Genting Dream is the first ever Asian luxury cruise line created by Genting Hong Kong that debuted in November of 2016. It has a passenger capacity of 3,352, specializing in Southeast Asian destinations.
We celebrated Rache’s birthday onboard a 5-day Genting Dream Cruise from Singapore to Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Here is our guide to make your cruise celebration awesome…
GENTING DREAM CRUISES
Philippines: +632 8836-6080
Email: reservations.en@gentingcruiselines.com
Facebook: Dream Cruises
Instagram: @dreamcruiseline
Website: https://www.dreamcruiseline.com/
First Things First
What to Bring?
Travel Essentials
• Passport (and photocopy of your passport’s bio page)
• Visa (no need for Southeast Asian destinations)
• Return Airfare Ticket
• Cruise Ticket and travel details
• Big hard luggage for clothes and a carry-on bag for gadgets and backup clothes
• Fly-Cruise Transfer Service Luggage Tag
• Default currency—Singapore Dollars (SGD), the currency where the cruise departed
• Credit Card for easy transaction onboard
Personal Stuff
• Rubber shoes/sporty slippers and smart casual shoes
• Comfortable clothes, smart casual attires following dress codes and IG outfits for destination shoots
• Stuff for your personal regimen (No need to bring the usual toiletries because these are provided)
• Watch using the boat time which is Singapore time, the time of the originating destination
• Mobile phone/camera to take lots of videos, photos and selfies throughout the trip
• Downloaded Dream Cruise Mobile App for information about the cruise and wifi access
Note: Budget SGD29/day for premium wifi (good for two devices) x number of cruise days.
Book the Changi Fly-Cruise Transfer Service so that, once you land in Singapore, you just proceed to the Changi Lounge on Level 1 of Jewel to await your shuttle bus to Marina Centre.
While waiting, you can take a souvenir photo at the Rain Vortex, visit the Changi Experience Studio, shop and dine with over 280 retail and dining outlets to choose from or explore the Canopy Park on the top level of Jewel.
Take the early morning flight to Singapore so you have time to explore Jewel before boarding the bus.
EMBARKATION
Singapore has a well-organized Marina Bay Cruise Centre for hassle-free cruise check-in.
The queuing is manageable, organized and comfortable but please don’t board at the last minute.
During our trip, the last boarding time was at 3.30pm, but we already boarded in time for lunch onboard.
I love the hull artwork by Chinese pop-artist Jacky Tsai entitled “Voyage of a Lover’s Dream,” featuring the love story of the astronaut and the mermaid and how they have to break free from their boundaries to come together.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BALCONY DELUXE STATEROOM
We stayed in a 22 sqm room with queen size bed, sofa bed, flat panel 32″ TV, complimentary bottled water, standard tea & coffee, security safe, fridge and in-house phone. (With options of interconnecting rooms.)
The size of the staterooms is perfect for couples, and sometimes we stayed in the room to watch a movie with the windows open.
It has a spacious private bathroom with hot and cold shower provided with standard bathrobes, slippers, towels, premium toiletries, bath soap and shampoo in dispensers.
Best of all, you have your own private balcony with unlimited fresh air and romantic view of the sea.
Follow the pattern on the carpet, with its flowers pointing to the direction of the forward deck and its stem pointing to the aft/stern (back).
THE PALACE
The Palace is an elegant part of the “ship-within-a-ship” with over 140 suites and private VIP facilities.
You get access to your private swimming pool, spa and gym without the crowds.
It has its own exclusive dining and bar facilities with your own Dream Butler throughout the trip.
The Palace guests get complimentary dining to all the restaurants on the ship for the perfect foodie experience.
PALACE SUITE
The Palace Suite is a 37 sqm room with queen size bed, double sofa bed, personalized minibar, butler concierge service, Nespresso coffee machine, 42″ flat-panel TV, security safe, fridge, cordless phone and in-house phone.
It has a private bathroom with full bathtub/shower combination, luxury bathrobes, slippers, towels and toiletries set available both for adults and kids.
Plus, a spacious private balcony where you can hang out with your friends and family.
PALACE PENTHOUSE
The Palace Penthouse is a 56 sqm room perfect for honeymooners with a king size bed, double soba bed, two flat panel TVs (42″ and 32″) and tablet, security safe, fridge, cordless phone and in-house phone.
It has a sizable living room and dining area with a personalized mini bar, Nespresso machine with complimentary gourmet tea & coffee and butler concierge service.
Its luxurious bathroom has a full jacuzzi, 1 separate shower and 2 toilets, with plush bathrobes, slippers, towels and toiletries set available for both adults and kids.
PALACE VILLA
The spacious Palace Villa is 224 sqm with a master bedroom furnished with 1 king size bed, sumptuous beddings and a 32″ flat screen TV.
Its spacious separate living room is decked with a 60″ flat panel TV, leather chairs and telescope with tripod.
It has a lavish dining room with an 8-seater table with gold utensils, grand piano set-up, elegant built-in bar counter with liquor set-up, fully automatic coffee machine with complimentary gourmet tea & coffee and personalized butler service.
