By Joanna Hall
Dawn Princess.
TAKING consecutive cruises is a trend that can save travellers money. For example, Cruiseco has two cruises on the Seabourn Pride that can be combined. The first is an 18-night journey from Athens to Dubai, departing on November 10, priced from $7545 a person, twin share, including flights and two-night pre- and post-cruise stays. The second is a 16-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore, priced from $6450 a person, twin share, including flights, and two-night pre- and post-cruise stays. Combine them to cruise for 34 nights (without the overnight stays in Dubai) from $10,779 a person. 1800 225 656, cruising.com.au.
Kids go free
MSC is cruising northern Europe and the Baltic between April and October, taking in Stockholm, Tallinn in Estonia, Amsterdam, Bergen and Copenhagen. Four ships will host cruises of between four and 14 nights' duration. Four-night cruises are priced from $509 a person; seven nights from $869 a person and 11 nights from $1489 a person, all twin share. Children under 18 cruise free if they share a stateroom with two adults. 1300 028 502, msccruises.com.au.
Russian jewels
Scenic Tours is investing more than €6.25 million ($8.33 million) on a new ship for next year's Russian river-cruising season. The 112-passenger Scenic Tsar is the company's first small ship. Construction starts this month, with the vessel due in service in mid-May to begin a series of 15-day Imperial Jewels of Russia journeys from St Petersburg to Moscow, priced from $8045 a person, twin share, with free return flights, if booked by September 30. 1300 723 642, scenictours.com.au.
Adrift on Cloud dine
Sea Cloud Cruises' River Cloud II will embark on a food-themed river cruise on June 1, with a menu created by award-winning chef Harald Ruessel. The nine-day cruise from Bernkastel in Germany to Basle in Switzerland will call at Cochem, Koblenz and Strasbourg, with highlights including exclusive wine tastings and sampling local delicacies. Ruessel, who gained experience at Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, will whip up some culinary magic for a gala dinner on June 6. seacloud.com.
Uniworld's itineraries next year include eight-day cruises visiting Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands (think Venlo's Floriade), priced from $2995 a person, twin share.
A 17-day itinerary priced from $6695 a person, twin share, is also available. Book and pay by September 30 to save up to $3800 a couple. uniworldcruises.com.au.
Profile: Dawn Princess
LAUNCHED 1997 PASSENGERS 1990. REGULAR HAUNTS Australasia, Asia, the South Pacific, world cruises. BEST FOR Families. THE DETAILS A 28-night circumnavigation of Australia, departing from Sydney on March 16, is priced from $4799 a person, twin share. 13 24 88, princess.com.
Five things to know
1 The second of the Sun class of ships, Dawn Princess was christened by the cast of The Love Boat. A mid-size vessel, she spends her year cruising from Australia.
2 Staterooms range from small interior doubles to ocean views and some suites. The decor has recently been upgraded and is basic if colourful. Room amenities include a refrigerator. A small number of staterooms have private balconies.
3 The ship's two main dining rooms operate on a traditional, fixed-seating basis, either early or late. More flexible and casual options include the Horizon Court Buffet, La Scala Pizzeria and the Balcony Grill. The Sterling Steakhouse attracts a surcharge.
4 Intimate in size, Dawn doesn't have all the bells and whistles of her younger siblings. She does, however, have an outdoor screen for movies, an adults-only sun deck and an atrium with a bar and stained-glass ceiling.
5 The ship has a theatre and show venue, hosts dance classes and games tournaments, has a spa and gym, golf simulators, internet cafe and several bars.
Port watch: Gustavia, St Barts
Need To Know French in flavour, culture and character, this port on the Caribbean island of St Barthelemy has a small population and few major hotels but it has lovely beaches, outdoor pursuits and relaxation. Ships anchor in the harbour (meaning tendering by boat is necessary to get ashore) but the town is accessible on foot and taxis are usually around.
Do Not Miss The beaches, with fishing and snorkelling, are main attractions. Fort Gustav III, at the northern end of the harbour, has an interesting history and is a great spot for a photo. If you want duty free, there are three main shopping streets within walking distance of the pier but prices tend to be high and there are no local crafts. If you feel like wandering further, head to St Jean in a taxi and relax in a bistr
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