With Reuben Goossens

Cruise’n’Travel Journalist & Maritime Historian

 

MV Princess Daphne

& Sister Ship MV Princess Danae

Please Note: Cruise-Australia is a 100% non-commercial and privately owned cruise site and is NOT associated with any cruise company or travel agency! Although the author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 but is currently semi-retired. However, he continues to write cruise & ship reviews as well as articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the future. More at the bottom of the page.

Classic International Cruises’ magnificent new cruise ship, the MV Princess Daphne

The ship last visited Sydney in January 1998, then named MV Switzerland whilst she was on a world cruise

Photograph taken by & © Reuben Goossens

MV Princess Daphne was originally a famed British built Port Line ship that sailed with her sister the MV Princess Danae between the United Kingdom and New Zealand and Australia, and thus they were built as “deep sea ships” with hulls to suit “long distance blue water voyages”! First of the pair obtained was the Princess Danae, then in 2008 Princess Daphne came into the Classic International Cruises (CIC) fleet and she was given a substantial refit and this fine ship like her sister is a superb cruise ship and joined the Classic International Cruises fleet consisting of the ever popular MV Funchal, MV Athena (CIC’s flagship), MV Arion, and the Princess Danae.

Both ships have extensive decks, a pool, and Danae has the two raised Jacuzzis as in this image

From the author’s private collection

These ships are traditional cruise ships, which were purpose built for blue water voyages, and offers passengers whose preference is for a ‘smaller’ ship, value for money cruising.

Princess Daphne was originally built as the MS Port Sydney and her sister as the Port Melbourne. Both having been completely rebuilt and refitted a number of times, thus these fine ships are the perfect ships for long distance ocean cruising having solid deep ocean hull, this, combined with their attractive public lounges, wide spacious open decks and excellent cabin accommodations make them special ships indeed and they come highly recommended!

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

NEWS Update

Princess Daphne - Far East Cruises

Australian summer season 2010-2011 & 2011-2012

Departures from Singapore & Hong Kong

Classic International Cruises are renowned for their value for money cruises and operating cruises in conjunction with its other CIC fleet members. CIC will now continue this tradition and from December 2010 to April 2011 Australian’s and New Zealanders will be able to enjoy a superb fly/cruise experience on the delightfully elegant MV Princess Daphne, which will be offering a series of extensive cruises from Singapore and Hong Kong. She will be visiting a vast array of exotic Asian ports. At the bottom of this page I have placed a link that contains all the relevant details.

April 2010 Update: Recently I have been advised by the Managing director, Mr. Grant Hunter, that bookings have been doing extremely well, especially on her longer cruises and already CIC has planned Princess Daphne’s 2011 & 2012 season, and she may seven pend a little extra longer in Asia in 2012.

The Ship:

Like MV Funchal and MV Athena, the Princess Daphne is a deep hull classic cruise ship and this fine ship was designed for long distance ocean cruising. From countless reviews, it is obvious that she has been very popular amongst the British and other markets in the Northern Hemisphere and I am assured knowing this ship so well that she will be a massive hit with Australians! One of the reasons for her popularity is due to her being a medium to small sized cruise ship, especially by today’s standards, thus, unlike the majority of today’s massive cruise ships, instead of cruising with a crowd, on some ships up to 6,000 passengers, whilst on Princess Daphne you will never have more than 592 fellow guests on board, thus soon you will become part of the Princess Daphne family, where you will discover a warm and an intimate atmosphere, whilst Classic International Cruises will provide that traditional old fashioned European style of service.

Princess Daphne / Danae - Photo Gallery

Photographs are a selection from both ships 

 

MV Princess Danae can be identified from her sister by her superstructure which was extended further forward

From a private source 

 

This Lounge is warm and elegant and simply one of the many a great venues on board

Provided by “Classic International Cruises – CIC

  

The Main Lounge & Show Room

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

Showtime!

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

  

Main Lounge & Show Room

Provided by “Classic International Cruises – CIC

 

One of the many Lounges – Note the slots for those with a willing finger!

From the author’s private collection

 

There are many delightful Bars and Lounges

From the author’s private collection

 

The delightful Piano lounge 

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

The Piano Bar

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

 

Above & Below: The Restaurant

From the author’s private collection

 

Classic International Cruises is part of the long established and well respected Arcalia Shipping Company Limited which owns and operates five cruise vessels: Funchal, Arion, Princess Danae, Princess Daphne and their flagship the Athena.

For almost three decades Classic International Cruises has successfully served the British and European cruise market, carrying 85,000 passengers per year to Europe, United Kingdom, and South America, whilst cruises out of Australia was introduced in 2003.

First Australian’s were introduced to the delightful MV Funchal and now the company’s flagship the MV Athena has taken over the Australian service and she has proven to be a massive hit!

During the summer of 2010 and 2011, both the Athena and the Princess Daphne will be cruising in our region, giving us greater options to sail with one of the more popular cruise lines and these fine ships. I am sure that the Princess Daphne will become a new favourite for Australian’s and New Zealanders for this remarkable ship offers something quite unique, being such a delightful ship. She is truly a classic ship, yet she has facilities that are as modern as tomorrow.

