Genting Dream

The 2016-built MS Genting Dream cruise ship was the first vessel in the fleet of the Chinese premium brand Dream Cruises (Genting Hong Kong/GHK-owned subsidiary launched in November 2015). One of the world's largest passenger liners, the 151,300-GT vessel debuted in November 2016. Her former fleetmates were World Dream/Manara (2017/sistership), Resorts World One (1999-built as SuperStar Virgo, renamed Explorer Dream after the transfer from Star Cruises in 2019) and the larger Global Dream/Disney Adventure (2020/GLOBAL-class).

The vessel (IMO number 9733105) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000319) and registered in Nassau.

Since May 2022, Genting Dream has operated for Resorts World Cruises (new travel brand) established by GHK’s former owner Lim Kok Thay.

MS Genting Dream's last drydock refurbishment was in 2023 (February 17 through March 1), previously refurbished in 2020 (January). Both drydocking projects were conducted in Singapore (at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard).

NEWS: In February 2025, Resorts World Cruises announced the reinstatement of GHK’s brands “Star Cruises” and “Dream Cruises.” As part of the transition (expected to be completed by June 2025), Resorts World One (renamed “Star Navigator”) will join Star Voyager/fka P&O Pacific Explorer under Star Cruises, starting with homeporting in Keelung (March 28–November 14, 2025).

Star Navigator begins revenue operations on March 7, 2025, with 4-night roundtrips from Singapore to Krabi and Penang before relocating to Taiwan for an 8-month deployment (beginning March 28) with itineraries between Taiwan and Japan and Korea.

Star Voyager (launched on March 26, 2025) operates seasonal deployments from multiple homeports, including Singapore, Jakarta, Malacca, Bangkok, and Saigon.

Dream Cruises focuses on the premium segment, with Genting Dream homeported in Singapore year-round, operating roundtrip itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand.

History - construction and ownership

In late April 2022, Asian online media reported that Genting Dream would be the first liner in the fleet of “Resorts World Cruises” — a Singapore-registered company (incorporated on March 9, 2022) established by Lim Kok Thay (Genting Group/Genting Cruise Lines). It was also reported that Resorts World was negotiating with banks and investors to acquire Dream Cruises’ other two vessels (Explorer Dream, World Dream).

The company’s management team is led by Colin Au (CEO and Executive Director) and Michael Goh (President and International Sales Director). Resorts World Cruises opened bookings for Genting Dream on May 18, 2022.

The parent company “Resorts World” is a Genting Group-owned subsidiary (Malaysian hospitality and casino franchise) and a brand used across Genting-owned resorts and casinos worldwide. Resorts World has ultra-premium properties (46 total/as of 2022) in Asia (Malaysia’s Pahang, Terengganu, Langkawi–Kedah; Singapore’s Sentosa Island; Philippines’ Newport City–Pasay and Entertainment City–Parañaque; Macau’s Nam Vam Lake), as well as the USA (Winchester, Nevada; Queens, NYC; Kiamesha Lake, NY; Miami, Florida), the Bahamas (North Bimini) and Europe (Solihull–Birmingham, England, UK).

On May 18, 2022, at a news conference, Resorts World Cruises announced that, as a “gesture of goodwill,” the new company would offer complimentary FCCs (future cruise credits) of equivalent value to all customers affected by World Dream’s cancellations (cruises to nowhere from Singapore/bookings scheduled to depart between March 2 and August 31, 2022). The FCCs were valid from June 15, 2022, through March 31, 2023, and applicable only to affected World Dream bookings that had not yet received any refund from the original booking source.

According to Colin Au (Resorts World Cruises’ CEO and Executive Director, and GHK’s former Deputy CEO), as the provisional liquidator couldn’t revive the Dream Cruises brand, they worked with the Chinese lessors (Genting Dream’s shipowner) and decided to restart operations under the new “Resorts World” brand.

GHK is a global entertainment, hospitality, and leisure company based in Hong Kong. For its new Dream Cruises brand, GHK ordered two custom-built vessels to serve the Asian market, specifically China. GHK’s other two cruise market segments were served by separate brands — Crystal Cruises (ultra-luxury) and Star Cruises (contemporary).

