Dream Cruises officially re-started cruising out of Hong Kong on 30th July.
‘Genting Dream’ sailed on her maiden voyage with the first Super Seacation high seas itinerary. Over 1,000 guests took part in the historic inaugural voyage.
Before ‘Genting Dream’s’ departure from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, an official inaugural ceremony was held.
“I am pleased to see a well-manned and fully replenished cruise ship awaiting to embark on a voyage and meeting the public aspiration for some form of leisure travel,” said Hon Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
“We are also thankful to have the cruise trade’s commitment to complying with a set of stringent infection control measures specifically designed for cruise travel. I want to emphasise and express my appreciation that in addition to requirements imposed by the health authorities, cruise lines have implemented some additional arrangements out of their own accord to safeguard the well-being of their passengers as well as the hard-earned reopening of cruise travel,” he said.
“We are extremely proud that ‘Genting Dream’ will be the first cruise ship to restart operations in Hong Kong and we are grateful for the support we have received from the Hong Kong government, authorities and trade partners for their trust in Dream Cruises,” added Kent Zhu, Genting Cruise Lines’ President.
“We have also been very encouraged by the response to our Super Seacation Cruises with sold out and very strong bookings throughout the month of August.
“With the increase in the rate of vaccinations in the city, we are confident that our Super Seacation cruises will become one of the most popular vacation options for the residents of Hong Kong in the near future,” he said.
In preparation to welcome its first passengers on board, since her arrival into Hong Kong in early June, ‘Genting Dream’s’ crew implemented new health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the ship complies with all Hong Kong shore regulations to provide the safest environment for everyone on board.
Exceeding local guidelines for land venues, all crew members were fully vaccinated 14 days prior to the inaugural cruise and guests will also need to be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to their departure date (unless exempt due to medical or age related reasons) and must pass a COVID-19 PCR test 48 prior to sailing.
In addition,‘Genting Dream’s’ design enables 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas – ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessel with no recirculation of air between cabins.
No-touch hand washing stations at restaurants will dispense water, soap and paper towels automatically to promote good hygiene and temperature monitors throughout the ship will help to detect cases of fever among guests.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test machine will provide medical laboratory level testing for COVID-19 on board, while available negative pressure isolation wards located inside the medical centre and reserve quarantine cabins can be instantly activated in an emergency situation.
All activities on board will be organised in accordance with permitted group sizes – specific to each activity – in line with Hong Kong SAR guidelines, and measures will be in place to discourage close contact between groups.
