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 Australia or New Zealand, these are agents that specialises in cruising, and they will be able to best to advise you and offer the best fares possible. Be assured, I do NOT receive any commission from these agents, for 99.9% of the time these agents will not be aware of my involvement as I provide the enquirer with the requested information and the agents (in their region) direct contact details. You can visit my recommended AGENTS page for their contact details.

  

Please Note: All photographs are © and unless marked otherwise they were taken by the author and associate Hun-Eng Tan.

Many do not realise that the two excellent ships that today are lovingly known as Brisbane’s MV Pacific Dawn and Sydney’s Pacific Jewel were originally planned and designed by one of the great Italian shipping companies by the name of “Sitmar Line” and cruises, they are also known as V.Ships, a company that still operates to this very day with a superb fleet of 6 star super luxury boutique cruise ships.

In the days of their older ships, such as the Fair Wind and Fair Sea (two ex Cunard ships), which later became known as TSS Dawn and TSS Pacific Princess, they decided to sign a deal to build magnificent MV FairMajesty with Chantiers de l’Antlantique. However, as history would prove Mr Boris Vlasov the great leader of the Sitmar group of companies passed away, and Sitmar was soon thereafter taken over by P&O and the FairMajesty was renamed Star Princess and today she is what I believe one of the finest ships in the P&O fleet, the MV Pacific Pearl! However, before Mr. Vlasov’s passing V.Ships also met with senior naval architects from the famed Italian ship builders Fincantieri to build two further magnificent and very advanced cruise ships to be built by them in Monfalcone Italy. The first to be completed would be the Crown Princess, today’s Pacific Jewel, next came the Regal Princess the recently beautifully refitted and upgraded Pacific Dawn, based in Brisbane!

Thus the superbly designed 70,285 ton MV Pacific Dawn was originally designed by the famous maritime architects Enrico Buschi, Gianfranco Bertaglia and Renzo Piano who are renowned as being the finest and top designers. Renzo Piano is famous around the world for his many architectural creations, both on land and on the sea. When these ships were built, they inspired a whole new era of sea-going innovations for Renzo combined what is called a brand new style of “maritime design that was inspired by nature” and this can be seen in both Pacific Jewel and Dawn’s overall and most pleasing design, especially their forward upper section. Pacific Dawn’s famed for her rounded “The Dome” that is a superb lounge and nightclub, sitting atop of the bridge and the design is intended to resemble a dolphin gracefully moving through the water. This innovative design gives her delightfully sleek and rounded lines.

Sadly on the Pacific Jewel whilst she was with one of Carnival’s German cruise companies, they ripped out the Dome lounge and replaced it with the Spa, which I believe was a travesty for this meant the ships had lost one of its major public venues. In addition, they reduced the Atrium area by adding cabins on both sides of Deck 6, where the Shopping Gallery should have been, and it is for this reason Pacific Jewel is my least favourite ship in the P&O fleet today for she has just two main lounges and that’s about it, apart from the show room and other minor spaces! However, the Pacific Dawn and Pacific Pearl are both wonderful ships and highly recommended!

 

Pacific Dawn seen at Brisbane's Portside Cruise Terminal

 

The author on Pacific Dawn’s starboard bridge wing

Welcome on Board the superb Pacific Dawn and I am delighted to take you on a tour of this wonderful cruise ship that has made its home in Brisbane. As many will discover she is one of my favourite ships and I would highly recommend her to anyone intending heading off for a cruise vacation. She offers superb venues, as well as excellent accommodations. But better still, P&O Cruises Australia, and I am speaking from experience, has a great and a friendly fully experienced crew who are always there to tend to your every wish, in addition the food is simply to say, “superb!” But, I better get off the bridge and take you around the ship!

Reuben Goossens

Cruise‘n’Ship Reviewer, Maritime Historian, Author and Lecturer.

In the Passenger Shipping Industry since 1960!

