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After 22 successful Taiwan sailings, Dream Cruises diversifies itineraries

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Short sightseeing cruises will visit the 'Milky Sea' that surrounds Guishan Island in Yilan
Following 22 successful Taiwan sailings carrying more than 25,000 passengers since July 26, Dream Cruises is adding more domestic routes.

Explorer Dream's 'Discover Taiwan' cruises of one to five nights will sail from Keelung to destinations like Anping in Tainan, Penghu, Kaohsiung and Hualien, as well as sightseeing cruises to view the 'Milky Sea' that surrounds Guishan Island in Yilan and the Keelung Islet.

Genting Cruise Lines President Kent Zhu expressed pride that Explorer Dream has operated for nearly two months 'without any incident and has garnered high scores in terms of passenger satisfaction.'

Zhu added there is pent-up demand since global travel continues to be put on hold. The new 'Discover Taiwan' cruises offer Taiwanese a getaway without having to leave home, 'through which they can explore the beauty of Taiwan by sea, and with total peace of mind.'

Five-night itinerary

Explorer Dream’s five-night itinerary visits the four scenic destinations of Anping in Tainan, Penghu, Kaohsiung and Hualien, allowing travelers to visit some of the most iconic destinations on the main island and outlying islands. The also provides an opportunity to see the Penghu Bay International Light Festival from a panoramic and unobstructed vantage point at sea.

And shorter trips

Plus, there are four-night and three-night cruises to Penghu, Kaohsiung and Hualien, or two-night getaways to Anping, where the cruise terminal will be transformed into a traditional market featuring local delicacies and specialty souvenirs. A one-night 'Discover Taiwan' cruise travels around the Keelung Islet and Guishan Island in Yilan, known for its 'Milk Sea,' a natural phenomenon caused by the combination of seawater and a saltwater hot spring, and a two-night sightseeing cruise to the turquoise waters surrounding Ishigaki Island.

Korean festivals

In collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization, Dream Cruises will host a series of Korean-themed festivities aboard Explorer Dream from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, starting with an authentic Chuseok Korean harvest festival with traditional Korean delicacies, dance and music on the mid-autumn festival sailing, which will also offer traditional Chinese mid-autumn festival customs, such as lantern riddles and mooncake-making workshops.

Travelers who sail on Explorer Dream’s inter-island cruise to Anping on Oct. 9 will celebrate the Double Ten Day long weekend with a spectacular fireworks display in the skies above Tainan's Yuguang Island on Oct. 10.

Plus, Oktoberfest and more

Oktoberfest festivities will take place on Oct. 7-8, providing traditional Bavarian dance and music, bratwurst and pork knuckle, and activities like beer-drinking contests and a giant beer pong.

To celebrate the National Day of Spain in mid-October, passengers can take part in flamenco dance and sangria-making tutorials, and sample tapas. They will be invited to don a polka dot or traditional flamenco outfit to join Explorer Dream’s Flamenco Night, with Spanish cuisine, music and professional dance performances.

October festivities will wrap up with a big Halloween party on Oct. 30-31, while Diwali celebrations will take place Nov. 13-14, where passengers can learn traditional dances and take part in interactive workshops on paper lantern making and Mehndi hand coloring.

Health safety and fresh air

Health safety measures continue throughout the ship, including masks, no self-service dining and social distancing with theatres and recreational facilities at reduced capacity and extra sanitization throughout.

Explorer Dream allows for 100% fresh air intake, filtered and supplied to each cabin and public area. As certified by Dr. Chen Jia-kun, associate professor, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University, the ship is equipped with a positive pressure system that allows the continuous exhaust of air to the outdoors, ensuring only filtered fresh air can enter the ship. Every stateroom and public area is equipped with standalone air ventilation systems and separate vents for fresh air supply and exhaust, which guarantees the air will not re-circulate and cross-contaminate staterooms and public areas.