Resorts World Cruises

Resorts World Cruises (RWCruises.com), the successor of DREAM CRUISES (DreamCruiseLine.com) is the newest cruise line brand of Lim Kok Thai, the former owner of GHK-Genting Hong Kong (1993-founded/2022-defunct Hong Kong China-based entertainment, hospitality, and leisure holding company). GHK ordered 2 vessels to be custom-built to serve the Asian market, and specifically China. With the "Dream Cruises" brand, the corporation established a separate brand for each of its cruise market segments, the other two subsidiaries being Crystal Cruises (top-luxury, all-inclusive segment, 1988-2022) and Star Cruises (contemporary/mass-market segment, 1993-2022).

Another large Chinese cruise brand is the new company (2015-founded) Adora Cruises/CSSC Carnival China Cruise Shipping. At the following link can be found listed all CruiseMapper's news related to Dream Cruises owner Genting Hong Kong.

IMPORTANT: On January 19, 2022, Dream Cruises' parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd (Malaysia) filed for bankruptcy. On Jan 10th, for insolvency filed the two GHK-owned shipbuilding companies in Germany - MV Werften and Lloyd Werft. On Jan 27th, Dream Cruises filed a winding-up petition with the Bermuda Court for liquidation. and the appointment of the provisional liquidators working with GHK.

Resorts World Cruises (company history and changes)

The new brand "Resorts World Cruises" (RWC) was first announced in late April and officially established in May 2022. Its owner/Chairman is Lim Kok Thay (1951-born) Malaysian Chinese businessman. He is the current Chairman of Genting Group (1965-founded holding).

Resorts World Cruises' current President is Michael Goh. His "cruise career" started in 2000 when he was appointed as both VP of Sales & Marketing (Star Cruises) and as General Manager (for Genting's Singapore office). In 2008 he was promoted Senior VP of International Sales (initially for Star Cruises), and subsequently as Genting Cruise Lines' Global Sales manager (managing Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises’ Asian sales and marketing). Michael Goh became Dream Cruises' President in 2019, and Resorts World Cruises' President in 2022 (May).

Genting Group fully owns Genting Berhad, which partially owns the subsidiaries Genting Malaysia Berhad, Genting Plantations Berhad, Genting Singapore, Genting Energy, and Kien Huat Realty. Genting Berhad is the Group's principal investment and management company, and as 2021 had market capitalization of ~USD 4,5 billion.

• Genting Singapore PLC (Genting Berhad stake 52,7%, 2021 market capitalization US$6,91 billion) is an investment company.
• Genting Malaysia Berhad (Genting Berhad stake 49,5%, 2021 market capitalization US$4B) specializes globally in leisure and hospitality, gambling and entertainment/casino businesses. Genting Malaysia owns properties like Resorts World Genting (Malaysia) and 40+ "Resorts World"-named casino resorts - including Bimini/Bahamas, Sentosa/Singapore, Manila/Philippines, Genting/Malaysia, New York City/NY USA, Miami/FL USA, Las Vegas/USA, Catskills/NY USA, Birmingham/UK).
• Genting Plantations Berhad (Genting Berhad stake 55,4%, 2021 market capitalization US$1,5B) owns plantations (in Malaysia and Indonesia), biotechnology companies and properties (via Genting Property).
• Kien Huat Realty specializes in real estate investments and development.

RWC is owned by Resorts World via its Singapore-based subsidiary TWO TREES FAMILY HOLDINGS PTE LTD (March 19, 2021-incorporated, operational since April 23, 2021) as a private company limited by shares.

In summer 2023, for all voyages departing between July 12th and August 30th (including), RWC partnered with The Lego Group (Billund Denmark-based construction toy manufacturer) to offer Asia's first-ever LEGO-themed cruises. The onboard experiences featured colorful LEGO decorations and engaging activities including taking photos with the ship's Captain and the Sailor LEGO mascots. RWC's "LEGO BUILDcation" packages (priced at HKD 288 / USD 37 pp) included a variety of themed activities and workshops, with participants receiving a special LEGO box set, a unique certificate (from the Sailor LEGO mascot) and a Resorts World Cruise LEGO certificate.