On October 7, 2013, Star Cruises announced that GHK had signed a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) for the construction of a new vessel for Star Cruises, with delivery scheduled for Q4 2016. On February 10, 2014, a sistership was ordered, with delivery scheduled for Q4 2017. Both vessels were designed at 150,000 GT and double-occupancy capacity 3,364.

Later, GHK created the Dream Cruises brand and transferred both newbuilds to the new company. MS Genting World’s (later renamed “MS World Dream”) steel-cutting ceremony was held on February 9, 2015, at Meyer Werft Papenburg. MS Genting Dream debuted in November 2016. The sistership World Dream was launched in November 2017. On August 20, 2016, Genting Dream was floated out of Covered Building Dock 2 at Meyer Werft Papenburg.

Decks and Cabins

MS Genting Dream staterooms (1,686 total) accommodate between 3,376 and 3,400 passengers, served by 2,020 crew — a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.7, among the highest in the Asia-Pacific. The German-built vessel is designed with spacious interiors.

~70% of all staterooms have private step-out balconies, and 100+ cabins are connecting (with adjoining interior doors), making them suitable for families. Suite services include special perks and privileges, plus professional European butler service.

The largest accommodations are the Dream Grand Villas (224 m2 / 2,410 ft2). Other Dream Suite categories include Executive (56–80 m2 / 600–860 ft2) and Deluxe (43 m2 / 460 ft2).

"THE PALACE" is a ship-within-a-ship concept/exclusive complex consisting of 154 premium Palace Suites (37–40 m2 / 400–430 ft2), with exclusive dining and lounge venues/areas, butler service, and suite-only perks. The 5-star luxury complex covers nearly 10,000 m2 (108,000 ft2) and includes The Palace Restaurant, gym, and an exclusive sundeck with a swimming pool. The all-inclusive luxury experience features a Seafood Buffet (The Palace Restaurant), complimentary Premium Beverage package (in all onboard bars and restaurants), Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, Crystal Life Café (healthy breakfast, vegetarian lunch), dedicated Kids Program (for children 2 to 12), dedicated "Connoisseurs Circle" (enrichment program), complimentary fitness classes, complimentary shore excursions, priority services, and specialty dining shipwide.

The boat has 18 decks, of which 14 are passenger-accessible and 10 have cabins.

Note: Deck 15 is actually labeled “Deck 14.” This enumeration reflects the Chinese avoidance of the number 4 (considered unlucky), similar to Western practice regarding 13 and the Italian avoidance of 17.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Genting Dream features 35 bars and restaurants, offering a wide range of dining experiences. The restaurants highlight regional cuisines with an emphasis on Chinese and Asian dishes, as well as international flavors such as Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Italian. A 610 m wraparound promenade provides seaside dining and lounging from early morning to late evening across various themed venues.

Follows the complete list of Genting Dream restaurants and food bars.

