This Summer, the luxurious Genting Dream will burst into vibrant colors and festive cheers as Dream Cruises, Asia’s first luxury cruise line, kicks off a grand “Okinawa Festival” exclusively for families cruising from Hong Kong to Japan on 5 May – 16 June.
From the moment they step on board, guests can immediately experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality as they are welcomed by no other than Okinawa mascot Mahae-chan and Dream Cruises’ kimono-dressed crew. Surrounded by hibiscus flower decorations and unique Ryukyu arts and crafts across the ship, guests are then transported into the scenic world and rich heritage of Okinawa.
During the five-night “Island Gems of Japan” cruise, guests can take part in a wide array of fun and entertainment, including children’s classes and family workshops, poolside parties and bazaars, a Ryukyu costume photo corner as well as live performances from Japanese dancer Kumeta Aya, who will be performing traditional geisha dance month-long at Bar 360, and an interactive Okinawa music performances.
One of the highlights of the Okinawa Festival is the “Dream Bazaar”, which will feature mini games, live music and Okinawa food tasting.
For children, activities include the very popular “Junior Sushi Master Class“ at Umi Uma restaurant, as well as extensive Japanese art and craft workshops, such as plaster shisa colouring, Japanese mask making, minikoinobori making, Mahae-chan 3D doodling and other classes such as origami, sunny doll and zori making.
For women and moms, there is a kimono wearing class by a professional instructor, which includes actual demonstrations and advice on how to select the ideal kimono for weddings, special occasions, casual options to fashionable contemporary versions. Coinciding with Mother’s Day celebrations, there will also be various talent and singing competitions for guest moms during the 14-19 May week cruise. For men and dads, there is an Awamori wine class talk and tasting workshop at Tributes, which will explore with guests on what distinguishes Awamori from regular sake and how it is made as well as its history and tradition; on every Sunday, guests will celebrate departure night with the first-ever ORION Party at sea with ORION beers, games, dance and great club tunes throughout the night.
Parents and guests who want a moment of zen can also take a breather at Dream Cruises’ Crystal Life Spa, which will be offering special deals.
For the whole family, there is a “Discover the Unique Charms of Okinawa” series of talks by Junichi Miyajima, former president of JTB Okinawa Corp, who will highlight what makes Okinawa tourism so unique from the rest of Japan.
For foodies, there will be special Okinawan dishes with locally sourced Ishigaki beef, and they can also try out Dream Cruises’ various international restaurants and food outlets. Besides the Okinawa food tasting at Dream Bazaar, there are also Okinawa snacks on sale at Dream Cruises’ retail outlets.
For partygoers, there are dusk till dawn parties at Zouk at Sea Beach and Night Club, as well as ballroom parties exclusive to Dream Palace guests.
