Dream Cruises, the first-ever Asian luxury cruise line, today celebrated the arrival of its inaugural ship, Genting Dream, to her new home in Hong Kong where she will embark on 3D2N Hong Kong Weekend Getaway cruises departing every Friday and 6D5N Vietnam Exploration Voyages to Da Nang and Halong Bay departing every Sunday.
The berthing of Genting Dream also marked the first time a cruise ship of this scale has home-ported in Hong Kong, a distinction which will also be shared with Guangzhou (Nansha).
About a thousand distinguished guests were on hand to witness the historic occasion, including Mr Gregory So Kam-leung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Philip Yung Wai-hung, JP, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Ms Cathy Chu Man-ling, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Dr. Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBS , Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Anthony Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Mr Jeff Bent, Managing Director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals.
Guests at today’s ceremony were ushered into the ship’s extravagant 999-seat Zodiac Theatre for the official launch festivities featuring presentations by Mr So, followed by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and CEO of Dream Cruises parent company, Genting Hong Kong, and Mr Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises.
After the time-honoured exchange of gifts, guests were treated to an exclusive preview of Dream Cruises’ thrilling signature production show inspired by the hull art of Genting Dream, entitled “Voyage of a Lover’s Dream”. Conceived by pop-art artist Jacky Tsai, this is a tale of love, hope and the overcoming of seemingly impossible boundaries between a mermaid and an astronaut.
Later, Dream Cruises President Thatcher Brown led the dignitaries in toasting the inauguration of Genting Dream with the activation of a giant lotus flower, symbolising the company’s close ties and commitment to Asia.
President of Dream Cruises Mr Thatcher Brown said, “As the first-ever Asian luxury cruise line to make Hong Kong its home port year-round, we are deeply committed to helping to further develop the cruise market here. Tourism is vital to the economy of the city and our two itineraries originating from Hong Kong will help boost the industry overall, including for hotels, tour groups, local attractions, restaurants and other merchants.”
“We designed the ship essentially as a floating, luxury, integrated resort, and we are confident that Genting Dream will make her mark as the newest “must-experience” vacation attraction for both local and international guests. Genting Dream will cater to multigenerational families with all inclusive activities, the finest Asian and international dining and unforgettable entertainment, with service that is genuinely Asian at heart and international in spirit,” he said.
Following the launch ceremony, guests were able to experience a sumptuous lunch at one of the ship’s many fine-dining eateries, and then invited to join a guided tour to explore the ship’s array of amazing attractions and amenities, including the extensive Dream Palace facilities, Zouk Beach Club, Waterslide Park, Crystal Life Fitness and Spa, “Bistro” by Mark Best, JOHNNIE WALKER HOUSE and Little Pandas Club.
Later in the evening, Genting Dream wowed Hong Kong onlookers with “I love Hong Kong” emblazoned across her decks in a kaleidoscopic display of her state-of-the-art LED lighting system, which sets a new bar for cruise lines, mesmerising spectators with a dazzling symphony of colour.
