Asia’s new luxury cruise line Dream Cruises has found the demand is strongest for the more expensive suites on the new premium ship, Genting Dream, when it debuts in November.
China and Hong Kong cruisers are snapping up suites in what the line is calling The Dream Mansion, an enclosed VIP “ship within a ship” area.
More than 75 per cent of Genting Dream’s 6-night repositioning cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong on November 6 has sold out.
“Response from the China and Hong Kong markets has been strong,’’ Brigita Devries, Star and Dream Cruises Assistant Vice President said at a media launch this week.
“When we released the itineraries and prices in April, we had a slow start. After a marketing campaign, momentum is gathering and the phones are ringing.
“Interestingly, we are seeing more Australians and New Zealanders booking the higher priced suites on the ship’s Dream Mansion, a private ship-within-a ship, offering butler service.’’
Genting Dream is owned by Genting Hong Kong, which also owns Star Cruises, a hospitality conglomerate which is a major cruise player in Asia.
Genting also owns the luxury line, Crystal Cruises which it bought last year.
Genting Dream is currently under construction at a German shipyard, Meyer Werft. Estimated to cost US$960 million to build, she will be able to accommodate 3400 passengers and 2000 crew.
The ship has 35 restaurants, six water slides, a bowling alley and rock climbing wall. She will also have two submersibles which can carry four passengers and a pilot to explore the underwater treasures of the sea.
Ms Devries was speaking in Sydney, Australia at the line’s launch to 30 travel agents.
She said Australians had responded well. They love to cruise to Asia and will not be intimidated by the Asian flavour of Genting Dream, she maintained.
“Genting Dream is really Asian at heart but international in spirit. The ship will appeal to multi-generational families because of the kids’ amenities but there’s something for everyone.’’
Bookings on the ship’s next leg from Hong Kong to Vietnam, Hanoi and calling at China’s Pearl River Delta have also been selling well.