During a special voyage in 2023 (August 10-14) Genting Dream hosted "Miss Grand Malaysia 2023". Prior to the event were scheduled a meet-and-greet session, a fashion show, grooming workshops, and an outdoor party. The voyage was attended by Isabella Menin (Miss Grand International 2022) and Charissa Chong (Miss Grand Malaysia 2022), as well as by Michael Goh (RWC's President) and Sean Wong (HyperLive TV's/HyperLive Entertainment Ltd's CEO).

In February 2024, the company signed an MoU with Tianjin’s "Shan Xing Hai Su" (Convention and Exhibition Center) and Flying Pigeon Bicycle Co Ltd (bicycle company) to host the world's first Bicycle Exhibition at Sea onboard Genting Dream. The "bike-themed" voyages were scheduled to depart from Singapore on February 18th, 21st, 23rd and 25th.

Starting September 1st (Genting Dream) and November 1st (Resorts World One) 2024, the company offers Balcony Class-exclusive privileges. Balcony Class passengers benefit from dedicated check-in counters and priority luggage handling (upon disembarkation) and onboard special amenities, including a complimentary welcome drink, beverage credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, priority seating (at live show performances), priority bookings and discounts.

DREAM CRUISES (company history)

Genting Hong Kong Ltd (1993-founded/2022-defunct) was a member of the Malaysian Genting Group. It was 17,8% owned by Genting Berhad. In addition to the 3 brand lines (Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises, Star Cruises), GHK also owned Resorts World Manila, and Lloyd Werft shipyards (in Bremerhaven Germany) as well as a 28% share of NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line.

Via the brands Dream and Star, Genting Cruises had the largest number of annually booked berths in Port Singapore. Dream Cruises company's President was Thatcher Brown, replaced in 2019 by Michael Goh, who was also Genting Cruise Lines' Head of International Sales.

Genting Cruise Lines' President was Kent Zhu.

Dream Cruises was the first-ever premium cruise brand based in Asia. With a heritage of regional and international cruise expertise, it was also Asia's first-ever luxury cruise line brand that catered specifically to the rapidly growing high-end Chinese travel market. The new brand was inaugurated on November 14, 2016, when Mrs Puan Sri Cecilia Lim (wife of GHK's Chairman and CEO) christened the company's first liner - Genting Dream.

The successful product breakthroughs achieved by Genting Dream set the pace for the emergence of the brand's second liner World Dream (sistership) inaugurated in November 2017 in Singapore. The vision of the new brand was to be "international in spirit and distinctively Asian at heart". The new company aimed to redefine vacation travel with transformational voyages featuring Asia's finest dining, international gourmet dining options, world-class entertainment, and exceptional service. Both ships provided a top-luxury product, ultimate comfort and authentic Asian hospitality.

In May 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed a partnership deal with Wirecard (digital payments / online shop development company) to implement a fleetwide onboard payment system. The system ("Quick Pay") was first installed on World Dream and Genting Dream, then launched on SuperStar Virgo (Explorer Dream). "Quick Pay" allows passengers to be in full control of their onboard money spending - including pre-authorized limits, account management, monitoring, and paying the total bill at disembarkation. The technology is based on scanning individual QR codes (during check-in, in staterooms, or via the ship's intranet network, then selecting the "Quick Pay" option. Payments can be made via Alipay (Chinese online payment platform) and the credit cards Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay. The mobile app allows passengers to set up pre-authorized amounts for themselves, as well as for friends and family members.

On October 19, 2018, Dream Cruises celebrated the company's 1 millionth passenger with an official ceremony held at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Terminal.

Dream Cruises was the industry's only brand that offered life-size Monopoly board gaming at sea. During a promo period in 2019 (January through March), all passengers on all voyages had the privilege to enroll in the company's tournament that featured a customized game board with properties named after the ship's signature venues.

