“Explorer Dream” joins the Dream Cruises fleet as pathfinder ship for the brand’s global aspirations
Genting Cruise Lines announced the latest addition to the Dream Cruises family with “Explorer Dream”, a 75,338 gross ton, 1,870 passenger cruise ship that will join the fleet in spring 2019 in the role of pathfinder for the brand’s global aspirations. Formerly the “SuperStar Virgo” of sister brand Star Cruises, “Explorer Dream” will undergo a US 30 million dollar transformation in March 2019 that will incorporate exquisite new facilities including The Palace, Dream Cruises’ signature, luxury private enclave featuring 50 suites and butler service.
An integral part of the brand, Dream Cruises was the first cruise line to offer this concept to discerning, high-end travellers in Asia. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy all new food and beverage options combining the best of “East meets West” and a new Crystal Life Spa for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.
“Dream Cruises will be extending its brand recognition to 300 million Chinese in Shanghai and Tianjin/Beijing next summer as well as offering cruises in Australia and New Zealand to its Asian-sourced passengers during winter 2019 – the first time Dream Cruises will be sailing outside Asia,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of Genting Hong Kong. “Explorer Dream will offer another option for our Asia based guests to expand their travel horizons with new rail/cruise and fly/cruise opportunities to see the world.”
Explorer Dream will strengthen the Dream Cruises’ brand in North China with homeports in Shanghai and Tianjin during Spring/Summer 2019 with a selection of voyages of various durations from Shanghai or Tianjin to Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Taking the first step to evolve Dream Cruises into “Asia’s Global Cruise Line” by sailing outside Asian waters, in Autumn/Winter of 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney and Auckland where she will embark on 21 seven-night weekly itineraries.
• “Queensland and the Barrier Reef Cruises”, 6 one-week cruises starting 27 October 2019, calling at:
o Mooloolaba/Sunshine Coast: Famous for its perfect climate, beautiful golden beaches and crystal clear waters
o Brisbane: The capital of Queensland and north of the world-famous Gold Coast, and
o Newcastle: Gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region
o Gladstone: A quaint little village for those who love heritage, history and funky finds
• “Tasmania Island and Melbourne Cruises”, 8 one-week cruises starting 9 February 2020, calling at:
o Port Arthur: A World Heritage city with the first settlements in Australia,
o Hobart: Capital of the State of Tasmania and one of the most charming cities in the world
o Burnie: Gateway port to North Tasmania, famous for its lavender fields and wine country, and
o Melbourne: Capital of the State of Victoria and consistently voted as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
o Phillip Island: Famed for its penguin population, the island is also popular for surfers and motoring enthusiasts.
o Eden: On the sparkling Sapphire Coast, Eden is one of the best whale-watching spots in Australia
• “North and South New Zealand Cruises”, 7 one-week cruises starting 15 December 2019, calling at:
o Wellington: Capital of New Zealand and famous as the background of the “Lord of the Ring” and “Hobbit Trilogy” films
o Milford Sound/ Doubtful Sound: Fiordland is one of the southern hemisphere’s great wilderness regions and has achieved World Heritage Status for its stunning natural features
o Dunedin: Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature and the center of learning in New Zealand with the largest university in the country
o Napier: Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference
o Bay of Islands: A group of 144 islands, famous for its stunning beauty and history, featuring an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlins, whales, gannets and more.
o Akaroa: Famous as the only French settlement in New Zealand.
o Picton: The heart of the Marlborough Sounds, this picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants and galleries
o Gisborne: the unofficial ‘Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand’
“We will be accelerating this vision to develop Dream Cruises into Asia’s Global Cruise Line by utilizing one of Asia’s favourite ships, SuperStar Virgo, and converting her into a brand new sibling alongside Genting Dream and World Dream,” added Tan Sri Lim. “With her strong heritage in the Asian cruise landscape and history in the region along with her world-renowned German engineering, SuperStar Virgo’s transformation into Explorer Dream will combine the best-in-class design and construction of her sister ships with acclaimed service that is Asian at heart and international in spirit.”
