Vacation on a Cruise Ship - Genting Dream Cruise to Port Klang

Cruise trips are addictive, I tell you, just like resorts. It's like, moving an entire block of hotel, or entertainment city, out to sea and enjoying oneself in the middle of nowhere.  Anyway, I enjoyed my Genting Star Cruise holiday last year very much (review here), therefore decided to get onboard a ship again, this time with the Mom - trying out the new Genting Dream.

It is a significantly bigger cruise compared with Star Cruise. The Genting Dream has 20 decks, many restaurants, and a larger variety of activities to be enjoyed.  Boarding and dis-embarking took longer though, due to the number of passengers, but the service was still excellent in every aspect.

For food, one could enjoy meals at inclusive restaurants such as Dream Dining Room (lower) for semi-buffet, Dream Dining Room (upper) for Chinese set meals, Function 8 for International buffet, or The Lido for International Buffet.  Take note that you would be entitled to enjoy only one meal per time slot (i.e. Breakfast slot, Lunch slot, Dinner slot); there would be additional charges for dining at more than one restaurant during the same meal slot. Some restaurants such as The Lido offers morning tea and afternoon tea in between meals, and those are inclusive.

If you would like finer dining choices, there are many other restaurants such as Silk Road Chinese Restaurant (Chinese fine dining), BreadBox (freshly-baked pastries), Lobby Cafe (Malacca Straits fare), Blue Lagoon (24/7 hawker food), Seafood Grill & Prime Steakhouse, Umi Uma (Japanese & teppanyaki), Hot Pot (outdoor), Gelateria and Crystal Life Cuisine (healthy eating).

Fancy a drink or feeling like hitting the dance floor? Bars are aplenty on the Genting Dream, such as Bar 360 (with circular stage for live performances), Red Lion (beer and light snacks), Sun Deck Bar, Zouk, Palm Court or best of all, hit Bar City. The latter comprises of Johnny Walker House, Bubbles for champagne, MIXT for cocktails, Humidor for cigars, and Penfolds Wine Vault. Wake up happy every morning! Karaoke rooms are available for booking as well, if you enjoy singing.

Besides F&B aspects, the shopaholics might be happy to explore the aisles of The Dream Store and The Dream Boutiques, where branded perfume, cosmetics, watches, jewelry are on display, and retailing at attractively-discounted rates.

Beauty and fitness lovers may look forward to spa or grooming sessions at Crystal Life Spa, Crystal Life Fitness, Le Salon and The Gentleman's Barber. Other fitness spots include Swimming Pools, SportsPlex, Waterslide Park, bowling, mini-golf, ping-pong and giant chess. At designated time slots, there are fitness classes, by-the-pool Zumba, laughter Yoga,  sunset Tai-chi lessons etc; some are complimentary while others could be enjoyed at a small fee.

Other activities may include live performances at Zodiac Theater (we managed to catch "China's Got Talent" and "Rhythm Divine Latino Ballroom Dance" - these are complimentary but bookings are required at Box Office prior to the shows. Game shows and outdoor movie screenings ("Cinema at Sea") are other entertainment avenues that are also suitable for the entire family to enjoy.  Those who crave a little more excitement or late night fun can visit the Casino, to try your hands at some winnings.

Finally, if your cruise trip coincides with upcoming festivals, there are also themed activities to add to the fun. For instance, ours comprised of Trick or Treat, Halloween face painting, Halloween face painting and Halloween Spookfest Night Party.

To end it off, you might want to know what to do when the cruise ship docks at Port Klang for 8 hours. There are guided tours organised by the Cruise crew to bring you to explore nearby places such as Kuala Lumpur, Klang town, Sunway Lagoon, etc. Alternatively, you can also cross to Boustead Ferry Terminal to hire your own taxi to bring you to nearby places of attractions. Those not wishing to leave the cruise ship can choose to stay onboard to enjoy the various activities in-store for all guests.

Overall experience onboard Genting Dream Cruise was very good - 3 days 2 nights was too short, in fact. I could use an extra night or two for sure :)