DREAM CRUISES: An Intro.
Dream Cruises are a luxury cruise line based in Asia. If you are looking for an extra-special cruise holiday which explores some of Asia’s most diverse destinations, with all the enjoyment of authentic Asian hospitality on-board, then Dream Cruises are the perfect fit.
GENTING DREAM
Genting Dream is the first luxury cruise ship to call Singapore its long-term home. Best described as a floating entertainment palace, its 18 floors house everything from outdoor climbing walls to waterslide parks, beach clubs and modern, Asian inspired guestrooms.
WHERE TO
Genting Dream offers the perfect little addition to a Singapore stopover, or, check out their longer five-night Dream itineraries which include hard to reach places like Brunei, Kota Kinabalu and the dreamy beach stop of South Palawan. My trip included three nights from Singapore, with stops at Langkawi and Penang.
GUEST CABINS
Cabin styles are broken down into the following, but there is definitely a style to suit every budget:
• Interior Stateroom
• Oceanview Stateroom
• Balcony Stateroom
• Balcony Deluxe Stateroom
• Palace Suites
Look out for regular specials on upgrades to Balconies, or offers on Palace Suites as these will truly top off your trip. We were lucky enough to score a promotion which offered a low-cost upgrade to Genting Dream’s luxurious Palace Suites.
DECOR
What I love about Genting Dream and her sister ship, World Dream is the indoor-outdoor flow. The ships have a massive wraparound deck which allows for both indoor and alfresco dining - perfect for those balmy Asian evenings.
ON-BOARD ENTERTAINMENT
There is no shortage of entertainment for the entire family and even though I had no kids in tow on this time, I still managed to scare myself to jelly on the amazing selection of water slides which guarantee to excite.
If that is not enough excitement for you, try the ropes course, it even has a zip line that goes over the side of the ship which is quite a thrill when you’re sailing. Indoors you’ll find a mini-golf course, bowling alley, a huge casino and arcade.
If you want to try karaoke, you need to book early as this is super popular with the local market. Guests can also attend various shows at the 999-seat Zodiac Theatre, but again, book in advance because these are all free (and hence very popular) so you can’t just turn up.
SHOWS
The shows on-board are Asian themed and include a mix of singers, acrobats and plenty of razzle dazzle. Genting Dream’s headline show is a story about the artwork on their hull featuring a mermaid and an astronaut!
SHOPPING
There is a huge selection of big brand shopping on-board but when in Asia there is so much variety on land you mind find you don’t really need to hit the shops at sea.
SPA AND WELLNESS
I found the biggest spa I have ever seen at sea which includes both the Crystal Life Spa and the Crystal Life Asian Spa. Look out for spa offers usually promoted in the evening. The Gentleman’s Barber and Le Salon are also available for some personal grooming.
DINING
I loved all the Asian touches on-board. The selections at the buffet are outstanding, with many Asian, Indian and western choices, and possibly the biggest range of curries I have ever seen on a cruise ship!
Although all your main meals are included (in the main restaurant and buffet) there are a few optional extra eateries that are well worth the splurge:
MARK BEST
Speciality restaurant with mouth-watering steak and seafood.
THE TEPPANYAKI
Japanese food and theatre not to be missed.
DUMPLINGS AT BLUE LAGOON
On our cruise everything was $2 after 11pm, so it’s a great one for those late-night munchies.