• Genting Dining Room (300 indoor seats) — complimentary; open for breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm). Chinese dishes and vegetarian options are always available.
• Dream Dining Room (872 indoor seats / 370 upper & 502 lower level) — complimentary; open for breakfast (6–9 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm). Chinese dishes and vegetarian options are always available.
• The Lido (629 indoor seats, 194 outdoor seats) — complimentary buffet (self-serve); open for breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm). Breakfast includes made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles. Lunch and dinner feature made-to-order pasta and salads, fresh-baked pizzas, soups, carving stations, Asian entrées, vegetarian dishes, a separate salad bar, fresh fish (catch of the day), and desserts (including sugar-free items). In November 2018, Dream Cruises introduced Halal options onboard Genting Dream, making her the only ship in Asia with JAKIM Halal food certification (granted by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia). A dedicated Halal section in The Lido offers dishes such as Ayam Madu (honey chicken), Pari Asam Pedas (stingray), Opor Ayam (chicken in coconut milk), Tandoori Kambing (mutton), Gulai Daging Kawah (beef), and Tempe Goreng Pedas (fried soybean cake).
• Silk Road & Cabaret — Chinese specialty restaurant (144 seats; area 355 m2 / 3,820 ft2; surcharge; reservations only) with original dishes by Asian chefs, an extensive wine list, and a Baijiu selection. From 11 pm until late, Silk Road transforms into the Cabaret (show lounge).
• BISTRO by Mark Best (165 indoor seats / Chef's Table 10 seats) — à la carte (reservations only) serving international specialties, fine wines by the glass, domestic and international beers, specialty coffees/teas. Open for breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm).
• BISTRO Chef's Table (10 indoor seats) — private dining within Bistro; dishes paired with fine wines; activated with a minimum of 8 bookings.
• BISTRO Grill Outdoor (54 outdoor seats) — part of Bistro; reservations only; open for lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm).
• Umi Uma (44 indoor / 42 outdoor seats) — Japanese specialty (surcharge; reservations required); dinner only (5–8 pm).
• Umi Uma Teppanyaki (78 indoor seats) — live-cooking venue (surcharge); dinner only (5–8 pm).
• Umi Uma Sushi Bar (13 indoor seats) — specialty venue (surcharge; reservations required); open for lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm); features signature dishes and an extensive sake menu.
• Lobby Bar (40 seats; 7 am–1 am) — non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
• BreadBox — onboard bakery/Snacks & Refreshment bar selling fresh-baked gourmet bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, specialty coffees (Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino, Viennese), Tiffin takeaway menu; open 10 am–8 pm.
• Lobby Café (7 seats; 7 am–8 pm) — takeaway café offering Southeast Asian favorites in Tiffin boxes.
• Bar 360 (27 seats) — premium bourbons, cocktails, and other beverages.
• Blue Lagoon (172 seats) — 24-hour venue (surcharge) with à la carte menu and live-cooking stations; specialty coffees/teas and gourmet desserts (including ice cream). Closed only 4–5 am.
• Red Lion Pub (75 seats) — English pub serving draft and international bottled beers, pub drinks and snacks, plus a full pub menu; open 24 hours. Lunch menu 12 noon–2 pm; dinner menu 6–10 pm.
• Johnnie Walker House (first at sea)
• BAR CITY (256 indoor / 177 outdoor seats — total 341) — lounge complex including The Whisky House, Mixt, and Bubbles.
• The Whisky House (30 indoor / 47 outdoor seats) — extensive whisky selection, exclusive service, tasting courses paired with gourmet dishes; open 11 am–12 midnight; bookings required for special/tasting events.
• Mixt (159 indoor / 44 outdoor seats) — cocktail bar with a separate snack menu.
• Bubbles (50 seats) — premium Champagne lounge; open 11 am–12 midnight.
• Boba Cha (14 outdoor seats; 10 am–6 pm) — non-alcoholic beverages.
• Gelateria (20 outdoor seats; 10 am–6 pm) — ice cream bar with à la carte selections of ice creams, toppings, sherbets, frozen yogurt, fresh strawberries, and home-baked cookies.
• Hot Pot (108 seats; 5–10 pm) — outdoor dinner-only venue (surcharge; reservations only) offering poultry, meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
• Crystal Life Cuisine (61 indoor seats) — healthy restaurant (surcharge) also offering fresh-squeezed juices for gym users; open for breakfast (8–9 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm); reservations required.
• Genting Club (60 indoor seats) — exclusive (Dream Mansion guests only) restaurant with an exclusive wine list; open for breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm); reservations required.
• World Grill (258 outdoor seats) — complimentary outdoor venue; open for breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12 noon–2 pm) and dinner (5–8 pm). Throughout the day serves the pool deck with fast food/snacks. During breakfast and lunch, Lido’s menu items are also offered.
• Pool Deck Bar (7 am–6 pm) — cocktails and mocktails; serves 380 outdoor seats plus 330 sunbeds.
• The Living Room (42 indoor seats) — exclusive (Dream Mansion guests only) lounge, butler-manned; open 7 am–1 am; complimentary drinks (on request) and snacks (mornings/afternoons).
• Dream Mansion Lounge (31 indoor seats) — exclusive (Dream Mansion guests only) lounge, butler-manned; open 7 am–1 am; complimentary beverages.
• Genting Club Restaurant & Lounge (37 indoor seats) — exclusive (Dream Mansion guests only) venue with a list of premium wines (complimentary by the glass); open 7–10 am, 12 noon–2 pm and 5–8 pm; serves various complimentary beverages, including specialty coffees/teas.
• Sun Deck Bar (port and starboard) — each side with 38 outdoor seats; refreshments (including beer, cocktails, mocktails) 7 am–6 pm.
• Dream Mansion Café (140 indoor seats) — exclusive snacks and refreshments; open 7 am–1 am.
• The Market — outdoor venue serving non-alcoholic drinks only.
• Palm Court (101 indoor seats; area 495 m2 / 5,328 ft2) — premium bar (7 am–12 midnight) with Afternoon High Tea (2:30–5 pm).
• Function 8 (88 indoor / 26 outdoor seats; area 254 m2 / 2,734 ft2) — open 10 am–6 pm; non-alcoholic beverages.

