Cruise travel is all about enjoying a vacation, stress-free. You book an all-inclusive package, pack your bags, and off you go to an exciting location (possibly more) without having to think or plan anything from the trip’s start to finish. You could make the most of your days by enjoying all facilities and services on board. Or, you could curl up on the sunbed and do absolutely nothing. And for this reason, cruise travel strikes a chord with many travellers, including Malaysians.
One of the leading cruise lines that offer fantastic experience is the Resorts World Cruises, which returned in June 2022 with its luxurious ship, the Genting Dream. The vessel can accommodate up to 3,352 passengers at a time and boasts fantastic facilities on board.
If you are not yet familiar with this award-winning cruise line, here are five reasons why the Genting Dream by Resorts World Cruises makes a great choice to begin your seafaring journey.
1. You will find the staterooms remarkably comfortable.
Let’s get to the most important part first: the rooms. While the Genting Dream prides itself for its diverse onboard experiences, nothing beats the feeling of retreating to one’s own private sanctuary for a quiet self-recharge, especially after exploring attractions and spending time with the crowd.
All of Genting Dream’s rooms boast contemporary design together with the exceptionally plush beds and pillows that make leaving the room a true challenge. Guests get to choose from various accommodation types, including the Interior Staterooms, the Oceanview, and the Balcony Staterooms. Those who want to splurge can opt for the luxury suites, which are all part of the section called The Palace and come with extra perks like exclusive amenities and 24-hour European-style butler service.
Where possible, do opt for those with private balcony because it makes the rooms feel airier, besides serving as a quiet spot for you to take in the soothing sounds of the waves and views of the ocean.
2. You will never be hungry.
Dining on board the Genting Dream proves a joyful affair on its own because the cruise line offers a myriad of outstanding food and beverage outlets spread out across the vessel. One that stands out is The Lido, which is the world’s first Halal-certified restaurant on a ship serving complimentary and steady flow of buffet-style dishes ranging from delicious Asian, western, vegetarian, and even Jain cuisines.
Be sure to look out for the Indian delicacies as the flavours taste authentic and hit all the right notes, which explains the beelines near the counter. Meals served at The Lido, and two other all-day dining outlets (the Dream Dining and the snack bar), are included in the cruise package.
There are also other restaurants on board dubbed as ‘specialty’ that guests should consider such as Umi Uma, the Japanese flagship restaurant on Deck 8 featuring live cooking sessions by skilled and friendly chefs. But take note that these specialty restaurants are not complimentary and expect you to pay cover charge.
3. You will not run out of things to do.
Similar to a full-service hotel, the Genting Dream spoils its guests with plenty of facilities and services ideal for all ages. Most passengers ecstatically frequent the water park on board that comes with a pool, jacuzzi, and six waterslides. But, if you prefer to stay dry, there are also rope courses, rock-climbing wall, and mini golf course. At night, get ready to sing along to the musical performances at the Zodiac Theatre, before proceeding to Zouk Beach Club for a big-screen movie under the stars.
But that’s not all. At an additional fee, guests can enjoy a relaxing wellness treatment at sea at the well-appointed Crystal Life Spa. The treatment menu is extensive, so there will be something for everybody. To help you plan your day, a daily programme is issued every evening and sent to your cabin, containing a full list of activities for guests’ pleasure.
4. You will be amazed by the warm hospitality.
Featuring 18 decks that span 335 metres, the Genting Dream is no doubt huge. Thus, getting around on the first day of arrival might be confusing for some, but rest assured that there will always be friendly crew around to greet and help orientate guests on board. We can’t also help but notice that these well-trained crew members hail from various nationalities, resulting in an environment that feels international and inclusive at the same time.
5. You will get to visit multiple destinations without the need to unpack many times.
If packing and unpacking irritate you, then you’ll be glad to know that cruise travel allows guests to wake up in a new place every day without the hassle of checking in and out of their rooms. The Genting Dream by Resorts World Cruises, in this case, connects travellers to several popular destinations in South East Asia, including Selangor (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Singapore, and Phuket (Thailand).
We had the opportunity to join the 4-day, 3-night package to Penang and Singapore; below are some of our top recommendations to visit when you are in both ports of call:
- The TOP Penang Theme Park, Penang
Travellers will be spoilt for choice at this one-stop entertainment centre, with attractions ranging from arcades, indoor aquariums, interactive activity centre dedicated to dinosaurs, to glass walkway and rope courses 249 metres above ground. - Armenian Street, Penang
Get your camera ready because this street brims with quirky cafes and beautiful murals perfect for your Instagram feed. There is also a trishaw service on site that helps you to get around easily. - Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
This iconic park is perfect for those who love to spend time among greenery in the tropics minus the heat. Three main highlights at this attraction include the cooled Cloud Forest Conservatory featuring a magnificent indoor waterfall; the Flower Dome that changes floral displays seasonally; and the soaring Supertree Grove that bedazzles the night sky during the light and music show.
Tourism Selangor Information Centre
Located on the ground floor of Port Klang Cruise Terminal, this information centre facilitates visiting travellers with any information required to get around in Selangor with ease, including the recommended attractions to visit. The team at Tourism Selangor also works closely with Port Klang Cruise Terminal to provide free shuttle service to GM Klang Wholesale City, the biggest wholesale business complex in Malaysia, certified by The Malaysian Book of Records.
What You Need to Know
- To safeguard everyone on board, all crew and cruising guests must to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
- Guests are required to undergo a mandatory self-paid pre-cruise Antigen Rapid Test (ART) for COVID-19 at any certified medical practitioner one day before departure.
- Doctors and an Infection Control Officer are available during every sail, while isolated wards are available in Medical Centre if required.
- The Genting Dream practices a cashless approach on board. Guests only need to tap their stateroom card when enjoying extra services such as spa treatments, dance classes, and specialty restaurants. They will need to settle the final bill at the end of the cruise.
- Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the main currency used on board.
- Wi-Fi is available on the Genting Dream; however, it is chargeable.
Ready to set sail on your dream cruise holiday? Book with Resorts World Cruises here. Packages start from SGD818 onwards per person, subject to terms and conditions.
Gaya Travel Magazine would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Tourism Selangor and Resorts World Cruises for the opportunity to experience the revamped Genting Dream service and making the entire journey smooth sailing.