By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Werft laid the first keel block for Dream Cruises’ second ship World Dream at its Papenburg yard in Germany on 10 January.
Executives from the shipyard, the cruise line and its parent company Genting Hong Kong watched as engineers marked the start of the ship’s construction phase by lifting one of 92 blocks that will eventually complete the 151,000gt ship into the building dock.
In keeping with tradition, Dream Cruises president Thatcher Brown laid luck coins under the keel block to bring good fortune to the ship and those who will sail on her.
“After the successful debut of Genting Dream last November and the wonderful reception the ship has experienced from our guests, we are excited to start the construction process on World Dream,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman and CEO of Genting Hong Kong. “World Dream will push the bar even higher for the cruise industry through her quality construction and customised design, best-in-class service and diverse range of entertainment, dining, leisure and recreation options – all complemented by Dream Cruises’ ‘Asian at Heart, International in Spirit’ hospitality.”
World Dream is set to join her recently launched sister Genting Dream in November 2017. When complete, she will accommodate more than 3,300 guests in nearly 1,700 staterooms, 70% of which have private balconies.
Other onboard highlights will include the Crystal Life Spa and Wellness facilities, over 1,000 sqft of luxury boutiques, six waterslides, Zouk nightclub and the Dream Palace, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept with European-style butler service. The ship will also offer multiple food and beverage outlets specialising in Asian and international cuisines.
“Genting Hong Kong is proud to build on its commitment to the Asian cruise and tourism industry,” said Thatcher Brown. “We are equally pleased to offer our valued travel partners and guests more destination choices and vacation experiences.”