The last time Ms Jo-ann Huang cruised, Tamagochis were still a hit. “There was hardly anything for kids to do on the ship,” she recalls, “It was as exciting as watching paint dry.” But fast-forward to today and she's singing a different tune, thanks to the transformation cruises have undergone. Nowadays, it's a full-blown family cruising festival at sea, a floating utopia where children, adults and even grandma and grandpa can find their slice of paradise.

Ms Huang's recent two-night trip to Kuala Lumpur onboard Genting Dream by Resorts World Cruises was like stepping into a new world. "This ship is no joke. It’s a skyscraper-sized resort with an in-built amusement park — but better because it floats and moves,” she says, adding that she was “wowed” by the experience.

And because we want you to have just as epic a time, we tapped the Genting Dream’s affable Front Office Manager, Ms Rachel Chong, to drop some insider knowledge.

Breeze through boarding (almost) like a VIP

Picture the scene: the colossal Genting Dream with 1,674 staterooms ready to welcome over 3,000 eager guests. But just like how you chope your seat at the hawker centre with a tissue packet, you can sidestep the masses and glide through the boarding process by checking in online 72 hours ahead of setting sail. But keep a watchful eye; this portal to hassle-free check-in closes 24 hours before departure. 

On the day you board, don’t forget to snatch up your cabin card — your all-access, golden ticket to unlocking all the fun and games onboard Genting Dream.

Plan big adventures for your little sailors

If Ms Huang was still 10, she would have no reason to grumble on Genting Dream.  From the splashes of the Waterslide Park to the dizzying heights of the Rope Course and Zipline, adventure is in no short supply. The young and the young at heart can also challenge each other at mini-golf, scale new summits on the rock-climbing wall, or strike out for fun at the mini bowling alley.

Tinier travellers — those two to 12 years young — will find their hearts stolen by the enchantment of the Little Dreamers Club, a playroom with views of the great wide ocean. For the little water-lovers, the Kid's Water Park is their splash-tastic playground, with gentle slides and pint-sized pools tailored for safe, sun-soaked enjoyment.

And the ship crew? They're the ninjas of queue management, whisking you through so swiftly you wouldn’t even realised that you’d left the queue.

Dine at your own pace

Eating wise, Ms Huang are spoilt for choice. The culinary spread on Genting Dream is like a food festival at sea. The Dream Dining Room Lower and  Dream Dining Room Upper offer Western and Chinese set menus respectively (you can order as many servings as you can stomach), while The Lido serves an ever-changing spread of Halal-certified global flavours.

To ensure a truly satisfying and indulgent meal every time, dine outside the peak periods. Ms Chong recommends visiting the dining halls at about 8:30am for breakfast, after 1:00pm for lunch, and around 6pm for dinner at the Lido. Dream Dining Room Lower and Upper conveniently display signage indicating high-traffic times, aiding you in meal planning.

An elevated dining experience comes with a price — but they are well worth it. These include the Blue Lagoon for local tastes, Umi Uma for sushi and teppanyaki, Gelateria for desserts, Silkroad for rich and authentic Chinese cuisine, Bistro for atas western gourmet cuisine (it's now halal-certified!) and Hot Pot for, well, hot pot. 

Catch the best rays for your IG 

The daily sunrise and sunset views are like nature's most spectacular performances, and they're yours to enjoy for free. The RWDaily, the cruise's official information directory, will let you know the perfect times to catch them, accessible via a QR code. 

For panoramic shots that'll skyrocket your Instagram likes, Ms Chong suggests zooming to Deck 17. Prefer a cosier spot? The Palm Court on Deck 19 is your lounge of luxury with plush sofas, a library and a bar, all set against the backdrop of dusk or dawn. Your stateroom balcony may also just become your private viewing platform, depending on the cruise’s direction of travel.

Enjoy the after-dark delights

As the stars twinkle above, the Zodiac Theatre comes alive with production shows that'll leave you spellbound. "Affinity 2024" is currently the talk of the ship, a dazzling acrobatic and dance spectacle that rivals Cirque Du Soleil.

The night doesn't have to end there. Boogie any way you want at Zouk Night Club, or if you are the atas sort, sip on fine spirits at the Bar City, the Wine House or the Mixt Bar. Live music fans will find their groove at Bar 360.

Pick the best beverage bang for your buck

Why settle for one when you can have it all? Depending on which all-you-can-drink package you choose, you can make merry with an unlimited flow of selected spirits, cocktails, mocktails, beers and house wines by the glass. Just remember to face the sea when you have one to many. Non-alcoholic beverages, such as coffee, tea, chilled and fresh juices, soft drinks and bottled water, are also part of the deal.

Browse your encyclopaedia at sea

Miss nothing with RWDaily, the compass to your onboard escapades. It’s packed with all the must-knows – activities, dining times and events. With the ever changing periodic themes, it's your resource to exclusive Resorts World Cruises programmes like "Kicks and Beats" a high-energy celebration of sneaker culture, running from now till 10 May 2024. Activities include sneaker painting, lacing workshops, graffiti art classes and hip-hop performances. This unique event also showcases exclusive sneaker art and collaborations, making your Genting Dream journey a special experience beyond the seas.

Make it smooth sailing to the very end

The journey might be over, but the convenience continues. Genting Dream's cashless system means your cabin card is all you need. To wave goodbye without a hitch, settle your tab via the digital concierge. If you prefer settling matters with our friendly front office crew, pop over to the reception on Deck 6.

As you prepare to disembark and return to Singapore, complete your ICA arrival card online. It’s like a Fast Pass, ensuring a swift and smooth transition back to reality.

Resorts World One is relocated to Singapore this June holiday! Experience the magic of Southeast Asia from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Ko Samui, Con Son Island and Redang Island, every destination promises adventure and discovery for everyone.  3rd and 4th person cruise FREE!  Book from now till 30 April 2024. 

Find out about this and more Resorts World Cruises offerings on Genting Dream for CSC members and public officers here.