Princess Ship Choices-Panama Canal

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Star Cruisers

Guest
In 2004, we are planning a cruise with my parents (in their 70's) to the Panama Canal. I have looked over several itineraries and ships. Does anyone have any recommendations for the Princess ships currently sailing the Panama Canal? They are Coral Princess, Island Princess, Regal Princess and Sun Princess.

We are a couple in our mid-40's and have sailed on 3 Carnival cruises and one NCL cruise. My parents have sailed on 2 NCL (Wind & Dream), and one HAL cruise (Noordam). We do have different ideas about cruising, whereas my Dad likes lots of days at sea, My Mom, my husband and I need to get off at some ports once in awhile. My Dad also likes to see movies on-board, play bridge, and read a book in a quiet location. My parents do like to go to the piano bar, but they are bothered by smoke. My husband and I like to participate in games, go dancing and do lots of things on-board. We're a bit of opposites here, but we feel that with a larger ship, there would be lots to do for everyone.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
M

MyNextCruiseIsNotSoonEnough

Guest
The 14 or 15 day full-transit trips on Sun Princess have sea days and port days alternating pretty much every other day. The 12-day full-transits on Dawn Princess have just 4 sea days (plus the day in the Canal), as do the partial-transit 11-day roundtrips from Ft. Lauderdale on Coral and Island.

I think you'll be able to find all the things you've described on Princess ships, but, like any ship, there is going to be some smoke in the bar areas. I think Coral Princess has a nice separation of areas where people are likely (and permitted) to smoke from public passageways, though, as well as lots of space for dancing and a very nice library.
 
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Frank Black

Guest
Stay a way from the Regal Princess. Much older ship and poor layout. I loved the Sun Princess, but I would go on their newest ship.
 
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Einstein

Guest
We are booked on the Coral next March for the 10 Day partial transit. I would also highly recommend either the Coral or Island Princess as there will be MANY more choices to select from. The piano bar is fairly open and has separate sides for smoking vs. nonsmoking so U should also be fine in that category. Enjoy!!! :thumb

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JohnG

Guest
Sorry, but our first and favorite Princess ship was Regal Princess. Still love her and not fond of the new Mega ships after sailing Golden.
 
S

Star Cruisers

Guest
Thank you for all your help. We are currently looking at a full transit Panama Canal cruise. It might be with the NCL Sun.
 
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Lisa117

Guest
I took a 14 day full transit on Celebrity's Infinity last December. It was a wonderful trip.

We traveled the two weeks preceding Christmas and were able to get a terriffic deal on a Balcony cabin.

I would definitely do it again.
 
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