What can you expect from a CIC cruise? I have received hundred’s of emails from past CIC passengers who attest to their cruise experience, and in general they stated that their cruise was “Great value for money, and that it offered excellent food, friendly and efficient service as well as the great entertainment.” Believe it or not, I once received one complaint, someone stated that their “cruise on the QE2 was much better.” Well, this passenger forgot one major factor, they did not pay QE2 prices, thus so sorry there are no white gloves at afternoon tea! What CIC does offer is superb value for money and a great cruise with all the trimmings, and that is why CIC has been such a huge success for the past 30 years!

Bar and venue for the daily Buffet

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

The Gym

From the author’s private collection

 

The Hair Salon

From the author’s private collection

 

This is Princess Daphne’s aft decks and pool

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

Accommodations

The majority of cabins on Princess Daphne have ocean views, be it through a port hole or a window. In addition, cabins are generally quite spacious compared to the newer built cruise ships. All 241 cabins have a television; private en-suite facilities with many have a bath with shower.

In addition to a wide choice of standard and superior twin bedded cabins there are also a good selection of higher graded larger junior suites as well as spacious balcony suites having the added advantage of a separate lounge, as well as a fridge, hairdryer and a safe. A limited number of cabins also extra upper fold away pullman bed, or sofa beds, as well as the availability of some double beds.

All cabin images were provided by “Classic International Cruises – CIC.

Above & below: Verandah suite (Category 13) with balcony with deck chairs, etc, a double bed, as well as a double sofa bed (if required), private facilities with bath, bidet, hair dryer, refrigerator, safe. Fresh Fruit is provided daily. This spacious suite measures 30.72 M2 and is located up on Sun Deck. (CIC)

 

Above. (Category 12) Deluxe suite with multiple windows having twin beds, private facilities, a bath and an overhead shower as well as a bidet. Each suite has a sofa, refrigerator, hairdryer and safe. Fresh Fruit is provided daily. Located on Promenade Deck. Average size is 29m2. 

Above. (Category 11) Outside suite with 2 lower beds or a double bed indicated by ¥ on the deck plan. Private facilities with bath and overhead shower. Each has a sofa, refrigerator, hairdryer and safe. Fresh Fruit is provided daily. Located on Promenade Deck. Average size 24m2. 

Above: (Category 9) An outside premium cabin with convertible double or twin beds and private facilities with bath and an overhead shower. All have a refrigerator, hairdryer and safe. Located on Promenade Deck. 

 

Above: Outside superior cabin (Category 7) with a double bed, private facilities with bath, safe, hairdryer and refrigerator located on Atlantic Deck. (CIC)

 

 

Above: Outside twin bedded cabin (category 4), with private facilities most having a *bath on Mediterranean or Pacific Decks. *Note: It may be necessary to cover the porthole in some cabins on certain occasions due to bad weather conditions. (CIC)

 

 

Above: Larger inside twin bedded cabin (category 2), private facilities with bath located on Mediterranean Deck. (CIC)

  

Princess Daphne seen during her sea trials 24 April 2008 after her refit

From the author’s private collection

 

The Princess Daphne will cruise in Asia in 2010/2011, and she will be a welcome addition to our region

 From a private source

 

MV Princess Danae – her forward extension is clearly shown in this image

Provided by “Classic International Cruises - CIC

 

For full Far East Cruise itineraries & fares visit the Classic International Cruises Website – Use the link hereunder

www.classicintcruises.com/fareast-cruises.htm 

 

For further Information and Reservations contact:

“The Cruise Specialists”

Australia’s #1 and first registered Australian all Cruise Agency – Established in 1982

Email Corie: info@cruisespecialists.com.au

Australia wide – Phone poll free 1800 427 847

International – Phone: +61 7 5546-6798

(Please NAME the SHIP you are enquiring about)

 

For other agencies or for International visitors

This is a list of recommended Australian, New Zealand & International Cruise’n’Travel Agents

ENTER HERE

 

Port Sydney - Princess Daphne INDEX

MV Princess Daphne                 & Princess Danae.

Deck Plan                               Princess Daphne cabin plan

MS Port Sydney- Melbourne      Princess Daphne & Danae’ history page - on ssmaritime.com

Other CIC Ships – MV Athena & MV Arion

MV Athena                                    CIC’s Flagship!

MS Stockholm                               Athena’s history page - on ssmaritime.com

MV Arion                                An intimate, charming and delightful cruise ship

MS Istra                                 Arion was built as a Yugoslavian cruise ship in 1965 - on ssmaritime.com

MV Funchal CIC’s first ship!

Page One …                                      MV Funchal – 2008 Ship review (in Singapore)

Page Two …                                      Deck Plan

Page Three …                                   Funchal Information Sheet

Page Five                                      SS Funchal - her History page - on ssmaritime.com

CLICK the “Classic International Cruises” LOGO above to enter their Website

 

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

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 mu 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 the NEW Classic Ocean Voyages 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 2010 - by Reuben Goossens - All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

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