Last Friday was a momentous occasion for Asian cruise conglomerate Genting Hong Kong when its new 150,000-gt cruiseship Genting Dream embarked on its inaugural voyage.

The Meyer Werft-built ship is the first newbuilding the company has constructed for the Asian market since 1999 — and the first for new premium Asian cruise brand Dream Cruises.

“Welcome to my dream,” said Genting Hong Kong chairman and chief executive Lim Kok Thay, who welcomed guests and media to the inauguration ceremony on the $1.4bn