Every once in a while, we want to reward ourselves for our hard work with a well-deserved holiday. What better way to spend our dream escape and pamper ourselves than by going on a cruise? It offers a floating resort experience with sumptuous buffets, world-class entertainment, endless fun activities, well-appointed accommodations, and more!
If you’re looking for a cruise line that provides excellent value for money with a deep understanding of the Asian market, Dream Cruises’ flagship, Genting Dream, is an ideal choice. It caters to a wide range of guests, including friends, families, couples, and even company incentive trips!
Genting Dream Cruise Ship. Photo provided by Dream Cruises.
We’ve been fortunate to be invited by Dream Cruises to sail aboard the Genting Dream on two separate occasions: one was before the pandemic in September 2019, and the other one was in March of this year. From April 2025 to April 2026, Singapore will be the home port of Genting Dream, with sailings to Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka) and Thailand (Phuket).
In this post, we will share updated and additional information about cruising with Genting Dream. We hope this will help you prepare and maximize your cruise experience!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
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Where to book your Genting Dream cruise ticket?
You can conveniently book your cruise ticket online via the official website or Klook!
Online Booking
Available Cruise Schedule (April 2025 – April 2026)
Here are the itineraries for cruises departing from Singapore from April 2025 to April 2026.
Photo Credit: Dream Cruises
What are the types of onboard accommodations?
Genting Dream has families and big groups in mind, so it boasts more than 100 connecting rooms and about 70 percent of these accommodations feature spacious balcony staterooms. There are four types of accommodations to choose from.
- Interior Stateroom. Has no windows and the most compact cabin.
Maximum Capacity: 2-4 pax - Oceanview Stateroom. Has a window with a view but no balcony.
Maximum Capacity: 2-4 pax - Balcony/Balcony Deluxe Stateroom. Has a balcony with a couple of lounge chairs and a small table.
Maximum Capacity: Balcony, 3-4 pax; Balcony Deluxe, 2-4 pax - The Palace Suites. Exclusive all-suite enclave with different types of luxurious accommodations.
Maximum Capacity: Palace Suite, 4 pax; Palace Deluxe Suite, 4 pax; Palace Deluxe Premium, 4 pax; Palace Penthouse, 4-6 pax; Palace Villa, 6 pax
Each stateroom provides toiletries, towels, a hairdryer, a mini-refrigerator, a safe, a water kettle, complimentary bottled water, and packets of tea, coffee, and sugar. Housekeeping does regular cleaning. Expect The Palace Suites to have upgraded provisions and comforts.
What is the best room to book?
The most economical option is the Interior Stateroom. If you want to take full advantage of the ship’s amenities, you’ll likely spend most of your time outside your stateroom.
Meanwhile, the Balcony Stateroom offers an excellent balance of price and comfort. It features a spacious interior, giving you extra space to enjoy the view and the ocean breeze. Booking a Balcony Class stateroom also comes with exciting perks including welcome drinks, discounts (retail, packages, etc.), and SGD50 dining credits per cabin per night.
The Oceanview Stateroom is your best bet if you’re looking for a cabin with a view at a budget-friendly rate.
But if you are feeling “extra” and have moolah to splurge (sana all!), you can check out Genting Dream’s luxury suites. Here are two of them:
Palace Deluxe Premium 
Palace Penthouse
If you book a Palace suite, you can enjoy exclusive and priority access to several amenities and services. You also have your own swimming pool area, gym, spa, lounge, reception, cafe, and restaurant. You can also request the special menu for Palace guest when dining at some of the specialty restaurants.
What to do before the cruise?
For a smooth sailing embarkation, here are the things to do and documents to prepare before the cruise.
Mandatory Online Check-in
Once you receive your ‘Booking Reservation’, go to the web check-in page. The link is also provided in your ‘Cruise Ticket’. Note that online check-in closes 48 hours before the ship’s departure. If you fail to do this, you can still do a manual check-in on the day of sailing.
