The first time I saw the Genting Dream docked at Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre, I actually gasped—it looked less like a ship and more like a floating resort. My family and I were buzzing with excitement, ready to set sail on a 3D2N cruise adventure we’d been planning for months.
We’d read all the glowing reviews (most travelers give it a solid 4.5 stars), but nothing beats seeing it in person. From the moment we stepped on board, it was clear this ship was built for fun, comfort, and memory-making. Think: endless food, splashy water slides, Broadway-style shows, and even quiet moments with an ocean view.
In this blog, I’ll take you through our experience on the Genting Dream—from smooth booking and check-in to the cozy stateroom, delicious meals, top-notch en tertainment, and the little surprises that made this trip unforgettable. Ready to come aboard? Let’s cruise!
We booked our cruise online a few months ahead and grabbed a great deal for a 3-day, 2-night trip from Singapore. The online check-in (done 48 hours before) made things quicker at the port.
On check-in day, excitement was in the air—but so were the queues! Even with staggered timings, the lines at Marina Bay Cruise Centre were long, and it took us nearly two hours to get through. Thankfully, we had snacks and the kids were buzzing with excitement.
Once onboard, we got our red cruise keycards—room key, ID, and wallet all in one. Lanyards on, smiles wide, and we were ready to explore the Genting Dream!
Pro Tips for a Smooth Check-In:
As we opened the door to our Balcony Stateroom on Deck 10, we instantly felt at home. The room was surprisingly spacious for four of us—comfy queen bed, sofa bed, and a hidden bunk that popped out for the kids.
The balcony? Pure magic. It became our go-to spot for morning coffees and watching dreamy sunrises together. Watching the kids marvel at the endless ocean was a moment I won’t forget.
The cabin had everything we needed—USB ports, a fridge for our late-night snacks, a kettle, and even slippers tucked away. The bathroom was compact but cleverly designed, and the shower felt bigger than expected.
Our room was always spotless, thanks to our cheerful steward who even surprised the kids with towel animals. It truly felt like our cozy little corner of the sea.
Let’s talk food—because on the Genting Dream, it’s an all-day, every-day indulgence. A friend joked I should weigh myself before and after the cruise… and honestly, they weren’t wrong!
The Dream Dining Room was our elegant go-to for sit-down meals. From steamy dim sum baskets to hearty Asian dinners, every dish was comforting and delicious. The kids loved ordering eggs their way each morning!
Then there was The Lido, the ship’s international buffet. Think Indian curries, pasta, biryani, pizza, salad bars—and yes, a soft-serve ice cream machine that quickly became the kids’ favorite stop. We always left full and happy.
Late-night munchies? Lido stayed open longer than most places and served up supper treats like chicken satay and cookies. Best way to end the night!
Quick Tip: Want less crowd? Hit the buffet during off-peak hours or go early.
Feeling fancy? We splurged one night at Bistro by Mark Best—a tender steak, a melt-in-your-mouth matcha mousse, and quiet time while the kids hit the buffet with their new friends. Worth every cent!
We also tried Umi Uma Teppanyaki for lunch, where the chef juggled utensils, flipped fried rice, and cracked egg jokes while cooking. It was dinner and a show all in one!
From Asian hotpots to seafood bars and gelato lounges, the food on board was full of variety. Sure, we hit a few misses (a soggy pizza or two), but overall, it was top-notch.
Pro Tip: If you're celebrating something special or love gourmet food, book at least one specialty spot early—it’s popular for a reason.
Midnight cravings? No worries. There was always something open—from lounges with surprise supper menus to 24/7 snacks. One night we even enjoyed beef rendang with live music. Total vacation vibes!
By the end, diets were forgotten, pants were tighter, and honestly—we had zero regrets. Like one guest said, you’ll be "stuffing yourself with all these yummy foods" until the cruise ends. Challenge accepted.
After our daily feast, the evenings on Genting Dream had another treat in store: world-class entertainment. Every night, the grand Zodiac Theatre hosted a marquee show, and these are must-see.
