Melo Villareal
Redefining Your Level of Luxury Cruising Experience
Nobel laureate Thomas Eliot once penned the memorable line, “the journey, not the arrival matters,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in our everyday lives. Recently, we embarked on an extraordinary adventure aboard the magnificent Genting Dream Cruise Ship—an experience that delighted our senses and created lasting memories. Today, we invite you to join us as we recount the highlights and unforgettable moments from this one-of-a-kind voyage.
Genting Dream Cruise Review
Not everyone gets the unique opportunity to experience life aboard a cruise ship. Many people imagine that cruising is reserved for retirees, enjoying the fruits of decades of effort. However, cruise travel caters to adventurers of all ages—offering something for both the young and the young at heart.
Recently, Team Out of Town, together with fellow Filipino travel bloggers, was invited to an unforgettable three-day, two-night journey aboard the majestic Genting Dream cruise ship. The voyage, which took place last September, immersed us in the impressive amenities, luxurious cabins, and breathtaking ocean views that a world-class cruise liner offers.
Inside the Luxury Cruise Ship
Genting Dream is recognized as the first Asian-oriented luxury cruise ship to designate Singapore as its official home port. Measuring approximately 1,100 feet in length and 130 feet in width, the ship offers a blend of modern amenities explicitly tailored for the Asian market, including numerous dining options featuring diverse Asian cuisines, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, spas, and casinos. With a passenger capacity of up to 3,400 guests, Genting Dream provides a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious suites with personalized butler service to comfortable staterooms.
The ship regularly sails to various popular destinations across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, making it a popular choice among both local and international travelers.
The ship features an impressive array of boutiques, lively bars, diverse restaurants, and a variety of attractions spread across its 19 decks. Guests can scale the rock-climbing wall for a thrilling adventure, unwind in a cutting-edge spa and fitness complex, or relax in an exclusive private clubhouse.
Even more, there’s a vibrant mini-golf course for friendly competition, a scenic outdoor promenade deck perfect for leisurely strolls with ocean views, and a waterslide park that promises excitement for all ages.
The ship operates under the Dream Cruises brand, which has garnered numerous accolades, including being named the “Best Preferred Cruise Brand for Families” by the Global Times, and recognized as “Asia’s Best Cruise Ship” at the 2018 Asian Cruise Forum. Additionally, it was honored as one of the “Top 10 Large Resort Ships” in the esteemed 2018 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide.
In this article, I invite you to join me on a detailed journey aboard the magnificent Genting Dream. From the moment of boarding, through exploring lavish accommodations and indulging in luxurious amenities, to discovering a variety of exciting onboard and shore excursion activities—and sampling a diverse array of delectable dining options—I’ll share every facet of my unforgettable experience.
But before we dive into the highlights of this adventure, let me walk you through some essential steps you should keep in mind before embarking on your own cruise journey.
PRE-TRIP PREPARATION
Get the Fly Cruise Transfer Service
This wasn’t my first time going on a cruise, so I knew that the check-in process, especially where air travel and sea travel intersect, could often be quite overwhelming and tiring. However, my experience at the Changi Lounge, located in the stunning Jewel Changi Airport, was altogether different.
The entire check-in procedure was impressively smooth and efficient, made effortless by the exemplary Fly Cruise Transfer Service, which streamlined everything and quickly got me ready for my upcoming voyage.
While this option is optional, I find it highly convenient for travelers. The transfer service package not only streamlines your journey but also enhances your overall cruise experience. It includes seamless luggage transfer—once you check your baggage in Manila, it will be handled with care and delivered directly to your cabin aboard the ship, freeing you from the burden of carrying it through multiple terminals.
Additionally, the package provides exclusive access to a comfortable lounge at the port, where you can unwind, enjoy refreshments, and easily collect your stateroom key card before boarding. Throughout the process, the transfer service staff ensure a timely arrival at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre terminal, providing a stress-free, well-coordinated check-in experience for your cruise departure.
Genting Dream Fly Cruise with Singapore Airlines is available until March 31, 2020.