Travel Documents
You need to prepare the following:
- Valid Passport. Must be valid for at least six (6) months.
- Photocopy of your passport’s bio page. It’s best to have a copy of the bio page with you because the cruise staff will collect your passport upon boarding. You’ll get your passport back before you disembark.
- Copy of your cruise ticket (printed or digital copy). You need to present this upon dropping off your luggage and checking in at the cruise terminal.
- Visa (if applicable). Philippine passport holders don’t need a visa because the sail destinations are within Southeast Asia, and the home port is Singapore.
- Singapore Arrival Card. You need to submit this within three days before your arrival in Singapore. You’ll find the card here.
Onboard Currency and Time
- Currency. Since Singapore is the home port of Genting Dream, the default onboard currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). If you want a hassle-free transaction, you can pay using your credit card. But best to have cash backup just in case your card provider goes offline or you max it out.
- Time. As for the time, the ship follows Singapore time (same as the Philippines and Malaysia) throughout the entire cruise. But even when ports of call are in Malaysia, your phone might detect that you’re in Indonesian waters which will set your clock back an hour since it is in a different time zone. If you are using smartwatches and smartphones, temporarily turn off the ‘Set Automatically’ button and set it manually to Singapore time to avoid confusion.
Pack Your Luggage
- Clothes/Outfits. We usually pack two sets of clothes per day — casual for the day activities and smart casual or dressy outfits for the night events, especially if you plan to watch the evening shows or eat at the fine-dining specialty restaurants. Take note also of the proper swim attire for pools and waterslides. The same goes for footwear. Don’t forget to bring closed-toe shoes or sneakers for activities like zip line, rope obstacles, and wall climbing. The important thing is that you are comfortable.
- Toiletries. Each stateroom comes with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving kit, and tissue. But of course, feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Bath towels, hand towels, and hotel slippers are also provided.
- Universal Socket Adapter. While there are USB ports, the power outlets follow the China sockets, so you’ll find Type A (two flat parallel pins), Type C (two round parallel pins), or Type I (three flat pins in a V shape).
Prohibited Items
Speaking of packing, do not bring the following items on board the Genting Dream:
Photo Credit: Dream Cruises (formerly Resorts World Cruises)
- Flammable materials and explosives
- Pressurized containers
- Sharp objects
- Illegal drugs and substances
- Alcoholic beverages
- E-cigarettes/vapes
- Weapons, firearms, and ammunition (including replicas, stun devices, and blunt weapons)
- Electrical items and heating devices (like clothes iron, coffee maker, and cooking appliances)
- Extension cords
- Raw food (such as dairy, meats, eggs, pastries, fruits, etc.)
- Other objects that could pose a risk to fellow passengers (like hoverboards and laser pointers)
Travel Insurance
This is optional. But for us, we always get travel insurance whenever we travel, especially for international destinations. Things don’t always go as planned when traveling. While we hope never to use it, it’s just reassuring to know we have it when something unexpected or unfortunate happens.
For this cruise, we availed of PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance. You can GET IT HERE. Use the code WORTHIT to score a special affordable rate!
Where to Stay in Singapore?
To be safe, we highly recommend booking your flight to Singapore a day before your cruise departure date. This way, you will have a leeway if something unforeseen happens, like delayed flights, which can cost you precious time. You don’t want to end up being left behind by the ship.
If you decide to fly to Singapore a day in advance, it’s ideal to book a hotel near the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, which is Genting Dream’s cruise terminal. But to be honest, anywhere in Singapore is OK, just have plenty of time allowance on the day of sailing.
Here are some of the top-rated properties in the area as reviewed by Agoda users:
Butternut Tree Hotel. Image provided by Agoda.
Search for more Singapore Hotels!
What to expect during boarding?
