Coral Princess

Coral has sun deck space wrapped around both sides of the pool deck, with more forward and aft. The main pool is big enough for laps, with bench seating around the edge for dipping your toes. Princess was the first to debut Movies Under the Stars, used for movies and big games, with popcorn, cookies and milk. The Salty Dog Cafe serves burgers and hot dogs, and a dedicated pizzeria sits right by the pool.

The Conservatory is a climate-controlled pool area with a large pool and a couple of hot tubs under a magrodome roof that opens or closes with the weather. Loungers face both the pool and the ocean views, so it pairs nicely with the outdoor pool on cooler days. Complimentary soft serve is close at hand, and the upper level hosts ping pong, cornhole and golf chipping. Danny has plenty of memories of ping pong games on Princess ships.

The Sanctuary is an adults-only retreat at the aft of the ship, available for a half day, a full day or the entire cruise for an added fee. Large, extra-padded loungers and towels come with the space, and on this class of ship the Sanctuary has its own pool. Guests enjoy aft-facing views and food and drink service. It continues up a deck with more loungers, cabanas, tables and chairs in the fresh ocean air.

Danny started cruising with Princess as a kid more than 30 years ago and loved the kids club. On Coral, the Treehouse (3 to 7) has an arts and crafts area, video games, a movie room and a playhouse. The Lodge (8 to 12) adds full-size air hockey, foosball, Skee-Ball and a jukebox for dance parties. Teens get the Beach House, with ping pong, a DJ booth and game rooms. Programming weaves in the destinations you visit.

The Horizon Court is the main buffet, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and later into the evening. Mornings bring pancakes, waffles and bacon. Later, look for carved beef, Indian dishes, made-to-order salads, grill items like salmon and chicken tenders, and breads baked on board. A dessert station and small cafe sit up front, beside a complimentary beverage station. It's perched at the very top front of the ship, with observation-deck views.

The Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, seaweed wraps and med-spa treatments, plus a full salon, barber shop and teeth whitening. Spa lovers can add the Thermal Suite, with heated stone loungers, experience showers, a steam room and a large sauna. Nearby, the fitness center has brand-new Technogym equipment with ocean views, and an aerobics studio hosts spin, stretch and yoga classes. Danny suggests touring the whole spa on day one.

Sabatini's is the upgraded Italian specialty restaurant, built around handmade pastas and a huge menu, from tortellini to carbonara, plus an extensive wine list. An open kitchen means the smells greet you as soon as you walk in. Tables for two and four sit amid Italian decor. Guests with the Premier package can come back unlimited times, and in the mornings Sabatini's serves breakfast for suite guests.

Crown Grill is Coral's upgraded steakhouse, with a classic menu of prime ribeye, filet mignon and other cuts, plus seafood like jumbo shrimp, crab cake and scallops. A unique touch here is the full bar at the entrance, with a lounge area for a drink and some music before or after dinner. Seating runs from tables for two and four to tables for up to ten, with booths around the room and some seating just outside.