• Along with the final's Grand Prize ("Ultimate MONOPOLY Family Game Challenge"), every game offered instant prizes (onboard credits, discounts, special deals, Chance Cards, Community Chest cards).
• Mr Monopoly (dedicated crew dressed in a captain uniform) greeted passengers during tea time and also played as God of Fortune (on Monopoly-themed voyages). Mr Monopoly also distributed chocolate coins and made appearances at onboard stage production shows.
• MONOPOLY-themed voyages were scheduled for World Dream itineraries (January 4 through March 1) and for Genting Dream (January 4 through March 24).

On May 15, 2019, Dream Cruises announced its partnership with SES Networks (US company based in Manassas VA). By this program, SES will install fleetwide its Signature Maritime Solution system providing seamless, ultra-fast Internet (fiber-like broadband) low-latency connectivity at sea. SES' system is based on O3b MEO satellites (positioned on medium earth orbits) backed up by geostationary (GEO) stations.

GHK's FY2018 (fiscal year) reported earnings featured a revenue of USD 1,6 billion (34% increase over 2017).

To finance the corporation's cruise shipbuilding program, in August 2019, GHK sold 35% of Dream Cruises to TPG Darting Ltd - Canadian subsidiary of TPG Capital (USA-based global investment company, ranked among the world's largest private equity firms). The announced price was USD 488,646 million (~EUR 440,5 million). In 2019-Q4 were sold and bareboat chartered (via sale-and-leaseback deals) two GHK-owned vessels - Genting Dream (September) and Crystal Endeavor (December).

(new) Genting Global-Class cruise ships

On March 8, 2018, at MV Werften shipyard (Bremerhaven Germany) started the construction of the first of two Global-Class sisterships, with scheduled deliveries in 2022 (Global Dream/now Disney Adventure) and 2023 (GLOBAL 2/TBN).

Global Class GHK ships have GT tonnage 208,000 tons, LOA length 342 m (1122 ft), passenger capacity 5000 (lower berths/max 9500). Global Class ships feature artificial intelligence technologies (including facial and voice recognition for expedited passenger services - boarding, disembarkation, payments), robots (performing mundane tasks), Cineplex (theme park), Asian spa complex, multiple Asian dining venues (including fast food), both affordable and premium retail shopping facilities, roller coaster, water park (with 5 slides), surf simulator. Staterooms are designed for Asian families and can sleep between 2-4 persons. Most cabins are with two (split) bathrooms. Each liner has 8 sets of escalators and 28 elevators.

Vessels' waste and water management system was provided by Evac (world's leading company building integrated waste-wastewater-water management systems). The company's Complete Cleantech Solution package includes a vacuum collection system, wastewater treatment plant, dry and wet waste treatment plant, freshwater desalination plants (based on reverse osmosis). The freshwater generation plants have the capacity to produce over 3000 m3 of freshwater per day. The contract with Evac was signed on January 3, 2017.

On January 9, 2017, was signed a contract with ABB for delivery of Azipods (power-propulsion units), automation systems and the marine software for all 5 new Genting cruise ships ordered for both brands - Crystal and Star. The 3 Crystal vessels are from the Crystal Endeavor series expedition yachts (Polar Class 6).

These are the first purpose-built ships for the contemporary Chinese market regarding onboard amenities and services (food, cultural events, shows, enrichment programs, shopping, tours/excursions. Cruise ticket prices will be affordable. In May 2019 were unveiled more Global-Class vessel details. The ships have the industry's first theme park at sea, the largest cinema at sea, the world's longest roller coaster at sea, self-guided robotic assistants, the industry's largest standard staterooms (sized 20 m2), Bluetooth cabin door locks, touch-screen control panel, smartphone-control of different en-suite functions (mood lighting, air-conditioning, etc).

Global Dream (2022-Q1) will be homeported in China (during summer) and in Australia or USA (during winter). The liner will be also seasonally deployed in Europe (Mediterranean and Baltic itineraries). A second sistership will be launched in 2021.

The financing package for both GHK Global-Class units (EUR 2,6 billion / ~EUR 1,3 billion per vessel) was structured by KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH as part of a consortium which also included BNP Paribas (France), Citibank (USA), Credit Agricole Group (France), DescriptionCredit Suisse Group AG (Switzerland) and DescriptionDNB ASA (Norway). The newbuilds were planned for assembly at 3 different MV Werften-owned shipyards. GHK's total investment in this shipbuilding project was ~EUR 3,1 billion (~USD 3,44 billion). The package was backed/guaranteed by Finnvera (Finland).

