Dream Cruises officially re-started its cruise service in Hong Kong on 30 July with Genting Dream’s maiden voyage of her first “Super Seacation” high seas itinerary. Genting Dream’s new high seas cruises will provide Hong Kong residents with a new “staycation’
option that will truly evoke the sense of a “vacation away” to enhance their holiday experience. Over 1,000 enthusiastic guests took part in the historic inaugural voyage on Genting Dream.
Before Genting Dream’s departure from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, an official inaugural ceremony was attended by Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Hon Mr. Yiu Si-wing, SBS, Legislative Councillor of Tourism Constituency of HKSAR, Legislative Council of the HKSAR, Ms Vivian Sum, JP, Commissioner for Tourism and Dr. Pang Yiukai, GBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines to celebrate this momentous occasion.
“I am pleased to see a well-manned and fully replenished cruise ship awaiting to embark on a voyage and meeting the public aspiration for some form of leisure travel,” said Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. “We are also thankful to have the cruise trade’s commitment to complying with a set of stringent infection control measures specifically designed for cruise travel. I want to emphasize and express my appreciation that in addition to requirements imposed by the health authorities, cruise lines have implemented some additional arrangements out of their own accord to safeguard the well-being of their passengers as well as the hard-earned reopening of cruise travel.”
“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 Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “We have also been very encouraged by the response to our Super Seacation Cruises with sold out and very strong bookings throughout the month of August. 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.”
In preparation for welcoming its first passengers on board, since her arrival into Hong Kong in early June, the crew of Genting Dream has been implementing new health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the ship complies with all Hong Kong shore regulations to provide the safest environment for everyone on board. Exceeding local guidelines for land venues, all crew members have been fully vaccinated 14 days prior to the inaugural cruise and guests will also need to be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to their departure date (unless exempt due to medical or age related reasons) and must pass a COVID-19 PCR test 48 prior to sailing.
Additionally, Genting Dream’s design enables 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas – ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessel with no recirculation of air between cabins. Innovative no-touch hand washing stations at restaurants will dispense water, soap and paper towels automatically to promote good hygiene and temperature monitors throughout the ship will help to detect cases of fever among guests.
For added peace of mind, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test machine will provide medical laboratory level testing for COVID-19 on board while available negative pressure isolation wards located inside the medical centre and reserve quarantine cabins can be instantly activated in an emergency situation.
The enhanced health and hygiene guidelines, facilities and equipment will provide guests with the confidence to explore all that Genting Dream has to offer during their “Super Seacation”.
Genting Dream’s two and three-night high seas “Super Seacation” itineraries will combine a multitude of leisure and recreation facilities on board the ship with engaging experiences that will keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their journey.
Guests on board the inaugural cruise on 30 July will be treated to a Magical Seacation on Genting Dream with renowned local magician, Louis Yan and, on the 1 August sailing, Coffee Lam, a Certified Yoga Instructor who is also the first Cantonese content creator to gain more than a million followers on YouTube, will be personally conducting two of her signature yoga classes: Gentle Stretching Yoga and Fitness Yoga at Sea.
Coffee Lam will be headlining Vitamin Sea and Dream, Dream Cruises’ signature wellness concept, which will make its Hong Kong debut on Genting Dream providing an integrated wellness lifestyle concept at sea that brings together top health experts, wellness and fitness gurus on an inspirational journey that is exclusive to Dream Cruises.
With international travel still restricted, Dream Cruises presents Around the World at Sea, a series of thematic cruises that bring some of the most popular travel destinations onboard the ship. Throughout the month of September, guests of Genting Dream will be treated to a holistic experience that encompasses the best of Japan. A historically popular destination with local Hong Kong residents, Japan will be represented through a 360 degree Japanese Festival at Sea combining a myriad of activities and thematic elements including extensive decorations, arts and crafts workshops and cultural performances.
Savour the many tastes of Japan with a variety gastronomic delights, high to low, with a selection of Japanese festival deli food stalls that offer such delicacies as Okinawa Long Pork Sausage, Okinawa One Snap Pork Chop, Japanese okonomiyaki and Takoyaki from Osaka, and more to exclusive free tastings of non-export Okinawa Wagyu beef. This immersive experience will provide an escape not found in any land based attractions.
The younger demographic and expat market can indulge in the iconic Oktoberfest, the German festival loved the world over. Celebrate with German beers and Bavarian culinary specialties for the whole month of October including Crispy Pork Knuckles, Pretzels and even culinary workshops to learn how to make Apfel Strudel and Bavarian Potato Salad! Bavarian Folk dances and games will be performed with prizes going to the Best Dressed Fraulein, Frau or Herren!
All activities on board will be organized in accordance with permitted group sizes – specific to each activity – in line with Hong Kong SAR guidelines, and measures will be in place to discourage close contact between groups.