Update July 2012: The Pacific Dawn has undergone a comprehensive refit in 2012, and interior changes will also be extensive, for the amidships Bengal Bar will be completely changed and it will now become the “Orient Pub” very much like the one found on the Pacific Pearl. It will feature a variety of sports memorabilia. Also there will be new comfortable Chesterfield lounges to add to the tone of the venue, whilst at the bar a wide range of draft beers and ciders will be served. Far forward, the Showroom will be extensively refurbished with new carpets and upholstery as well as walls being newly covered. In addition, there will be two new LED screens fitted onto the wall. The Buffet will also receive a new look, with a whole new furnishings and colour scheme. A new innovation will be the introduction of screens that will create a more intimate setting for the very popular Pan-Asian restaurant “La Luna.” On the top level of the Atrium is the “Bacchus Bar” and here also will be a transformation, which will become the “Mix Cocktail Bar.” Other upgrades will mean a brighter new Buffet, and a smarter and more glamorous Showroom! There will be new carpets in various parts of the ship!

All her suites and mini-suites will be completely upgraded with new carpets, furnishings and artwork by the famed Sydney photographer Toney Rae.

Another popular change has been that a good number of standard cabins have become interconnecting cabins. These new interconnecting cabins will be configured as quad-quad, twin-quad or with twin-twin bedding, able to suit the dynamics of different travelling parties, be it families, or friends travelling together.

Outdoors, she will finally be given a giant state of the art LED Big Screen located just forward of her funnel, providing movies, features, concerts, sports and other shows. These screens on the other two ships have proven to be a huge hit with passengers!

Pacific Dawn is a revitalised ship with exciting and new features, therefore past passengers who have loved her for a long time will be overjoyed with the many new venues and the brighter new buffet and a smarter and far more glamorous International Show Lounge! There is no doubt that she will be a superior ship with the many changes that have been made!

 

Here we see the Pacific in Noumea

Pacific Dawn is indeed the finest cruise ship ever to be based in Brisbane Australia as she is a revolutionary ship that sets new whole new a standard in cruising for Queenslanders!

The Plaza Atrium looking forward - On the right is Reception whilst on the left is “Charlies” Coffee Lounge

Pacific Dawn’s interiors was designed by top interior design firm “H. Chambers Company” of Baltimore USA and Pacific Dawn exudes a soft and a somewhat understated decor. You will find the crisp corals of blue and aqua tones, which are combined with superb woods, granites and polished metals, all of which adds to her fresh interiors. The overall feel is one of spaciousness, yet she has relaxed and comfortable areas that compliment the casually elegant interior design of this beautifully designed cruise ship, which is simply a joy to sail on!

The International Show Room

 

The multi-level Marquee Show Room

The multi-level “Marquee Show Room” located forward on Promenade (7) and Dolphin (8) Decks, showcases grand nightly shows and other variety entertainments. The Show Room 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 upper Lever of the Show Room on Deck 8

 

At night the Show Room comes alive at it is time for a big shiow

 

 

Above and below: Showtime! 

 

 

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 huge Dome’s Bar 

 

The centrally located (amidships, but portside) bandstand

 

Floor to ceiling curved windows let in light into this venue – the views from any part of this venue is wonderful!

 

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 a very popular daytime spot!

 

It is so sad this grand room was removed from the Pacific Jewel, for on her it has become the Spa, what a terrible waste and a great loss of passenger space!!!

 

The Plaza Atrium

The heart 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 “Carlies” with a Bar serving pastries and Barista coffee specialties.

The three level Plaza Atrium looking aft to the grand staircase and wall waterfall

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking up to the upper levels of the Plaza Atrium and atop we can just see the intimate Bacchus bar

 

The Reception – Information Desk

 

The sculpture behind on the wall of the Reception Desk

 

Charlies on the lower level of the Atrium has a Bar serving Barista coffee specialties drinks and delicious pastries

 

 

 

 

The delightful and intimate Bacchus Bar atop the Plaza Atrium

 

As casn be seen above, on both sides of promenade deck there are long passageways with tables and comfortable seating that leads to the next two lounges “The Orient’ and “Promenade Lounge” and far aft is the magnificent Waterfront Restaurant.

The first lounge just aft of the Atrium is the now elegantly-appointed The Orient.” Having had a recent refit this venue has had a complete change and has become a magnificent Sports style Pub and it is filled wit a good variety of sports memorabilia, yet as can be seen here there are cosy corners for a quiet drink.

