New York Gets a Unique Visitor - Classic Cruise Ship Princess Danae

During the month of April 2011, Classic International Cruises veteran cruise liner, the Princess Danae called at the Port of New York. The ship’s visit was part of French Charter which left Spain and visited the West Coast of Africa, South American’s East Coast, The Caribbean, US East Coast, Canada, Northern Europe and back to Spain.

• The Princess Danae is a refreshing alternative to the newer, large, flashy cruise ships of today. At 16,531 gross tons, the ship is about  20% of the size of today’s mega-liners. Carrying 508 passengers, 640 max, the ship offers a traditional, intimate cruise experience of yesteryear.

• The original hull dates back to 1955 as the passenger cargo liner Port of Melbourne. The ship has gone though a number of transformations over the years.  In the Mid 1970s, the Port of Melbourne was converted into a modern cruise ship for Greece’s Carras Cruises. Sailing as the Danae, she offered luxury cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Later she became the Costa Danae for Costa Cruises and then sold to various owners and sailing under other identities.   The Princes Danae’s formers names from newest to oldest include Baltica, Starlight Express, Anar, Costa Danae, Danae, Therisos Express, Port Melbourne.

• When the Princess Danae was sold to Classic International Cruises in 1996, they further invested $10 Million dollars in this classic liner refreshing her furnishings, performing significant, maintenance and upgrading the navigational and safety systems. In 2006, Classic International Cruises performed additional work to the vessel including the conversion of 128 suites.

• The Princess Danae has great outdoor space – from the vast lido deck mentioned above to the side promenade decks which offer great views of the sea and have traditional teak decking. At the stern of the ship are a few areas where you can pull up a chair and view the sea. Also located aft are two overhangs over the side of the ship – these will allow you to look at the side, stern and hull of the ship. The ship has great lines especially when looking aft with the curving rails and the high quality varnished railing.

Although the Princess Danae is compact ship, she has a feeling of a country manor more than a cruise liner. The Princess Danae has many of the amenities found on larger ship including:

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• The Main show lounge which is one level and offers individual scoop chairs positioned around small tables. There is a modest sized stage in the front of the room and a sizeable dance floor. The lounge has a capacity of 380.

• The show lounge opens into an interesting cozy space called the Club Room, which servers multiple purposes. The area serves as the Library, internet Café, Game/Card Room and Lounge. This   lounge is bright and airy and great place to stretch out, enjoy a book or have a drink.

Pictured:  Princes Danae The Club Lounge - Copyright NYCruiseInfo.com

• Further back on the same deck is another unique, enclosed space with wicker furniture and tables. This smaller lounge has floor to ceiling windows and definitely has the feeling of being a winter garden.

• The Princess Danae has two elevator and two stairwells. The elevator is coated in chrome and is kept immaculate by the crew. The stairwell is friendly and nicely decorated with fabric murals.

• There is a reception area where your cruise questions can be answered, money exchanged or postcard purchased.

• The ship has a sizeable Cinema, which is not normally found on most ships. The area can be used for showing movies, lectures, shows and more. In total the Cinema can seat 138 people.

• In addition the Princess Danae has a small shopping area where you can purchase souvenirs, sundries, perfumes, liquor and other desired items.

• The ship also has a beauty salon, Photo shop and Sauna.

• The Princess Danae has a total of 288 Cabins, with 211 having an ocean view.  The ship offers cabins which are larger than those found on most ships.  Passengers have a choice of Inside Staterooms, Outside Staterooms, Suites (96) and a limited number of Balcony suites (6).

• The Princess Danae has a small gym with one of each type of workout machine. In total there are about 5 machines.

• The Princess Danae’s dining room serves delicately prepared delicacies from around the world. The dining room is one tier and offers tables of various sizes. Located at the front of the room is a large floor to ceiling mural of brown and beige circles. The chairs are chrome framed and accented with green and peach fabric. Overall the room is very friendly and reminds me in some ways of the dining room on Celebrity’s Cruise Zenith or Horizon – but on a smaller scale accommodating only 394 diners at a time.

• Just inside from the pool area is the inside buffet area. This area is refreshing because it is an intimate area and not a large area set up to handle thousands of people at a time. The area has an adequate amount of seating and tables. There is a bar, floor to ceiling windows and great views of the pool area.

• The Princess Danae  caters to Adults and does not have a structured children's program.

• The Princess Danae has great outdoor space – from the vast lido deck mentioned above to the side promenade decks which offer great views of the sea and have traditional teak decking. At the stern of the ship are a few areas where you can pull up a chair and view the sea. Also located aft are two overhangs over the side of the ship – these will allow you to look at the side, stern and hull of the ship. The ship has great lines especially when looking aft with the curving rails and the high quality varnished railing.

• A great feature of the Princess Danae is the large Lido area aft. There is a large swimming pool and an expansive sun bathing area. The steel deck is painted dark blue and has many lounge chairs for your sunbathing pleasure.  Located next to the pool is a buffet area so passengers can enjoy lunch or a snack in the open air.

• The Princess Danae appeals more to older, European travelers. 

• The ship does not have large atriums, flashing lights nor the glamour and glitz of newer cruise ships.

• There are no facilities for children.

• The ship is best suited for those looking for a traditional, sophisticated cruise experience of yesteryear combined with great itineraries, good food and entertainment at a reasonable price. 

• The ship is meticulously maintained and the crew is very friendly and always smiling and willing to lend a hand. .

• The currency on board is the Euro.

• The ship is registered in Maderia Portugal.