Dream Cruise’s Genting Dream launches India operations

On Sunday Hong Kong-based Dream Cruise's luxury liner Genting Dream will sail out of Mumbai Harbour, carrying over 2,000 passengers, heralding the season of luxury sailing in the country. 

Union minister for road transport and highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari lighted the lamp at the Dream Cruises Genting launch ceremony in Mumbai today. The chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

For the swanky luxury liner Genting Dream, and its company, Dream Cruises, it would be the maiden voyage from an Indian port. For Mumbai port, a luxury liner sailing out with such a large number would also be perhaps the first.

The 2,000-plus passengers will board the luxury cruise liner to sail to Colombo and Singapore and further to other ports in East Asia, claimed Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) officials.

 ''Our first ship, Genting Dream, debuts in November 2016, and sails out from Hong Kong or Guangzhou. Genting Dream brings our guests inspirational luxury on board and takes them to exciting destinations in Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay and Da Nang,'' says Dream Cruises that will operate its first vessel.

''There will welcome ceremony and celebrations to mark the start of the season,'' said Sanjay Bhatia, chairman of MbPT. Cruise season for Indian shores is between October and May.

''As it is a new ship, we will welcome it in a grand manner. Two tugs will spray water canon in Mumbai harbour to welcome it, while on the shore, on Saturday, there will be Ballard Estate Festival for a day,'' said Gautam Dey, senior deputy traffic manager and in-charge of business development at MbPT.

This cruise season a total of 59 passenger ships will visit the passenger cruise terminal at Ballard Pier. Out of this 44 will be 'Port of Call' and rest 15 'Turnaround Operation'. Port of Call is a stoppage for a ship on its journey as compared to 'Turnaround Operation' wherein the itinerary of a ship starts or end at the port. Last season there were 37 ships, the year prior 40.

Earlier this year, MbPT tweaked its rules to promote cruise tourism.

Among the changes made were giving priority to passenger cruise vessels over cargo ships.

Earlier, cruise operators had to book a berth with MbPT six months in advance; now they will be given a nod even a day prior to sailing in.

Even the charges of moving out cargo vessels so that the cruise liner can embark and disembark passengers too have been reduced.

With these, the authorities and the tourism industry are hopeful of a revival not just in Mumbai but also in other ports like Cochin and Goa that are popular with tourists.

Gadkari urged private port operators to create necessary arrangements for catering to passengers, pointing out to the prospects of cruise tourism in the country.

''We have taken a decision to have passenger terminals at all major ports to cater to cruise tourists. There are over 200 private and minor ports in the country and I would also request them to have such facilities,'' Gadkari said at the Mumbai Port Trust.

He said the government is very keen to push cruise tourism, given its benefit to the local economy and wants the city port to become among the five best cruise tourism hubs in the world.

The government is investing over Rs200 crore to build a modern international cruise terminal at one of the oldest ports in the country, the minister informed.

The first ship of the first-ever Asian based premium cruise line brand Dream Cruises, 'Genting Dream' is all set for its maiden voyage this Diwali. The Mumbai-Colombo cruise will cost Rs22,449 per person for two days.

The cruise liner has a capacity to accompany more than 3,400 guests.

The German-built ship is also considered the first in the last few decades to get a port of call in Mumbai. The cruise will sail from Mumbai to Colombo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City and Hainan. It will have homeports in Guangzhou (Nansha Port), Hong Kong and Sanya.

Genting Dream is also the most spacious large cruise ship in Asia Pacific possessing two exclusive floors of 'Dream Suites' and providing the highest level of guest service.

''The cruise takes you to various enthralling destinations in Asia-Pacific comprising of 2, 5 and 7 night itineraries. Genting Dream offers world class service with 1,700 staterooms, 35 restaurants and bars, outdoor adventure activities and loads of entertainment areas –bowling alley, zouk and theatre, among others. It will also see a wrap around the promenade with a large observation lounge. And if you are looking for some pampering you can check out its rejuvenation services like Aeris Spa Cafe, The Gentlemen's Barber and spa and wellness treatments using ancient Chinese techniques. While daily activities include wine tasting session and workshops from inspirational speakers to enhance guests' time. What's more? Well, the cruise will also have a Genting Club and a boutique hotel with more than 140 suites offering European butler services.''