The new “The Orient” Pub

Photograph provided by & © P&O Cruises/Carnival Australia

 

A cosy corner of “The Orient” Pub

Photograph provided by & © P&O Cruises/Carnival Australia

 

The hallway leading aft to the Art Gallery and the Restaurant

 

The next venue is the Promenade Lounge that has an all black curved bar set against the forward wall, and there are two huge alfresco murals well placed on the aft walls. There is also a raised stage featuring a grand piano and a small dance floor. The room is furnished in blues and gold’s with granite round table tops.

The Promenade Lounge and Bar is a colourful venue even though having an all black bar

 

 

Above and below: This delightful lounge has a grand Piano, thus has music

 

 

Other Venues on Dolphin Deck (8)

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

 

The Internet café

 

Dinning Venues & Cafes

Aft on Promenade Deck (7) you will find Pacific Dawn’s main dinning room, the Palm Court Restaurant. It has an intimate and elegant environment and atmosphere and this has been achieved by cleverly placing dividing walls and superbly glazed panels enhancing the beauty of thus fine room. However, no matter the elegance of the venue it is far outdone by the chefs in the galleys, as P&O’s chefs create some of the finest cuisine on the South Pacific, and the author having dined on Pacific Dawn and other P&O ships can attest to this!

PacDawn-Waterfront-Restaurant

The Waterfront Restaurant is elegantly appointed in fine timbers and etched glass dividers

 

 

One of the different glazed dividers in the Waterfront Restaurant

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 Palm Court Restaurant and copious Buffet style meals in Café del Sol are all included in your fares.

Cafe del Sol Buffet where you can sit indoors or outside in the sun or shade!

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 Lido poolside bar serves drinks in an easygoing setting.

 

Above and below: The Lido café located forward on Lido Deck (14) portside

 

 

 

Above and below: Lido Café has a delightful alfresco seating arrangement

 

However, for something special the Pacific Dawn also has two optional dining facilities. 1. “The Grill” offers Steaks and Seafood, and 2. Luke Mangan's famous “Salt Grill” offering one of the finest dinning options at sea! Both are available at a low additional cost.

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

 

Luke Mangan on board the Pacific Dawn in Brisbane

Photo provided & © by Carnival (P&O) Australia

 

 

Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill interior

 

This used to be Bravo Trattoria, but is now 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!

Of course there is that brand new addition that was added in 2012, a huge LED Screen trhat will provide a hoist of entertainment, be it movies, music, sports or ship borad entertainment, its all there to enjoy! In addition the now word famous “New Zealand Natural Ice Cream” is features and there ai a superb range of flavours available! Pacific Dawn is s]offering more and more choices!Dawn

The delightful and tasty NZ Natural Ice Cream Bar!

This photograph has been provided by Carnival Plc/P&O Cruises

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!

Lido deck offers two swimming Pools, one with a swim up bar and there are whirlpools for your enjoyment!

Photograph © - by Kosta Specis

 

Accommodations

The feel of spaciousness played a mayor part in this ship’s overall design. Accommodations are some of the most spacious found in the cruise industry. She sports no less that 184 private balconies. All Suites and Mini-Suites have a balcony, sitting room areas and bathtubs. They measure between 587 and 360 square feet, respectively. Standard cabins measure an impressive 190 square feet, and cabins with balconies are 210 square feet. All staterooms feature the latest in amenities, including large walk-in closets, ample drawer space, refrigerators, Flat screen LCD TV, guest safes. All twin beds can convert to a queen sized bed. All Ocean View cabins feature large picture windows. There is a vast array of accommodations available, thus be assured, there is a cabin to suit your pocket.

Pacific Dawn accommodates 1,596 passengers when utilising lower beds only and up to 2,020 passengers when using ALL beds, lower and upper berths. However, as many couples tend to cruise, the latter simply never happens, thus the usual maximum passenger capacity is between 1,850 and 1,950 passengers, but as I said, this can be variable, especially during school holidays.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above and below: A standard outside twin – Economical inside cabins are similar, but without a window

This is cabin P-90 located aft / portside on Plaza Deck and Kosta and friend was very pleased with it!

Photograph © - by Kosta Specis

 

Note the spacious desk and the flat screen TV

Photograph © - by Kosta Specis 

 

 

 

Looking at the basin, mirror that hides the 2 small toiletries cupboards, but there is plenty of other space available! 

 

 

 Here we see a twin room with two uppers down and sold as a four berth cabin.

