Dream Cruises' newest vessel will officially join the fleet on 11 April and offer cruises from China to Japan
By
Rebecca Lambert |
Chinese fashion designer Grace Chen has been chosen as godmother of Dream Cruises’ newest ship Explorer Dream, which will be christened on 11 April in Shanghai, China.
In keeping with maritime tradition, Chen will break a bottle of champagne across Explorer Dream’s hull to herald her official launch and bring good luck to everyone who sails on her. Chen, who was the first mainland Chinese alumna of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and founded Grace Chen Couture in 2009, will also host a fashion show during the inauguration event.
“Grace Chen’s profound commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion as a medium for powerful self-expression, remarkable beauty, and modern culture is truly inspiring,” said Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises. “Grace Chen embodies the pioneering spirit of Explorer Dream, the pathfinder ship for the Dream Cruises’ brand. Together we will continue to provide meaningful contributions to the travel and lifestyle industries, connecting and empowering across cultures.”
Formerly Star Cruises’ SuperStar Virgo, the new Explorer Dream is undergoing a US$56 million transformation to add new entertainment and leisure spaces, a virtual reality ESC Experience Lab, Zodiac Theatre, Palm Court, an observatory lounge, an upgraded atrium, and multiple restaurants. The vessel will also be fitted with The Palace, Dream Cruises’ luxury ‘ship-within-a-ship’ enclave that includes more than 40 suites and butler service. Suite guests will also benefit from dining and beverage privileges and access to exclusive activities, such as private fashion workshops with Grace Chen.
Explorer Dream will initially homeport in both Shanghai and Tianjin and sail various voyages to destinations in Japan. As Dream Cruises’ so-called pathfinder vessel, Explorer Dream will be the first in the fleet to sail outside Asian waters. She will homeport in Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand in autumn and winter 2019 offering seven-night weekly itineraries to multiple destinations.