Check your departure time and last boarding time. On boarding day, you must get to the cruise terminal at least two hours before the gate closes (last boarding time). Here’s the embarkation process for the Genting Dream cruise departing from Singapore.
- Head to Manila Bay Cruise Centre. Genting Dream uses this cruise terminal. If you are taking the train, the nearest MRT Station is Marina South Pier on the North South (NS) Line. Take Exit A and walk for about 10 minutes to Marina Bay Cruise Centre. If you are coming from the Central Area, the most convenient way is to take a Grab car or a cab.
Address: 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018947
- Look for the baggage drop area. Present your cruise ticket. The staff will then put the luggage tag with your deck number and stateroom number. Your luggage will be delivered right to your cabin’s doorstep.
- Ready your travel documents for check-in. You must present your cruise ticket and passport at the check-in counter to get your Access Card or Sea Pass Card, which will serve as your cabin key card and purchase card for onboard shopping and dining at specialty restaurants. Do not lose this card. When you do, relax. Go to the Reception, and they will print another one for you after answering SOP questions.
- Proceed to the Customs and security check area. Your carry-on bag or hand luggage will be scanned here.
- Go to the Immigration Hall for departure clearance. Since the process here is automated, you’ll have to scan your passport yourself and do biometric scans (photo capture and fingerprint scanning).
- Surrender your passport. Upon boarding, the staff will take your passport. Do not panic. You will get it back a day before you check out or disembark.
- Enter the ship through your designated Assembly Station. You’ll find your Assembly Station on your Sea Pass card. Take note of the location. Your Sea Pass card will be scanned, and you will be instructed to watch the safety drill on your cabin’s TV.
Ahoy! Welcome Aboard!
What to do after boarding?
- Watch the Safety Drill. As instructed upon entering the ship through your Assembly Station area, the Safety Drill procedure is available on your stateroom or cabin’s television. You need to pay attention and familiarize yourself with the ship’s map and the emergency exits in case of an emergency.
- Relax or have lunch. While waiting for your room to be ready and your luggage to be delivered, you can start exploring the ship or chill and have lunch at one of the inclusive restaurants, such as The Lido and Dream Dining Room Upper.
- Settle in your stateroom and check your luggage. You may find your luggage already sitting outside your room, or you may still have to wait for it to be delivered to your cabin. If you think it’s taking too long, you may contact the Reception.
Is there a WiFi on board?
Yes! You can connect to the internet while at sea. You can either get the Standard or the Premium type. Rates vary depending on the number of days, the number of devices, and the package type.
Photo Credit: Dream Cruises (formerly Resorts World Cruises)
- Standard: Good for e-mail, chat, and social media
- Premium: Good for e-mail, chat, social media, and video streaming
What are the things to do while cruising?
Genting Dream boasts a broad range of activities for both adults and children, along with a diverse selection of culinary delights, including halal and vegetarian dishes. You can also explore ports of call to add variety to your cruising experience!
Recreation and Entertainment
Whether indoor or outdoor activities, you’ll find the ones that match your interests. If you’re a family, Genting Dream is never short of kid-friendly attractions and experiences for the little ones.
Complimentary Activities and Amenities
Here are some amenities that you can enjoy for FREE:
- Waterslide Park and Kids Water Park. You have six waterslide types to choose from — from gentle slopes for the family to steep inclines for the adventurous. Wear proper swimming attire. Follow the rules and the staff on duty for your safety. Location: Deck 16 – 19, Aft
- Main Pool. You can see the Waterslide Park from here. Aside from the swimming pools, you can also enjoy a soothing dip in the hot tubs. Location: Deck 16, Midship
- Sun Deck and Jogging Track. You can also relax and sunbathe at the Sun Deck or keep up with your cardio exercise along the Jogging Track. Location: Deck 17
- Sportsplex. A large outdoor court that can host basketball, tennis, archery, bubble soccer, and other physical games. Location: Deck 19, Aft
- Ropes Course and Zip Line. Perfect bonding activity for the family, couples, and groups. Complete the course and punctuate it with the 35-meter zip line, gliding along the side of the ship above the water from Deck 18. Wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers. Location: Deck 18, Aft
- Rock Climbing Wall, Mini-Golf, and Table Tennis. These activities are great for bonding with family, friends, or your other companions. Make sure to wear proper footwear. Please wear proper footwear. Location: Deck 18, Aft
- The Gym. If you don’t want to miss your workout routine, make your way to The Gym. Note that this is subject to operating hours. Location: Deck 15, Forward
- Shows and Events. Located on the forward side of Deck 7, the Zodiac Theater hosts a variety of fabulous production shows. Numerous fun events, workshops, and game shows also take place in different parts of the ship during the cruise.