In late July 2020, Dream Cruises debuted (on MS Explorer Dream) the “Flexi-Feast,” a fully customized onboard dining concept allowing guests to choose from more venues. Upon boarding, cruisers receive complimentary dining vouchers for designated restaurants plus OBC (onboard credit) for specialty restaurants, bar beverages, and room service.

Genting Dream has the world’s first-at-sea “Penfolds Wine Vault” (a partnership with Australian winemaker Penfolds), staffed by certified wine connoisseurs and offering rare wines and premium vintages. Signature selections include “Penfolds Bin 170” (celebrating the winemaker’s 170th anniversary), “Penfolds Grange 2010” (a highly rated vintage), and “Penfolds Yattarna” (a special Chardonnay). The venue (open 11 am–12 midnight) offers food pairing (expert chefs and sommeliers match wines to dishes) and hosts reservation-only wine-tasting events as part of the brand’s enrichment program.

The exclusive Genting–Penfolds partnership also produced the ultra-rare “Penfolds Aevum Imperial Service Ritual” — a distinctive vessel handcrafted by Saint-Louis (European glass and crystal maker). One of only five worldwide, the hand-blown crystal masterpiece designed to hold the 2012 Penfolds Grange Imperial is the only example showcased at sea.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Genting Dream offers extensive recreation, including multiple pool types, 6 waterslides, a rope-climbing course, playrooms, card rooms, mahjong, a bowling alley, and duty-free shopping. Health and wellness facilities include state-of-the-art Western and Asian spas, a Health Club, Beauty Salon, and Barbershop.

Among the ship’s most popular public spaces are the Zodiac Theater (999-seat main show lounge), numerous food and drink venues, Dream Palace (private clubhouse), Zouk Beach Club, an outdoor adventure zone, Crystal Life (Spa & Fitness complex), Bistro (by Australian chef Mark Best), Johnnie Walker House, and Little Pandas Club (kids facilities). She is also renowned for her state-of-the-art exterior LED lighting system.

Onboard entertainment features the Dreamscape educational and enrichment program; Crystal Life (health and wellness facilities); a large (over 1,100 m2) duty-free shopping complex; a 6-slide waterpark; ropes course; zip line; the world’s first “Johnnie Walker House” at sea; the world’s first Penfolds Wine Vault at sea; private boardrooms; and real-time language translation capability (up to four languages) in the Zodiac Theatre for 400 guests.

Other activities include inspirational talks and wine tastings.

Each Dream Cruises ship offers unique underwater excursions via two mini-submarines (underwater craft) that can carry guests below the surface while the ship is in select Asian destinations. Each minisub carries one pilot and up to four passengers.

