World Dream becomes the first, and newest, cruise ship to run safe pilot cruises in Singapore since COVID-19
Singapore, 6 November 2020 – Dream Cruises officially re-started its cruise service in Singapore on 6 November with World Dream’s debut in the city and her first “Super Seacation” itinerary created especially for the Singaporean market. From today onwards, the new high seas cruises will provide Singaporean residents with enjoyable, refreshing short getaways on carefree ocean voyages that will truly evoke the sense of a “vacation away” to enhance their “staycation” experience. Operating at a reduced capacity of 50%, around 1400 enthusiastic guests took part in the historic inaugural voyage of World Dream.
Through the vision of local authorities to reinvigorate the Singaporean economy and the tourism industry, World Dream’s two and three-night high seas “Super Seacation” itineraries will combine the multitude of leisure and recreation facilities on board the ship with engaging experiences that will keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their journey. World class shows will wow audiences in the Zodiac Theatre while virtual reality games provide thrills in the Esc EXPERIENCE LAB and six waterslides and a zip-line suspended 18-decks above the ocean will set hearts racing. Every ‘Super Seacation’ sailing of World Dream will end with Asia’s one and only laser show at sea.
Dream Cruises’ Vitamin Sea & Dream program is also the perfect prescription for a relaxing, healthy and fun-filled vacation, featuring a combination of fitness, wellness, nutrition and fresh sea breezes and, with Christmas right around the corner, celebrate a Verry Christmas with your friends and family for a memorable holiday together.
All activities on board will be organized in accordance with permitted group sizes – specific to each activity – in line with the prevailing national policy, and measures will be in place to discourage close contact between groups.
“It is a great honour for us to continue our long and fruitful partnership with Singapore which began in 1993, almost 30 years ago,” said Mr. Michael Goh, President of Dream Cruises. “We could not have done this alone and I would like to acknowledge the great support we have received from the Singaporean authorities – and especially the Singapore Tourism Board for their trust and confidence in us.”
Dream Cruises’ “Super Seacation” journeys will provide guests with ample opportunity to explore all that World Dream has to offer and experience the finest Asian and international dining, spacious comfort, exceptional service, enthralling entertainment and inspirational experiences that will bring favourite tourist destinations to life on board. World Dream is currently ranked 9th in the ‘Large Resort Ship’ category by the world renowned Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships 2020 Guide, commonly referred to as the “bible” of the cruise industry.
The resumption of cruise operations will also see Genting Cruise Lines reinforcing its commitment to reviving sea-faring opportunities in Singapore and cultivating local cruise talents through new employment prospects and educational partnerships that will provide more jobs for Singaporeans, during this difficult pandemic period.
As part of its operations, Genting Cruise Lines will be searching for talents to fill in excess of 100 jobs covering all aspects of cruise ship operations from Marine Officers to Cruise Operations and Galley Chefs, Media Technicians, various hotel and hospitality staff and special Cruise Ambassadors to ensure the best guest relations. Two recently recruited Singaporean citizens, Loh Tze Xiang, Zachary, 2nd Officer Junior and Mohd Ansar, 3rd Officer, made their first appearance as official crew members on board World Dream during her initial cruise.
In preparation for welcoming its first passengers on board, over the past months, Genting Cruise Lines has completely re-examined and enhanced all of its health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the safest environment for everyone on board including thorough sanitization and disinfection and enhanced hygiene practices for guest cabins and crew member quarters, public areas and recreational facilities; social distancing in dining, entertainment and public areas; safe food and beverage handling procedures; and, 100% fresh air ventilation in staterooms and public areas.
A well-equipped, state of the art medical facility, including a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine, will bring cutting edge COVID-19 laboratory testing technology directly onto World Dream and provide even more assurance to guests and crew.
Additionally, all guests will be required to pass a COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test before being allowed to board the ship and all guests age seven and above will be required to carry their MICE Pod token, as mandated by the Ministry of Health, to monitor social distancing while on board.
As a further testament to the efficacy of the health and safety guidelines on World Dream, the ship has successfully obtained the CruiseSafe Certification by the Singapore Tourism Board and DNV GL and Certification in Infection Prevention – Maritime (CIP-M) from DNV GL following assessment of the Company’s infection prevention and control system.
“Let me say again how delighted we are to be the first cruise ship to restart operations here in Singapore and to give a much needed boost to the local tourism industry,” concluded Mr. Goh. “It is our goal to provide Singaporean residents with more vacation options after the many months of COVID-19 restrictions and we hope to bring back the joy of cruising but, of course, with a heightened focus on safety.”