Nightly shows at the Zodiac Theatre exceeded expectations with Broadway-caliber productions like "Voyage of a Lover’s Dream" and "Spellboundra."
Beyond the theater, there’s plenty more entertainment throughout the ship. For lighter entertainment, the silent disco, karaoke rooms, and Zouk nightclub provided endless fun. The onboard casino was popular among guests enjoying a flutter at sea.
For those feeling lucky, there’s a sizable casino on board as well. Once the ship entered international waters, the casino sprang to life with slot machine jingles and card games. I’m not much of a gambler, but I did make a small donation at the roulette table for the experience (and quickly lost, as expected).
Some adults we met were dedicated casino-goers – apparently Genting Dream is popular as a “cruise to nowhere” for casino lovers who sail out of Singapore just to play. Whether or not that’s your cup of tea, it’s there as an option for nighttime fun.
When we weren’t eating or watching shows, we were out exploring the amazing facilities that the Genting Dream cruise offers. It’s no exaggeration to say this ship is huge-18 decks tall, over 335 meters long, and packed with things to do.
Deck 16 became our second home, especially for the kids. There’s a spacious main pool, a toddler wading pool, and two warm jacuzzis that we soaked in as the sun dipped below the sea.
But the real highlight? Six wild water slides—ranging from kid-friendly to heart-pounding. We rode them over and over, especially in the early hours when there were no lines. The splash zone with mini slides and fountains also kept the little ones entertained and laughing for hours.
Not into swimming? No problem. The SportsPlex had basketball, mini-soccer, rock climbing, a ropes course, and even a zipline that stretches out over the ocean. Yes, I did it—and yes, it was totally worth the adrenaline!
We also joined a poolside Zumba class, while the kids joined games organized by the crew. There was always something happening on deck.
The arcade on Deck 16 was buzzing with games until 1am. Air hockey, racing games, claw machines—you name it. We set a spending limit and went full-on fun mode. We even left with a prize and a photo booth strip to remember it all.
We joined the Bridge Tour to see where the captain runs the ship. It was a cool, behind-the-scenes experience with screens, controls, and tons of nautical trivia. The crew let us snap pics in the captain’s chair, and the kids felt like mini ship commanders.
After all the buffet indulgence, the gym with ocean views was a blessing. I joined a sunrise yoga session on deck—pure bliss. My reward? An aromatherapy massage at Crystal Life Spa that left me floating for the rest of the day.
Parents, rejoice. The Little Dreamers Club kept our little ones busy with crafts, games, movies, and even a mini ball pit. We dropped them off for an hour while we snuck in a peaceful spa break. First two hours are free—totally worth it!
A cruise isn’t just about the glitzy shows or epic buffets—it’s the people who bring the ship to life. On Genting Dream, the service truly stood out from the moment we stepped on board. The crew greeted us with big smiles and a warm “Welcome aboard!” that instantly made us feel like valued guests.
Throughout the trip, we were impressed by the staff’s friendliness and attention to detail. Our room steward was a gem—always keeping things spotless, surprising the kids with adorable towel animals, and remembering our nightly ice bucket request. At the restaurants, despite occasional breakfast rush chaos, the waitstaff stayed polite and efficient. Sure, some moments felt a bit rushed (especially during peak hours), but that’s to be expected when hundreds show up hungry all at once!
What really stuck with us was the overall positivity of the crew. From lifeguards to craft activity hosts, everyone seemed genuinely happy to help. Even small hiccups—like a slow-draining sink—were resolved quickly by guest services.
While we didn’t stay in The Palace (Genting Dream’s luxury enclave), we got a peek—and wow, it’s a different world. Palace guests enjoy 24/7 butler service, private pool and restaurant access, priority everything, and nearly a one-to-one staff ratio. One parent even told us their butler played with their toddler while they sipped wine in peace—now that’s luxury!
