Dream Cruises has begun to resume operations throughout Asia, confirming a theory that many had that Asia would be one of the first spots in the world that would be able to start sailing again. The Taiwan-based cruise line has returned to service with a celebratory ceremony, new itineraries, and a new way of dining called “Flexi-Feast.” Let’s check it all out.
The ceremony
To celebrate their first itineraries as they return to service, Dream Cruises threw an event that was attended both by important people within the cruise industry, and Taiwanese health officials. Many government higher-ups were there, including many of the people who have been working on the coronavirus pandemic response. The president of Genting Cruise Lines, Dream Cruises’ parent company, said at the event, “We could not have done this alone,” acknowledging “the great encouragement [they] received from all the various Taiwanese authorities.”
New health protocols
Of course, the fact that Dream is starting to sail again doesn’t mean they are ignoring the pandemic. They have created a number of new protocols to help make their ships safer. This includes intense, around-the-clock disinfecting, strict social distancing, and “100 percent fresh air ventilations in staterooms and public areas.” The crew has also had to undergo quarantines before sailing, in addition to coronavirus testing.
New itineraries
Dream Cruises is debuting brand new itineraries that are a part of what they are calling the “Island Hopping” program. These itineraries will visit some of the biggest island chains in Taiwan, including the Matsu Islands and the islands of Penghu. You can check these itineraries out on their site, but be aware that the demand is high and many are already sold out.
Flexi-Feast dining
According to a press release from Dream, Flexi-Feast is a new dining concept on their ships that “allows unprecedented flexibility for a completely customized dining experience at sea by allowing passengers the freedom to choose from a wider choice of venues and to dine at their leisure.” Flexi-Feast will let guests pick and choose different options from a number of different choices onboard. This will be done with complimentary vouchers that are given to all guests once they board a Dream cruise.
Taiwanese travelers will be hugely excited about this round of news from Dream, and it will hopefully signal a trend in the area for cruising to return. If all goes well, we should see Asian cruising flourish soon enough!
