Guangzhou to launch Asia's first luxury cruise line

Dream Cruises, the first-ever Asian luxury cruise line operated by Genting Hong Kong, a global leisure, entertainment and hospitality corporation, will launch its maiden cruise in November, according to a company source.

The cruise's inaugural ship, Genting Dream, which is currently undergoing its fit-out at shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenhurg, Germany, will debut from its homeport of Nansha in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, the company says.

"Everyone at Dream Cruises is delighted to be back at Genting Dream's homeport and we are thrilled with the opportunity to introduce the wonders offered by our ship to our valued guests from South China," said Yvette Yuan, Vice President of Sales, Dream Cruises.

The brand new cruise line is designed to cater to the large and rapidly growing high-end leisure cruise market in China and Asia, according to Yuan.

The new ship will bring various entertainment experiences to Chinese travelers, according to Yuan.

‘Dream Butlers' were on hand to demonstrate to consumers the highly personalized European-style butler service that will be available as part of the luxurious Dream Mansion, a unique ‘ship-within-a-ship' accommodation and lifestyle experience, on board Genting Dream.

Guests on board Genting Dream will be entertained and enthralled by a theatrical representation of the global TV phenomenon ‘China's Got Talent' as they cruise the seas. A talent show tittled ‘China's Got Talent' - The Dream Experience will also be the first of its kind at sea.

An artwork titled "Voyage of a Lover's Dream" on the ship, conceived by Chinese artist Jacky Tsai, envisages an emotive love story between a mermaid and an astronaut. London-based Tsai, best known for his creative work with iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

"The art piece combines the essence of Chinese culture and the popular elements of western art in his unique hull art piece," said Yuan.

The company recently launched a series of mega road shows in major cities in the Pearl River Delta, where a rising number of local residents have developed interests on high-end cruise journey.