Each of the Global-Class GHK ships has a huge duty-free shopping mall (DFS-T Gallery at Sea) operated via partnership between Genting Cruise Lines, DFS and Starboard Cruise Services. DFS Group (1960-founded, Hong Kong-based travel retailer) and Starboard Cruise Services (1958-founded premier cruiseship retailer) are both subsidiaries of LVMH (1987-founded, Paris-headquartered French multinational). Global-Class liner's retail shops cover an area of ~18,000 ft2 (1680 m2) and sell ultra-premium merchandise in the categories Food-Gifts, Beauty-Fragrance, Fashion-Accessories, Watches-Jewelry, with product introductions, brand-firsts and unique promotions.

Dream Cruises' ships are among the most spacious in the Asia Pacific region. The new GHK cruise brand aims to be a pacesetter in the Asian cruise industry, meeting the needs of affluent and independently-minded Asian travelers.

An interesting fact is that Genting Cruises also offer world-class spa and wellness services and also uses ancient Chinese massage techniques.

Onboard entertainment features a comprehensive Dreamscape educational and enrichment program, Crystal Life (health and wellness facilities), over 1100 m2 duty-free shopping arcade, 6-slide waterpark, ropes course, zip-line, world's first Johnnie Walker House at sea, world's first Penfolds Flagship Wine Vault at sea, private boardrooms, real-time language translation capability (up to 4 languages) in the Zodiac theatre for 400 guests.

Daily onboard activities range from outdoor games and wine tasting to inspirational speakers and world-class entertainment to enrich passengers' shipboard time. Each vessel has Genting Club - a boutique "cruise hotel" complex with a total of 142 suites offering special privileges, including European butler service and priority access.

Each Dream Cruises ship offers unique underwater excursions via 2 mini-submarines (underwater craft). They are able to carry cruise passengers deep under the sea while the ship operates in select Asian destinations. Each minisub carries 1 pilot and up to 4 passengers at a time.

In December 2017, Dream Cruises introduced on MS World Dream Asia's first "Tiffany" retail shop at sea. The fleet's new amenity also offers to purchase the exclusive "Tiffany High Tea Set". The exclusive Tiffany Afternoon Tea service is complemented with premium treats and served at the "Seafood Grill" on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

In 2017, Dream Cruises also debuted on World Dream Asia's (and the world's) first-at-sea "Dior Jewelry and Watches" retail shop. The World Dream ship also features the interactive "Scents and Spirits" (perfumes sampling and potables tasting), as well as the Make-Up Bar where passengers can experiment with the beauty industry's latest products and techniques.

In 2018, Genting Cruise Lines signed an agreement with Okinawa Agricultural Cooperatives Association and Leospo Inc. Following the partnership, on select GHK-owned cruise liners is offered Okinawa-sourced food and local produce.

The new onboard dining options include the famous Okinawa Wagyu beef and Okinawa Agu pork. The offer is available on select ships and during summer when they cruise to Okinawa. In 2018 (April through November), these premium food specialties were available on World Dream, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Virgo. The exclusive gourmet dishes are served via specially designed theme menus. They also include the traditional Japanese dishes Shabu Shabu (with ingredients stirred in a cooking pot) and Teppanyaki (iron griddle cooked food), as well as BBQ Okinawa Agu Pork and the wok-fried Okinawa beef (with bitter gourd garlic) and Okinawa beef rib eye (with sweet plum sauce).

In July 2020, Dream Cruises debuted (on MS Explorer Dream) the "Flexi-Feast" - a completely customized shipboard dining concept that allows passengers to choose from more venues. Upon boarding the ship, cruisers receive a set of complimentary dining vouchers which can be used at designated restaurants, as well as OBC (onboard credits) for ordering meals at specialty restaurants, beverages at bars and also for room-service orders.

In December 2020, MS World Dream became the Asia Pacific's first Halal-friendly cruise liner to receive certifications from both UNWHD (United World Halal Development/Singapore) and the GVCS (Global Vegetarian Certification Services/Chennai India).

