By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2017 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Purpose-built for affluent Chinese and Asian guests, Dream Cruises’ maiden cruise ship has been dubbed the ‘vessel for your dreams’ since launching in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China in November 2016. As the flagship for the first Asian luxury cruise line, Genting Dream boasts high-end interiors more akin to those in a boutique hotel, than those traditionally associated with a ship.
“Our guests are impressed by the range of amenities and facilities onboard Genting Dream,” says Thatcher Brown, Dream Cruises president. “From our extensive range of food and beverage concepts, to our Chinese and Western Spas, Zodiac Theatre and entertainment outlets, Genting Dream provides unforgettable memories.”
Brown claims that the 3,400-guest Genting Dream is one of the most spacious cruise ships in the Asia-Pacific region. “The sizeable onboard accommodation gives modern Asian travellers plenty of choice,” he says. “More than 70% of the staterooms have private balconies, and there are more than 100 connecting rooms for larger groups.”
All suites and staterooms are equipped with the line’s signature Dream Beds, which feature hand-tufted, eco-friendly mattresses from Custom Comfort and luxury bed linen from Italian brand Frette. Guests can even choose from a menu of pillows and duvets to fully customise their sleeping experience.
“Quality finishes and special touches onboard Genting Dream make each guest’s Dream Cruises experience more comfortable and memorable,” comments Brown. “For those who wish to further indulge in luxury, Genting Dream also offers the exclusive Dream Palace. It incorporates 142 spacious suites with luxury amenities, a private pool, spa and dining room, and a European-style butler/concierge service. We continue to enhance our Dream Palace benefits to provide all-inclusive luxury to guests.”
Food and beverage is another important aspect of the guest experience, says Brown. Genting Dream has more than 35 restaurant and bar concepts offering cuisine from regions across China, Japan and Southeast Asia, as well as international favourites.
“We’ve worked hard to provide unique dining opportunities that provide a wide array of choices, from fresh baked goods to popular Asian cuisine and healthy meals,” Brown says. “Some of our most popular venues include the 219-seat Bistro restaurant by acclaimed Australian chef Mark Best and two at-sea firsts – Scotch whisky bar Johnnie Walker House, and Australian winemaker Penfolds’ Flagship Wine Vault.”
Onboard duty-free retail facilities have also been designed with Asian travellers in mind, boasting 1,000 square metres of boutiques selling the latest fashion, jewellery, cosmetics and spirits from leading luxury brands and designers. “Our shopping outlets are a draw for guests who seek local destination speciality goods and the duty-free value of leading luxury brands,” remarks Brown.
For more adventurous guests there are six waterslides, a ropes course with a 30-metre zipline, and Zouk Beach Club, which has an indoor dance club, a bowling alley, and an outdoor party deck. Dream Cruises has also curated a Dreamscapes enrichment programme.
“Dreamscapes offers interactive guest activities and experiences which are presented by a portfolio of world-class speakers,” Brown says. “To give guests an even more memorable experience, we’ve recently introduced our signature Dream Night experience for the last cruise day. It includes an upgraded dining menu, an al fresco party and a fireworks display.”