Is the cream absolutely essential? Dairy and i have issues.

I agree with C.S. that the chowder will probably still be good without the cream -- the corn kernels enrich the broth a lot themselves. If you do want to add something milky, I've had good results using soy milk in chowders; just make sure you use a plain one that isn't very sweet or overly beany.

It is definitely not necessary to add the cream - chupe usually implies a chowder, and the cream gives it a lushness that you won't have otherwise but it will still be good. Personally, I would not introduce the coconut flavor - but that's my preference. Try it without anything then if you want to smooth it out you can add something more.

There's only a small amount of cream (1/3c). To make up that volume, I would use more broth or more corn kernels.

I have not made this, but I would try full fat coconut milk in place of the cream.