I attended the launch of Genting Dream, Dream Cruises’ inaugural cruise ship, which is amongst the largest and most spacious cruise ships in Asia. Having not sailed on a cruise ship in more than 15 years, I was unsure just how spectacular a family cruise holiday could be.
Needless to say, I stepped off the luxurious 18-deck ship a convert.
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| Genting Dream |
With 6 kids spanning the ages of 4 to 18, I was on the look-out for activities to suit my toddler and my teens. I was delighted to discover that they were not short on entertainment for kids.
A big hit will be the waterslide park. They have a total of 6 slides, ranging from gravity-defying ones for adults and older teens, to gentler ones for the younger kids.
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| Waterslide park |
I’m sure my teenagers would love spending hours careening through the wild slides. A waterpark on a ship! How cool is that?
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| Main Pool Deck |
For the daredevils, there is a 35m zip line situated 18 decks above the sea, over the side of the ship. Definitely not for the faint hearted! I was surprised to hear my 18-year old say, “Mummy, can we go?!”
Not forgetting the younger kids, this is probably the most scenic ‘walk the plank’ I have come across. Perfect for photos!
In addition, they have a plethora of family-friendly activities such as a rock climbing wall, mini-golf, rope course, basketball court and 3D cinema screening the latest blockbusters.
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| Mini Golf |
Of course, there is a kids’ club where the staff are all certified child care professionals. The Little Pandas Club offers activities such as arts & craft, themed costumes, movies, toys, and the venue is also available for rent for birthday parties (minimal charges apply).
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| Kids’ Club |
As guests cruise the sea, they will be entertained and enthralled by “China’s Got Talent” in a 999 seat state-of-the-art live performance venue. A transcendental dreamy production Voyage of a Lover’s Dream, conceived by pop-artist Jacky Tsai will be also be screened (no charge, but pre-booking required).
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| Voyage of a Lover’s Dream |
I thought I heard wrong when they mentioned they have Zouk on board. Jiak Kim Street’s Zouk has also been imported?! With the Zouk concept, besides an indoor dance club, LIVE guest artistes and DJ performances, they also have DJ open deck workshops, an outdoor day and night party deck, movie nights under the stars, a glow in the dark bowling alley and fireworks on the last day!
They also have two state-of-the-art submersibles, where guests can explore spectacular sights and encounter a dazzling array of fish and sea creatures deep under the ocean.
I’m impressed.
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| Media Interview hosted by Diana Ser |
The rooms are a pretty decent size, and with a private balcony, you don’t feel claustrophobic. More than 70% of staterooms feature private balconies and there are 100 staterooms with connecting rooms to cater to bigger families (perfect for us!). I was looking at the pictures of the Garden Penthouse and Palace Suites and those look exceptional.
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| Balcony Deluxe Stateroom |
With more than 35 restaurants and bar concepts, guests can indulge in the very best of Chinese regional, Asian and international cuisine. From healthy eating to fine dining, both adults and kids will be spoilt for choice. If the standard of our lunch on board was anything to go buy, I can say meal times would be highly enjoyable for the entire family.
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| Quality & authentic cuisine |
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| Umi Uma Sushi Bar |
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| Genting Dining room |
Wine connoisseurs on board Genting Dream can indulge in an array of rare Australian wines and fine vintages from one of the world’s leading wineries at the Penfolds Wine Vault as special wine tasting events form part of the ship’s overall experience. Ah, perfect for the hubs.
To round off this exceptional voyage, a visit to the Crystal Life Asian Spa must be in order. Being the largest Asian Spa at sea spanning over 1,000 sq.m, this relaxation hub features more than 70 treatment thrones. I’m sure I will step out feeling like a queen!
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| Sun deck |
Truly, a spectacular cruise ship suitable for the entire family. I know where I will be spending most of my time, while the kids are happily occupied somewhere around this massive ship.
For now, the vessel will depart from Hong Kong or Guangzhou and make stops in Danang and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. A second ship is expected to be ready in November next year, and Singapore is under consideration as a port of call in the company’s new itineraries.
Currently, they have FlyCruise promotions to Hong Kong or Guangzhou, which can be found on their website.