Olympic Gold medallist to name new Aussie cruise ship

Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman will name P&O Cruises’ latest ship, the superliner Pacific Dawn, in a spectacular event at Sydney’s Circular Quay.

Cathy will become the ship’s ‘Godmother’ in an evening ceremony on Thursday November 8, featuring a light show and fireworks extravaganza.

P&O Cruises’ CEO Ann Sherry said the naming ceremony would highlight a new era for the Australian cruise industry with the launch of P&O Cruises’ first superliner.

“It’s a very significant occasion and we’re honoured that Cathy, a well-known and inspirational Australian, will be Pacific Dawn’s godmother,” Ms Sherry said.

Cathy Freeman is revered throughout Australia for her gold-winning performance in the 400-metre final at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Her Olympic victory is the highlight of an impressive athletics career, which saw Cathy become the first female Australian Aboriginal to win a gold medal at an international athletics event with the 4×100 metres relay at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Now retired, Cathy has established the Catherine Freeman Foundation as a way of giving something back to the many Australians who supported her journey to become an Olympic champion.

The Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities and environments to encourage disadvantaged individuals and communities to achieve positive change, will be officially launched at the Pacific Dawn naming ceremony. Any money raised will go to the Catherine Freeman Foundation.

Ms Sherry said the ceremony would be a memorable event combining the traditional champagne naming with a modern, high-tech light show to welcome the superliner.

Designed by international architect Renzo Piano and presently sailing in the Princess Cruises fleet as Regal Princess, Pacific Dawn will undergo a refurbishment before her maiden cruise from Sydney on Friday, November 9, the day after her naming.

The superliner’s arrival comes as P&O Cruises prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary of cruising from Australia. Over that time P&O Cruises has carried more than two million Australians, with more than 100,000 Australians cruising with the line in 2007 alone.

Pacific Dawn is instantly identifiable by its distinctive dolphin-like prow, home to the signature ‘Dome’ entertainment lounge that curves around the ship offering spectacular panoramic views. Pacific Dawn’s 11 decks also feature two swimming pools, five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, a three-storey atrium lobby, a two-storey show lounge, fitness centre and dedicated children’s facilities.

Report by The Mole