The second bedroom, directly connected to the outdoor spa area, is provided with a queen size bed, its own 42″ flat panel tv, security safe, fridge, cordless phone and in-house phone.
Its equally lavish bathroom has a full bathtub, separate shower and 2 toilets, luxury bathrobes, slippers, towels and toiletries set available for both adults and kids.
To top it all, it comes with a private sun deck with a whirlpool area, sauna and 40 sqm private balcony.
RESTAURANTS
PRIME STEAKHOUSE & SEAFOOD GRILL BY MARK BEST
The best restaurant on board is the fine dining restaurant of The Final Table finalist Chef Mark Best.
Mark Best Restaurant: Seafood Grill Menu | Prime Steakhouse Menu
It’s perfect for your business mastermind or milestone celebration onboard the ship.
They have the finest ingredients of the season, the best wines and the best service while cruising.
Bistro by Mark Best is located on Deck 8.
UMI UMA (JAPANESE TEPPANYAKI)
You’ll love the teppanyaki theatre dining for that intimate bonding with friends over food.
Umi Uma Menu: The Palace Suites Special Menu | Sushi Bar | Teppanyaki Supplementary
We celebrated Rache’s birthday here because of its more casual fun dining atmosphere and the good quality of the food.
You can order the steak or salmon with the teppanyaki rice. Sarap!
Umi Uma is located on Deck 8.
SILK ROAD
For a dramatic Chinese dinner, head to Silk Road for an auspicious dining experience.
Silk Road Menu: The Palace Set Menu | Premium Tea | Appetizer, Soup | Seafood, Poultry, Pork | Vegetables & Beancurd, Rice & Noodle | Dessert
It’s quite romantic, with old glamour charm perfect for your lauriat celebration with your family and friends.
Yes, you can enjoy Peking duck and other Chinese specialties onboard.
Silk Road Chinese Restaurant is located on Deck 6.
BLUE LAGOON
If you are craving for Singaporean food, this is the best in terms of taste and craving satisfaction.
Start with the salted egg fish skin cracker for appetizer.
Satisfy your laksa craving onboard. We ate this at the start and at the end of our cruise.
Blue Lagoon is located on Deck 7.
HOT POT
The Hot Pot is quite special because of its alfresco setting at the end of the ship with scenic ocean views.
You can order two different kinds of broth.
You have meat, seafood and vegetarian set options.
Hot Pot is located at the back end of Deck 8.
Sometimes you crave for ice cream after the meal. When this happens, go to Gelateria on Deck 8 for your gelato fix.
DREAM DINING
Dream Dining Room Lower, located on Deck 7, is divided into two sections: the eat-all-you-can Chinese set menu and the Western menu included for all cruisers.
There’s a salad, appetizer and dessert buffet counter to start and end the meal.
The Chinese set menu was satisfying, and you can eat here throughout the cruise and enjoy each dish.
You can go transfer to the Western tables and also order the special Western menu.
Dream Dining Menu: Chinese Lunch Menu | Promotions
You can actually go to Dream Dining Room Upper located on Deck 8 if you want to avail of the Chinese set menu only.
It can get busy during peak hours, so go for lunch at 11am or later at 1pm to avoid the queue.
LIDO
This is the all-day buffet dining available to all guests throughout the cruise (and the reason most people gain weight during the cruise).
Go for the bread and fresh butter service.
We loved the Indian section with authentic curries and vegetarian options.
Don’t miss the lobster feast on the last night of the cruise.
We always went here for the eat-all-you-can soft serve ice cream!
Also, for your midnight snack craving, the 24×7 counter always has hotdogs, lumpia and snacks for you.
ENTERTAINMENT
SONIO – A TALE OF TWO DREAMS
WHEN YOU DREAM, YOU EXPERIENCE IMAGINARY CELEBRATIONS IN YOUR MIND.
Synopsis:
Following in the footsteps of the award-winning “Voyage of A Lovers Dream,” “Sonio” is the second in the series of Dream Cruises’ signature shows.
“Sonio” showcases the “Keep Balance” performers with their Acro-dance style that has the audience gasping in disbelief. Their performances are what memories are made of.
Tatiana’s headlining performance of powerhouse vocals and stage presence and Maksim’s musical prowess are two unforgettable components the audience brings with them fondly after the show.
Let our actors transport you to your illusory dreamscapes. Experience a wondrous world that inspires an exploration of your senses enveloped in the mystery of “Sonio,” a revue type performance of multi-act, popular theatrical entertainment that combines acrobatics, music, dance and singing, supported by a creative storyboard on a LED wall with the latest visual technology.
This is a must watch show for its visually stimulating acrobatic, magical and theatrical performances.
Best to get good seats to appreciate the show up close. This is free and included in the cruise trip.
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Synopsis: Cuddle up to your sweetheart and share the experience with your friends and family as we dance and celebrate the spirit of the 50s and 60s—with a modern twist! The Bandit band and singers Tetyana and Davyd are exploding with golden trumpets, sultry saxophone and smooth vocals; the dancers are spinning in waltz, progressing in the classiness of foxtrot and burning in their hot mambo. It’s a “sizzling” experience!