Follows the complete list of Genting Dream lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Zodiac Theatre (999 indoor seats; area 1,585 m2 / 17,060 ft2; real-time language translation capability up to four languages)
• Tributes (120 indoor / 20 outdoor seats; area 244 m2 / 2,626 ft2) — live show lounge and bar hosting themed events; full-service bar with spirits, cocktails, beers, wines, and fresh-made snacks; open 10 am–11:30 pm.
• Zouk (126 indoor seats; area 345 m2 / 3,714 ft2) — disco nightclub that doubles as a sports bar by day; open 8 pm–2 am; features four bowling lanes and pool tables; reservations required.
• Zouk Beach Club (267 outdoor seats; area 680 m2 / 7,320 ft2) — cabana seating, swimming pool, giant LED screen for movies under the stars and live sports, plus two private outdoor decks; available for private/corporate events.
• Karaoke (49 indoor seats) — complex of five rooms; open 24 hours; luxurious furnishings, premium alcohols (cognacs, Armagnacs, whiskies, wines), gourmet snacks.
• Star Club; Star Club II; Premium Club; Humidor (smoking-allowed cigar lounge); Mahjong Room (Card Room).
• Crystal Life Asian Spa, Wellness & Fitness
• Le Salon (beauty salon/hairdresser, manicure–pedicure)
• The Gentlemen’s Barber (barbershop)
• Boutiques (1,100 m2 duty-free shopping arcade); The Dream Boutiques
• Boardwalk/Promenade — a 610 m (2,000 ft) wraparound outdoor deck lined with alfresco seating venues.
• Little Pandas Club (kids club with complimentary programming — Little Dreamers, Mermaid Academy, Astronaut Camp at Sea, dress-up parties)
• Meeting Rooms: Bintan (24 seats; area 40 m2 / 430 ft2), Langkawi (30 seats; area 50 m2 / 538 ft2), Penang (31 seats; area 71 m2 / 764 ft2)
• Kids Aqua Zone. The Waterslide Park has six slides: five for adults only (tubed) and one for kids only. Adult-slide entrances are on Deck 20 (aft). All slides are free of charge.
• Sun Deck (sunbathing area with loungers)
• Rock Climbing Wall (height 7 m / 24 ft) — free of charge.
• The Ropes Course offers numerous outdoor activities and unique photo opportunities. The Zip Line (length 35 m / 115 ft) is adults-only and located aft, above the sea on the port side. For children and teens, “Walk the Plank” (also above the sea) is available.
• Mini-Golf Course — 9-hole putting green (free of charge).

Sportsplex is a 90-pax multi-sport venue (full-size basketball court) also used for volleyball and 5-a-side football (soccer).

Resorts World Cruises' Genting Dream itineraries

For Resorts World Cruises, Genting Dream’s program is currently based on homeporting in Singapore (docking at MBCCS — Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore). She arrived at MBCCS on May 29, 2022, and started operations for Resorts World on June 15 (Maiden Voyage from Singapore).

In early June 2022, Resorts World announced that the inaugural schedule would include Singapore roundtrips to destinations in Indonesia (Bintan Island and Barelang Islands/Batam–Rempang–Galang), Malaysia (Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur City, Port Dickson/Malacca City, Georgetown–Penang Island), Thailand (Phuket, Krabi) and Indonesia (Bali Island’s northern coastline).

• The first 2-night Indonesia “Bintan and Batam Weekend Getaway” departed on July 1, 2022.
• The 3-night Indonesia and Malaysia “Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang” voyages depart on Sundays, while the 2-night “Kuala Lumpur and Malacca” voyages depart on Wednesdays.
• The Thailand and Indonesia program started in October 2022.

On July 18, 2022, Genting Dream’s homeporting in Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur was inaugurated.

• 2-night roundtrips from Kuala Lumpur (to Singapore) depart on Thursdays/Saturdays.
• 3-night roundtrips from Kuala Lumpur (to Penang/Singapore) depart on Mondays.
• Departures from Singapore are on Wednesdays/Fridays/Sundays.
• Since July 22, 2022, cruises to nowhere from Singapore (2-night “High Seas Weekend Getaway”) depart on Fridays.

Resorts World’s dual homeporting targeted the ~10 million population of Peninsular Malaysia living within a short distance of Port Klang. With the nearby Kuala Lumpur Airport, foreign tourists have more flexibility in choosing airlines, flights, and fares.

Dream Cruises' Genting Dream itineraries

When operated by Dream Cruises, Genting Dream had three official homeports — Hong Kong, Sanya and Guangzhou (Nansha Port). The vessel targeted residents of China’s Pearl Delta and Hainan regions, as well as fly-cruisers served by the airports of Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong, Sanya, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai.

