Genting Cruise Lines launched the third member of its Dream Cruises’ fleet Explorer Dream at the weekend.
The ship will initially be based in Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.
The launch marks Dream Cruises’ debut in Eastern China, with the cruise liner purposely-built and recently renovated for the Asian and Chinese luxury market.
Dream Cruises’ first 200,000-tonne Global Class ship, set to debut in 2021, will also have an inaugural deployment in Shanghai as the largest cruise ship to homeport in the Asia-Pacific.
Some 500 guests attended the launch party at the weekend. Fashion designer Ms. Grace Chen attended as the godmother of Explorer Dream.
Mr. Hui Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Genting Hong Kong, told guests: “Dream Cruises is the most recognized cruise brand in Southern China due to World Dream being positioned in the dual homeports of Guangzhou and Hong Kong. However, as we all know, the Eastern and North Chinese market is five times larger than the south and Dream Cruises will be building two 204,000 gross ton “Global Class” ships to be launched starting early 2021 in Shanghai and Tianjin to accommodate this market.
“These two ships, being built in our own shipyards Germany, are also designed to be the most advanced and intelligent cruise ships ever to be constructed.”
Explorer Dream is the second cruise ship of Genting Cruise Lines to homeport in Shanghai. In July 2017, Genting Cruise Lines launched the Golden Sea Route 7-night itinerary in Shanghai, which won the Best Itinerary Award during the Shanghai Cruise Tourism Festival.
After the inaugural ceremony, Grace Chen presented a fashion show at sea aboard the ship. Eighteen models showcased her Voyage collection and walked the runway on the Palace Pool Deck.
Dream Cruises has won numerous accolades for its two cruise ships, Genting Dream which debuted in 2016 and World Dream in 2017, including Star Performer Top Ten Ratings in the Large Resort Category, “Most Popular Family Cruise Brand in China 2018” by Global Times, Top 5 Cruise Lines in the Large/Medium sized cruise ship category by Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List and more.
Explorer Dream has 928 cabins and lower berth capacity of 1,856 passengers.
The signature, luxury “ship within a ship” enclave of Dream Cruises – The Palace, provides a “True Asian Luxury” experience, according to the line.
It includes exciting entertainment and leisure spaces including the virtual reality ESC Experience Lab, Zodiac Theatre, the Palm Court observatory lounge and a spectacular new lobby atrium area with additional world-class dining experiences with the introduction of Seafood Grill by Mark Best, Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria and Umi Uma Sushi & Teppenyaki.
As the fastest cruise ship in Asia, Explorer Dream offers a great variety of itineraries and flexibility.
Sailings from Shanghai homeport will take guests on cruises to popular destinations in Japan that range from 3-night to 6-night itineraries, such as the 3-night cruises to Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe, or the 2-night round-trip cruise to Okinawa.
In April, when cherry blossoms in Japan are in bloom, guests can enjoy the dazzling floral display on shore, complemented by authentic Japanese specialty dishes featuring Japanese Wagyu beef and pork, tuna cutting performances, Yukata trials, poolside festivals and more.
Starting from 1 July, Explorer Dream will begin her homeport deployment in Tianjin with more summer cruise options for family travelers, who will enjoy the renowned stage productions of Kaixin Mahua at sea.
Taking the first step to evolve Dream Cruises into “Asia’s Global Cruise Line” by sailing outside Asian waters, in October 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney, Australia.
