama Canal off the back of the ship from this area, and was not even allowed a photo. Only one of four decks were available off the back of the ship.

(4)  We found spotty smells on the ship, smell of old plumbing problems lingering.  These were mostly entering theater on right hand side, and hallway near midship on Baja starboard side.

These things said, the food and service was wonderful on most of the ship.  Excursions were good and necessary in Columbia and transiting the canal. Local tours work in Limon or Jamaica, or consider renting a car with others and going to Blue Hole (up White River) for a fun spot.  Avis was good.

While having been loyal to Princess over the years, we are looking at Celebrity or Holland for next cruise.

Larry

We enjoyed our cruise.  We found the food to be tasty, esp at buffet compared to the dining room experience. 

The entertainment was lacking.  The cruise dancers were good and so was the comedian, but that was all as to entertainment.  no variety

The ship was nicely appointed as to decor.

The room boy was nice and accommodating.

The excursion in Panama was very expensive.  The train ride was disappointing.

We really enjoyed this cruise was not over crowded, no lines to wait to disembark, tours were handled really well, Food was very good and the service was exceptional. This was our first cruise with princess looking forward to many more, great destinations 

Trip was great, had 5 interesting stops with Panama being the most interesting.

Crew was great, good to excellent service, cabin care was the best. Food was average, with some great chocolate deserts.

Very windy on March 18th.  My husband & I were exiting deck 15 (I weigh appr. 110 lbs).  He was holding my arm, his hat blew, he went to retrieve it.. A gust came into my back & I blew over.  This was around 1:15pm. At 4:30pm, went to medical & saw Doctor.  Felt like a bad sprang.  She wrapped in ace bandage.  

My only complaint was the X-ray machine was broken & they wouldn't have another until returning to Lauderdale on the 26th.  Next day she removed bandage & side of foot was black blue & swollen.  She stated she thought it was fractured.  Of course, just guess, w/o an X-ray.  She applied more ace bandage, I refused the moon boot of $160.  Sure glad I took the insurance, and hopefully be reimbursed for the charges!!!  Feel much better now

Mary G.

The cruise was very unorganized as far as their tours went.  They needed a lot more going on as far as entertainment during the days at sea.  The rooms were clean except the carpet and windows on the deck were never washed.  It was not our favorite Cruise Line that we have been on.  The Alaska cruise that we took with Princess was much better but we have been on much better cruises with other Cruise lines.

Coral Princess is a smaller ship, which made it easier to get around.   It was great to see that there is electrical outlets all around the ship, to plug in a scooter to recharge the battery.

The staff/crew was very friendly and helpful.  The food, entertainment were good. They even had a tour of the galley (for free), some ships charge for the tour.

They also had a Veterans and Policemans/Emergency responders get together.

All and All we had a very good time on the Coral Princess.

One other reason we enjoyed this cruise is because we went to Cartagena, Columbia and Limon, Costa Rica.  Finally there was a few ports we have never seen previously.

Port stop in Aruba is a waste time and a joke. Only there for 5 hours. Downtown is a zoo with the crowds from 5 ships. Cartegena would be better if they had guides that were more conversant in English. Stop at music school is a waste.

Ships crew were great. Food choices were good and varied with excellent service

This ship has less than 200 passengers, the ship size is smaller than the others.

Buffet choices were very limited, staffs are not as friendly, only few staffs smiles and greet passengers.

We asked for 1st seating, we did not get one.  The ship provide more any time dining compare with my previous cruises.

We arrived early around 10 A.M., embarkation does not start until 11:00 A.M.,

There was not place to seat, we all have to wait outside, it took us two hours before we can enter the ship.

Fantastic experience! The staff was so helpful and happy!  Princess cruse it is always good, good memories Xtacea band was fantastic DJ Romeo what a talent and happy also Gemstone was sweet.

we had an awesome cruise. Food was terrific and the service was wonderful. Our room cabin steward was exceptional--thank you Debbie for always making our room so clean and also for our wonderful conversations. Also Conrad, Rolly, and Jelena at the Crooners bar were exceptional. Always joking around with us and making our cruise one to remember. Jelena was a trooper--she Evan let us butter her nose on her birthday--a tradition of ours. 

Everything was wonderful except no one on duty in the gym to help with the machines and a so so cabin steward.  All other things were great.  Food was great.  Shows that we saw were great.  We met wonderful friendly people.

Most of the staff were warm and friendly.  Shops need more souvenir items.

Too much repair going on in our hallway for most of the cruise.