What it's like to sail aboard Hong Kong-based luxury cruise liner the Genting Dream

An impeccably dressed Ukrainian butler called Yanislav conducts a private tour of the comfortably appointed stateroom on board Asia’s first luxury cruise liner, as it departs on its inaugural voyage.

The new 335-metre Genting Dream is making a night-time departure from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal bound for Vietnam via Guangzhou, and as Yanislav slides open the French doors to the spacious private balcony, the illuminated Hong Kong skyline can be seen slipping past.

“We can supply you with binoculars if you would like to watch the dolphins,” Yanislav says helpfully, and offers to book a table in one of the ship’s 35 dining and refreshment areas, or make a reservation at either of the two luxury spas contained within the ship’s 18 decks.

This palatial 151,000-tonne vessel, built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, offers passengers every conceivable on-board facility, from the Johnnie Walker whisky house to two submersibles able to take them under the South China Sea.

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For those wanting the best, two “Garden Penthouses” feature original contemporary artwork, a whirlpool spa, sauna, private sun deck and grand piano.