Genting Cruise Lines has entered into an MoU with Bintan Resort Cakrawala to collaborate on developing Bintan’s cruise tourism sector, as the company’s Genting Dream made her maiden call at the Indonesian island on July 7.
Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises, said in a statement the company is “committed in developing Indonesia’s tourism industry, along with the regional cruise industry as a whole”, as the 150,000 GRT Genting Dream now sails to numerous destinations in the country such as Jakarta, Surabaya and North Bali.
“Together with the continued support of the local government and the various partners, we will continue to work closely to develop and accelerate the cruise tourism potential of Bintan Island,” he added.
I Gede Ngurah Swajaya, Indonesia’s ambassador to Singapore, said: “The maiden voyage of Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream from Singapore to Bintan is the beginning of a wider exposure of Bintan Islands as a world-class tourism destination. Therefore, it is essential that Bintan should prepare itself to welcome more foreign tourists and make their stay in the islands convenient, enjoyable and memorable.”
The two-night Weekend Getaway cruise with optional Bintan Island shore excursions is part of Genting Dream’s collection of round trip itineraries year-round from Singapore across the South-east Asian region. Around 3,000 to 5,000 international visitors are expected with every trip.
With a 12-hour stopover at Bintan Island, vacationers can choose from a variety of pre-planned shore excursions from sampling local cuisines and shopping to massages and adventure activities.
For golf enthusiasts, shore excursions range from S$50 (US$37) to S$70 per person while golf packages range from S$150 to S$190 per adult (prices include return ferry ticket from the ship to Bintan). Guests who prefer to explore Bintan Island on their own can also arrange a Free and Easy Expedition (S$30/guest) with inclusive ferry service and coach transfers to and from Plaza Lagoi Bay.
