Genting Dream: Cruise experience (2 of 5)

Read part 1 here.

Day 2: Pulau Redang, Terengganu, Malaysia

Day-break on day 2 at 4°47.418’N, 103° 46.585’E, 21 nautical miles off Kuala Dungun, Terengganu. Speed at daybreak was 20.4 knots (45.2 km/h).

At the time the photo was taken, the ship was making way against a 18.1-knot headwind from northwest (bottom right corner).

Approaching Pulau Redang. The green line indicates the point beyond which the ship’s casino is no longer allowed to operate.

Ship’s officers preparing to drop anchor at Redang.

Dropped anchor off the eastern shores of Redang.

As Pulau Redang does not have a cruise pier, passengers have to be tendered between the ship and the island. Seen here was No. 19 lifeboat tender (starboard) being lowered.

A total of five lifeboat tenders were activated (Genting Dream carried six lifeboat tenders). Each lifeboat tender is manned by a crew of three.

The first lifeboat tender out carried an “advance party” of the ship’s entertainment staff to set up a beach party site on the beach.

A high-speed ferry (Laguna Reedang P2) operated by Laguna Resorts Redang was also hired complement the lifeboat tenders.

Queueing up to board a Redang-bound lifeboat tender.

View of the recess of one of the ship’s six retractable tender docks.

Although tendering was carried out from the ship’s leeward (away from the wind) side, the waves are still strong enough to require the tender ferry to apply thrust towards the tender dock to allow easier boarding.

Sailing towards Redang at 10 knots.

Arriving at Laguna Redang Island Resort.

View of the South China Sea.

Departure from Pulau Redang

As the majority of the passengers have returned to the ship, some of the lifeboat tenders can be hoisted back on board.

A boat crew of Lifeboat Tender No. 20 re-attaches the davit fallwire to the lifeboat tender’s hook.

Lifeboat tender No. 20 being hoisted on board.

After the last lifeboat tender was hoisted up the ship, thee deck crew began preparations to retract the gangway and the tender platforms.

Retraction in progress...

Next, a 14-hour, 274 n miles voyage to Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

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Bars and Lounges

Genting Dream has a number of themed bars and lounges serving a selection of beer, wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Bar 360 at decks 6, 7, 8 mid is a 360-degree lounge located at the centre court of the ship’s casino. The bar has a centre-stage for Chinese-themed entertainment such as Chinese acrobatic shows and live Chinese musical performance.

Tributes at deck 8 mid is an entertainment lounge with a small stage for Western-themed entertainment, such as rock band and pop performances.

Palm Court at deck 19 forward is a calm, serene, and rather secluded part located at the highest deck of the ship.

From Palm Court, you can also get sneak peek of The Palace, an exclusive, ship-within-a-ship experience for the richest passengers. The Palace passengers enjoy priority boarding, priority dining, an exclusive restaurant, exclusive pool and sun deck, and an exclusive casino.

Aft of the Palm Court is the Terrace, an outdoor observation deck with a breathtaking view of the ship’s sun deck and pool deck.

Johnny Walker House at deck 8 mid is a whisky bar featuring a selection of Johnny Walker whiskies.

Humidor Cigar Lounge at deck 8 mid offers a range of premium cigars at a discount.

Penfolds Wine Vault has a collection of wines and is staffed by a sommelier during its operating hours.

Bubbles Champagne Bar specialises in a variety of champagne and cocktails.

Mixt at deck 8 mid is a cocktail bar located within the ship’s casino.

Red Lion at deck 7 mid is a 24-hour bar specialising in draft beers. The bar also has mahjong tables for rent.

Retail

The Dream Store at deck 6 mid is the ship’s souvenir gift shop with souvenirs such as Dream Cruise-themed tees, portable charger, ship models, tumblers, etc.

The Dream Boutiques is a shopping arcade with branded goods such as Gucci, Tissot, Omega, and more.

Beauty and Wellness

Beauty and wellness services on board the ship are provided under the “CRYSTAL LIFE” brand.

CRYSTAL LIFE Asian Spa at deck 5 is a massage parlour with a large reflexology hall and gender-segregated thermal baths.

CRYSTAL LIFE Spa at deck 15 forward provides a range of Western spa therapies.

Le Salon and Gentlemen’s Barber has in-house barbers and stylists offering grooming and beauty services.

CRYSTAL LIFE Fitness is the ship’s gym. Fitness trainers can be booked at an extra charge.

(To be continued...)