Cruises "Down Under"...

[Rev22:17]

Everybody,

According to Princess's latest press release, Princess is now promoting and handling bookings for sister line P&O Cruises Australia in North America.

But the following paragraph in the press release is very interesting.

Originally Posted by The Press Release

The 2,050-passenger Pacific Dawn -- familiar to many Princess fans from her days sailing as Regal Princess -- debuts as Australia's first "superliner" in November. The ship's first season features 10 different roundtrip Sydney itineraries, ranging from seven- to 28-day sailings. Highlights include regular cruises to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and even a 28-day cruise to French Polynesia, calling at a wealth of Pacific Islands, including Bora Bora, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

As MV Regal Princess, this ship carried 1590 passengers. So what did P&O Cruises Australia change to provide 460 additional berths? That's an increase in capacity of nearly 30%!

Norm.

[kandajones]

WOW Norm, that's one heck of a change - The Aussies must really love each other.
Looking at the current & future specs makes it look even stranger as there will be FEWER cabins.

Regal Princess
Passengers (Min/Max) 1598/1672 in 798 cabins
184 Balcony 436 standard outside 178 standard inside

Pacific Dawn
2,050 passengers in 795 cabins in total
134 balcony 440 standard outside 171 standard inside
14 Suites 36 Mini Suites

Maybe the weather is that good down under that MUTS will become SUTS (Sleeping Under The Stars ;o)


Alan.

[Rev22:17]

Alan,

Originally Posted by You

WOW Norm, that's one heck of a change - The Aussies must really love each other.
Looking at the current & future specs makes it look even stranger as there will be FEWER cabins.

Regal Princess
Passengers (Min/Max) 1598/1672 in 798 cabins
184 Balcony 436 standard outside 178 standard inside

Pacific Dawn
2,050 passengers in 795 cabins in total
134 balcony 440 standard outside 171 standard inside
14 Suites 36 Mini Suites

Maybe the weather is that good down under that MUTS will become SUTS (Sleeping Under The Stars.

Actually, the 134 standard balcony, 14 suites, and 36 minisuites aboard MV Pacific Dawn add up to the "184 balcony" reported for MV Regal Princess. The other cabin numbers are pretty close, and could reflect a difference in cabins allocated for entertainers. Nonetheless, they obviously have added a lot of third and fourth berths.

Norm.

[NSWP]

Ah my favourite subject. We are on Regal's last cruise LA to Sydney August 31 this year. Arriving Sydney, Australia on October 2. 12 ports enroute through the Pacific.

Anyway..once here the ship is in dock for some 5 or 6 weeks, renamed Pacific Dawn, paint job, having 3rd and 4th berths fitted to many of the cheaper cabins to raise the pax numbers to 2050 as against 1590 as Regal. The Casino in the 'Dome' topside will also be relocated lower down to the stage door tavern area. The movie theatre becomes a restaurant I believe. Room service will be subject to charges as will the gym I believe. The ship will do 10 day cruises out of Sydney to Papeete etc and will be the largest cruiseship ever to be based in Australia, full time. P&O Australia, part of Carnival group are doing a lot of puiblicity re 'Pacific Dawn. Accordingto reports many of Regal's current crew will stay with Pacific Dawn. Have a look at P&O Australia website www.pacificdawn.com.au

Regal Princess's last cruise should be a nostalgic one I reckon for many on her. I hope the changes do not destroy her. I am not sure whether or not I would want to cruise on Regal again as Pacific Dawn, I will wait for reviews. However our last cruise of the Regal should have at least one big farewell Regal party.!!

Best wishes from Australia