Genting fly-cruise deals

In June 2017, "Genting Cruise Lines" (consisting of the companies Star Cruises and Dream Cruises) and Asia's largest airline "China Southern Airlines" signed a Memorandum of Understanding on an exclusive "flight and cruise" partnership in China.

• The deal is for discounted fly-cruise deals on cruises leaving from port Nansha-Guangzhou - a premium travel hub and cruise homeport in Asia.
• By this strategic agreement, both China Southern Airlines and Genting combined their resources in sales, marketing, promotions, and product development, creating a competitive travel product by the new "Air + Cruise + Travel" program. The program targets both individual and group travelers.

Genting Hong Kong rail-cruise deals

In 2018, Hong Kong City introduced a high-speed train service (4-hour ride) that allows faster travel for around 300 million people from mainland China annually. With the opening of Hong Kong's MTR (High-Speed Rail / HSR) section in August 2018, the city became connected to world's largest ever high-speed train network. In November 2018, Genting Cruise Lines - the only company with year-round Hong Kong homeport deployment - launched a "rail cruise" campaign. The 2-week campaign was based on the World Dream ship (2-day weekend mini-cruise specials) and included numerous roadshows held in key MTR locations.

GHK's rail-cruise promo was via a partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Commission. The first 1000 Dream Cruises train-and-cruise bookings on World Dream received an instant MTR train fare rebate (up to RMB 400 / USD 58 per cabin).

Guangshengang XRL (Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link) is a high-speed railway connecting Beijing with Hong Kong (Kowloon Station) via Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The largest cities connected to Hong Kong via HSR (without interchange) also include Changsha, Guiyang, Wuhan, and Nanning.

Genting Cruises Private Island Resort

In early November 2017, GHK corporation signed an agreement with the Macleod Island's owner "Tint Tint Myanmar Group" (headquartered in Yangon Burma) to jointly built new cruise ship facilities on this private island.

Cruise line private Islands are among the best-known assets of the world's largest cruise shipping companies (Carnival Corporation, RCCL Royal Caribbean, NCL, MSC). However, most such private island resorts are located in the Caribbean.

GHK's partnering with Tint Tint Myanmar Group makes Macleod Island the first Asian private cruise resort destination. It is opened exclusively for Genting cruise tourists visiting the island via ships operated by the GHK-owned Dream Cruises and Star Cruises. Among GHK's other Asian projects are Guangzhou Nansha Port development (in China) and Port Danang (in Vietnam).

Macleod Island was first visited by a Star Cruises ship (SuperStar Libra) on November 3, 2017. The 5-day / 6-day itinerary also included Penang (Malaysia) and Phuket (Thailand).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Despite the global Coronavirus crisis, Genting Cruise Lines (shipowner) didn't suspend its fleet's passenger shipping operations. Instead, the company expanded its cancellation policy with "Cruise As You Wish". It allows all existing and new bookings made before or on October 30, 2020 (initially July 31), to be canceled penalty-free up to 48 hours (prior departure). These bookings were fully refunded (100%) via FCC (future cruise credit). With rebooking, the amount of the fare paid was automatically transferred to any Star Cruises or Dream Cruises itinerary starting before or on March 31, 2021 (initially December 31 2020).

On March 25, Dream Cruises announced the cancellation of the company's entire Australia-New Zealand schedule for 2020-2021. The ship Explorer Dream had voyages in the region with planned departures between October 8, 2020, and February 21, 2021. All affected bookings received penalty-free cancellations with a full refund (100%) transferred as FCC (future cruise credit) plus of AUD 250 per cabin in OBC (onboard credit) with rebooking. The refund includes fares paid, port fees, gratuities, pre-purchased (if any) shore excursions. For rebooking were opened all Dream Cruises itineraries thru December 31, 2021. Cancellations without rebooking received a full monetary refund (fare paid, port fees, gratuities, shore excursions).

Dream Cruises restarted operations with voyages from Singapore on November 6, 2020. The 2- and 3-night cruises to nowhere (marketed as "Super Seacation") are for Singaporean residents only and scheduled for the ship World Dream.