Olympic gold medallist christens Pacific Dawn

**Ally** · 11-09-2007, 04:21 AM

Quote:

P&O Cruises Australia’s new 70,000gt resident ship, the former Regal Princess, was renamed Pacific Dawn in Sydney Harbour last night by Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman.

Freeman, who lit the flame at the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics where she won the 400mtr event, now runs the Catherine Freeman Foundation to assist individuals and communities ‘to fulfill their potential through greater opportunity.’

More than 600 guests joined Freeman and Carnival Australia ceo Ann Sherry in the celebrations aboard the ship which was illuminated by a high-tech light show.

Renzo Piano’s seagoing masterpiece arrived this week after a multi-million dollar make-over in Singapore for her new role in the South Pacific. Large sun shades have been erected on the Lido Deck and there are more alfresco dining areas and a new sports bar and ice cream parlour.

A number of four-berth cabins have been fitted out to cater for the family market, hiking total passenger capacity to 2,050, and there has been a major upgrade in facilities for children and teenagers.

The most dramatic change has been to the grand dome at the front and top of the ship. It is now more like a traditional ‘crow’s nest’ bar for the best views by day and dancing late at night.

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**Ally** · 11-09-2007, 06:26 AM

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Further story with photos

**Ally** · 11-11-2007, 03:27 PM

Photographs of the event...

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