On 8th July 2009 Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess sailed from Auckland on a grand World Cruise of over 100 days. And on board were hundreds of New Zealanders!
So why was this cruise so popular with Kiwis and when is the next World Cruise?
Over 800 Kiwis will sail on the ship before the cruise concludes in Sydney in October. In fact more than 300 Kiwis have joined her for the full cruise. What recession?
First and foremost this world cruise is so popular because it starts and finishes close to home and offers a great schedule. Those travelling one way to UK arrive in late summer and those already in Europe have enjoyed the European summer before taking the long way home.
Secondly the cruise is exceptional value. While other world cruises starting in UK, Europe or USA have huge population bases to support them Dawn Princess is permanently based in Australia so the fares were set to suit Aussies and Kiwis with a bonus that the shipboard currency is Australian Dollars, rather than US Dollars or Pounds which are the norm for long world cruises, making it even better value.
Unique World Cruise itinerary aboard Dawn Princess
With the 2009 cruise being a sell-out it looks like the cruise will be a regular feature of our cruise calendar.
Interest is already strong in the 2010 cruise which starts in Sydney on 21 May and travels via Asia and Suez Canal to UK returning via New York and the Panama Canal – 101 days from Sydney around the World to Auckland!
The full list of destinations sounds a bit like an old Howard Morrison TV advert but more exotic. It is a fabulous itinerary circling the globe via both Suez and Panama canals with a highlight for Kiwis and Aussies being scenic cruising at Anzac Cove, Gallipolli. This itinerary really is special.
Here’s the list – say it quickly and only take a breath when you get to Southampton:
Sydney-Darwin-Bali-Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Langkawi-Cochin-Mumbai-Dubai-Muscat-Safaga-Suez Canal-Port Said-Santorini-Kusadasi-Athens-Istanbul–Anzac Cove-Dubrovnik-Venice-Civitavecchia-Livorno-Cannes-Barcelona-Gibraltar-Normandy-Southampton-Dublin-Boston-Newport-New York-Antigua-Barbados-Curacao-Acapulco-Manzarillo-Los Angeles-Honolulu-Papeete-Moorea-Pago Pago-Auckland – phew!
Outstanding value fares
Again for 2010 the fares are outstanding value starting from just over NZ$177 per day. The full 101-day cruise fares based on early booking are from $21,109 (interior) $28,899 (outside) or $36,899 (balcony). If you can’t get away for 101 days, the Southbound leg from Southampton to Auckland for 49 days is $8,329 (interior) $10519 (outside) or $12,439 (balcony). A number of other sectors are available on request.
There is no doubt she will sail from Sydney full up next May and we will be battling with the Aussies for cabins, so early booking is recommended!
Print Page