Coral Princess Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,032 reviews

Lots To Do and See

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Coral Princess
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GFFL
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Dec 2014

This was our first cruise on Princess and our longest cruise. I was concerned with the multiple days at sea that we would be bored with not much to do. Not so! There was always something interesting going on - trivia contests, production shows, comedians, lectures, movies, "game shows" with cruise staff and passengers, lots of music, places to dance, Karoke, pro football game broadcasts and more. Princess also offers meeting space for various groups (unhosted) - veterans, LGBT, singles,and more.

Each room has its own thermostat, the PA system is not piped into cabins unless it is very important, the double beds each have a lamp and nightstand (unlike other ships we have been on where one climbs over their partner). The Panama Canal lecture was very informative and the passage itself fascinating. We toured in Panama City with a terrific guide named Roxy. Traveled on the highway connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific, did a walking tour. Take an umbrella - it rains often. Book your tours before boarding and save $10 or more per person. Also took a tour in Limon to a rainforest, animal sanctuary and banana plantation. I have lot more respect for bananas now. We booked a taxi with another couple in Cartegena. Arrange your trip with the taxi driver ahead of time - where you want to go and for about how long. Make sure he understands enough English and do not pay him until he takes you back to the ship. We paid $15 each. Went to a shopping area/mall, the Fort and Old City. At the Old City plaza go to the tourist office for a map and take a walking tour. We just shopped in Ocho Rios - did not want to go to Dunns Falls and that seemed to be the most popular destination.

The food was OK, not great. If you choose anytime dining you will not always be able to eat when you would like unless you make a reservation and you will be asked to share a table. This is not mandatory but can result in a longer wait or being sent to the other dining room if you are tired and not in the mood for conversation. There is only 1 electrical outlet in the bathroom and it is only for shavers. The other outlet is at the desk and handles any 2 items. The internet on the ship is pricey so get it in ports sometimes for free or with a small charge - $3 - $5. Aruba at the Starbucks in the mall. At the Subway in Cartegena in Old City (clean bathroom too (free with a purchase - buy a coke) at the terminal in Limon (free) and in the first shopping area in Jamaica ($3).

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