By
Alex Smith |
Cruise operations have restarted in Hong Kong with the departure of Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on 30 July.
An official ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by officials and executives including Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines, Pang Yiukai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Edward Yau Tang-wah, Hong Kong’s secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
“We are extremely proud that Genting Dream will be the first cruise ship to restart operations in Hong Kong and we are grateful for the support we have received from the Hong Kong government, authorities and trade partners for their trust in Dream Cruises,” said Zhu. “With the increase in the rate of vaccinations in the city, we are confident that our Super Seacation cruises will become one of the most popular vacation options for the residents of Hong Kong in the near future.”
All crew members have been fully vaccinated 14 days prior to the cruise. Similarly, guests will be required to have been vaccinated 14 days before their departure date and must pass a Covid-19 PCR test 48 hours before sailing. Touch-free hand washing stations have been installed at restaurants across the ship, and ventilation will ensure that no air will be recirculated between cabins.
The terminal has also installed additional safety features, including UV-C sterilisation throughout the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, mobile UV-C decontamination units, touch-free water and soap in passenger area bathrooms and upgraded temperature monitoring systems. Touch points within the facility will be regularly sanitised, while staff members will undergo daily checks and be provided with personal protection equipment.
“We are delighted to witness the resumption of cruising in Hong Kong, and welcome back local holidaymakers,” said Jeff Bent, managing director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals, which operates Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. “Enhanced hygienic measures in the terminal and onboard, along with the government’s vaccination and testing requirements for passengers and crew, will make this the safest vacation available this summer.”
Genting Dream will sail three ‘Super Seacation’ itineraries roundtrip from the port weekly. Entertainment onboard the opening cruise will include Hong Kong magician Louis Yan, while the cruise departing on 1 August will feature yoga classes from celebrity instructor Coffee Lam.