Genting Cruise Lines announced the latest addition to the Dream Cruises family with Explorer Dream, a 75,338 gross ton, 1,870 passenger cruise ship that will join the fleet in spring 2019 in the role of pathfinder for the brand’s global aspirations. Formerly the SuperStar Virgo of sister brand Star Cruises, Explorer Dream will undergo a US 30 million dollar transformation in March 2019 that will incorporate exquisite new facilities including The Palace, Dream Cruises’ signature, luxury private enclave featuring 50 suites and butler service. An integral part of the brand, Dream Cruises was the first cruise line to offer this concept to discerning, high-end travellers in Asia. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy all new food and beverage options combining the best of “East meets West” and a new Crystal Life Spa for the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.


“Dream Cruises will be extending its brand recognition to 300 million Chinese in Shanghai and Tianjin/Beijing next summer as well as offering cruises in Australia and New Zealand to its Asian-sourced passengers during winter 2019 – the first time Dream Cruises will be sailing outside Asia,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of Genting Hong Kong. “Explorer Dream will offer another option for our Asia based guests to expand their travel horizons with new rail/cruise and fly/cruise opportunities to see the world.”

Explorer Dream will strengthen the Dream Cruises’ brand in North China with homeports in Shanghai and Tianjin during Spring/Summer 2019 with a selection of voyages of various durations from Shanghai or Tianjin to Japan, Russia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Taking the first step to evolve Dream Cruises into “Asia’s Global Cruise Line” by sailing outside Asian waters, in Autumn/Winter of 2019, Explorer Dream will homeport in Sydney and Auckland where she will embark on 21 seven-night weekly itineraries.

“We will be accelerating this vision to develop Dream Cruises into Asia’s Global Cruise Line by utilizing one of Asia’s favourite ships, SuperStar Virgo, and converting her into a brand new sibling alongside Genting Dream and World Dream,” added Tan Sri Lim. “With her strong heritage in the Asian cruise landscape and history in the region along with her world-renowned German engineering, SuperStar Virgo’s transformation into Explorer Dream will combine the best-in-class design and construction of her sister ships with acclaimed service that is Asian at heart and international in spirit.”

Around 13 million visitors currently visit Australia and New Zealand annually with about 5 million of this number from Asia. Explorer Dream will offer Asian guests an alternative travel option for visiting multiple cities and attractions without having to check in and out of hotels or transiting between airports as commonly associated with a land vacation. Dream Cruises will offer Asian guests the convenience and comfort of cruising in Australia and New Zealand ensconced in a familiar environment highlighted by: A multi-lingual crew conversant in English, Putonghua and other Asian languages; Cuisine customized to the award-winning international standards offered on Dream Cruises; Entertainment options reimagined to appeal to Asian passengers.

With pre and post stays available in Sydney and Auckland, Dream Cruises’ 7-night itineraries in Australia and New Zealand will be an important cornerstone for Asian travelers who typically enjoy 9 to 14 day vacations when visiting “down under.'

“Dream Cruises would like to thank all of our travel and business partners and our guests for making this new cruise brand such a success in only two years,” said Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises. “We have received very positive feedback from the Chinese travel community to bring the Dream Cruises brand to the more populous North China market with the repositioning of Explorer Dream and we have also experienced overwhelming support from the Asian travel community with news of the ship’s homeport in Australia and New Zealand this winter. With Explorer Dream as our pathfinder vessel, this truly marks the first giant step for Dream Cruises to become Asia’s Global Cruise Line.”