Pacific Dawn Review
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Having only sailed on the Pacific Dawn four months prior (Xmas 2010), we knew what to expect. Once again we were sailing to New Caledonia and Vanuatu from Brisbane but with some different ports of call this time. The Pacific Dawn is apparently only a 3 star cruise ship but it is very comfortable, more than adequate and everything seems to function well. In fact, our cabins on both trips were equal to or better than most 4 or 5 star hotel rooms in regard to the cleanliness and amenities.
Embarkation
We drive up to Hamilton wharf from the Gold Coast which usually only takes 50 -- 60 minutes and we leave our car with Portside Parking. I'd recommend their services and they provide a shuttle bus to take you and your luggage around the corner to the terminal. Since we arrived quite early and before the crowds and queues, we only waited a few minutes until we were checked in. This was followed by a wait of just over 30 minutes before going into Customs and then on board.
Cabin Review
Our family of four shared an ocean view cabin on this trip, C179 on deck 9. The layout of two single beds with bunks above was a bit tight on occasions but had more room than an equivalent cabin we had on Sun Princess. Likewise, the bathroom was roomier and a better layout on Pacific Dawn and had much better wardrobe space. The cabins on the Dawn have bar fridges, something that the grander Rhapsody Of The Seas doesn't have!