With Reuben Goossens
Cruise’n’Travel Journalist / Cruise Reviewer
& Maritime Historian
Please Note:
Cruise-Australia
is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site and is NOT associated with
any cruise line or cruise/travel agency. The author has been in the passenger
shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi retired, but continues to
write cruise & ship reviews and articles to inform cruise & ship
enthusiasts to provide information for those intending a cruise. If you are
interested in a cruise, I am more than happy to refer you to a dedicated cruise
agent in
MV Pacific Dawn
Quality
Cruising for Queensland
Pacific Dawn seen at
Please Note: All photographs are © and
unless marked otherwise they were taken by the author and associate Hun-Eng Tan.
The superbly designed 70,000-ton cruise ship MV Pacific Dawn was designed
as a Princess Cruises ship (Regal Princess) by famed maritime
architect Renzo Piano who is renowned as one of the finest
and top designers. He is famous worldwide for his many architectural creations,
both on land and on the sea. When this
ship was built, she inspired a whole new era of sea-going innovations
for Renzo Piano combined what is called a brand new
style of “maritime design that was inspired by nature” and this can
be seen in her overall pleasing design, especially her forward section. Her
famed rounded “Dome” atop the bridge is intended to resemble a
dolphin gracefully moving through the water. This innovative design gives her
delightfully sleek and rounded lines.
The author on Pacific Dawn’s starboard bridge wing
Welcome on Board
the superb Dawn Princess and I am delighted to take you on a tour of this
wonderful cruise ship that has made its home in
Reuben Goossens
Celebrating 50 Years in
the Passenger Shipping Industry!
Photograph
© - by Kosta Specis
Pacific Dawn is
indeed the finest cruise ship ever to be based in
The
Plaza Atrium looking forward - On the right is Reception whilst on the left is
“La Patisserie” Coffee
Lounge
Pacific
Dawn’s interiors was designed by top interior design firm “H.
Chambers Company” of
The
International Showroom
The
multi-level International Show Lounge
Photograph © - by Kosta Specis
The
upper Lever of the Showroom on Deck 8
The multi-level “International Show Lounge” located forward on Promenade (7) and Dolphin (8) Decks, showcases grand nightly shows and other variety entertainments. The Show Lounge features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Pacific Dawn has a professional theatre troupe and there are several bands that perform in various lounges around the ship as well as the ships pianist. On each cruise there will be a number of guest artists who may be comedians, musicians, vocalists, and other performers, etc. The list is endless.
The Dome
On each side there is a grand arched hallway to the
“Dome” – This is portside looking towards aft the exit
Situated forward and atop of the ship is the famed “Dome” and this is a unique venue that accommodates several distinct areas under one huge curved roof. The Dome is 19 feet high in the center and the room measures an impressive 13,000 square feet. Curved glass outer windows are extenuated with rounded bone-white “ribs” arching from ceiling to floor. There is a huge bar located in the center of the Dome as well as a circular dance floor adjacent to the stage on the center portside were live bands will perform nightly. The observation area is separated by low partitions creating different levels. In addition the Dome has special lighting techniques that create a different mood in each area. However, during the day it is a popular venue for just sitting near a window enjoying the view and possible just reading your favourite book, whilst at night the Dome comes to life as the bands strike up the music and dancing commenced, and late at night the DJ continues the party until early in the morning.
The Dome is one of the most spectacular venues at
sea, and it has a grand view to go with it!
The centrally located (amidships, but portside)
bandstand
Floor to ceiling curved windows let in light and
views into this venue all around this room
There is a variety of seating, for comfortable
lounge chairs to leather round and square stool like seating near the bar
The closer you get to the windows the more
comfortable the seating gets, and it is the popular daytime spot!
The
Plaza Atrium
The core of the Pacific Dawn is the elegant three-story Plaza Atrium, which is highlighted by a grand staircase and features granite and polished metal accents and a waterfall cascading down in a decorative pool at the bottom. The lower level houses the Lobby Lounge and the reception area as well as ever popular “La Patisserie” with a Bar serving pastries and Barista coffee specialties.
The three level Plaza
Atrium looking aft to the grand staircase and wall waterfall
Looking
up to the upper levels of the Plaza Atrium
La
Patisserie on the lower level of the Atrium has a Bar serving Barista coffee
specialties drinks and delicious pastries
Photograph © - by Kosta Specis
On the upper levels
of the Plaza Atrium passengers will discover The Galleria on Emerald Deck (6),
which has a fine duty-free shopping arcade offering everything from fine
jewellery, crystal, perfumes to fashion apparel. The top level completes the
scene with the delightful Bacchus Bar, as well as another shop and the photo
and video shop located on each side of the ship.
