Hong Kong's cruise restart announcement has been met with a strong response among travel agents and consumers alike, says Dream Cruises, which will operate domestic sailings from Hong Kong come end-July.
A week after bookings officially opened on Thursday, 27 May, Dream Cruises reported that Genting Dream's first two “Super Summer Seacation” cruises departing on 30 July (Friday) and 1 August (Sunday) are close to 90% full, while Friday night departures throughout August are already reaching the halfway point, based on a reduced sailing capacity of 50%.
Travel agents are hopeful that the resumption of cruises in Hong Kong will bring much-anticipated bookings — and recovery — for the sector.
Wing On Travel has already received calls and inquiries, said director & CEO Lanny Leung, attributing the positive response to the diverse array of activities and facilities on board the 1,674-cabins Genting Dream.
Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines, said: "The interest in Genting Dream has even extended to inquiries from corporate groups, charity organisations and wedding parties who are looking at chartering the ship later in the year."
Mirarmar Travel's general manager Alex Lee, likewise, noted a surge in interest from corporate and business clients keen to book MICE itineraries on board the 18-deck ship.
Just like sister ship World Dream, which has been successfully operating sailings in Singapore since November last year, and Explorer Dream, the first cruise ship to resume operations after the global industry shutdown — Genting Dream has also received the Certification in Infection Prevention for the Maritime industry (CIP-M) certification from risk assessment company DNV GL.
From 30 July, Genting Dream will operate 2N “Super Summer Seacations” departing Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as a 3N sailing departing Sundays.
Early bird prices of HK$1,188 (US$153) per person, based on twin sharing in a Balcony Stateroom for a 2N “Super Weekday Seacation” departing on Wednesdays are still available, for bookings until mid-June.