Ship Inspection: Dawn Princess
By: Amanda Collins, for Cruise Weekly

Sydney's White Bay cruise terminal is buzzing. The place is alive, seething with excitement and noise.

Today some 2000 passengers are embarking on Princess Cruises' first ever return Sydney world voyage onboard the Dawn Princess.

The 104 day journey will take its passengers over four continents, exploring the Pacific, the US, Ireland, Europe, the Mediterranean as well as Anzac Cove.

With a gross tonnage of 77,000, it is hard to comprehend the sheer size of the Dawn. Indeed, if tipped on her stern, the 261 metre Princess would stretch 11 metres higher than Sydney's tallest building.

Once onboard, I am led down the warmly lit hallway from which I can peer into the rooms which peel off, to reveal at times expansive spaces - vestiges of old-world grandeur, spun with contemporary style - and at other times intimate nooks such as the card room and wood paneled library.

It seems as if the Dawn is a world unto itself, a floating village with a total population to rival some of the ports that she will call at, and fully equipped to stave off boredom, with theatres, sports centres, kids' clubs, pools, spas, health centres and even a casino.

But I am not here to see cabaret, or bet against the house, I am here to view Dawn's latest additions: 'Movies Under the Stars' and the 'Sanctuary', completed as part of her a multi-million dollar refurbishment.

My face scrunches up in protest at the sudden startling light as I am led onto the pool deck. I am greeted by the smell of popcorn, salt and the largest screen I have ever seen outside of an IMAX. Above the pool area sitting before the funnel, and measuring 8 metres wide by 4.5 metres high, the 'Movies Under the Stars' LED screen required not only a crane, but a barge to get onboard.

Contrary to its name, the area is open both day and night, for guests to recline on the padded pool chairs with complimentary popcorn and a blanket, to watch sporting events, concerts, and the latest movies.

I sit down blanketed up and ready to relax, as the movie commences, and for an hour I am transported up over the ocean, and away from the bustle of the city into 'Harvey Krumpets' world.

After the movie, we are funneled up to the top deck, through an entranceway and into a 'Sanctuary'.

The wind dies - stilled by the large glass paneled walls designed to calm the elements but allow the ocean view. A sheer canopy guards the plush deck chairs which fan the perimeter of this child-free retreat.

Everything in the area seems softer, more luxurious, and it should. The Sanctuary was designed purely for indulgence and relaxation.

I wander between the chairs listening to the ocean slap and gurgle against the bow, and it is easy to imagine whiling away a whole day here. But alas I cannot, the tour must come to an end.

After one last longing look around the ship - and much discussion as to the best method to stow away - we are ushered to the exit.

I cannot help but think that with the popularity of cruising soaring, that the Dawn, with her stylistic links to the romantic voyages of old, coupled with the relaxation and entertainment facilities enjoyed by 21st century holiday-makers, could not have been more aptly named, as she journeys into a new era of cruising.

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