Our cruise began in Sydney. Embarkation was a breeze, the preferred check in process for platinum members and above worked very well and the check in staff were very friendly. We were on board less than 40 minutes after arrival. The departure was made in perfect weather with great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
The Dawn Princess is old, and seemed to be undergoing constant repair throughout the voyage. For example, a section of the wheel house bar was roped off with bits of the ceiling removed for half the voyage. We can only assume they were waiting for a part because we saw no one working on it for a long period of time.
A perennial problem on the Dawn, Sea and Sun Princess is the size of the Princess theatre. It is simply not big enough! If you want a seat you must arrive at least 40 minutes before the show starts. Princess should consider staging three shows a night rather than the standard two to fit everyone in.
Very good cabin. Marble bathroom with separate shower, and toilet and a full spa bath. It is at the rear of the ship with great balcony views.
Opera House and Bridge are impressive, but we have seen them many times before.