 

 

Above and Below we see just two of the younger set’s facilities, which are superb and well supervised with heaps of games & activities

 

 

 

 

 

Above and below: Pacific Dawn has a wide and a spacious Promenade Deck

 

 

 

 

MV Pacific Dawn departs Brisbane on another wonderful cruise

 

I trust that you will be on board the delightful Pacific Dawn very soon!

 

For Information and Reservations

Contact: “The Cruise Specialists”

Australia’s first fully dedicated cruise agency – Established in 1982

Email Corie Lisignoli at: info@cruisespecialists.com.au

 (Please NAME the SHIP you are enquiring about)

Phone: Australia wide - Phone 1800 427 847 - Brisbane & International – Phone: +61 7 5546-6798

 

Or visit: www.pocruise.com.au for information

Please Note: You can book with P&O direct, but I highly suggest that you then go to a good agent

To complete the booking, for you will receive excellent service, something that P&O just do not provides per phone!

But better still – Having looked at P&O’s website, GO or email a good and reliable agent FIRST!

Pacific Dawn Index:

Pacific Dawn - Introducing the best ever cruise ship we have had based in Brisbane Queensland!

Photo Page One – Kosta Specis my associate, presents three fine photo pages of his cruise

Photo Page Two

Photo Page Three

Deck Plan – Covering all her deck Decks 2 (Holiday Deck) to Deck 14 (Sun Deck)

Cruise Review Michael & Rohani Dutton and their 3 children sail on Pacific Dawn – This is their story!

 

Visit our many features on the following Carnival PLC Cruise Companies

P&O Cruises Australia: Pacific Dawn / Pacific Jewel / Pacific Pearl

Carnival Cruises Australia: Carnival Spirit

Princess Cruises Australia: Sun Princess / Dawn Princess

P&O Cruises UK: Aurora / Oriana / Artemis

Cunard Line USA/UK: Queen Mary 2 / Queen Victoria / Queen Elizabeth

Seabourn: Seabourn Yachts

 

For the Latest Cruise NEWS read our …

P&O/Princess/Cunard/Costa/Seabourn/Carnival News Updates

 

For Information and Reservations

Email: info@cruisespecialists.com.au

Phone: Australia wide - Phone 1800 427 847

Brisbane & International – Phone: +61 7 5546-6798

 

A listing of recommended Australian & International Cruise Agents

ENTER HERE

 

***********************************

Return to the - Cruise-Australia.com - INDEX

Who is the Author of Cruise-Australia & ssMaritime?

Commenced in the Passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960

 

Contact the Author …

When sending an email please name the ship you are requesting information or speaking about!

 

Please Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site. The author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the future.

 

However, if you are interested in a cruise, I am happy to refer you to a dedicated cruise agent in Australia, New Zealand or further afield on my recommended “cruise agents” page, for these are agents that specialise in cruising and they will be able offer excellent service you and the best fares available! Be assured, I do NOT receive any commissions or favours from these agents, and in the vast majority of cases these agents will not even be aware of my, or my site’s involvement, as I provide the enquirer with the requested information of the agents (in their region) including their contact details. Reuben Goossens. 

 

Return to the - Cruise-Australia.com - INDEX

 

Cruise-Australia.com

& Cruise-Australia.net  

 

Classic Liner enthusiasts visit

ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

Where the ships of the past make history the 1914 built MV Doulos Story

 

Visit our Classic Ocean Voyages Campaign Feature

 

Photographs on cruise-australia are: 1. By the author. 2. From the author’s private collection. 3. As provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are photographs provided to me without details provided regarding the photographer concerned. I hereby invite if owners of these images would be so kind to make them-selves known to me, that due credit may be given. I know what it is like, I have seen a multitude of my own photographs on other sites, yet they either refuse to give me credit and even refuse to remove them, knowing full well that there is no legal comeback when it comes to the net. However, let us show the charlatans up and do the right thing at all times and give credit where credit is due! Note: I do not credit those who send me photos as they are not the owners of the photographs concerned, unless the image is part of their private collection.

This notice covers all pages, although, I have done my best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displaced on each page, that is, when a page is updated!

 

 

 

cruise-australia is owned and © Copyright - by Reuben Goossens - All Rights Reserved