PUBLISHED October 13th, 2018 06:00 am | UPDATED March 26th, 2019 01:30 pm
The lovely thing about cruises is that even if you’re too lazy to explore the port of call, there’s plenty to do on the ship itself. Dream Cruises‘ Genting Dream sails to exciting islands like Pulau Redang, Koh Samui and Sihanoukville in Cambodia, but onboard entertainment includes water slides to foam parties, sumptuous buffet spreads, and of course, the slots. It’s gonna be tough finding your feet once you’re back on land so here are 10 things to enjoy aboard Genting Dream while it lasts.
Eat
The Genting Dream Cruise challenges the commonly held assumption that food onboard cannot be as good as the food on land. Fresh ingredients and skilled preparation methods mean delicious and satisfying meals available at sea.
Indian Food at the Lido buffet
After chatting with a Singaporean couple at another buffet restaurant onboard, they claimed that “the Indian food at Lido is better than most of the restaurants in Little India”. This piqued my curiosity and true enough, the extensive spread of Indian dishes at this buffet (inclusive in the cruise package) will leave you sated. The struggle to decide with choices like idly, naan, paratha and a whole plethora of spiced rice dishes that can be eaten with an equally appetizing mix of curries and deals is real. There’s even a designated Jain Counter for vegetarians. The dessert section is pretty standard but I enjoyed assembling my daily sweet treat; frozen yoghurt with fresh fruit.
Traditional Chinese Cuisine at The Dream Dining Room
I couldn’t get enough of this restaurant during my cruise. While buffets excite with the lavish spread of delicious possibilities, there is nothing quite like a sit-down restaurant meal with friends and family. This Chinese restaurant (inclusive in cruise package) serves a variety of courses for each meal.
Breakfast was my favourite with a feast of tasty Cantonese style dim sum, two noodle dishes, a bowl of congee and Chinese tea or coffee. Dinner comes with a soup and dessert course as well.
The attentive staff will be more than happy to bring you another round of dishes should you still feel hungry – and it’s hard to stop especially when fried chicken is one of the dishes on the menu.
Bistro by Mark Best
Australian celebrity Chef Mark Best has launched a new menu at his onboard restaurant. The seafood section features innovative dishes like the Peruvian inspired Kingfish served with Kiwi Ceviche and Finger Lime and the fresh Black Cod Poached in Tomato, Chili and Olives for some umami goodness while the choice cuts of steak are nothing to scoff at either. It is the Slow Braised Australian Wagyu Ox Cheek with Mashed Potatoes, however, that represents Chef Mark Best’s care, knowledge and integrity when it comes to everyday ingredients.
Play
Keep yourself thoroughly entertained with their incredibly fun amenities like the Glow Bowling Alley, a fully equipped Arcade and a mini Golf course. You can even join a Fitness Bootcamp or an energizing dance class with the sea as your backdrop.
Zipline/ Ropes Course/ Rock Climbing
The Ropes Course is a tough call (especially if you’re afraid of heights), but the stunning view of the open water makes this a must do. Strapped in with a safety harness and with numerous staff standing by, it’s a safe way to experience your own ‘I’m the king of the world!’ moment, 18 decks above the sea. Not without its challenges, like the short rock wall you will have to scale or the moving plank walk, this thrilling activity that will leave you glowing with pride as you step back onto the ship – even if it takes you twice as long to complete.
The Rock Climbing Wall is somewhat more challenging, with different routes, varying in difficulty, to reach the top that’s 23.46 feet high. You will need proper shoes before a a staff member can strap you into the safety harness to climb this Great Wall.
Water Slides and Jacuzzis
Experience the most exhilarating moments onboard with the six waterslides that cater to older kids and adults. Sure to get the adrenaline pumping, each slide is designed slightly differently, ranging from from gentle to sharp descents so you can build your confidence as you go. After all that excitement, take a relaxing break in one of the jacuzzis. It can comfortably accommodate 6-8 people so chill out with friends or the fam, grab a drink and snap a little something for the ‘gram.
Zouk Night Club
Ditch all your preconceptions about clubs and lounges on cruise ships because this one is radically different. Be it EDM or Bollywood, the Zouk DJs have got you covered so let loose and dance till the club closes at three in the morning. The Zouk Beach Club is located outdoors for fun movie nights under the stars while imbibing delicious cocktails. Spend an intimate night in one of the jacuzzis while enjoying a nightcap or join in the fun at the foam parties and other themed beach parties held here.
Luxury Spa Treats
Get pampered at the Crystal Life Asian Spa located on Deck 5 with treatments like the hour-long relaxing Foot Massage ($50 for 60mins) or the Chinese Acupressure Full Body Massage ($85 for 60mins / $110 for 90mins). Enjoy spa facilities including the Sauna, Steam Room, and Vitality Pool, as well as Thermal Suites perfect for soothing aching muscles.
See
Visual entertainment featured on Genting Dream’s programming include movie screenings and live music, which are available till late. There is even an After Dark with Dream Girls Show from midnight onwards that seductively fuses dance, music and fashion for an unforgettable night.
Daily Theatre Shows
Every night, there are exciting staged productions to catch. Voyage of a Lover’s Dream was by far the most captivating theatrical performance with several death-defying stunts sure to leave you spellbound. The mesmerizing costumes and the pure spectacle makes for an enjoyable evening onboard the ship. China’s Got Talent – The Dream Experience Show is another interesting show where you get to watch live acts like a contortionist sister act, a knife-throwing husband and wife pair and an LED dance performance.
The Bridge Viewing Room Viewing Gallery
Located just after the Fitness Centre on Deck 15, the Bridge Viewing Room is where you can observe the captain and crew on the job. With interesting facts and information tidbits about the ship, you can sign up for a Bridge Tour for that will illuminate secrets behind navigating this massive vessel and you will have the chance to get up close and personal with the bridge officers.
Fireworks
For more information on sailing schedules and cruising rates, see Dream Cruises’ website.