After a two-week drydock in Brisbane, Australia, Dawn Princess has re-entered service with two signature Princess features – the giant Movies Under the Stars poolside screen and the adults-only oasis called The Sanctuary. The transformation was chronicled in a daily Dawn Princess Drydock Journal on Princess’ website, giving cruise fans around the world the opportunity to follow along as work progressed.

The online journal was updated daily on www.princess.com, with regular notices on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook when new photos debuted. Approximately 100 photos gave web users an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the work that goes into a ship’s maintenance period.

“From the enthusiastic response we’ve received about our recent drydock journals, we know that passengers enjoy the chance to go behind the scenes, and so now it’s something we plan to offer for all future drydocks,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “These online journals visually tell the story of our commitment to enhance the services and amenities aboard our ships.”

Dawn Princess now offers passengers the opportunity to get away from it all in the tranquility of The Sanctuary, Princess’ signature adults-only retreat featuring plush padded lounge chairs and the services of dedicated Serenity Stewards. Visitors to this exclusive space can enjoy refreshing beverages and light snacks or can relax with a personal music player with themed playlists.

On the pool deck, Movies Under the Stars has debuted with a state-of-the-art Times Square-style LED screen, offering evening movies and a variety of daytime programming. The 300-square-foot screen offers passengers a movie experience comparable to the best shoreside movie theater. In addition to family cinema and first run hits, Movies Under the Stars also features major sporting events, concerts and special programming.

Other changes made during the drydock include new carpet and upholstery, a remodeled photo gallery and new silicone paint for the bottom of the ship’s hull.

Dawn Princess is home-ported in Sydney for year-round Australia-based cruising and on July 5 the ship departs on a 104-day world cruise, the first circumnavigation and longest-ever roundtrip voyage from Australia.