If you're after top-tier pampering and exclusivity, The Palace is where it’s at.
On a scale of 10, we’d happily give the Genting Dream service a solid 9/10. It’s not ultra-luxury (unless you upgrade to The Palace), but for regular cruisers like us, the effort and kindness from the crew made our trip extra memorable. Their smiles and attention helped create a warm, home-at-sea vibe—and honestly, that’s what keeps us dreaming about booking our next voyage.
We all know cruises aren’t exactly a low-budget vacation, so the question is: does Genting Dream offer good bang for your buck? In my opinion, yes – especially if you take advantage of all that’s included. We felt that the experience delivered great value for money given the sheer amount of food, entertainment, and amenities bundled into one price.
Our fare covered our accommodation (a floating hotel room for 3 nights), all meals in the inclusive venues (we never once paid extra for food except the one specialty dinner we chose), daily entertainment and shows, use of pools, slides, fitness center, and most activities. Essentially, once we paid for the cruise, we could technically enjoy the trip without spending much more on board and still have an amazing time. For families, that’s a huge plus – the kids could eat ice cream ten times a day, watch shows, play in the pool, and it didn’t cost extra beyond the upfront fare.
Of course, there are extras not included in the base fare. Alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, the arcade and casino, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi are additional. We budgeted for a few extras (we bought a beverage package for my husband’s cocktails and my lattes, paid for one excursion, and that spa massage for me). These can add up if you indulge in all of them.
Price-wise, Genting Dream cruises can vary. We booked a promotional deal (kids cruise free offer), which made it very reasonable. I’d recommend keeping an eye out for seasonal promotions or bundle deals. For example, sometimes you can snag 1-for-1 deals or freebies like onboard credits through certain travel agencies or sites.
If you’re flexible on dates, booking during the off-peak season or as a last-minute deal can save some money too.
When I reflect on everything we enjoyed – I feel that the Genting Dream offers a premium cruise experience at a mid-range price. Many travelers agree, giving the ship high marks for value. In traveler ratings, “Value for Money” consistently scores around 4.5/5 which indicates most people feel the experience is worth what they paid.
After experiencing all that the Genting Dream has to offer, I can honestly say it’s a cruise for just about everyone. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a pair of lovebirds, a group of friends, or a luxury seeker, this ship has something special in store. Here’s a quick rundown of who I think it’s best suited for:
Our Genting Dream cruise from Singapore truly felt like a dream – it was a whirlwind of delicious food, thrilling activities, quality family time, and blissful relaxation. The ship delivered on the promise of a resort-style vacation at sea, and it’s no surprise to me why it enjoys excellent reviews from so many guests. We returned to Singapore with full bellies, tired but happy kids, hundreds of photos, and stories we’ll be talking about for years. If you’ve been on the fence about cruising or are looking for a short escape that offers a bit of everything, I highly recommend giving Genting Dream a try.
Yes, 100%! Genting Dream is one of the best cruises for families sailing from Singapore. It’s packed with kid-friendly features—water slides, a splash pool, arcades, movie nights, and the Little Dreamers Kids Club (ages 2–12). Parents can relax knowing there are activities for all ages, including family karaoke, buffet favorites for picky eaters, and even stroller-friendly decks. Bonus: The crew is incredibly attentive with children, and towel animals in the cabin are a daily delight!
Your base cruise fare includes:
Not included: Specialty dining, alcohol, spa, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, arcade, and some fitness classes.
You can book your Genting Dream Cruise directly through our website at Singapore Star Cruise - where we offer the latest promotional deals for sailings from Singapore. Once booked:
Note: Most of the images used in this content are credited to Graceglazee Videos. We sincerely appreciate their visual contributions.
Disclaimer: Some of the photos and images used in this blog post belong to other individuals or entities. Proper attribution has been provided wherever applicable. If you are the owner of any image used herein and believe it has been used without proper permission or attribution, please contact us immediately, and we will rectify the situation promptly.