Genting Dream’s program started with year-round 2-night weekend cruises from Guangzhou–Nansha (Friday departures) to Hong Kong, and 5-night itineraries (Sunday departures) to Danang, Vietnam, Sanya, and Halong Bay, Vietnam. She also offered 7-night itineraries out of Hong Kong to Guangzhou, Danang, Sanya, Halong Bay, and Shenzhen/Zhuhai. Sanya roundtrips were 7-night voyages to Guangzhou, Shenzhen/Zhuhai, Halong Bay, Danang, and Hong Kong.

During summer, the ship also operated 7-night Guangzhou roundtrips to Japan, with two sea days followed by calls at Naha (Okinawa Island) and Miyakojima.

In 2018, Genting Dream was homeported in Singapore. Between early December 2017 and late March 2018, she operated a series of 5-night roundtrips (Sunday departures) combined with 2-night weekend mini-cruises to destinations in the Strait of Malacca and the Java Sea. Guests could also combine Malacca Strait and Java Sea voyages into a 12-night B2B cruise, with the option of spending the weekend either onboard or in a Singapore hotel. Between April and October 2018, her schedule listed destinations in the South China Sea and the Java Sea, visiting ports in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Departing from Singapore from December 3, 2017, through March 25, 2018:

• 2-Night Weekend Mini Cruise (departures every Friday)
• 5-Night Singapore to Kuala Lumpur–Penang–Phuket (departures every Sunday on odd weeks)
• 5-Night Singapore to Surabaya, Java–North Bali (departures every Sunday on even weeks)
• 12-Night back-to-back cruise with optional Singapore hotel stays instead of the weekend voyage
• Note: Surabaya’s Port Tanjung Perak allows max draft 14 m and has a cruise terminal.

Starting July 6, 2018, Genting Dream included Pulau Bintan as a call on the 2-night weekend mini-cruise roundtrip from Singapore, docking directly at Bintan Resorts — an alternative to weekend getaways when (especially in summer) hotel prices are highest.

For the summer 2020 season (April through November) the liner visited Southeast Asia’s best-known island destinations and ports. From homeport Singapore, Genting Dream offered 2–3–4–5-night voyages ranging from weekend getaways (2-day mini cruises) to 7-day roundtrips. The longer itineraries targeted primarily older couples, families, and groups (exhibitions, incentives, meetings, conferences). Special summer voyages (April–November 2020) included:

• 2-night Malacca
• 2-night Port Klang
• 2-night Bintan Island
• 3-night Langkawi–Phuket
• 3-night Penang–Langkawi
• 3-night Penang–Phuket
• 4-night Malacca–Phuket
• 5-night Belitung–Christmas Island
• 5-night Kota Kinabalu–Palawan (Puerto Princesa)
• 5-night Koh Redang–Koh Samui–Laem Chabang
• 5-night Penang–Phuket–Langkawi–Klang

In January 2017, Dream Cruises announced the inaugural itineraries of their first newbuild, Genting Dream. The ship was homeported in Singapore starting December 3, 2017, making her the first large cruise vessel to be based there year-round. Germany-built, Genting Dream represented the latest generation of cruise ships, calling at more than 10 ports in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam during 2018.

The vessel (Meyer Neptun yard / hull number S712) measures 150,695 GT, with deadweight 15,370 tons, max width 44 m (including bridge wings), and max draft 8.6 m. Her powerplant consists of MAN B&W marine diesel engines (model 14V48/60B) with a combined output of 62.4 MW (83,680 hp).

Before Resorts World Cruises, her registered owners were three Genting Hong Kong Ltd companies (Xiang CR18 HK International Ship Lease Co Ltd, Sea 172 Leasing Co Ltd, Compass Shipping 32 Co Ltd), with the registered operator being GENTING CRUISE LINES.

Construction officially began on December 4, 2015, with the keel-laying ceremony at Meyer Werft GmbH’s Neptun Yard in Papenburg, Germany. A massive keel block (number 2 of the ship’s 92 total blocks) was lowered into the dock to mark the start of assembly. GHK’s Chairman and CEO, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, placed the traditional “lucky coin” beneath the block as a good fortune symbol for the new vessel.