What’s fantastic about this trip is that you get to decide the routes depending on your budget. Feel free to choose from 3 unique round-trip Singapore cruises until March 31, 2020, aimed to give you inspirational voyages at sea:
5 Night Southeast Asian Splendour – Rates start from USD 543/person
Sailing to Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh | Surabaya – North Bali | Penang – Phuket – Langkawi – Kuala Lumpur | Ko Samui – Bangkok
3 Night Cruise Escapades – Rates start from USD 443/person
Sailing to Penang – Phuket | Penang – Langkawi | Melaka – Langkawi | Langkawi – Phuket
2 Night Weekend Getaways – Rates start from USD 315/person
Sailing to Melaka | Kuala Lumpur | Bintan Island
For more information about this exciting promotion, you can visit any local travel agency. Promotion is valid until December 31, 2019. For inquiries, call (02) 836 6080 or email salesmanila@gentingcruiselines.com. [more details]
Boarding Process
If you did not avail of the Fly Cruise transfer service, you will have to proceed to the Marina Bay Cruise Center to board and embark. Make sure you have prepared all necessary travel documents before heading to the check-in counter.
Upon arrival at the check-in area, go to the lane designated to your cabin class and be ready to present your cruise ticket and other travel documents. You must pass through security screening and present your access card. Once cleared by immigration, you may then board the cruise ship and start your vacation.
Checking-in Process
To secure your stateroom key card, present your confirmed cruise ticket at the counter. The stateroom key card is a four-in-one card that serves as an onboard identity card, onboard charge card, gangway security pass, and cabin access key.
If you have lost your keycard, please report it immediately at the cruise reception for replacement. Online check-in can be done 7 days up to 24 hours in advance prior to departure. There are designated counters for guests who have checked in online.
Provide your Credit Card Info / Cash Deposit
You are not required to present your credit or debit card or a cash deposit to establish that you have an onboarded account. But pre-authorization will help expedite Express check-out and the final settlement of your account on the last day of your cruise.
Depositing your Passport
You need to surrender your passport before boarding the ship. You don’t need to worry; you can claim it the night before you check out.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO BRING
Travel Documents
First, make sure you have the following documents before departure: your passport, a photocopy of the biographical page, a copy of your cruise ticket, and a visa (if applicable). Also, note that the currency on board is Singapore dollars. A money changer is also available onboard.
Clothes
You’re not spending the rest of the trip inside the ship, so make sure to bring lightweight clothes for daytime activities and shore excursions in Singapore and Indonesia. Please note that the ship allows only 2 pieces of personal luggage on board.
If you plan to dine in specialty restaurants or attend night parties, don’t forget to pack smart casual wear and appropriate shoes. Always prioritize comfort over looks, but if you can strike a balance between fashionable and convenient, much better.
Time Onboard
Singapore is on the same time zone as ours (GMT+8), so onboard time will be the same as in the Philippines, but it will change when the ship docks in other countries, such as Thailand.
Dream Cruises Mobile Application
For convenience and up-to-date information on daily events and activities, make sure to download the Dream Cruise mobile app before getting on board. The app provides essential information about the vessel, daily events and activities, spa treatments, and dining reservations. You can also use the app to check on your bill. The Dream Cruises app is now available for iPhone and Android.
Mandatory Safety Drill
Before the ship begins its sail on the first day, you need to take part in the safety drill to better prepare yourself for unwanted circumstances.
This will help you familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and assembly station nearest you. The drill usually takes place at around 21:00. Be aware that there are rules that you need to observe on board to keep everyone safe during the cruise.
Shore Excursions (Shorex)
What I love about joining the cruise is that we can visit multiple destinations with a single packing list. To enjoy your holiday, pre-arranged tours are available at every stop in case you missed making your arrangements before the trip. Another advantage of booking a Shorex is that you don’t have to worry about travel to your next destination or the associated costs.
During the recent trip aboard Genting Dream, we were offered three Shorex options: Tanjung Urban Explorer, Scuba Tryout at Trikora Coast, and Bintan Black Coral Leisure Diving. The tour typically costs SGD50 and lasts up to 8 hours.
We took the first option, which includes Gurun Pasir Busung, where we admired the famous Indonesian sand dunes, which are an Instagrammer’s haven. We also stopped by the Telaga Biru, known for its blue lake, and had a little taste of paradise at the Trily Resort Center Mangrove Forest.
