Coral Princess

Coral Princess - Return to Eden - Day 1

By Cruising With Honey - 13:47

Coral Princess - 3 Night Cruise

Sydney - Eden - Sydney - Day 1, 8 October 2022



I think I’m in love, all things exciting and new! Had it been 13 years since my last Princess cruise? Stepping aboard Coral Princess was quite surreal. Check in was very smooth, taking no more than 15 mins. I ensured I had all my details, ID documents and RAT negative upload on the Princess Medallion App and had ‘Green’ status.






With my Princess Medallion around my neck, I stepped aboard into a glimmering gem. Gold accents in the Atrium made the surroundings shimmer. Eager to see my mini-suite, I hot footed to check out my home for the next three days. Luckily, our mini-suite was upgraded to the Club Class (more about this later).

Watch my cabin tour here


This cruise, I was travelling with my parents, and I was thrilled to have them all to myself. It was the first time I had taken a holiday with both of them – together. No siblings, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, aunts or uncles to share them with. What a privilege.






Oh my wow! The cabin was so spacious, light and clean. Being mid-ship, the balcony was circular-shaped and there was a enough room for two lounges, two foot rests and a table. 




Our luggage had already been delivered! Quickly unpacking, it was time to explore Coral.


Stomach grumbling, Horizon Court on Deck 14, AKA the buffet, was the first stop. Interestingly and reassuringly, a crew member was at the door handing out masks to all who weren’t wearing one. Masks are required in all restaurants. The wash basin at the entry was also a welcome touch. Despite the numerous hand sanitiser around the ship, there is no substitute for water, soap and paper hand towels.


Horizon Court had the usual cruise buffet fare, but with a more elegant touch. There were some stations where it was self-serve (I particularly liked the build-your-own-salad station) and other places where the crew served. The selection was plentiful, fresh, nicely presented and very tasty.


After having my fill with the savoury dishes (lunch for me was roast beef, mash potatoes, and salad), I could head the sweets calling out. A wide selection of cakes and other desserts were presented so prettily, tempting this sweet-tooth. A cupcake and a mini fruit tartlet were hastily inhaled. So, so good.



All my Cruising With Honey guests had a poster on their cabin doors



Now, for my first drink – and my first time using the Medallion App. At first, I was hesitant, unsure if it would be user friendly or cumbersome, you just don’t know about apps, and some cruise apps can be a bit confusing. However, I cannot stress this enough, using the app was so easy and enjoyable. Within seconds I placed my drink order, it clearly showed that my selection was part of my drinks package, and then the status appeared in a linear bar. Order placed, being prepared, on its way.



As I as busy flitting from one side of the room to the other, talking to as many people as possible, my medallion (unbeknownst to me) was sending my location to a crew member eager to hand-deliver my drink. Whoops! Sorry. I had only placed my order a few minutes ago, and here was a waiter following me around the room to get me my drink. Talk about efficiency.

After testing out the app a few more times, it was sailaway time. 


This was my second night-time sailaway in two weeks from Sydney Harbour. Sheltered on my balcony, I had a perfect view of the twinkling lights though the drizzle.



Dinner was next, and I wasn’t quite sure how the Club Class worked. There was a bit of a line to enter the main dining – our app told us we were in Bordeaux – and when I reached the front, the lovely greeter told us we did not have to wait in line, and quickly ushered my parents and I though the right door. Again, we were required to wear masks until we were seated a ready to dine.

Dinner livestream

The food was delicious, the service impeccable. Geez, if this was the level of service and food we were to expect for the whole cruise, the bar was certainly set high.



The rest of the evening was spent exploring the ship, there was so much to discover! Around every corner a new space, bar, eatery. We dabbled in the casino for a bit, (masks mandatory) and grabbed a late snack at the International Café ( all complimentary) before having one last drink in the Explorer’s Lounge. 



I really, really like this ship. Prior to boarding, I had specifically not looked into Coral as there’s something exciting about seeing a ship you hadn’t sailed on before for the first time. I like to be surprised.



It was time to sleep and, exhausted from the massive day, my had hardly hit the pillow before I was in a deep slumber.

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