Featuring award-winning ballroom dance champions:
Anna & Ivan, Jessica & John, Iryna & Andrie, Ivan & Diana, Anton & Aliaksandra
You’ll appreciate it for its world-class ballroom dancing performances and colorful sexy costumes.
It’s also free and included in your ticket. This is a show that you can miss though if you want to do something else.
AFTER DARK DREAMGIRLS
For adults only featuring international exotic models for a safe male bonding session for an extra fee.
PALM COURT (BAR)
There are a lot of bars throughout the ship but our favorite was Palm Court beside the library and on top of the ship, accessible to all guests.
Bar Menu: Beverages | Coffee, Tea, Classic Cocktails | Scotch Whisky | Canadian Whisky, Tequila, Rum | Gin, Cognac, Brandy | Wine, Beers | Happy Hour | Fireworks & Champagne Package
This was the perfect view of the fireworks and revelry during the last night of the cruise. 🙂
BRIDGE TOUR
Listen to the stories of the ship’s crew on the bridge on Deck 15 with the witty captain himself.
It was awesome to know how the cruise ship navigates and how it feels like to be at the helm.
HELIPAD EXPERIENCE
For the ultimate selfie, go to Deck 9 for the Helipad experience and a reenactment of the Titanic pose in front of the ship.
It was a great place to do a jump shot and to experience a different kind of happiness and a sense of place given how big the ship really is.
CRYSTAL LIFE ASIAN SPA
Full spa services are offered on board the ship, quite popular for Chinese reflexology and overall relaxation.
Make sure to visit the spa one hour before your scheduled treatment to to relax first and to experience the wet floors.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
NHA TRANG (CAM RANH)
Book a Shore-Ex group tour and sit on the upper deck of the transit boat to get a better view of the ship and the sea.
Go for the food tour where you get to explore the local market, learn to cook Vietnamese food and enjoy the food over lunch.
Explore the highlights like the Ponagar Tower where the ancient Champa kingdom (8th-13th century) worshipped the Mother of the Cham people.
HO CHI MINH CITY
For Ho Chi Minh City virgins, get the highlights tour and learn stories of how Vietnam won the war and how it made progress in modern times.
Go on a D-I-Y tour and visit the Ben Thanh market for street food, Vietnamese coffee, shopping and cultural immersion.
The cruise parks two hours away from the city so you’ll waste a lot of time on the bus.
Note: Check out the giant LED board that may be customized for your own greeting or proposal if you ask. 🙂
DISEMBARKATION
Settle your bills the night before and avoid the long lines. We went very early in the morning on disembarkation day.
(Note: There’s a mandatory gratuity of SGD21/night or SGD26/night for Palace guests.)
Don’t forget to fill in the immigration card physically or online for faster immigration process.
You can put your big luggage outside your door so that the crew can bring it ahead and you’ll just pick it up after immigration.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is our first cruise together as a couple, an awesome way to celebrate the birthday of your special someone.
I always had the impression that food on cruise ships is bad but not with the Genting Dream Cruise line. It’s worthwhile to save up and upgrade to the Palace Suites to have a complete experience but the Balcony Staterooms are already quite good. Make sure to budget for the wifi access, mandatory gratuities and restaurant/bar experiences.
Weight management is one of the top issues after the trip because you have unlimited access to free yummy food all throughout. We usually went on intermittent fasting—skipped breakfast and did an early lunch at 11am to avoid the crowd.
For the best photos during the trip, go for the bridge tour or helipad experience, especially with the kids to provide educational context on the cruise and not just enjoyment of the ship’s amenities. Plan your wardrobe—what to wear on the ship, especially during your shore excursion for that perfect IG moment. 🙂
Next cruise trip will definitely with the boys!
Include that 5-night cruise experience to a Southeast Asian destination in your bucket list. Book the first flight to and last flight out of Singapore; you don’t need extra nights to stay in the city unless you want to extend your trip.
5-Night Southeast Asian Splendor
• Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh
• Surabaya – North Bali
• Ko Samui – Bangkok
• Penang – Phuket – Langkawi – Kuala Lumpur
3-Night Cruise Escapades
• Penang – Phuket
• Penang – Langkawi
• Melaka – Langkawi
• Langkawi – Phuket
2-Night Weekend Getaways
• Melaka
• Kuala Lumpur
• Bintan Island
GENTING DREAM CRUISES
The first-ever Asian luxury cruise line created by Genting Hong Kong that debuted in November 2016.
Philippines: +632 8836-6080
Email: reservations.en@gentingcruiselines.com
Facebook: Dream Cruises
Instagram: @dreamcruiseline
Website: https://www.dreamcruiseline.com/
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We were media guests of the good people from Dream Cruises. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.
P.S. We went on a galley tour of the behind the scenes in the commissary kitchens that connect to all the restaurants.
This is the only escalator onboard and the crew uses it for efficiency in providing service on the upper and lower dining decks.
It was awesome to see kababayans running the kitchen. Make sure to say hi and thank you when you meet them.
Awesome thank you to the Filipino chefs and culinary team for the yummy food and warm service onboard Genting Dream!