If you missed the pre-booking window, you can book tours on board via the Dream Cruises app or through the dedicated Shore Excursions & Cruise Consultant. For more options, visit www.dreamcruiseline.com.
What’s Inside My Cabin
The ship is an utter surprise, because it isn’t only big – it’s lavishly decorated with a dash of modern touch in it. They offer a range of accommodations, including 1,680 cabins, 1,278 outdoor cabins, and 3,360 passenger cabins across two exclusive floors. Not to mention, the Casino area is scattered everywhere! You can even walk by at some slot games from all the corners of the ship. Talk about accessibility!
For discerning passengers, you can book among their 142 suites featuring a ‘highly personalized’ European-style butler service and other special privileges. There are also spacious staterooms – featuring tastefully decorated private balconies and plush beddings – and I happen to stay in one of these rooms.
I’m impressed by its well-arranged 20-square-meter cabin with a queen bed, a sofa, Satellite TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, and a mini-refrigerator, with video-on-demand options available for free. And a balcony that offers a fantastic view of the ocean, complete with a table and chairs — a perfect place for me to write while enjoying the sunset.
They have provided toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, towels, robes, and slippers.
Another thing I noticed was that the room smells good, and it was clean. They also provide two bottles of water daily.
Dining
There are several dining options on board serving an array of international cuisines, but only three are included in the cruise package.
Dream Dining Room Upper: Tired from wandering around the ship? Head over to Deck 7 at the Aft section of the vessel, where most guests dine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No need to worry about the food menu; they offer both Asian and international cuisine, with daily menu rotations. As for Chinese cuisine, Cantonese-style dim sum and two-noodle dishes are highly recommended. There’s also a regional menu served for dinner every evening, with dishes ranging from spicy Szechuan specialties to hometown Hakka staples.
Dream Dining Room Lower: If Room Upper is crowded, the best option is to go to Room Lower and try their semi-buffet-style Western food. Here, they serve the usuals—cold cuts, cereals, some traditional English fare, and Chinese dishes. For breakfast, try their omelet with a wide selection of toppings, scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, or boiled eggs, served in a mini egg cup.
Here at the Room Lower, you don’t get to indulge in quality meals, but you also get to have a glimpse of the helipad and the bow of the cruise ship from the windows.
More Dining Options at Genting Dream
Another memorable treat for all lovers of Japanese cuisine is dining at Umi Uma, where chefs perform an entertaining teppanyaki show for guests. They will be juggling and cooking food in front of you, and it is one of the highlights of the dining experience. It’s located on Deck 8 and features three unique dining concepts, including a traditional cooking show performed over the Iron Plate tables.
Another favorite on the ship is Bistro by Mark Best — a contemporary steakhouse focusing on Australian beef, lamb, and seafood. This dining area is perfect for a romantic dinner and for those who want to sample dishes curated by an expert culinary team.
The Lido – Indulge yourself with an extensive spread of Indian cuisine at Lido, located on Deck 16 at the Aft Section. In its U-shaped room, you’ll see multiple offerings from international cuisines like Chinese and Western delicacies, 24-hour snacks, coffee, and tea, and a dessert section filled with sweet treats such as frozen yogurt with fresh fruit.
In case you just wanted to have a small meal in the afternoon, you can visit the bakery onboard offering freshly baked pastries and cakes, and some smaller meal options. If you head outside, you’ll see the World Grill, known for its flame-grilled steaks, burgers, and hotdogs. Try it! View outside is definitely a must-see.
Top Deck Attractions
Too lazy to go out for a stopover? Not a problem at the Genting Dreams. The ship isn’t only heavy on dining but is also jam-packed with family activities. There are different levels of water slides, mini-golf, a rope course where you walk into an obstacle while overlooking the side of the boat, a 35-meter zip line, a view 18 decks above the sea, and a 23-foot rock-climbing wall. You can also head over to the arcade for some indoor fun.
There’s also the Sportsplex, a large outdoor court on Deck 19 where you can play basketball, tennis, and other games.
