My family group of four sisters, my mother, and I (aged between 50's to eighties) thoroughly enjoyed our recent cruise on the Coral Princess. I had done the same cruise about five years ago and had decided that a balcony did not mean that much to me - just too cool most of the time to enjoy it. Two of our group had a balcony room, and we did enjoy it occasionally. My room was E615. It was supposed to be a completely obstructed view, but we did have a decent outside view. However, E609, another room of our group had a completely obstructed view, as advertised. We loved the location of our three rooms on the Emerald deck, very close to the library and card room, as well as an elevator and guest laundry.

Our embarkation from Vancouver was very smooth, though time-consuming with all the steps of the process. We did arrive quite early, however - around noon - so it might have been more hectic later. Service throughout the cruise was unfailingly friendly and efficient. Our waiters, Aeron (sp?) and D.J. hit just the right note on all accounts. They were so kind and attentive to my hearing impaired 88-year-old mother. I do not consider myself a gourmand, but my family and I really enjoyed all of our meals, particularly in the main dining room. Our dining time was 5:15 - too early, but the 8-ish time would have been too late. The food in the Horizon Buffet was so varied and mostly quite tasty - just rather frenzied much of the time with people filling their plates like they had not eaten in days. We took advantage of the ice cream bar, pizza spot, grill, and the International Court.

The entertainment was quite good. We went to and enjoyed all three of the shows by the singers/dancers. We watched a couple of movies, participated in trivia once, and loved the onboard impressionist. The lecture by the first woman to win the Iditarod - Libby Riddles (?) was a high point. My only disappointment was that there was no enclosed solarium as there was on the Princess boat that I sailed on previously. Even though my husband and I had a balcony room that time, we spent so much time in the war solarium at the back of the boat with terrific viewing. There was a nice area at the back of the boat, but it cost extra to use it - did not set too well with me. Despite this one complaint, my family and I loved the cruise and would heartily recommend it.