What life is like onboard the cruise ship with no destination
Hong Kong has tried several times to resurrect international travel after the devastation on the tourism industry, but to no avail.
The pandemic has seen international travel, especially cruises, come to a grinding halt in the country for over 18 months.
As Hong Kong, once Asia’s biggest international hub, continues to pursue their zero-COVID policy, many opportunities for travel bubbles with neighbouring countries fell through.
To help locals experience a taste of travel again, Dream Cruises have come up with a fitting alternative vacation option.
Passengers can now book their rooms on the Genting Dream ship, which floats around the country in a big loop before returning to the port.
Image credit: Getty
Journeys last either two or three nights, with room ranging from $295AUD to $4,160AUD for the experience.
The Genting Dream can normally hold more than 3,000 people, but ticket sales have been capped at half capacity to ensure social distancing measures are able to be adhered to.
To board the vessel, all passengers must be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, as well as undergoing strict pre-boarding checks and health declarations.
Passengers on board are encouraged to book access to the pool on deck, and while the hot tubs were closed, sun loungers and sofas by the deck bars were freely available.
The Genting Dream’s medical centre. Image credit: Getty
There are also a range of activities to take part in, including a basketball court, a mini-golf course, a play area with activities for children and an arcade for teenagers, lethally fast water slides twisting down to the main deck, and a hair-raising ropes course with a zip wire jutting out over the open sea.
The ship also boasts a dedicated medical centre, fitted with an isolation room in case of any unprecedented COVID-19 emergencies.
The unique cruising experience gives travellers a chance to relax in a brief bubble of normality while overlooking the South China Sea, as a suitable substitute to overseas travelling.
Image credits: Getty Images