Wellness Facilities
Let’s not forget to get ourselves pampered once in a while. Genting Dreams also features the Crystal Life Spa and the Crystal Life Asian Spa, which offer soothing massages, therapeutic treatments, and Western and Asian treatments for guests. In case you wanted to have your hair done, you can visit The Gentleman’s Barber and Le Salon, which are also available for passengers to receive personal grooming, such as hair or nail treatment.
If you want to sweat it out, a gym is also available on the cruise ship, equipped with high-quality equipment.
Evening Shows and Events
Cap off your day with one of Genting Dream’s exciting live performances at Zodiac Theatre, located on deck 7. To skip the hassle, you can watch free performances through the Dream Cruises app. If you’re lucky, you get to watch circus acts and dance numbers depending on the schedule.
Fortunately, we were able to see one of the shows at the Zodiac Theatre, Some Like It Hot. It was a very festive show, exuding a ‘50s and ‘60s vibe with a modern twist. And the featured dancers aren’t just ANY dancers! They are award-winning ballroom dance champions, joined by singers Tatyana and David for a unique and world-class performance. There were foxtrot and waltz numbers, which made this a must-see on the cruise.
Cinema at Sea
If you’re more of a movie person and want to have some alone time, then head over to the Zouk BeachClub for top-rated films with an open-air surround sound and the experience of being under the stars. There’s also one in the lobby, and at the Zodiac Theatre, where they feature the latest 3D blockbuster flicks in hi-fi sound.
Shopping at The Dream Boutiques
If you’re up for a shopping spree, the Dream Boutiques, the Dream Store, and the Souvenir Mart might just be the place for you. For the Dream Boutiques, feel free to splurge on some of the world’s top luxury brands and designer goods at sea. Now that’s impressive! There’s a selection of prestige watches, fine jewelry, leather goods, and more.
For caps, t-shirts, goodies, gifts, and other merchandise, visit the Dream Store and the Souvenir Mart.
Party Time
Genting Dreams is an all-in-one entertainment venue – from the karaoke area at Silk Road on deck 6, the Zouk Beach club, an outdoor beach club completed with cabanas and cocktails, a plunge pool and pool tables, where guests can enjoy DJs and live music, with, of course, signature cocktail drinks on hand.
WiFi
No need to worry about your latest social media updates, as there is a Satellite Internet connection available on Dream Cruises. You can purchase Wi-Fi packages directly in the Dream app to skip the queue.
Checking Out and Disembarkation
This is where the Dream Cruises app comes in handy again. You can check out your account and settle your bills before heading to the assembly area.
Important Tips and Reminders
Board as early as possible
Everybody hates a long queue, agree? We recommend boarding earlier so you can explore the ship without being crowded.
Know the daily activity schedule.
Planning your activities for the whole trip would save you time and effort. Download the Dream Cruises app and get updated on the latest events and activities you can enjoy. In addition, a daily newsletter is posted outside your room for more information.
Book activities in advance
You don’t want to feel disappointed if the restaurant or an event on the ship is already fully booked, right? It’s best to book activities and make reservations, such as Shore excursions, in the mobile app to ensure you enjoy your trip without having to wait for a seat to open.
Read the Dream Daily newsletter.
It’s always good to get an updated round-the-clock schedule and activities on the ship, whether it’s scheduled fireworks, the dining schedule, or a free performance by their onboard entertainers.
Pack light
Bring clothes that are perfect for party time, separate shirts for some outdoor fun, and formal ones if you’re going on a romantic dinner in one of their fine-dining restaurants. It’s also best to pack light to save some luggage space and avoid additional fees.
Here’s a helpful tip: To save more space, try using ziplock bags or packing cubes so you can stay organized throughout the trip. To avoid seasickness, bring some meds just in case.
The Verdict
Even if you’re not into spending loads of money for international travel, you’ll know that alternatives such as cruises are all the rage.
It may have a perception of being expensive, but in reality, it’s worth every cent, especially if you’re traveling with your family. Cruising with Genting Dreams is more affordable than other luxury cruise lines, but it does not compensate for the quality of service and experience.
Ultimately, it will always be the shared experiences that matter most.
For more information, you can follow Genting Dreams on their respective social media accounts: Facebook /DreamCruisesPhilippines/
*This trip was made possible in partnership with Dream Cruises
Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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