Genting Hong Kong (GHK) signed a strategic MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Baoshan District Government to extend its cooperation in developing cruise industry in China and Shanghai.
Genting Cruise Lines is due to deploy its new Global Class ship (Global Dream) from the fleet of Dream Cruises to Shanghai as her first homeport. The biggest cruise ship to homeport in Asia Pacific, the Global Class ship is scheduled for delivery by the beginning of 2021.
Currently under construction at MV Werften, GHK’s own shipyard in Germany, the Global Class ship combines cutting edge Chinese intelligent technology with the best of German engineering.
The largest and the most advanced technologically cruise ship built in Germany, the Global Class is expected to measure 342-meter length and 46.40-meter width. With a capacity of 204,000GT it will be able to accommodate 5,000 passengers and meet peak season capacity needs in Asia via featuring life-saving capacity of up to 9,500 guests.
The Global Class ships will mirror the widespread use of artificial intelligence by Asians travellers in their daily lives, with voice and facial recognition for many onboard services to eliminate queues; automated robots to perform everyday tasks, and other artificial intelligent and digital systems.
Dream Cruises is paving the way for the Global Class via deploying its newest ship in Shanghai from April 2019. The 1,870-passenger Explorer Dream (currently SuperStar Virgo) is due to bringing more innovative itineraries for the market in East China.
Explorer Dream will offer even more options for passengers by opening up routes to include ports in Russia in addition to destinations in Japan. Genting launched its 7-night Golden Sea Route itinerary from Shanghai last summer, visiting the most popular Japanese destinations.
To reaffirm its commitment to Shanghai's market, as part of the MoU, Genting also plans to establish cruise related company in Baoshan district.