Around 13 million visitors currently visit Australia and New Zealand annually with about 5 million of this number from Asia. Explorer Dream will offer Asian guests an alternative travel option for visiting multiple cities and attractions without having to check in and out of hotels or transiting between airports as commonly associated with a land vacation. Dream Cruises will offer Asian guests the convenience and comfort of cruising in Australia and New Zealand ensconced in a familiar environment highlighted by:
• A multi-lingual crew conversant in English, Putonghua and other Asian languages
• Cuisine customized to the award-winning international standards offered on Dream Cruises
• Entertainment options reimagined to appeal to Asian passengers
With pre and post stays available in Sydney and Auckland, Dream Cruises’ 7-night itineraries in Australia and New Zealand will be an important cornerstone for Asian travelers who typically enjoy 9 to 14 day vacations when visiting “down under”.
“Dream Cruises would like to thank all of our travel and business partners and our guests for making this new cruise brand such a success in only two years,” said Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises. “We have received very positive feedback from the Chinese travel community to bring the Dream Cruises brand to the more populous North China market with the repositioning of Explorer Dream and we have also experienced overwhelming support from the Asian travel community with news of the ship’s homeport in Australia and New Zealand this winter. With Explorer Dream as our pathfinder vessel, this truly marks the first giant step for Dream Cruises to become Asia’s Global Cruise Line.”
About Genting Cruise Lines
Genting Cruise Lines is a division of Genting Hong Kong comprising of three distinct cruise brands – Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises – providing a range of products from contemporary cruises to ultra-luxurious vacation experiences spanning the sea to air. Founded in 1993, Star Cruises established the Asia-Pacific as a popular, world-wide cruise destination and, with its current fleet of five vessels (SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, Star Pisces and The Taipan), continues to pioneer the contemporary cruise market in the region. Launched in 2015, Dream Cruises has delivered the highest level of guest service and spacious comfort in the region via it fleet of two ships: Genting Dream which debuted in November 2016 and World Dream, in November 2017. Developed specifically for the China and Asia market, Dream Cruises provides passengers with inspirational journeys at sea that are Asian at heart and international in spirit. By sea, river, land or air, Crystal has redefined the way the world views luxury travel. The world-renowned Crystal Experience – featuring global journeys with Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, Crystal AirCruises and Crystal Air – continues to entice the world’s most discerning travelers with incomparable luxury and unparalleled personal service. Through its family of brands, Genting Cruise Lines offers the widest and most imaginative spectrum of cruise products for the modern traveller, catering to all segments, geographies, life stages and travel styles.
About Dream Cruises
Genting Hong Kong brings nearly 25 years’ of Asian cruise industry experience in creating its new cruise line – Dream Cruises. Dream Cruises aims to be a pacesetter in the cruise industry globally, meeting the needs of the ‘emerging generation’ of confident, independently-minded and upwardly-mobile Asian travellers and families. Dream Cruises offers inspirational journeys, which are Asian at heart and international in spirit. Purpose-built for the China and Asia market, Genting Dream, the first ship of the fleet, debuted in November 2016, with her sister ship World Dream joining the fleet in November 2017, offering guests the highest levels of service and spacious comfort in the region.
Accommodations in the Dream Class ships reflect both size and choice for travellers with over 70 per cent of staterooms featuring private balconies and over 100 connecting rooms catering to extended families and groups. Distinguished by its European style butler service and special all-inclusive guest privileges, The Palace, a luxurious ship within a ship concept, will indulge travellers in lavish suites and an aura of exclusivity. With the finest Asian and international dining, exceptional service, enthralling entertainment and inspirational experiences, Dream Cruises aims to redefine vacation travel with a transformational journey at sea. Since its launch, Dream Cruises has been recognized as one of “The Top 10 Large Resort Ships” by the 2018 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide; “Asia’s Best Cruise Ship” by the 2018 Asian Cruise Forum, “Best Preferred Cruise Brand for Families” by the Global Times, “Best New Ship” by the 2017 Travel Weekly Asia and many more awards received than any other cruise line in Asia. Production has also started in Germany on two new Global Class ships that will join the fleet in 2021 and 2022 highlighted by more new facilities and advanced technological features. Each Dream Cruises ship has bears the “Made in Germany” mark, a country known to produce the best quality products in the world, including cruise ships.