I recently attended the launch of Dream Cruises, Genting Hong Kong’s brand new cruise line targeted for the Asian market—us Filipinos included. The sister of the famous Star Cruises, it offers “inspirational luxury delivering the highest level of guest service and spacious comfort in the region.”
The launch follows the handover of cruise line’s first ship in its fleet, the Genting Dream. As I’m writing this, the ship is making her way to Asia in an epic voyage from Germany to Gibraltar, through the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal, and across the Indian Ocean with visits to India.
Come November 4, 2016, she will arrive in Singapore, where it will commence a two-night High Seas cruise, followed by a six-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong. The latter will feature an itinerary through Vietnam, calling in at Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Da Nang.
Afterwards, she will make her way to her two homeports, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, where from November 13, 2016 through March 31, 2017, she will embark on two-night and five-night cruises. The five-night cruises are a great opportunity to explore Vietnam’s scenic Da Nang and Halong Bay, while the two-cruises are perfect for those seeking a weekday getaway and a chance to explore the dynamic cities of Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
So what’s there to expect aboard the Genting Dream? According to our friends from Dream Cruises:
Genting Dream will accommodate a lower berth of 3,400 guests, attended by 2,000 crew members, forming the leading crew-to-guest ratio in Asia-based cruising. Conceived by Chinese pop-artist Jacky Tsai, the hull of Genting Dream is adorned by an art piece entitled “Voyage of a Lover’s Dream” which envisages an ethereal and fantastical journey of love between a mermaid and an astronaut. The artist’s ‘East-meets-West’ aesthetic and vivid, dream-inspired, creative work, embodying the boundless, elements of space and water, has been stunningly translated to the ‘canvas’ of Genting Dream.
A range of comfortable accommodation options are offered, with over 70 per cent of staterooms featuring private balconies. Over 100 connecting rooms will ensure that family and larger group vacations have never been more convenient. Guests also can experience the ultimate luxury in the exclusive ‘Dream Palace’, a ‘ship-within-a-ship’ with lavish suites featuring European-style butler service and special guest privileges.
Foodies will delight in over 35 restaurants and bar concepts capturing the flavours of Asia and the world and a 610-metre wraparound promenade which will allow for dramatic sea-sidedining and lounging from sunrise-to-sunset in a multitude of themed venues. Internationally-acclaimed Australian chef Mark Best, who is among a distinguished few to achieve 19/20 in the Good Food Guide published by the Sydney Morning Herald, will bring culinary artistry to the table for discerning diners by introducing his very first restaurant at sea — “Bistro by Mark Best” onboard Genting Dream. Guests will be able to indulge their passion for the finer things in life at the world’s first JOHNNIE WALKER HOUSE at sea which serves as an exclusive embassy for luxury Scotch whisky and is a place for consumers to discover the rich heritage of Scotch whisky.
Dream Cruises has designed and curated a remarkable programme of interactive guest activities and experiences which will be presented by a portfolio of world-class speakers, who will enthuse and inspire guests with their expertise and passion for their specialist subject. The programme will feature epic stories from award-winning travel photographers and iconic explorers of land, sea and space.
Many exciting entertainment options onboard Genting Dream include legendary Singaporean nightspot Zouk that is renowned for hosting the edgiest parties in Asia and is bringing its unforgettable parties to the sea for the first time. Entertainment under the sea is also available with two state-of-the-art submersibles on board.
In addition, there are a plethora of past times on offer including pools, six water slides, play rooms, a rock climbing wall, and mini-golf. A full complement of health and well-being facilities will further enhance the guest experience including the largest reflexology spa at sea, a beauty salon, barbershop, and health club.
Highly immersive ‘retail-tainment’ will delight guests with the widest array of leading luxury-brands and highly knowledgeable service in the widest category of products, including fashion, watches, jewellery and cosmetics. Highly personalised shopping experiences will include special trunk shows, personal shopper and in-cabin service.
Here’s The Mermaid’s Dream video by Dream Cruises:
Dream Cruises bookings may now be made through travel agents based in the Philippines, with special launch fares available until further notice. For more information, log onto www.dreamcruiseline.com, call +63 2 836 6830 to 32, or email salesmanila@starcruises.com.
