Dawn Princess Review

The 77,000-ton 1,970-passenger Dawn Princess is the second ship in Princess Cruises' Sun class (which also includes Sea Princess and Sun Princess) and is now permanently based in Australia. The ship offers Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii and world cruises -- and is run like an Australian cruise ship. That means onboard prices are in Australian dollars, Vegemite replaces peanut butter at breakfast, and the fitness center runs classes like "legs, bums and tums." Unlike Princess' other ships, Dawn Princess does not offer a flexible dining option in the main dining room (passengers can dine at early or late seatings, or simply choose a different venue), and features Australian entertainers, TV and movies, and even sports games onboard.

Now considered a mid-sized ship (at least these days -- when it launched it was considered large), Dawn Princess offers a cruise experience that hews to both Princess traditions and contemporary travel styles. The ship has the requisite multi-million dollar art collection, a nice health and fitness facility, two main showrooms, an around-the-clock restaurant, a few alternative eateries, and 410 cabins with verandahs (a low ratio today but fairly revolutionary in design when the ship was launched). A 2009 refurbishment added Princess's signature adults-only Sanctuary sun deck and the giant Movies Under the Stars LED screen, as well as upgraded carpeting, upholstery and hull paint.

Dawn Princess is far more intimate than its 21st-century siblings, but that also means that facilities are neither as expansive nor as well equipped as those on the fleet's newer vessels. The size is especially felt in the Horizon Court buffet venue (where options aren't as varied as in other lido buffets), the cramped workout room and the underwhelming teen lounge. On the other hand, having two show lounges is a great way to give passengers more entertainment choices each night, and Princess really utilizes the space it does have with a wide variety of onboard activities, everything from ceramics to dance classes, game tournaments to computer workshops.

Dawn Princess attracts the experienced cruiser who has done shorter cruises on other lines and is now venturing out into longer sailings on an upgraded class of ship.

Dawn Princess passengers are mostly Australians, with a smattering of New Zealanders, now that the ship is permanently based in Australia. The ship's long itineraries attract a high number of seniors, especially in the off season and on the annual world cruise. However, during more attractive cruising periods, the ship does get a wide variety of passengers, including families and teachers on holiday.

Dawn Princess guests tend to be experienced travelers and cruisers, and many have done shorter cruises on other cruise lines (including sister company P&O Australia).

Daytime dress is casual. Evening dress codes are either smart casual or formal. Princess defines smart casual as "what would be worn to a nice restaurant at home." Inappropriate clothing items include beach wear, shorts, baseball caps or casual jeans (frayed or with holes). Formal attire includes evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant pant suits for woman, and tuxedoes, dark suits or jacket and slacks for men. There are typically one to two formal nights per week.

Ten AUD per person, per day is assessed for passengers in both staterooms and suites. Passengers can change or remove gratuities from their onboard account at the purser's desk, and then tip appropriate crewmembers in person.

Next: Dawn Princess Cabins

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