Dream Cruises' Explorer Dream is based in Asia for half the year, and Australia and New Zealand for the other half. Refurbished in April 2019, it has emerged as one of the region's most spacious and peaceful mid-sized ships with a few points of difference for local cruisers.
Most of the US$54 million ($78.9 million) investment was spent on its sparkly new showpiece, The Palace, a luxurious complex comprising 42 suites, private restaurant, bar, lounge and casino, plus an expansive pool deck with cabanas and panoramic ocean views. This exclusive enclave replaces the former kids' area, which has since moved into the old nightclub, pushing the onboard nightlife to the revamped Palm Court.
New restaurants and cafes were also added, but only three dining venues are complimentary. Other public areas and cabins have been brightened up with pleasant decor, new carpet and furnishings, while pop-up bars have appeared poolside for summers Down Under. Most cabins have a new mini-fridge, TV, bed and linens, as well as handy amenities such as a kettle, international power points, USB ports, and free toothbrushes and toothpaste in the bathroom; unfortunately, the refurb stops short of replacing the worn-out wardrobes.
Family accommodation is plentiful, with interconnecting balcony cabins and most rooms equipped for three or four guests. However, an unpopular expense for parents is the kids’ club fees of $30-$35 an hour after the first two free hours per day. There is no teens' club but plenty of virtual reality and video games in various arcades (also for an extra cost) and a waterslide.
A highlight is the evening entertainment, with good quality shows for all ages and seven differently themed parties. Believed to be a world-first at sea, an adults-only male dance review is held once per cruise throughout the AU/NZ season.
Another controversial decision is that smoking is permitted on balconies, as well as the casino, humidor room and designated outdoor decks. This policy may be a deal-breaker for both smokers and non-smokers, but we barely noticed any cigarette smells on our Queensland cruise.
The polite and conscientious crew is a mix of 56 nationalities. Some seemed to struggle with understanding 'Australian English', and drinks service was slow in all venues, but they are clearly working hard to improve.
While it won't suit everyone, there's something refreshing about Explorer Dream's relaxed ambience, the lack of queues (except when waiting for a tender) and the fact the Asian heritage is not hidden but celebrated. Passengers can choose dumplings or omelette for breakfast, receive reflexology by Chinese therapists in the spa, find quiet spaces to read or join in unusual activities such as laughter yoga and magic classes.
For more details about cabins, dining and things to do, see the separate sections of this review.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
About
Inclusions
Included with your cruise fare:
- Main dining room, international buffet and a Chinese restaurant
- Live music and theatre shows except for one, noted below
- Use of the main pool, waterslide and poolside dance and fitness classes
- Most daily activities unless noted below
- Use of the gym, but not most classes
- Tea, coffee and bottled water in cabins
- Gratuities
Not included with your cruise fare:
- When in Australia, GST (10 percent) on food and beverages
- Automatic food, beverage and spa tips (18 percent)
- All drinks beyond water, tea, coffee and select juices in the buffets and main dining room
- Pilates, fitness classes and circuit training with gym instructor
- Spa treatments
- Shore excursions
- Wi-Fi
- Activities such as arcade games, bingo and virtual reality experiences
- Photos and artwork
- After Dark Dream Boys show
Fellow Passengers
When based in Asia, passengers mostly hail from China, Singapore and Japan; when based in Australia, the mix includes a lot more Australians including Asian-Australians. The majority of guests are couple aged in their 40s to 70s and families with kids.
Explorer Dream Dress Code
Daytime: Casual, with shorts and T-shirts most common inside the ship. Swimmers/bathing suits should be worn only on the pool deck.
Evening: Men are encouraged to wear polo shirts or collared shirts (a jacket is optional), long pants or good jeans and closed-toe shoes. Women should wear an elegant dress or long pants with blouse.
Not permitted: No shorts, swimwear, slippers or bathrobes are allowed in the evenings.
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