Coral Princess was constructed as one of the line's Sun Class ships. She is sister to the
Sun,
Dawn and
Island Princesses, each with a capacity of 1,970 passengers. Weighing 92,000 tons, she is registered in Bermuda.
Between May and September, her itinerary consists of 6- to 8-day Alaskan cruises that port in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord and Anchorage. The remainder of the year, she voyages through the Panama Canal on 9- to 16-plus day cruises.
Trips inland by railway and motor coach take passengers to Mount McKinley, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Shore excursions abound throughout the Caribbean, from cultural and shipping tours at port to snorkeling, golfing, hiking and other activities.
Libations are served in Churchill's cigar lounge and sports bar, where memorabilia line the walls and sporting events are broadcast via satellite. Crooners Martini Bar offers variations on the basic recipe. The Explorers' Lounge has an Asian and African motif and showcases cabaret acts, comedians, singers and magicians. More lavish theatrical numbers are performed in the art-deco Princess Theatre, which provides good lines of sight to the 36-ft-wide stage. Dancing is offered in the Universe Lounge, a high-tech, two-story venue.
For games of chance, guests head to the casino's blackjack and poker tables, roulette wheel and slot machines. Those who are actively inclined work out on weight and aerobic conditioning equipment in the fitness center, where classes are conducted by professional trainers. More exercise options are available at the nine-hold putting course and golf simulator. Guests can test their stamina in a counter-current pool or lounge in tropical landscaping under a retractable glass dome. The four pools include one for children. Head-to-toe pampering, including facials and Swedish massage, is offered in the Lotus Spa. Children aged 3 to 12 attend Princess's Fun Zone program, where activities range from arts and crafts to sports competitions. The ship's computer room provides 24-hour access to e-mail and Internet, and the library stocks best-sellers and reference books on cruise itineraries.
Princess's "Anytime Dining" program leaves more control over decision-making at mealtime to guests. The ship offers fine dining in the Bordeaux Dining Room, while the two specialty restaurants, Sabatini's trattoria and the Bayou Café, offer a relaxed setting. Casual lunches are served poolside at the hamburger grill, pizzeria and ice cream bar.
Staterooms range in size from 156 to 212 sq ft, to which balconies add 36 sq ft. In these double rooms, twin beds make up into a single queen. Standard appurtenances are refrigerators, TVs and showers. Minisuites range in size from 280 to 302 sq ft, the latter with balconies, and add sitting areas with sofa beds and a second TV. Suites are 470 sq ft, with balconies. They feature walk-in closets and baths with tubs and showers. Room service is round the clock.
