Launched in 1997 as the second of Princess Cruises’ Sun-class ships, Dawn Princess is based in Australia year-round and only has Australian currency onboard. Dawn Princess offers passengers a unique experience throughout some of the world’s most exciting destinations, according to Princess Cruises Australasian Public Relations Manager, Meg Koffel, when detailing the journeys that the ship does around Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. The ship has been recently been refitted to include popular onboard features, such as The Sanctuary and Movies Under the Stars.
Refined and graceful, Sun-class ships offer many of the choices attributed to larger Grand-class ships without sacrificing the smaller-ship atmosphere for which they're noted for. The ships exude that classic style so often pictured on luxury liners . Dawn Princess has a four-story atrium featuring a marble floor, stained-glass dome, and magnificent floating staircase, ideal settings for relaxation, people-watching, and perhaps making that grand entrance.Sun andDawn Princess are deployed in the South Pacific for the 2013/14 Australian Cruising Season.
Onboard decor is a quite neutral, easy on the eyes after a sunny day spent ashore. The main public rooms are situated on four lower decks, and, with the exception of the promenade deck, cabins are forward and aft. In a nice design twist, the casino is somewhat isolated, and passengers aren't required to use it as a passageway through to the dining rooms ormain show lounge.
Food & Dining
Princess chefs are true culinary artists who insist on serving the very finest cuisine - and it shows. . Each chef's menu is creative and the selections change every day. Pair that with great service and you're in for an unforgettable gourmet experience onceonboard.
Traditional
The Dawn Princess offers two dining rooms in the cruise tradition, with Traditional Dining at the same times for each meal. On our cruise D318 to Tasmania, you could choose from either 5.45pm or 7.45pm. Attentive service is provided by your waiter throughout the cruise (although on our cruise our waiter did seem to be rather pushy).
- Florentine Dining Room
- Venetian Dining Room
Specialty
Restaurants on any ships are always in big demand and this cruise was no exception, the skilled chefs serving up local specialties and gourmet favourites. Reservations recommended and a cover charge applies.
- Sterling Steakhouse [$30 per head} for dinner and well worth it, infact I recommend it!
Casual
Want to maximize your pool time and minimize your mealtime? Get a quick and satisfying bite whenever you like at the Casual Dining eateries, or perhaps you will opt for take-out and dine by the pool.
- Horizon Court buffet, is open almost 24/7 with a wide variety of great tasting food to choose.
- La Scala Pizzeria- did not try one but think I really missed out there.
- Patisserie now Amuleto, Italian Cafe.
- Sundaes ice cream bar now New Zealand Natural Ice Cream , two flavours vanilla and vanilla and chocolate together, not a bad taste.
- Balcony Grill Now called the Terace Grill (burgers, hot dogs, kebab and pies) could have kept going back for more.
Onboard Activities
The many activities onboard these are designed to stimulate, educate, entertain, inspire and sweat - not necessarily in that order. But, you can be sure Princess will do their best to cover all the bases. And from art auctions to their Lotus Spa, this ship has a lot of fun things to do.
Pools & Spas
Sometimes floating serenely just isn't enough - splash around, ride the waves, swim against the current or take a dip in one of this ship's bubbling hot tubs.
- Riviera Pool (plus 2 hot tubs)
- Lotus Spa Pool (plus 2 hot tubs)
- The Sanctuary (adults only)
Sports
These ships will keep you on the run, literally, with basketball, paddle tennis, jogging tracks and state-of-the-art gyms, equipped with machines that will keep your heart rate pumping.
- Lotus Spa, gym and fitness area
Enrichment
When is a cruise an opportunity to enrich? When it's a Princess cruise. This ship offers lectures, art exhibits and classes taught by local experts.
- World-class art collection, gallery and auctions
- ScholarShip@Sea
- 24-hour Internet Cafe (wireless access available)
- Library and writing room
Boutiques
Deals on designer clothing and gifts, including Lladro, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Tommy Bahama, Lancôme, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Fossil - all up to 30% off!
Entertainment
To say the nightlife onboard is entertaining is an understatement. Illuminating the stage in captivating productions, Princess Performers are some of the most talented musicians, singers and dancers at sea. The Princess Signature Shows, lounge performers, movies and casinos are just some of the entertainment passengers can enjoy as they relax completely.
Theatres
This ship's theatre venues are designed with great acoustics, the best seats in the house, and stellar acts. The movies shown are all first-run feature-length films.
Hot Spots
These ship's Hot Spots are just that - sizzling! They vary depending upon the ship and feature dazzling casinos, Movies Under The Stars outdoor theatre, night clubs, dance floors and more.
Lounges
Whether you're in the mood for a cozy space to sip cocktails with someone special or to find a place to make new friends, Princess ships provide it all.
- Atrium Lounge and Bar
- Jammers
- Magnums
Cabins.
Your home away from home gives you a wonderful place to return each day. Where you have been on a shore tour, relaxing by the pool or been doing some FUN activities onboard rest assured at the end of each day you will return to your cabin your own private escape ! Princess Cruise's have a variety of cabins to choose from : It may be an inside,oceanview,balcony or even your own private suite. At the end of the day it's all there for you to enjoy!
Onboard Experience
Throughout your cruise, whether you love activity or crave tranquillity, Princess offers everything you could need for a relaxed, rejuvenating retreat, including a wide variety of freshly prepared cuisine and innovative experiences all designed to help you relax and Escape Completely.
This Review was written by: Brian Gaskin of Australian Cruising News.com.au. We cruised on Dawn Princess on D318 from : Sydney - Hobart, Tasmania - to Melbourne.
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