Impressive range of facilities offers Princesss trademark choice
When Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess set sail on her maiden Caribbean Adventure voyage from Fort Lauderdale on 24 December, 2002, she was not only one of the most advanced passenger vessels in the world but also the largest ship in the fleet to be able to transit the Panama Canal.
She offered the same public room space as Princesss renowned Grand Princess and Golden Princess, but spread over two decks and with fewer passengers onboard.
This extra space for passenger facilities was achieved with the help of the installation of an innovative and environmentally friendly power combination of diesel engines and a gas turbine, similar to the jet engines on a Boeing 747.
The 88,000-ton ship, which carries 1,950 passengers, is almost 1,000ft long and would be almost 200ft higher than Londons Canary Wharf if stood straight up.
The impressive range of facilities offers Princesss trademark choice and variety and boasted several cruising firsts. Unique features on Coral Princess included the Bayou Cafe, a New Orleans theme restaurant offering traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine and live Jazz music, the Churchill Cigar Lounge, the Crooners Bar and the Universe Show Lounge.
Utilising the very latest lighting and digital sound and video systems, the Universe Lounge became home to a varied entertainment programme, from Las Vegas-style extravaganzas to courses on cookery, photography and arts, among many others.
PASSENGERS : 1970
BERTHS : 987
CREW : 900
FACILITIES : Two main dining rooms (two sittings), alternative dining options, two show lounges, casino, cinema, three swimming pools, five hot tubs, fitness centre, expansive spa, golf simulator and putting green, internet cafe, library, wedding chapel, self-service launderette.