The 151,300gt vessel berthed alongside Marina Bay Cruise Centre, with its striking 'Voyage of a Lover’s Dream' artwork on its hull.
About a thousand industry professionals, media and dignitaries witnessed the arrival and attended a glitzy celebratory stage show onboard, followed by lunch at one of the ships’ plush Chinese restaurants.
'My fantastic dream!' stated Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Genting Group chairman, as he took to the stage of the 999-seat auditorium.
This launch of the first Asian luxury cruise brand and vessel is a feather in the cap of Genting Hong Kong.
Lim recounted how the group were the pioneers in the Asian cruise industry, with the founding of Star Cruises in 1993.
He also recalled that Singapore was Star Cruises’ first homeport for its first ship and it was here that the line received the initial support needed. 'As we expand our fleet, Singapore will remain an important homeport', he promised.
Referring to the company's global expansion plans and orderbook for its brands: Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises Lim referenced the various ships being built by MV Werften - Genting's own facilities in Germany - over the next five years, including four river ships for Crystal Cruises plus three Endeavor-class luxury expedition ships being built for rebranded Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises and two 200,000gt newbuilds for Star Cruises - all nine with delivery dates through to 2021. As earlier reported by SCN, Crystal's Exclusive class ship has been put back to 2022.
Lim said production will be stepped up after 2021 at MV Werften to produce two Global Class and two Endeavor Class ships a year.
Lim said Dream Cruises’ next newbuild World Dream will be delivered by Meyer Werft in November 2017.
Thatcher Brown, president, Dream Cruises said that with a second ship coming into operation in a year’s time, the line could consider other alternatives with regards to homeports. He revealed that Singapore could be a strong contender, when SCN asked him about future homeports. Earlier he had said that the growth and momentum of the Singapore cruise market was encouraging.
Michael Goh, svp sales, said they have more than filled the ship for the first few sailings. '2 and 5 night itineraries are a great advantage to Asian cruisers [as it fits in with their lifestyle] and to drive regional business.' he said.
Brown added they are optimistic about the coming winter season and he is 'happy with indicators' of the current sales, considering many tend to book late. 'We need to wake up demand and that’s a fun job because we have a lot to talk about,' he added.
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