CORAL PRINCESS
The "Panamax" Legend. Built specifically to fit the Panama Canal locks, this ship balances big-ship features with an intimate, expedition-lite atmosphere.
- Guests
- 2,000
- Tonnage
- 91,627
- Launch
- 2003
- Crew
- 895
The Prodigy Verdict
Size Matters.
The Coral Princess is a rare breed. Designed before the era of the mega-ship, it was built with a narrower hull to navigate the Panama Canal locks. This creates a very different onboard feel: more intimate, less crowded, and focused entirely on the destination. It has one of the best passenger-to-space ratios in the premium market. You won't find go-karts or water slides here. Instead, you'll find extensive teak promenade decks, a unique New Orleans-themed jazz club, and a quiet dignity that appeals to seasoned travelers.
- Route Collectors: Cruisers focused on the itinerary (Panama Canal, Alaska, World Cruise) rather than the ship amenities.
- Quiet Seekers: Travelers who prefer libraries and lectures over pool parties.
- Balcony Lovers: A very high percentage of cabins have balconies for this era.
- Hardware Age: While well-maintained, the decor in cabins and hallways feels decidedly traditional (early 2000s).
- Nightlife: The ship gets very quiet after 10:00 PM; late-night entertainment is limited.
- Family Amenities: Kids clubs exist, but teenagers used to Royal Caribbean will find this ship boring.
The Zones
The layout is unique to the Coral Class, featuring venues you won't find on the larger Grand or Royal class ships.
Bayou Café
Exclusive to Coral/Island Princess. A New Orleans-themed jazz venue serving cajun food and live music. It has a distinct, darker atmosphere.
Universe Lounge
A massive aft show lounge that functions as a secondary theater. It was originally designed with a revolving stage for lectures and demos.
The Atrium
A four-story central hub. While smaller than the piazzas on newer ships, it remains the social core for coffee, cocktails, and string quartets.
Promenade Deck
A true, wide, wrap-around teak promenade deck. Perfect for walking laps while transiting the Canal or viewing glaciers in Alaska.
Lotus Pool
The midship pool features a retractable glass roof (magrodome), making this ship ideal for colder climates like Alaska or shoulder-season crossings.
The Sanctuary
An adults-only retreat located aft. Because Coral has fewer passengers, this space is often more peaceful than on the Royal class ships.
Dining & Provisions
While it lacks the sheer number of venues of the Sphere class, the Coral Princess offers a surprisingly robust selection for its size.
Main Dining
Provence & Bordeaux
Two traditional dining rooms featuring the standard Princess menu. Low ceilings but cozy, classic ocean liner feel.
Horizon Court
Buffet
The lido buffet. Located forward (unusual for Princess), offering great views over the bow. The layout is a bit tighter than modern ships.
Bayou Café
Cajun & Creole
The star attraction. Serves alligator ribs, gumbo, and steaks with a side of live jazz. A unique experience in the fleet.
Sabatini's
Italian Trattoria
Located aft on Deck 7 with beautiful wake views. It focuses on handmade pastas and a multi-course Italian feast.
The Grill
Poolside
Standard poolside fare (burgers, hot dogs) located on the upper decks. Easy, fast, and reliable.
Pizza & Ice Cream
Poolside
Princess is famous for its pizza. This station serves slices by the pool, alongside the "Swirls" ice cream bar.
Where It Sails
Coral Princess is a true globetrotter, utilized for itineraries that require a smaller ship footprint.
- Panama Canal (Full Transit)
- Alaska (Vancouver to Whittier)
- World Cruise Segments
Because she fits through the original Panama locks, she offers the classic canal experience. In Alaska, her size allows her to get closer to glaciers than the Royal class ships.
Check Availability
See current pricing for Coral Princess sailings.
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Cost Reality
Pricing on Coral Princess reflects the destination more than the hardware. Alaska and Canal transits are premium itineraries.
- Main Dining & Buffet
- International Café (Snacks)
- Enrichment Lectures
- Poolside Movies
- Bayou Café & Sabatini's
- The Sanctuary Pass
- Gratuities (unless Plus/Premier)
- Shore Excursions
The "Secret" viewing decks: Go to the very front of the ship on Deck 10 (Caribe) or Deck 11 (Baja). There are often open decks here that few people find, perfect for canal transits.
The Vibe Check
Is this ship for you? It is traditional, quiet, and destination-focused.
Relaxed and educational. You will find more people playing cards in the library or watching a glacier lecture than dancing at the disco.
Skews older (55+), especially on 10-day+ sailings. However, during Alaska summer holidays, you will see multi-generational families.
Ready to explore? Check pricing below.
Cabin Recon
Coral Princess has a very high ratio of oceanview and balcony cabins for a ship of its age.
Oceanview
Many of the oceanview cabins on lower decks feature large picture windows rather than portholes, offering great views at a lower price point.
Mini-Suite
Coral Princess is known for having a massive number of mini-suites. These offer a sitting area, two TVs, and a bathtub—perfect for long voyages.
Premium Suite
Located on the corners aft and forward, these offer expansive wrap-around balconies. Ideal for the Panama Canal transit.