This was our second Panama Cruise on the Coral Princess. We loved the ship 7 years ago, but it is even more beautiful now. The updates done in 2009 were perfect. We love the convenient layout of this ship. Having the restaurants, theaters and other public spaces on two main decks makes learning your way around very easy. The Lotus pool is a quieter, more adult atmosphere where relaxing and reading can be enjoyed between dips. Our only complaint was that this trip this enclosed pool was a little too warm and stuffy. It was really too hot to enjoy the upper level since there is no natural breeze for the outside.

Unlike larger ships, we did not have to wait and wait for elevators, and there was enough theatre seating that we never felt like we had to rush and get to a show 45 minutes early. As cruisers in our 60's we were just about average age...maybe even on the young side. This was pretty much expected given the itinerary and the fact we were on an 11 day cruise during the school year.

We had just minor complaints...in a mini suite with a bathtub, we found the shampoo and shower jel fixed to the wall at a height unreachable from relaxing in the tub. We also found it irritating that although only guests in formal attire are supposed to be admitted to the dining rooms on formal nights...we were disappointed to see so many folks in casual attire...even jeans. No one was turned away. OK if you don't want to dress up...just go to the Horizon Court buffet for dinner.. Or go to a more casual cruise line. Read more