The delightful and intimate Bacchus Bar atop the
Plaza Atrium
On both sides of promenade deck are long passageways with tables and
comfortable seating that leads to the next two lounges, and far aft is the
magnificent
The
hallway leading aft to the
However, the next lounge just aft of the Atrium is the
elegantly-appointed Bengal Bar. The first thing that will strike you is the British
Indian theme of the decor with the large overhead fans and that huge golden
Bengal Tiger statue in the middle of the room separating the main lounge and
the dance floor and band stand which has a massive mural feature backing. The
main lounge area has is a dramatic large mirrored bar, making this a
spectacular room indeed! It's colour scheme is obvious as it is mostly gold
with a few touches of dark blue here and there and this is carried through to
the rooms furnishings and carpeting. This venue has a
comfortable atmosphere that makes it the perfect gathering place before and
after dinner. In addition it is a popular entertainment and dance venue!
Other Venues
Other facilities on
board are up on Dolphin Deck where you will find the massive Casino and the
Legends Sports Bar located almost directly above the atrium ceiling. Forward
near the entrance of the upper level of the International Show Room there are
two popular venues. On the starboard side is the beautifully timbered Library
and on the portside the Internet Café.
The
main Casino Hall
Along
the two sides of the casino is the Legends lounge areas with large screen
sports on screens
at both ends of the room
The
Library is an elegant room and has a glazed cupboard with memorabilia. There
are ample books for a cruise
A
cosy spot to read or even play a game of cards
Above
and below: The Internet café
Dinning
Venues & Cafes
Aft on Promenade Deck (7) you will find Pacific Dawn’s main
dinning room, the
Photograph © - by Kosta Specis
One
of the glazed dividers in the
Photograph
© - by Kosta Specis
Aft on Lido Deck (12) you will find Cafe del Sol, being the ships Buffet
venue that offers indoor/outdoor breakfast and luncheons as well as open
sitting evening meals, as Pacific Dawn now offers “Your Choice
Dining”, therefore you can dine with whom you wish, as well as when and
where you wish” giving you a choice of where you wish to dine! The superb
a la Carte meals in the
Photograph © - by Kosta Specis
Then there is the “Lido Café” is ideal to enjoy an ice
cream, a cook drink or head there for a Barista espresso or Cappuccino from
just A$2. The
Above
and below: The Lido café located forward on Lido Deck (14) portside
Above
and below:
Luke Mangan on board the Pacific Dawn in Brisbane
Photo provided
& © by Carnival (P&O) Australia
The
Grill is located in a certain section of Café del Sol, but at night it takes on a whole new and romantic
feel.
You will note that the ceiling and surrounds is quite different to the
main section of the mostly white buffet area
This used to be Bravo Trattoria but has since been redeveloped into the highly acclaimed Luke Mangan's “Salt Grill”
Pools fitness and Lotus Spa
Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the Gym and the spacious Aerobics Room.
The Fitness Centre is fully equipped with a wide variety of equipment including
Keiser-300 weight machines, exercise bikes and up top there is a jogging track.
At the Fitness Centre you can also enjoy the sauna or the steam room.
For both men and ladies, a superbly equipped and fully trained staff
will be at hand in Pacific Dawn’s Hair and Beauty Salon to take care of
all your needs. Then for those who wish to luxuriate and be pampered, then head
for the Lotus Spa and enjoy one of the vast range of massages on offer and
relax and make your cruise simply special!.
Lido Deck features two fine swimming pools, one having a waterfall as well as an in-pool bar and there are two whirlpool hot spas. At night the central covered area is used for a variety of entertainment purposes, thus it is a place to fun, day in and also at night!
Photograph © - by Kosta Specis
Accommodations
Pacific Dawn accommodates 1,596 passengers when utilising lower beds only
and up to 2,020 passengers when using
The Suite has a
separate Lounge and a full width balcony
The bedroom is seen on
the left
This photograph has been
provided by Carnival Plc/P&O Cruises
A Mini Suite
provides every possible comfort
This photograph has been
provided by Carnival Plc/P&O Cruises
Above and below: A
standard outside twin – Economical inside cabins are similar, but without
a window
This is cabin P190
located aft / portside on Plaza Deck and Kosta and friend was very pleased with
it!
Photograph
© - by Kosta Specis
Photograph
© - by Kosta Specis
Above
and below: Pacific Dawn has a wide and a spacious Promenade Deck
This photograph has been
provided by Carnival Plc/P&O Cruises, and is used with permission
For Information and Reservations
Phone:
(Please NAME the SHIP you are enquiring about)
Pacific Dawn Index:
Photo
Page One
Deck
Plan –
Covering all her deck Decks 2 (Holiday Deck) to Deck 14 (Sun Deck)
Visit our many
features on the following Carnival
Princess
Cruises: Sun Princess / Dawn Princess
Cunard: Queen
Mary 2 / Queen Victoria
Seabourn: Seabourn Yachts
Phone:
Brisbane & International – Phone: +61 7 5546-6798
A listing of
recommended Australian & International Cruise
Agents
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Who is the Author of Cruise-Australia & ssMaritime?
Commenced in the
Passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960
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