News Article

Coral Princess At-A-Glance


The 92,000-ton, 1,970-passenger Coral Princes is the first of a new ship design for Princess, incorporating the extensive Personal Choice Cruising features of the company's larger "Grand-class" ships in a more compact vessel designed for transiting the locks of the Panama Canal.

What's New:

Universe Lounge -- Split over two decks, this state-of-the-art lounge was designed to facilitate a diverse slate of entertainment options from Princess production shows to movie screenings. The lounge will also be home to Princess' new ScholarShip @ Sea program of enrichment classes. Featuring the latest in lighting technology, digital surround sound and video systems, the venue can accommodate up to three revolving stages with integrated lifts and giant projection screens. Flexible seating and staging options allow for full-blown Vegas-style reviews for an audience of more than 400, or intimate classroom-style demonstrations for a group of 50 or less. High-tech capabilities include three giant screens with high-definition projection, full television production capabilities, a working demonstration kitchen set, and network plug-ins for up to 50 laptop computers. An infrared headset system is available to assist the hearing impaired.

ScholarShip @ Sea Program -- Ceramics, web design, and the fundamentals of Italian cooking are just a few of the topics offered by Princess' onboard experts in this innovative new program. Visual, creative and culinary arts, computer skills and health and finance-related issues form the core of a unique curriculum designed to enhance the cruise experience of Princess passengers. Each cruise will feature a slate of up to 20 courses, with six options offered each sea day.

Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse-- Passengers can enjoy traditional Cajun- and Creole-influenced food and live jazz in the first New Orleans-themed restaurant at sea. With a look and feel straight out of the French Quarter, diners will delight in such delicacies as peel-and-eat shrimp, alligator ribs, gumbos and jambalaya, plus a selection of premium steaks. Cover charge is $15.

Balconies -- With 753, Coral Princess offers the most staterooms with balconies of any ship in the Princess fleet. Approximately 85 percent of the ship's cabins are outside, and 85 percent of these feature Princess' trademark balconies.

Crooners -- In a Princess first, passengers can relive the feeling of the 1950s and '60s in this retro martini bar featuring music and dicor in the spirit of the "Rat Pack" crooners era.

Churchill's -- Another new Princess feature, this classic lounge evokes the ambiance of an English gentleman's club, offering a cozy space for enjoying spirits and cigars. Aficionados will appreciate the custom humidor and call-button bar service from Crooners bar next door.

Gas turbine engines -- Coral Princess' unique gas turbine/diesel enviro-engine combination has proven to be both highly efficient and environmentally sound, creating lower exhaust emissions and minimal oil waste. The new gas turbines are installed in the funnel, freeing additional space for the ship's wide range of public rooms and onboard facilities. In addition, the engine design results in significantly lower levels of noise and vibration, enhancing the comfort of all guests.

Personal Choice Features:

Personal Choice Dining -- Only Princess offers this innovative approach to dining, enabling guests to dine how, when and with whom they want. Passengers may choose either a restaurant-style option that allows them the same flexibility found in shoreside establishments, or the traditional cruise dinning experience with an assigned dining time, tablemates and wait staff. Two main dining rooms, a 24-hour buffet, 24-hour room service and two alternative eateries -- Sabatini's Trattoria, and the New Orleans-style Bayou Cafi provide passengers with a multitude of options.

Lotus Spa -- Passengers can pamper themselves at Coral Princess' state-of-the-art spa, featuring Balinese-influenced decor and treatments based on ancient Asian therapies and rituals. The center's expanded lineup of massages, body wraps, facials, and other relaxing services provide passengers with the opportunity to refresh body, mind and spirit during their cruise. The retreat's impressive fitness offerings include a swim-against-the-current pool, full gym and an expanded selection of classes from yoga and Pilates, to aerobics and pulse cycling.

Sabatini's Trattoria -- Imagine having a favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant with attentive waiters who present your first course the moment you sit down -- and follow that with a tantalizing parade of dishes, one right after another. This is the dining experience at Sabatini's, a favorite alternative restaurant with Princess passengers, specializing in high-quality seafood dishes. Cover charge ($15) includes gratuity.

Wedding Chapel -- Unique in the cruise industry, Princess' wedding-at-sea program is the only one, which allows couples to be married in international waters by the ship's captain. The bride and groom may choose from several different wedding and reception packages that include flowers, music, a photo package, champagne, cake and other extras. Passengers can share their happy day with loved ones at home through Princess' unique "Wed Cam" on the company's website, princess.com.