Coral/Island Princess EXCURSION not to be missed

[CruiseAholic]

Just back yesterday from the Coral Princess Canal, she is a fantastic ship.

I'm not much on taking excursions in the Caribbean anymore, but you simply must try the Ocean to Ocean excursion in the Canal. You are taken from the ship on tenders after she has gone thru the Gatun Locks. Then you are bussed and meet up with the Pacific Queen for the transit thru the remaining locks and under the Bridge of the Americas. Then put back on a bus to Colon (1 1/2 hour ride). It gave you an entirely different perspective on the Canal, actually being able to feel the movement up/down in the locks, etc. You may even be able to reach out and touch the wall of the locks.

 

[fin6645]

Thanks CruiseAholic !!!!! We are going on the Coral Princess 2/11/2004. tick tick yes i'am counting each tick of the clock.What else can you tell about the coral. Cabin...food...what to do on "the coral"

 

[CruiseAholic]

The Coral is a beautiful ship, well laid out. We had the absolute best waitstaff in the dining room (late traditional seating in the Provence). Godwin was our Head Waiter, Gabriel our Waiter and Sakda our Ass't Waiter. They took great care of us.

The Explorers Lounge becomes the Disco at midnight, which just does not work that well, much prefer a different area for that venue.

The Sauna/changing room does not have a toilet in it, it is down the hall, guess that the designer thought no one would have to go to the bathroom. Also, the showers in the same area have no curtain/door on the shower and the water just splashes out and no dish to put soap. Small, but interesting things to forget.

We were in a mini-suite and it was more spacious than the ones I've had on the Grand. Slightly different layout for the desk/vanity with gave it more room.

Food was excellent in my opinion.

 

[Debi_D]

Thanks for the input on the Excursion but I have a question regarding the Airel Tram Excursion in Costa Rica. Did you do this excursion? It is one of the most of expensive excursion and just wanting to know if you or anybody else enjoy this trip?

We have a Mini-Suite also, but we were on the Island Oct and we had a Vista Suite so we did downsize this time. I glad to hear the food being good because on the Island it was not. How was the service?

Thanks again,
Debi

 

[Princess Pat]

Reading David McCullough's Path Between the Seas before the cruise (about 750 pages) also enhances the experience.

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time.

Pat

 

[CruiseAholic]

DIdn't do that tour in Costa Rica, so I can't help you there. I thought that the food and service were great! Our head watier Godwin was fantastic.

 

[foley]

We took the aerial tram in Costa Rica, and it was well worth the price. There is next to nothing within walking distance of the dock at Puerto Limon, so if you don't take an excursion, you miss out on this fantastic country.

The tram itself is quite impressive, but the real treat was our guide, who was very well educated, interesting, fun, and had a real passion for her country. The driver was also great, he went out of his way on the drive back to the ship to pull over at the side of the highway to buy bananas for everyone from a road-side vendor. Bananas which ripen on the tree rather than in a box taste so much better.

One thing to remember is that this is the rainforest - count on it raining during this excursion. I'd say about half of the folks (myself and my wife included) didn't have a rainjacket, and were forced to pony up $10 for a poncho at the entrance to the tram.

I've heard people complain that Costa Rica was a wasted stop, and I shake my head. Because of this excursion, it was easily the highlight of the trip.