World Dream: The P2HA Experience
UPDATE: With the lowering of Singapore’s Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) to GREEN LEVEL as of February 2023, the preventive measures and/or testing requirements mentioned within this article are no longer in effect. Guests are advised to enquire with the respective cruise lines for updated Testing, Vaccination Requirements and Preventive Measures.
Singapore recently returned to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) due to a spike in the coronavirus cases, requiring cruise lines to makes adjustments to onboard experiences to comply with local regulations. Here is our personal, honest review of Dream Cruises World Dream Palace Experience during the P2HA, from the perspective of a frequent cruiser.
SUMMARY OF KEY P2HA Changes on World Dream:
Guest capacity capped at 25%, Travelling groups limited to two at all public areas. Four residing in the same cabin is allowed if they are a family at the same place of residence.
Suspended dine-in, all consumption of F&B to be in cabin only.
Certain mask off activities to be suspended. Permitted onboard activities to go on with enhanced protocols.
For our International Audience: What is the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
DREAM CRUISES WORLD DREAM PHOTO: AMOS NG, SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has announced the reversion to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures which will take effect from 22 July to 18 August (both dates inclusive). This is done to contain the growing COVID-19 clusters linked to the Jurong Fishery Port, as we push ahead with the vaccination of individuals. Read more here.
DAY ONE: EMBARKATION DAY
1. The Check-in Process
During check-in, Dream Cruises will assign guests a check-in slot on their Sail Pass, however, guests sailing in the Palace Suites will have the autonomy to show up for their check-in anytime from 2 to 6 pm.
Palace Guests receives priority all the way from the first procedure - the pre-embarkation Antigen Rapid Test (ART), to the exclusive check-in Lounge at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. During normal times, there would be light snacks and beverages on offer. However, as we weren’t allowed to dine-in, we were offered some packets of biscuits for us to carry and consume onboard. The whole process did not take more than an hour.
2. The Palace Suite
We were welcomed by our Dream Butler at the entrance to our Palace Suite. The Palace Suite (DPS) is the entry-level category of suites in the Dream Palace Experience. At 37sqm, this suite can accommodate up to four guests. P2HA: If you are travelling with more than 3 or 4 in the same cabin, they must be a family living at the same place of residence.
The fare we paid for this 2-night trip was at the higher side of the price spectrum as this was a last-minute booking, at around SGD$900 per person, taxes and gratuities included.
3. Embarkation Day Lunch and Dinner
We were pleasantly surprised that on embarkation day, as a Palace Guest, we were entitled to a speciality dining lunch. We were able to select set menus from the six speciality restaurants aboard World Dream. We opted for the Chinese Speciality Restaurant - Silk Road for lunch.
As part of the Palace experience, guests residing in a suite are entitled to complimentary speciality dining, free-flow beverages and happy hour alcohol set menues and more
For Dinner, we opted for Steakhouse and Seafood Grill by Mark Best. P2HA: We noticed that if you are dining at a popular time, such as 7 pm, the food might be served slightly cold. Feel free to ask your butler to change a fresh set for you, and they will be happy to help.
4. Booking of Shows, Entertainment, Activities and More.
Due to P2HA, all theatre shows now are capped at 50 guests. On embarkation day, the capacity might be increased to 250 as the Pre-Embarkation ART test counts as a Pre-Event Test (PET) in the SMMs. Do check onboard for ticket availability though.
As a Palace Guest, embarkation day is the best day to ask your butler to reserve your production and entertainment shows, Palace Pool usage and any other activities you are interested in. Currently, the two theatre shows on World Dream are Faith and Vision.
P2HA: Live singing, the Gym & Fitness Centre and Silk Road karaoke, amongst a few others, was not available due to the new regulations. Other than these, all other activities are as per normal.
DAY TWO: DAY AT SEA
1. In-Room Breakfast
The breakfast could be ordered in advance, or on the morning itself. An extensive, really flavourful menu was available. From Danishes and croissants to dim sum, anything you wish for could be served (if they have it on board of course!)
P2HA: Due to the new restrictions, all meals to be consumed in cabin.
2. The Palace Pool & Other Activities
Do remember to try out the Palace Pool, after making a reservation with your butler. The slots are given at hour intervals, and one of four hot tubs will be assigned to you as well. Remember to check in with the pool attendant for your towels! If you prefer the main pool, let your butler know and separate reservations could be made.
Other sports activities, such as the waterslide, mini-golf, rope course, and rock climbing are still operating!
3. Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea, a Palace Exclusive experience, was served in the suite along with some sparkly. This was normally served in the Palace Lounge. We enjoyed them under the sunset, together with our fellow neighbours next door!
4. Lunch and Dinner
Not much different than on the first day, we could select from Palace Restaurants or the speciality restaurants. Today we decided on the Japanese Umi Uma and Palace Restaurant for dinner.
Umi Uma Japanese Cuisine: Due to P2HA, only bento sets are served as part of the offering. Of course, Teppanyaki and Korean BBQ is not offered during this period.
5. This Whole, Japanese Theme Thing.
As part of the Around the World on World Dream programme, the Japanese theme now currently sails on the ship. However, we found this to be a little less interesting than the Thai themed event held a month ago.
We miss Food Street at affordable prices, actually interesting Thai beverages and Thai cuisine cooking classes. However, the Japanese theme only offered expensive speciality meals (at around $30~ for a burger) and some drinks that we did not really find to be ‘Japanese’. The lavender field was actually - mock lavenders?
Some may find these to be amazing photo-ops for your various social media profiles but to each their own. We thought there was so much more potential.
DISEMBARKATION DAY & SUMMARY
Simple & efficient disembarkation process.
Dream Cruises last disembarkation group for this sailing was at 10.45 am, which means we had ample time to wake up for breakfast and enjoy the last few hours onboard. Just let your butler know what time you are planning to disembark, and he/she will escort you off the ship to the gangway. Do remember to return your Tracey device (all lost devices will be subjected to a hefty SGD$25 penalty!).
In Conclusion,
If you are wondering if going on a cruise during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) is worth your cash, personally I think, yes. Enjoying a ship full of amenities with a 25% load means no queuing, empty pools and bars. If you don’t mind eating and drinking in your cabin, I personally think it’s the best time to go on a cruise.
We have also summarised a photo collection of dishes from the Dream Dining Room for all guests. Thanks for reading!
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