The ship was floated out on August 20, 2016. Her conveyance along the Ems River toward the North Sea began on September 18, departing Papenburg at around 2 pm and reaching open waters on September 19 at around 6 pm. After successful sea trials, she docked in Bremerhaven (Columbus Cruise Center).

The christening ceremony was held on November 14, 2016, at Guangzhou (Port Nansha). The ship’s godmother was Mrs. Puan Sri Cecilia Lim, wife of Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay (Chairman and CEO of GHK, and second son of Genting Group’s founder, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong). Over 900 distinguished guests attended, including prominent Chinese government officials and cruise industry executives. Among them were Cai Zhaolin (Guangzhou Vice Mayor), Zeng Xiaofeng (Deputy Director, Guangdong Tourism Administration), Chen Hongxian (Chairman, Guangzhou Port), and Cai Jinlong (General Manager, Guangzhou Port). The welcome event was held in the 999-seat Zodiac Theater, led by Dream Cruises’ President Thatcher Brown, followed by speeches and the traditional Chinese gift exchange.

The vessel was officially delivered to Dream Cruises by Meyer Werft on October 12, 2016, in Bremerhaven. Her hull art, titled “Voyage of a Lover’s Dream,” was created by Chinese artist Jacky Tsai.

Wärtsilä Funa supplied the ship’s unique “Dynamic Exterior Lighting” system, ordered in Q1 2016. This innovative system provides striking visual effects (color, movement, and video) across the vessel’s exterior, using custom-designed, individually controlled LED RGBW lighting units. Wärtsilä Funa specializes in AV and lighting control for cruise ships and major land-based attractions such as theme parks and museums.

The ship’s first Master (Captain) was Jukka Silvennoinen.

In late September 2019, Genting Dream was sold by GHK in a sale-and-leaseback deal to a consortium of three Chinese banks for USD 900 million (~EUR 805 million), representing 80% of her then market value (~USD 1.18 billion / EUR 1.055 billion). As of June 30, 2019, her unaudited net asset value was ~USD 862.5 million (~EUR 777.3 million). The deal was finalized on January 15, 2020, after which the vessel was bareboat chartered back to GHK for 12 years, with repurchase scheduled for 2031.

The consortium comprised Bocomm Leasing (Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co Ltd), CMB Financial Leasing Co Ltd (China Merchants Bank), CCB Financial Leasing Corporation Ltd (China Construction Bank), and CDB Leasing (China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co Ltd). GHK’s financial advisor was DNB Markets (part of DNB Bank ASA).

Genting Dream refurbishments review

In January 2020, the ship entered drydock at Sembcorp Marine Shipyard (Singapore) for 3 days of maintenance and technical upgrades. Works included installation of a new dual-water hybrid scrubber (Valmet), 2 overboard discharge valves, hull cleaning, swimming pool modifications (to reduce draft), and equipment testing by Wärtsilä (engines), ABB (propulsion), and DNV GL (classification). The World Buffet (lido restaurant) also received new flooring.

Her most recent drydock took place February 17–March 1, 2023, at Sembcorp Shipyard in Singapore, mainly for routine technical and class maintenance.

Itineraries 2017-2018

From December 3, 2017, through March 25, 2018, Genting Dream operated out of Singapore on the following itineraries:

• 2-Night Weekend Cruise (every Friday)
• 5-Night Singapore–Kuala Lumpur–Penang–Phuket (every other Sunday)
• 5-Night Singapore–Surabaya–North Bali (alternate Sundays)
• 12-Night back-to-back cruise combining the above, with the option of a land hotel stay instead of the weekend cruise

In September 2017, CLIA Australasia held its annual “Masters Conference 2017” onboard Genting Dream. Sessions were led by motivational speaker Scott Koepf, focusing on cruise industry trends and benefits for travel consultants. The event was open to CLIA-accredited consultants employed by CLIA member agencies. Masters Conference 2017 began in Hong Kong on September 16, followed by a 5-night cruise to Japan with calls at Naha (Okinawa) and Miyakojima. The package included one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, with participation fees built into cruise fares (USD 1880 pp, double occupancy, excluding airfare).