A Fond Welcome Back to Coral Princess!

Jean Hudson reports on Coral Princess’ latest visit to Freo

One of Princess Cruises’ most beloved ships, the Coral Princess, glided between the Red and Green Lighthouses at North and South Moles and into Fremantle’s inner harbour this morning at 5.45. It was still pitch black and cold and windy, especially if you were a ship spotter on the North Mole!

For myself and many locals, it feels like welcoming back to Freo an old friend. She is a regular visitor – indeed, here on the Shipping News we have posted 9 articles about her since 2022.

Today’s Fremantle port call is part of Coral Princess’ mammoth 131-day, one-way journey from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California themed as “Easter.” The itinerary began on 5 January 2026 and ends on 6 May 2026. Prices started at USD$31,346 per person based on twin share, that’s roughly AUD$45K each!

On this current Aussie leg of the cruise, she departed Sydney on 2 March, and so far has called into Burnie in Tasmania, as well as Melbourne and Adelaide on her way to Fremantle this morning.

Built in 2002, the Coral Princess is the first of the two Coral-class Princess Cruises liners, and over the years she has earned a devoted following among Australian cruisers. She belongs to Princess Cruises, a US-based company that is part of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise ship operator.

Here’s more of her arrival in Fremantle this morning. As you can see the sun slowly but surely rose around 6.15 to shed more light on the Princess!

The 24-year-old cruise ship is Bermuda flagged and can carry up to 1974 passengers and 900 crew. She arrived in Freo this morning with 1822 passengers (518 on pre-booked tours). It’s a transit visit – in and out on the same day, departing at 9 pm tonight. There’s some changeover. 9 passengers will leave the ship in Freo and 5 will join the cruise.

Coral Princess is one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet and offers guests the feel of a boutique cruise experience, while still delivering the full range of activities and atmosphere the cruise line is known for.

Refurbished in 2019, the ship boasts two full decks of public spaces. Fans of the vessel are particularly fond of her walk-around promenade deck — a rarity among large ships — as well as the adults-only Sanctuary retreat, nine bars and lounges, and the popular Movies Under the Stars screen.

Reviewers consistently praise the ship’s personal touch. Passengers frequently note that because of her size, you really get the feeling of knowing both the staff and your fellow travellers — a charm that more than makes up for her vintage.

As I say, she departs at 9 pm tonight , setting her sights on Bali.

Words and pics by Jean Hudson @jeansodyssey.

Jean Hudson is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

~ If you’d like to COMMENT on this or any of our stories, don’t hesitate to email our Editor.

~ WHILE YOU’RE HERE –