This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Billed as the first-ever Asian luxury cruise line, Dream Cruises is set to launch on 13 November with Genting Dream, a 151,000gt luxury vessel that has been purpose-built for Chinese and Asian guests. Owned by Genting Hong Kong (GHK), the new cruise line will introduce a sister ship, World Dream, in November 2017.
“After studying the market and guest feedback, we identified growing demand for a high-end, Asia-based cruise line,” says Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises. “As a pioneer in the cruise industry in the Asia Pacific since 1993, GHK is extremely familiar with the subtle nuances of different Asian cultures, which will help us provide a luxury experience for the fast growing market. In fact, Dream Cruises is part of GHK’s mission to have a brand for the three major cruise market segments – Crystal Cruises for the luxury segment, Star Cruises for the contemporary segment, and now Dream Cruises for the high-end segment.”
Currently undergoing final outfitting at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg yard in Germany, Genting Dream will be one of the largest cruise ships in Asia. Spanning 18 decks, the vessel will accommodate 3,400 guests and will be manned by 2,000 crew members, including the majority of front-line staff who will speak both Putonghua (Standard Mandarin) and English.
“Dream Cruises is geared towards the region’s affluent travellers by offering exclusive entertainment, restaurants and first-at-sea activities that will enrich their vacation experience,” says Brown. “We’ve developed facilities and experiences that appeal to the interests of the discerning Asian vacationers, while quality finishes and special onboard touches will make guests’ experiences more comfortable and memorable.”
Onboard cuisine is a major focus and Genting Dream will have more than 35 restaurant and bar concepts offering foods and beverages from various regions in China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Blue Lagoon, for example, will allow guests to sample dishes sold in markets in China, Malaysia, Singapore and the Malacca Straits.
“Asian travellers are very discerning when it comes to their many types of regional cuisines, so our food and beverage offerings have been meticulously selected to provide a wide choice,” says Brown. “Just as an Italian from Liguria is particular about the right combination of pasta and pesto sauce, Chinese guests from Guangdong are fastidious about the preparation and flavour of their dim sum, while those from Shanghai are particular about the authenticity of their xiaolongbao. We’ve tailored meal times, the pace and style of our service delivery, the presentation, and many other hospitality services.”
Accommodation has also been designed with Asian travellers in mind. “Multiple generations of Asian families often holiday together, so we’ve built 100 connecting staterooms for larger groups, while our Dream Mansion, an exclusive ‘ship-within-a-ship’, offers 142 spacious suites, a private pool deck and dining room suited to modern travellers looking for luxury,” says Brown, adding that over 70% of the staterooms will have private balconies.
Brown expects Genting Dream, and later World Dream, to elevate the entertainment benchmark for both the Asian and international cruise industries. Onboard entertainment highlights include swimming pools, six waterslides, a 610m wraparound promenade, play rooms, the interactive glow bowling alley at sea, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, spas, a beauty salon and barbershop, a 3D cinema, the three-storey Bar 360, an indoor/outdoor Tributes venue, and a health club. Several venues cater specifically to pastimes enjoyed by Asian guests, such as a mahjong room, five private karaoke rooms, a 1,000sqm shopping arcade selling duty-free products from international brands, and popular Singaporean nightclub Zouk, which features an outdoor beach club.
“Entertainment has been synonymous with cruising for decades and our guests will be treated to an extraordinary and diverse collection of recreational options,” comments Brown. “We’ve developed various state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to give guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their time onboard.”
While many products, venues and onboard services will be customised to Asian guests, Dream Cruises has integrated several international elements. For example, the traditional Chinese treatments offered in the Crystal Life Asian Spa will be complemented by the contemporary European wellness and beauty services available in the Crystal Life Spa. International food and beverage venues, including an Italian gelateria and a modern bistro, will supplement Asian-themed eateries.
Brown predicts guests will be most impressed with the European-style Dream Butler service, exclusively available to Dream Mansion suite guests. “Guests will fall in love with our butler service, which is part of our overall aim to redefine luxury travel and personalise each guest’s cruise experience,” explains Brown. “Dream Butlers will be available 24 hours a day and can assist guests with various tasks, such as unpacking and pressing clothes, and arranging priority spa, dining and shore excursion reservations. Plus, they can serve afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails in suites, or deliver room service from onboard restaurants.”
Itineraries and shore excursions have also been carefully planned to ensure guests can experience the best of the Asia Pacific region. Homeporting in Guangzhou (Nansha), Genting Dream will initially sail five-night coastal voyages to Da Nang and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. From 1 January to 31 March 2017, the ship will offer five-night voyage to Vietnam with calls in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. Both itineraries have a choice of a two-night weekend cruise to Hong Kong.
“Genting Dream’s exciting cruise itineraries reflect travellers’ ever-growing interest in exploring Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, incredible cuisine and the unspoilt picturesque bays and beaches,” comments Brown. “In Da Nang visitors can experience the busy street food scene, or head to the Hue Imperial Citadel. They can then marvel at the ethereal beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay with its towering limestone pillars and tiny islets in the Gulf of Tonkin. Ho Chi Minh City provides another cultural gem with its French colonial architecture and multiple street cafés.”
Although Genting Dream will launch on 13 November, Dream Cruises has been actively promoting its cruise product to potential guests and travel agents.
“We’ve hosted launch events in our target markets including Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan and we’re also running roadshows in cities across China, such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Wuhan,” says Brown. “When we officially introduce Dream Cruises with Genting Dream later this year, we know we’ll be able to pride ourselves on being the leading cruise company based in Asia with ships to serve the people of Asia.”