The Coral Princess is a beautiful ship.The décor is very different. If I were to name a style I would say the the Universe Lounge was Steam Punk at sea, the Wheelhouse bar was old world charm, warm and inviting, and the specialty restaurants were mediterranean. The Shops of princess featured stained glass windows. Everywhere you looked it was a visual feast. Highlights were the wrap around Promenade which was nice and wide - great for a group walking together. The central Atrium was smaller than other Princess ships I have been on, but the intimacy of the bars and shops surrounding the central stairs and see through lifts added to the atmosphere. It did not feel crowded and there was always space to find a seat.

I got Covid (for the 2nd time) on this trip which meant 7 days in the cabin isolating - but the crew were so fantastic and the food that was brought to the cabin regularly, on time, and as per my choices, that it was bearable. It wasn't the Christmas I was expecting by any means. Our cabin steward was absolutely marvellous. I got great medical treatment - free I must add - and received credits for the days and the drinks package. On our trip the Covid cases were very low, (you can count the cabins with tables outside to know who has it.) I thought the mask wearing was pretty good among the passengers and the crew stood by to check everyone washed their hands before entering the buffet. The crew were seen cleaning surfaces all the time. I think they did an admirable job keeping the spread down during a time when land based numbers were skyrocketing.

The Captain, Diego Pierra, was an absolute legend docking the ship, smoothest parallel parker ever! Read more