By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Genting Cruise Lines has christened its Dream Cruises brand’s newbuild World Dream at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong.
Puan Sri Cecilia Lim, wife of Genting Hong Kong chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and World Dream’s official godmother, conducted the traditional breaking of the champagne over the hull of the new ship in front of an audience of over 1,000 guests including government dignitaries, business and trade partners, and media.
Attendees included Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of the Hong Kong special administrative region, Edward Yau, secretary for commerce and economic development, Cathy Chu, commissioner for tourism and Dr Peter Lam, chairman of Hong Kong tourism board.
“We are truly excited to christen World Dream in Hong Kong – and to be the first-ever cruise ship to have this honour in a city that holds such significance to Genting Hong Kong and Dream Cruises,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
“As the pioneer of the Asian cruise industry 24 years ago, Genting Hong Kong developed the Asian cruise industry with the founding of Star Cruises, with its headquarters in Hong Kong. Now, with Genting Dreams’ arrival in the Pearl River Delta a year ago, she has delivered over 300,000 international passenger trips from across the region. Hundreds of jobs have been created and tourism receipts in hotels, airlines and destination management industries for the Pearl River Delta have grown significantly.”
Guests experienced a preview performance of World Dream’s brand new signature stage production, Sonio, a production inspired by the dawn of a new dream.
World Dream’s onboard attractions will feature new destination experiences that will take guests on journeys in Asia. Specially designed voyages for the winter will feature 6-day 5-night cruises to Manila and Boracay in the Philippines alternating with 6-day 5-night journeys to Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang in Vietnam.
Over 70% of the staterooms onboard World Dream have private balconies and a selection of connecting rooms catering to extended families and groups. The Dream Palace ‘ship within a ship’ concept on board World Dream will offer more suites and all-inclusive options to guests.
The ship will also be offering warm weekend vacations from Hong Kong where passengers where passengers can enjoy the temperate climate of the South China Sea.