Vessel: Dawn Princess.
Operator: Princess Cruises.
Built: 1997.
Tonnage: 77,000.
Passengers: 1,950 (double occupancy).
Crew/nationality: British and Italian officers and international crew/staff.
Cabins: apart from 38 suites/mini-suites with private verandahs and 19 wheelchair-accessible cabins, the size and amenities of the remaining 918 cabins are similar, with TVs, hairdryers and bathrobes standard. Storage space is adequate but bathrooms are on the small side. There are 372 inside cabins but the major development is the large proportion – nearly two-thirds – of outside cabins which each have their own private balcony.
Food and drink: the quality of the food and its presentation is a major step forward for a ship which can be catering for up to 2,250 passengers. There are two main dining rooms each operating the usual two sittings but there are also alternative evening dining options at a pizzeria and in the attractive Horizon Court, which is open 24hrs a day. There is also a patisserie and an ice cream parlour. Drinks prices in the bars are on the high side but there is a good and reasonably-priced wine list in the restaurants.
Service: highly professional, mainly Italian staff in the various restaurants. Standards are patchier around the many bars and at the main reception.
Entertainment: the inclusion of a theatre as well as a standard cruise ship show lounge allows the line to stage more ambitious and original musical productions by its own on-board company. There is live music in most of the other bars and lounges and a disco. There is a good-sized but pleasingly unobtrusive casino, an excellent spa and fitness centre, several pools and Jacuzzis, plenty of deck space with a sports court, table tennis, golf course simulator, video arcade, playroom, and mini pool for children.
Comments: the quality of food, service and the lack of crowding on board a ship carrying 2,000 passengers is remarkable. The main criticisms are the lack of a separate observation lounge, which is particularly missed when the ship cruises to Alaska for the summer, and the in-cabin food service, which is below the high levels set elsewhere on the ship.