Dream Cruises has celebrated the arrival of the Genting Dream to her new homeport in Hong Kong. It is the largest ship to be based in Hong Kong, according to Dream Cruises. 

About a thousand guests were on hand to witness the historic occasion, including Gregory So Kam-leung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Philip Yung Wai-hung, JP, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Cathy Chu Man-ling, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Dr. Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Anthony Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Jeff Bent, Managing Director of Worldwide Cruise Terminals.

Guests at the ceremony were ushered into the ship’s 999-seat Zodiac Theatre for the official launch festivities featuring presentations by So, followed by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and CEO of Dream Cruises parent company, Genting Hong Kong, and Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises.

Guests were treated to a preview of Dream Cruises’  production show inspired by the hull art of Genting Dream, entitled “Voyage of a Lover’s Dream”.

“Conceived by pop-art artist Jacky Tsai, this is a tale of love, hope and the overcoming of seemingly impossible boundaries between a mermaid and an astronaut,” said a statement. 

A highlight of the performance was the appearance on stage of an astronaut — later revealed to be none other than Dream Cruises President Thatcher Brown.

He said: “As the first-ever Asian luxury cruise line to make Hong Kong its home port year-round, we are deeply committed to helping to further develop the cruise market here. Tourism is vital to the economy of the city and our two itineraries originating from Hong Kong will help boost the industry overall, including for hotels, tour groups, local attractions, restaurants and other merchants.“

“We designed the ship essentially as a floating, luxury, integrated resort, and we are confident that Genting Dream will make her mark as the newest “must-experience” vacation attraction for both local and international guests. Genting Dream will cater to multigenerational families with all inclusive activities, the finest Asian and international dining and unforgettable entertainment, with service that is genuinely Asian at heart and international in spirit.”