- Cinema at Sea. Depending on the schedule, here are the places to catch a movie on board: the Lobby (Deck 6/Midship) and the Main Pool Area (Deck 16/Midship). Check the cruise directory for more information (film title, venue, and time).
Paid Activities and Amenities
- Arcade and Little Dreamers Club. The Arcade is a paradise for children, teenagers, and even kids at heart! Meanwhile, the Little Dreamers Club is a perfect place for kids aged two to twelve to socialize while participating in fun activities. Location: Deck 16, Forward
Arcade - Bowling Alley and Billiards. This is located inside Zouk Bar. You can order drinks while you play. Opening hours vary per day, so check with the Online Concierge first. Location: Deck 17, Aft
- Beauty and Wellness. If you want to pamper yourself, you can head to The Spa or The Salon. Location: Deck 15, Forward
- Karaoke Rooms. If jammimg to your favorite songs is your kind of unwinding, then sing your heart out in one of the karaoke rooms. Location: Deck 6, Forward
- Shopping. If you like to shop or bring home some souvenirs, you can get duty-free items from The Dream Boutiques located on Deck 7. The Souvenir Mart, located on Deck 6, is where you can get Dream Cruises merchandise. If you are into arts, you can go to the Art Gallery on Deck 8.
Restaurants and Bars
There are two classifications of onboard dining options — complimentary or inclusive restaurants and specialty or exclusive restaurants.
Inclusive Restaurants
This is part of what you paid for when you booked your cruise ticket. You can dine here without incurring additional fees. It’s free of charge. On our recent cruise, these are the options for inclusive restaurants:
Specialty Restaurants
You may also try the specialty restaurants! Charges apply when dining at any of these, but if you want to try their signature dishes, go for it. Here are your options:
- Umi Uma. Japanese Cuisine, Teppanyaki, Korean BBQ, and Shabu Shabu. Location: Deck 8, Aft
Mixed Green Salad (Top Left), Beef Rib Eye and Seabass Fillet Combo (Top Right), Matcha Ice Cream with Red Beans (Bottom Left), and Vanilla Ice Cream with Red Beans (Bottom Right) - Hot Pot. Choice of meat, seafood, or vegetarian hot pot; outdoor setting. Location: Deck 8, Aft
- Bistro. Western Dishes and Steak. Location: Deck 8, Midship
Seafood Tower (Left), Grilled Grain Fed Angus Sirloin Steak (Top Right), and Warm Chocolate Almond Pudding (Bottom Right) - Chef’s Table. Location: Deck 8, Forward
- Gelateria. Homemade Gelato. Location: Deck 8, Aft
- Lobby Café. Coffee, Tea, Juices, Cakes, and Pastries. Location: Deck 6, Midship
- Silk Road Chinese Restaurant. Chinese Fine Dining. Location: Deck 6, Forward
Bars and Club
The Zouk (Left) and Bar City (Right)
Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or simply chill and have a sip, you can check out these onboard bars and clubs:
- Palm Court: Deck 19, Forward
- Zouk Bar: Deck 17, Aft
- Zouk Beach Club: Deck 17, Aft
- Sun Deck Bar: Deck 17, Midship
- Pool Deck Bar: Deck 16, Midship
- Bar City: Deck 8, Midship
- Tributes: Deck 8, Forward
- Red Lion: Deck 7, Forward
- Bar 360: Deck 6, Midship
Other Onboard Services
Genting Dream Lobby
- Reception/Lobby: Deck 6, Midship
- Clinic: Deck 5, Midship
- Boardwalk: Deck 8, Portside & Starboard
- Executive Boardrooms: Deck 7, Forward
- Meeting Rooms: Deck 5, Midship
- Surau Prayer Room: Deck 5, Midship
- Bridge Viewing Room: Deck 15, Forward
Shore Excursion (Shorex)
One of the best things we love about cruising is that we get to visit other countries while also enjoying the cruise ship’s amenities and features. From April 2025 to April 2026, Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream offers two- to three-night sailing durations for cruises departing from Singapore with ports of call in Malaysia and Thailand.
