Back to a bygone era - Princess Daphne

**Ally** · 02-29-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

A versatile ship is making the most of its longevity, writes Mike Heard.

A cruise ship built in Britain more than 50 years ago for the Britain-Australia run will return to Sydney in December in a new role.

After several refits and facelifts, and four name changes, the vessel now called Princess Daphne will undertake a three-month series of sailings ranging from a three-night weekender to a 48-night Asia voyage.

European company Classic International Cruises, which operates the 641-passenger ship, is at pains to distinguish it from the newer and bigger liners cruising out of Sydney and Melbourne.

"The atmosphere deliberately recaptures the shipboard life of a bygone era," says CIC's Grant Hunter. "It resembles an English pub, cosy and welcoming."

Hunter sees "value-for-money fares, first-class food, spacious cabins and relaxed service" as features that will appeal to the Australian market.

Fares start at $645 a person twin share for a three-night cruise off the Australian coast, $1995 for a 10-night Christmas cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and $7595 for 48 nights to Asia.

Voyages from Europe to Sydney in November this year and from Sydney back to Europe in March next year are also on sale, with fares from $5250 a person twin share.

See Classic International Cruises Australia.

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