Princess Cruises - Coral Princess Review

After a year of saving and a year of marriage, my husband and I were finally able to take our honeymoon.  It was a dream vacation of a cruise to Alaska.  We went the second week in September which was the last cruise for the season.  This was my first cruise and I was a little nervous.  The Princess Coral was around 96 tons and held 2000 passengers.  I was concerned about what I would do all day long.  Since it was Sept. and we were going to Alaska, I didn't think I'd be sitting by a pool all day!  I was right about that.  However,  there was still plenty to do.

The service on the ship was incredible.  Each night our bed was turned down with a chocolate mint left on our pillows ( I was a bit disappointed that the room steward didn't fold our bath towels into little animals as I was told they did on all ships) and our "Princess Patter" was in our mail slot.  This paper listed all of the next days activities as well as information on where we'd be sailing that day.  There was always something to keep you busy on the days we weren't in port.  From trivia games for fun, to bingo for cash....I wasn't bored.  However, the ice sculpting and vegetable carving demonstrations I was looking forward to seeing, both overlapped with Bingo.  I couldn't miss bingo!  This was disappointing.  In the end, I probably should've forsaked the bingo!

Dining options were great.  My husband and I chose "Anytime Dining"  This means we did not have to eat dinner every night at the same time.  There were two traditional restaurants in addition to the Buffet restaurant.  One was reserved for the traditional diners and one was for the anytimers.  There were also two specialty restaurants.  An Italian place and a cajun place.  These restaurants had a surcharge though.  Although it was inexpensive ($20pp) and well worth it, I was still a bit disappointed.  Cruises are supposed to include EVERYTHING.  I understand that special services like spa services will cost extra, but food should be all food.  The italian restaurant was incredible though....it was a 20 course meal!  You got to try a little taste of basically everything on the menu.  Plus you chose one entree and one dessert.  I wish they'd let you try a little sample of all of those :)

Also disappointing was the surcharge for the ice cream bar.  Again, it was minimal but I thought it should've been included.

The best part about this cruise....It's Alaska and Alaska cruises are known to be taken by older people.  While my husband and I weren't the youngest couple on the ship, we were among them.  The ship did have an entire area (game room and pool included) set aside for kids but it was unnecessary.  I think I saw maybe 2 toddlers and less than 10 older kids the entire time.  I loved this!  I didn't want my vacation spoiled by a bunch of crying, whining children running around.  This is why we chose Alaska and not Disney World for our trip :)

As far as cruising itself....it was ok.  It took a bit getting used to the rocking motion of the ship.  There was also one night when there were 20ft swells.  It was so bad that they actually cancelled that evenings entertainment!  I just took a bonine and went to sleep!  All in all, it was very enjoyble.  It truly is like being on a floating palace where everyone strives to make sure you're happy.