Sailings with Ports of Call
Below are the sailings making a stop in ports of call:
- 2 Nights: Singapore – Melaka (Kuala Lumpur) – Singapore
- 3 Nights: Singapore – Melaka (Kuala Lumpur) – Penang – Singapore
- 3 Nights: Singapore – Penang – Melaka (Kuala Lumpur) – Singapore
- 3 Nights: Singapore – Penang – Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur) – Singapore
- 3 Nights: Singapore – Phuket – Singapore
Shorex in Penang, Malaysia
Shorex vs DIY
Shore excursions are tour packages arranged by Genting Dream in partnership with local tour operators or travel agencies at every port of call. You can book with them or do it on your own. It’s entirely up to you. Here are the scenarios:
- Booking a Shorex. This option involves joining a guided group tour. You won’t have to worry about getting from one attraction to the next or how much it will cost you because everything will be handled by the local tour operator partners — transfers and meals (usually, lunch). Most importantly, you have the assurance that you will return to the ship on time. Shorex kiosk is on Deck 6, Midship.
- Pulling a D-I-Y. This allows you to travel at your own pace and have complete control over your itinerary. It is normally the cheaper option. However, you need to be aware of the time. Be sure to return to the port on time, or even earlier, as the ship will not wait for late passengers. It will leave with or without you.
Whichever you choose, you will be given return instructions, which also include the address of the port where the ship is docked.
Reminders
- Don’t forget to bring your Access/Sea Pass Card and a photocopy of your passport bio page. You need to present the Access Card when getting off and returning to the ship.
- Carefully check the itinerary and assess if the tour is viable for you. Some Shorex options may require a lot of walking, trekking, or activities that might not be suitable for those with health issues.
- Each tour needs a minimum number of participants. A tour may be canceled if it doesn’t meet the minimum requirement.
What to do before the end of the cruise?
How to disembark?
- Go to the designated departure location on time. The Disembarkation Notice you received on the last night of the cruise indicates the time and assigned location for getting off the cruise ship.
- Present your Sea Pass Card (stateroom key card) when exiting. A staff member will scan your key card for final verification and clearance. If you forget to settle your bills, it will be reflected in the system, and you will be asked to pay any outstanding balance at the Reception (Deck 6, Mid).
- Proceed to the Immigration Area for arrival clearance. Make sure to submit your SG Arrival Card to re-enter Singapore.
- Collect your luggage at the Baggage Claim Area. Since some luggage may look similar, ensure you pick the right one.
IMPORTANT! You must accomplish the eTravel Pass before DEPARTING from and ARRIVING in the Philippines.
More About Dream Cruises
Dream Cruises caters to travelers who crave world-class service, refined amenities, and sophisticated onboard experiences. It launched its flagship, Genting Dream, in 2016.
Updates Log
2025 4 13 – First upload
Photos by Yosh Dimen and Asta Alvarez
Our most recent trip was upon the invitation of Resorts World Cruises.
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