Aussies embark on epic voyage
By: Katrina Archer and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

Almost 2000 Australians departed this week on the longest cruise ever undertaken from this country - a 104-night world circumnavigation.

The Dawn Princess has set off to make history as it sails across the Pacific Ocean to America, then on to Ireland, Europe, the Mediterranean and Anzac Cove, before returning to Sydney on 16 October.

Visiting 42 ports, the voyage is the first full global circumnavigation and the longest roundtrip cruise ever made from Australia.

More than 90% of passengers are from Australia and New Zealand - aged from one to 95 years - with 911 people completing the full world itinerary and a further 2800 booked on shorter sectors.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates Dawn Princess, said the popularity of the voyage reflected growing demand for local departure cruise holidays.

"For many years Australians had to fly halfway round the world to join a world cruise, but now they can board a ship on their doorstep and relax and unwind as the world comes to them - it has to be the most relaxing way to travel," Sherry said.

The 77,000-tonne Dawn Princess and her twin sister Sun Princess are now based in Australian waters year-round.

Upon her return, Dawn Princess will depart on a 18-night return cruise to Papua New Guinea via South Pacific ports, priced from $2509 per person, twin share.

The superliner will also offer another world cruise next year, departing Sydney on 21 May, priced from $19,999 per person twin-share.

Meanwhile, the ship has unveiled two new signature Princess features - a giant, poolside 'Movies Under the Stars' screen, so passengers can watch films, sport and music from their deckchairs; and The Sanctuary, a child-free retreat where adults are served refreshments by 'Serenity Stewards' in a quiet space.

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